Households looking to stock up
If you eat oats regularly, a large bag lets you choose how much to use each time. Check that you have a suitable place to store the contents and can use them up.
Which pack size is right for you?
Anyone who wants to prepare a portion quickly
Individual instant portions are worth considering if pre-measured quantities and quick preparation matter more to you than stocking up. Albert Heijn says Quaker Oats Express Naturel can be prepared in a microwave or saucepan in two minutes.
Anyone with dietary or allergen requirements
If you need to avoid gluten, check the full information on the current packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises people with coeliac disease to look for the official Crossed Grain trademark on oat products.
What should you look for when choosing?
If you’re considering a large pack of oats for home, first decide whether stock levels, preparation time, ingredients or allergens matter most to you. If you’re planning to serve them at an Indonesian rijsttafel, there’s one question to ask first: how much oats does your recipe actually need?
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should consider this most? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size and stock | Compare the net weight and number of portions. Consider whether you can use the contents up and store them in a dry place. | I eat oats regularly outside of rijsttafel meals too, and want to choose how much I use each time. For around 40% of consumers, stocking up is the top priority. |
| Preparation and portions | Check the preparation instructions and whether the pack contains separate, pre-measured portions. | When I’m busy, I don’t want to measure out a portion and need it to be quick to prepare. This is the deciding factor for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information. If you have coeliac disease, also check for the official Crossed Grain trademark. | Before buying, I need to be able to check whether the oats meet my requirements for ingredients or allergens. This check comes first for around 30% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Looking only at the pack size
A large pack is less practical if you don’t use the contents regularly or don’t have a suitable place to store an opened pack. A multipack may also contain several separate packs.
Compare the net weight and number of portions with how much you use. Albert Heijn says the Brinta Havermout 4-pack is supplied as separate items.
-
Assuming ordinary oats are suitable for coeliac disease
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products can be contaminated with gluten. So the name of a standard oat product isn’t enough to determine whether it’s suitable.
Check the current label and, if you have coeliac disease, choose an oat product with the official Crossed Grain trademark.
-
Assuming the rijsttafel tells you how to use the oats
The meal itself doesn’t tell you what role oats play in a recipe or how much you’ll need. This can make it difficult to choose between a large bag and instant portions.
First decide on the recipe and the quantity you need. Then choose a pack based on how often you’ll use the remaining oats and how much preparation time you’re happy to spend.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo lists, among other options, a 1 kg value pack of fine wholegrain oat flakes.
- The large bag is an option if you eat oats regularly and want to measure out your own portions.
- The product information lists oats and gluten, and notes that it may contain barley, rye and wheat. Check the current label if allergens are important to your choice.
Quaker
The varieties reviewed include a 600 g pack of standard oats and Oats Express Naturel, which comes in individual portions.
- Albert Heijn says Oats Express Naturel can be prepared in a microwave or saucepan in two minutes.
- The standard pack and instant portions are designed for different uses. Check the portion size, preparation instructions and allergen information for each variety.
Brinta
According to the product information reviewed, Brinta Havermout is made from fine oat flakes. Albert Heijn also lists a 4-pack.
- A 4-pack is worth considering if you’d rather store several packs than one large bag.
- Albert Heijn supplies the 4-pack as separate items. Check that you have enough storage space and read the allergen information on each pack.
Instant portions on Joybuy
This product selection focuses on instant portions, which are worth considering if pre-measured quantities and quick preparation matter more to you than stocking up with a large bag. Before serving oats at an Indonesian rijsttafel, first check whether your recipe calls for them.
Image unavailable
Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
Worth considering if you’re looking for instant portions rather than a large bag. Check how many portions the pack contains and how to prepare them.
Contents: 324 g. Before buying, read the current ingredients and allergen information, especially if gluten is a concern for you.
Frequently asked questions
Are standard oats the same as instant oats?
Not necessarily. Packs of instant portions are designed to provide pre-measured quantities and quick preparation. If you’re choosing between standard oats and instant portions, compare the preparation instructions and pack format.
How do I compare a large bag with a pack of instant portions?
Compare the net weight, number of portions and preparation instructions, and consider how much you’ll actually use. With a large bag, you measure out your own portions; individual portions save you the effort.
What should I look for in oats if I have coeliac disease?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises looking for the official Crossed Grain trademark and checking the current label. Standard oat products can be contaminated with gluten, so don’t rely on the product name alone.
How should I store an opened value pack of oats?
Follow the instructions on the pack and seal it securely after use. For the value pack reviewed, Jumbo says to store it in a cool, dry place. When choosing a large pack, consider how much storage space you have.