Weekend cooks who like to keep a regular supply
You want to decide how much porridge goes in your bowl and add ingredients such as milk, yoghurt, fruit or nuts. A standard pack is a good fit if you have space to store it properly once opened.
Which oats are right for you?
Breakfast eaters who don’t want to weigh anything
You want to make a warm bowl quickly without measuring out a portion. Compare sachets with fine flakes: the latter can also be quick to prepare, but you’ll still need to measure them yourself.
People who need to follow a strict gluten-free diet
If you have coeliac disease, the label on the exact pack matters more than the general characteristics of oats. The Dutch Coeliac Association warns of the risk of contact with gluten during production, so check for a gluten-free label and read the allergen information.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want oats that will keep in the cupboard for a while, provide a base for your own toppings or save you time when preparing breakfast. If you need a strictly gluten-free option, you’ll also need to check the label on the exact pack.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Stock and storage | Check the best-before date, pack size and storage advice. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the date applies to an unopened pack. | If I only eat oats at the weekend, I want to finish a pack before it has been open for too long. For around 40% of consumers, planning how much to buy is the top priority. |
| Ingredients and nutritional value | Read the ingredients list and compare the nutritional information per 100 g of the dry products. | I want to decide what to add to my breakfast, so I’m looking for a simple oat base. Around 30% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
| Preparation and portions | Check the preparation time for the method shown and, for sachets, the amount in each portion. | On a busy morning, I want to make a warm bowl without weighing out the oats first. For around 20% of consumers, saving time on measuring is the top priority. |
| Gluten-free labelling | If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, check for an explicit gluten-free label and read the allergen information on the exact pack. | If I need to avoid gluten because of coeliac disease, I can’t assume ordinary oats are suitable without reading the label. For around 10% of consumers, this is the main condition for buying. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all oats are gluten-free
The Brinta and Quaker varieties reviewed list possible traces of wheat and rye, and wheat and barley, respectively. The Dutch Coeliac Association says that oats can come into contact with gluten in practice.
If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, look for an explicit gluten-free label and read the allergen information on the pack you’re buying.
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Choosing sachets without checking how much they contain
A measured sachet saves effort, but the 27 g per sachet in the Quaker Express variety reviewed may not match the portion you want to prepare.
Compare the amount in each sachet and the preparation method with a standard pack of fine oats.
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Treating the best-before date as a fixed period after opening
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the best-before date applies to an unopened pack. Once opened, the storage instructions on the pack become important.
Seal the pack properly and follow the product’s storage advice.
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Assuming all oat breakfast products are the same
A product containing oats may also include other ingredients. The product name alone won’t tell you how its ingredients compare with plain oats.
If you’re looking for a simple base for your own toppings, compare the ingredients list and nutritional value per 100 g.
Brands to compare
Quaker
The Quaker product information reviewed includes both plain wholegrain oats in a 600 g pack and Express sachets weighing 12 × 27 g.
- The standard 600 g variety is labelled 100% wholegrain oats; according to Albert Heijn, the Express variety takes two minutes to prepare.
- Check the allergen information: the varieties reviewed also mention cereals containing gluten.
Brinta
The 450 g Brinta oats reviewed contain extra-fine flakes and are designed for a quick, warm bowl.
- The product information from Albert Heijn lists 100% oat flakes.
- The same product information mentions possible traces of wheat and rye.
Jumbo
The Jumbo range reviewed includes fine and coarse wholegrain flakes, larger packs and individually portioned packs.
- You can browse different flake textures and pack sizes within the range.
- Check the information for the exact variety for ingredients and allergens; a range overview doesn’t describe every product in full.
Golden Bridge
ALDI Netherlands lists 500 g packs of fine and coarse wholegrain oats under the Golden Bridge brand.
- The two flake textures give you a choice of consistency.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the current pack; the brand overview doesn’t provide full product information for these.
Oats at Joybuy
These products are suited to a weekend breakfast made with plain oats, fine flakes or measured portions. Choose a pack format that suits how you use oats, and always check the label on the exact variety if you have specific dietary requirements.
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Quaker oats – 600 g
For a weekend breakfast where you measure out your own portions and choose your toppings. According to the product information from Albert Heijn, the 600 g variety reviewed contains 100% wholegrain oats.
If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, check the allergen information: possible traces of wheat and barley are listed for this variety. For help planning how much to buy, also check the best-before date on the pack.
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Quaker Express oats – 324 g
For anyone who wants to make a warm bowl without weighing out the oats. This variety contains twelve 27 g sachets; Albert Heijn gives a preparation time of two minutes in the microwave or in a saucepan.
Check whether 27 g of dry oats is the portion you want. If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, also check the allergen information on the pack.
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Zonnatura Organic Whole Wheat Oatmeal – 500 g
A 500 g pack that lets you measure out your own portions for a weekend breakfast. Check the ingredients, preparation instructions and allergen information on the label to see whether this variety suits your needs.
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Quaker oats – 375 g
For anyone who wants to measure out their own portions from a smaller pack than the 600 g Quaker variety. Check the preparation instructions and best-before date on the pack.
If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, check the allergen information; possible traces of wheat and barley are listed for this variety.
Frequently asked questions
Which oats are a good choice to keep in for weekend breakfasts?
Plain wholegrain oats are a good choice if you want to decide your own portions and add milk, yoghurt or other toppings. Choose a pack size to suit how often you eat oats. Pick fine flakes for quick porridge, or sachets if measuring is what takes up your time.
What does the best-before date mean once I’ve opened the oats?
The best-before date isn’t a fixed storage period once the pack is open: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, it applies to an unopened pack. Seal an opened pack properly and follow the storage advice on the packaging.
Can I choose ordinary oats if I have coeliac disease?
You can’t assume ordinary oats are suitable if you have coeliac disease without checking the label, as the Dutch Coeliac Association says oats can come into contact with gluten. Choose a product explicitly labelled gluten-free and read the allergen information; some people with coeliac disease also don’t tolerate pure oats.