Who are these flakes for?

Travellers who prepare breakfast in advance

You want to make a breakfast jar before setting off, perhaps with oat flakes and yoghurt, rather than eating plain flakes on the go.

Travellers who need to buy gluten-free

You need an option that is explicitly labelled gluten-free. The words ‘oats’ and ‘organic’ alone aren’t enough.

Families packing for several breakfasts

You’re looking for a pack that will cover several meals and want to know in advance how to store the flakes once opened.

What should you look for when buying?

First, check that the flakes are labelled organic. Then choose the right option for your trip by considering how they’re prepared, the allergen information and the pack size.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Organic labelling Look for the EU organic logo on the pack and an organic indication in the ingredients list. I want to check that the flakes themselves are organic, rather than relying on the look of the bag. This is the top priority for around 31% of consumers.
Preparing them on the go Check whether your chosen flakes can be prepared cold or need to be heated. If I’m eating during a short stop, I want to know whether my breakfast can be ready in advance. Around 31% of consumers put this preparation convenience first.
Gluten and allergens Read the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ information on the exact pack. If needed, look for an explicit gluten-free label. My travel companion needs an option that meets a specific dietary requirement. This is why gluten and allergens matter most to around 23% of consumers.
Pack size Compare the pack contents with the number of breakfasts you’re planning and check the storage instructions. For several breakfasts, I want to pack enough without taking an awkwardly large bag. This is the main consideration for around 15% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking chocolate flakes for breakfast cereal

    The search term ‘flakes’ also brings up chocolate flakes for bread. These aren’t the same type of product as oat, spelt or buckwheat flakes for a breakfast jar.

    Search for the grain you want with ‘organic’ added, and check the product category.

  • Confusing organic with gluten-free

    An organic label doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for a gluten-free diet. Spelt contains wheat and gluten; the labelling for oats varies from product to product.

    Read the allergen information on the exact pack. If you need to buy gluten-free, choose only an option that is explicitly labelled gluten-free.

  • Packing plain cereal flakes as a ready-to-eat car snack

    The breakfast flakes described here need to be mixed, soaked in advance or prepared. A bag of plain flakes won’t automatically give you a ready-made portion.

    Before setting off, decide whether you’ll prepare a breakfast jar or serve the flakes with other ingredients at a stop.

Brands to consider

These examples are specific organic flakes; always check the pack of the option you choose.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s 500 g packs of organic wholegrain oat and spelt flakes can be used as the base for a prepared breakfast.

  • Both options described list one organic main ingredient.
  • The grain and allergen information vary by option; standard oat flakes aren’t automatically gluten-free.

AH Biologisch

Albert Heijn’s organic wholegrain spelt flakes come with instructions for both cold and hot preparation.

  • The option described displays the EU organic logo and an organic indication.
  • Spelt contains wheat and gluten; also read the warnings about possible other allergens.

Smaakt

Smaakt’s products described here include oat, spelt and buckwheat flakes, including a 1,500 g pack of oats.

  • The options listed offer different grains and pack sizes to suit the breakfasts you’re planning.
  • The buckwheat flakes carry a warning that they may contain traces of gluten-containing cereals. A 1,500 g bag also takes up more luggage space.

Consenza

Consenza’s 500 g wholegrain oat flakes described here are labelled both organic and gluten-free.

  • Both labels appear on this specific option.
  • Even with this option, check the current pack and the other allergen information to make sure it meets your requirements.

Products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I identify organic flakes?

Look for the EU organic logo on the pack and check the indication in the ingredients list. According to the Dutch Government, ‘organic’ is a protected term in the Netherlands for certified organic products.

Are organic oat flakes always gluten-free?

No. Organic and gluten-free are different product characteristics. The Consenza oat flakes described here are explicitly labelled gluten-free; don’t assume the same is true of another pack of oats without checking the label.

Are spelt flakes suitable if I need gluten-free flakes?

No. Spelt contains wheat and gluten. If you need to buy gluten-free, choose a product that is explicitly labelled gluten-free and read the allergen information on the exact pack.

Are chocolate flakes the same as organic breakfast flakes?

No. Chocolate flakes are sold as a sweet bread topping, while oat, spelt and buckwheat flakes are grain products used to make breakfast dishes. For a breakfast jar, search for the grain you want and check that the product is labelled organic.

How should I take an opened bag of flakes on a trip?

Follow the storage instructions on the pack and seal the flakes after use. If you don’t want to take the whole bag, you can portion some out before setting off and follow the instructions for those specific flakes.