Who are the different pack sizes suitable for?

When you’re making one portion at a time, your preparation routine is the main thing that determines which pack is practical: measure it out yourself from a large pack, or open a pre-measured sachet.

If you measure it out at home

You regularly make a bowl of porridge or add oats to yoghurt, and want to decide how much to use. A larger pack is a good fit if you can store it somewhere dry.

If you want a set portion

You want to make a bowl without kitchen scales, perhaps when you’re away from home. Compare the amount in each sachet with what you usually have in your meal.

If you compare ingredients carefully

You check the ingredients list and allergen information, or look for a variety with added soya protein. The information on the pack of the exact variety you choose is what matters.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide whether you want to measure out the oats yourself or need a set portion. Then compare the amount per meal and read the label if ingredients or allergens are important to you.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Pack size Compare the net weight with the amount you usually have per meal, and check whether you can store the pack somewhere dry. If I regularly make one bowl at home, I want to measure it out myself rather than opening a new sachet each time. Around 50% of consumers prioritise this convenience.
Set portion Check the number of sachets, the weight per sachet and the preparation instructions. Without scales, I want to know how much oats I’m preparing at once. For around 30% of consumers, a pre-measured portion is the top priority.
Ingredients Read the full ingredients list and allergen information, and check the nutritional information for the variety you choose. If soya or other listed allergens are relevant to me, I want to be able to check the exact variety. Around 20% of consumers put checking the ingredients first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming every sachet is the same size

    According to Albert Heijn, a sachet of Quaker Oats Express Naturel contains 27 g. A 40 g portion is given for the regular 600 g pack of Quaker oats. These amounts aren’t interchangeable when planning a meal for one.

    Check the weight per sachet and consider how much oats you usually use, including any yoghurt, fruit or other ingredients you add.

  • Relying on the variety name for allergen information

    According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Quaker Oats Express Protein contains soya protein. The name of a Naturel or Protein variety is no substitute for checking the ingredients list.

    When you buy, read the label on the pack you’ve chosen, including the allergen information and any warnings about the possible presence of other ingredients.

Brands to compare

These brands offer different types of packaging, from loose oats to portion sachets. Always compare the specific variety: a brand name alone tells you little about what’s in the pack.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists fine wholegrain oats in a 1 kg pack, as well as Havermout Porties Original, which comes in five sachets.

  • A large pack lets you decide how much oats to use in each meal.
  • With loose oats, you need to measure out the amount yourself; sachets give you a set portion.

Quaker

According to product information from Jumbo and Albert Heijn, Quaker offers both regular 600 g packs of oats and Oats Express portion varieties.

  • The regular 600 g variety is listed as 100% wholegrain oats; Oats Express Naturel comes in individual sachets.
  • According to Albert Heijn, the Oats Express Protein variety contains soya protein. Check the ingredients of the variety you choose.

Brinta

Albert Heijn lists Brinta Havermout in a 450 g pack.

  • The pack is an alternative if you want to measure loose oats out yourself for each bowl.
  • Check the portion and preparation information for this variety if you’re looking for a set amount or method.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers a range of oats, porridge and grains, so you can compare different types of packaging.

  • The product information helps you compare the contents, ingredients and portion sizes of individual products.
  • If you’re checking allergens or preparation instructions, rely on the label of the product you’re actually buying.

Crownfield (Lidl)

Lidl Netherlands lists Crownfield Organic Oats.

  • This is an organic oat variety to compare with other packs.
  • Check the contents and preparation information on the individual pack before comparing it with a portion product.

Oat products on Joybuy

These products are suited to anyone who wants to prepare a single portion of oats quickly. They don’t replace the decision about whether a large pack of loose oats is a better fit for your daily routine.

Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g pack

Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g

An option if you want to prepare a pre-measured portion. Check the weight per portion and, if you have relevant allergies, read the current label.

View on Joybuy
Quaker Oats Express Protein, 302 g pack

Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g

An option if you’re specifically looking for the Protein variety. Check the pack for ingredients, allergens, portion size and nutritional information per 100 g and per portion.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is a large pack of oats useful if you’re eating alone?

Yes, if you use oats regularly, want to decide how much to have in each meal and can store the pack somewhere dry. A portion sachet may be more convenient if you want to prepare a set amount without weighing it.

How much oats are in one portion?

It varies by product: Albert Heijn lists a 40 g portion for the regular 600 g pack of Quaker oats, while a sachet of Quaker Oats Express Naturel contains 27 g. Check the portion information on your pack and decide how much suits your meal.

Can I assume regular oats are gluten-free?

No, don’t rely on the product name alone. If you need a gluten-free product, look for an explicit gluten-free claim and read the current ingredients and allergen information on the pack.

Which allergen information should I check when buying?

Read the current label on the pack you’re buying, even if you’ve already checked the product information online. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be clearly listed in the ingredients list; also check for any warnings about their possible presence.

Do I need milk to prepare oats?

Not necessarily; preparation methods and the amount of liquid needed vary by product. So follow the instructions for the exact variety you’re using.