Organisers baking large quantities
For several batches, you’ll want a neutral base. Pack size and weighing out your own quantities matter more than individual portions.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Volunteers preparing portions
Pre-measured instant portions are particularly useful if you want to prepare hot oats quickly on site.
Organisers managing allergen requirements
Choose ingredients that meet the school’s requirements and check for warnings about possible traces. If a gluten-free option is needed, you’ll need to make a separate choice of product and preparation method.
What should you consider when choosing?
First, find out which ingredients are allowed under the school’s rules. Then choose between weighing out your own quantities for several batches and the convenience of individual portions.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size for baking batches | Compare the net weight with the amount of oats you’ll need for all your batches, and check whether you’ll need to weigh them out yourself. | If I’m baking lots of biscuits or muffins, I want enough oats in one pack. For around 33% of consumers, the need for a larger pack is the top priority. |
| Allergens and school rules | Read the ingredients and trace warnings on the pack, and ask what rules the school has for treats. | I want to know before I start baking whether my recipe meets the school’s allergen requirements. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| A neutral base for your recipe | Check the ingredients list and flake size; try a small batch if you’re switching to a different type of oats. | When I add my own flavourings, I want to know which oats I’m using as a base. This recipe choice comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
| Portions and preparation | Check the number of sachets, the weight of each sachet and the preparation instructions. | If volunteers are preparing hot oats on site, I want to minimise the need to weigh them out. Portioning convenience is the main priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Pitfalls when buying and preparing
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Treating portion sachets like a large baking pack
Pre-measured sachets save time, but for several batches you’ll still need to make sure the total quantity is right for your recipe.
Add up the number of grams you need for all your batches and compare it with the pack contents.
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Assuming ordinary oats are gluten-free
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ordinary oats can come into contact with gluten during processing. So a standard pack isn’t automatically suitable if you’ve agreed to provide a gluten-free option.
If that’s the case, check for the official Crossed Grain quality mark on the pack, and agree how you’ll keep ingredients separate during preparation and packing.
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Only reading the front of the pack
The information on the back may be important for your recipe or the school’s rules. Albert Heijn states that Brinta Havermout may contain traces of wheat and rye; Quaker states that Oats Express Naturel may contain soya, barley and wheat.
Just before use, read the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you’ll actually be using.
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Offering home-baked treats without an ingredients list
Other recipe ingredients and toppings may also be relevant to visitors with allergies, particularly in muffins or bars.
Make a note of the ingredients and allergens for each recipe, and update the list if you change an ingredient or topping.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
A supermarket own-brand option to consider if you’re looking for fine wholegrain oats for several batches.
- Jumbo lists a 1 kg value pack of fine wholegrain oats.
- You’ll need to weigh out the amount you need yourself, and check the allergen information on the pack you choose.
Brinta
An option if you’re looking for extra-fine oat flakes as a neutral base for recipes.
- Albert Heijn lists the ingredient in its 450 g pack of Brinta Havermout as 100% oat flakes.
- According to this product information, the oats may contain traces of wheat and rye.
Quaker
A brand to consider if you need individual instant portions to prepare on site.
- Quaker lists 12 portion sachets for Oats Express Naturel and gives a preparation time of 2 minutes for Oats Express.
- Quaker states that Oats Express Naturel may contain soya, barley and wheat. Individual sachets also don’t remove the need to calculate the total amount required for your recipe.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
A supermarket own-brand option to compare if you’d prefer a smaller pack of fine wholegrain oats.
- ALDI lists Golden Bridge fine wholegrain oats in a 500 g pack.
- Before use, check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you buy.
Instant oats in portion packs at Joybuy
This product selection is for anyone looking for instant oats in portion packs. For a baking project, work out how much oats your recipe needs and check whether this type of pack is suitable.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
A portion pack to consider if you’d rather use pre-measured amounts than weigh oats out of a large pack. The pack contains 324 g; check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack before use.
Frequently asked questions
Are ordinary oats suitable if you need a gluten-free option?
Don’t assume they are. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ordinary oat products can come into contact with gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, check for the official Crossed Grain quality mark on the pack and make sure the preparation method meets the agreed requirements.
When should I check the school’s rules for treats?
Do this before buying ingredients or starting to bake. The Association for Public Education says that schools inform parents about their rules for treats; also ask what the requirements are for allergens, home-baked products and packaging.
How can I make allergens clear for home-baked bars or muffins?
Keep an up-to-date list of ingredients and allergens for each recipe, including binding agents and toppings. Update the list if you use a different product, and check the packaging of each ingredient every time.
Are instant portion sachets useful for several baking batches?
They’re most useful when pre-measured amounts are important, but for large batches the total contents still need to match your recipe. So check the weight of each sachet and work out how many packs you’ll need before choosing.
Can I use fine or instant oats in a baking recipe?
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can be used as an ingredient in baking, but a different flake size or product composition may mean you need to adjust your recipe. Read the ingredients list and try a small batch first if you’re substituting a different type of oats.