Who are these flakes for?

Getting started with a simple organic breakfast

Looking to stock up on flakes for porridge, yoghurt or overnight oats? Check whether the pack says organic and wholegrain, and read the ingredients list.

Breakfast fan looking to try different grains

As well as oats, you could try buckwheat or spelt flakes, or a mix to make your own muesli. For mixed-grain products, check which grains they contain: the Smaakt four-grain mix listed by PLUS contains oats, barley, rye and wheat.

Looking for strictly gluten-free flakes

An organic label does not mean a product is gluten-free. The Voedingscentrum advises checking oat products for the words ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the pack.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you’re looking for a simple oat staple, a different type of grain or a strictly gluten-free option. Then check the label on the specific pack: terms such as ‘mixed grain’ or ‘organic’ don’t answer all of those questions at once.

What to look for What to check Who it matters to
Organic label Look for the green EU organic logo on the pack; according to RVO, this logo helps you identify organic products. I want to be able to tell whether the flakes are organic when doing my first food shop. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this check.
Simple wholegrain staple Check the type of grain, the ‘wholegrain’ label and the ingredients list. Jumbo describes its organic wholegrain oatmeal as containing only organic oat flakes, with no other additions. For porridge or overnight oats, I want one staple so I can choose the other ingredients myself. This is the main priority for around 25% of consumers.
Gluten-free label Read the latest allergen information and, for oats, look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol, as advised by the Voedingscentrum. If I need to eat strictly gluten-free, I need to be able to tell ordinary organic oats apart from a product labelled as suitable. This certainty comes first for around 25% of consumers.
Pack size and availability Check the pack weight and whether the variety you want is available when you do your food shop. I want to try a type of grain without buying more than I need. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this practical approach to stocking up.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘organic’ means ‘gluten-free’

    Organic oats are not automatically gluten-free. According to the Voedingscentrum, oat flakes can become contaminated with gluten during processing.

    If a gluten-free label is essential, check the physical pack for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol.

  • Judging a mixed-grain blend by its name alone

    The organic Smaakt four-grain flakes listed by PLUS contain oats, barley, rye and wheat. So ‘mixed grain’ does not mean a blend is gluten-free.

    Read the full list of grains and check for a separate gluten-free label if you need one.

  • Relying only on online product information

    Albert Heijn says that product ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change.

    When you buy, read the label on the pack you’re actually taking home, especially if an ingredient or allergen affects your choice.

Brands to consider

AH Biologisch

Albert Heijn lists products under AH Biologisch including fine oat flakes and whole oats for breakfast.

  • A good place to start if you’re looking for organic oats within a supermarket’s own-brand range.
  • Albert Heijn warns that product information can change, so check the ingredients and allergens on the pack.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists organic wholegrain oatmeal, oat flakes and spelt flakes in 500 g packs.

  • According to Jumbo, its organic wholegrain oatmeal contains only organic oat flakes, with no other additions.
  • An organic label does not mean that oats or spelt are gluten-free.

Smaakt

Smaakt offers organic flakes made from different grains, including buckwheat and a four-grain blend.

  • Offers options beyond oat flakes alone.
  • The four-grain flakes listed by PLUS contain oats, barley, rye and wheat; check the ingredients of the variety you choose.

BIO+

PLUS lists BIO+ Fine Oatmeal in a 500 g pack.

  • A fine oatmeal option to compare with other types of flakes.
  • PLUS says product and allergy information can change, so check the latest label.

CROWNFIELD

Lidl lists CROWNFIELD Organic Oatmeal in its breakfast range.

  • A familiar oatmeal option when you shop at Lidl.
  • Check the pack and availability of the variety you want when you buy.

Related Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I recognise organic breakfast flakes?

Look for the green EU organic logo on the pack. RVO identifies this logo as a way to recognise organic products; also check that the ingredients match the type of grain you’re looking for.

Is organic oatmeal automatically gluten-free?

No. The organic label says nothing about possible gluten contamination during processing. For oats, the Voedingscentrum advises looking for the words ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the pack.

What’s the difference between fine and coarse flakes when choosing?

Fine and coarse describe the shape of the flakes. Also check the type of grain, ingredients and wholegrain or organic label separately. For your first pack, choose a variety with preparation instructions that suit what you want to make.

Can I soak oat flakes in advance?

Yes. Jumbo suggests soaking its organic wholegrain oat flakes overnight in the fridge with milk or a plant-based drink. Follow the instructions on the pack you buy.