Who are these flakes for?

Anyone who wants something cold during a short break

You want to add flakes to yoghurt, quark or milk without cooking them first. Albert Heijn recommends eating the organic coarse oat flakes reviewed here cold.

Anyone comparing ingredients and certification

You’re looking for an organic grain base and check the ingredients list, organic label and allergen information first. This also helps you see whether you’re buying a single grain or a blend.

Anyone considering a different grain

You compare oats, spelt and buckwheat based on how you plan to prepare them, and check the allergen information for each product. The type of grain and organic certification don’t replace this check.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want to eat the flakes cold straight away or have time to prepare them. Then check the organic label, ingredients and allergen information on the packaging you’re buying.

What to consider What to look for Who is this most important for?
Organic status and ingredients Check the organic label and see whether the ingredients list names one type of grain or a blend. I want to know whether my flakes are organic and what I’m adding to my yoghurt. This combination is said to be the main purchasing concern for around 42% of consumers.
Preparation time Check whether the packaging recommends cold preparation or whether your chosen recipe needs cooking. Jumbo says porridge made with its organic spelt flakes takes 7–8 minutes. During a short coffee break, I want to be able to mix the flakes straight in, without cooking porridge first. This is said to be the main consideration for around 33% of consumers.
Grain type and allergens Check the current packaging for both the ingredients and information about allergens and possible traces. I want to choose between oats, spelt and buckwheat without missing an allergen warning. This need is said to be the main priority for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming organic means gluten-free or allergen-free

    The organic oat and spelt products reviewed list allergens or possible traces. The buckwheat flakes reviewed also carry a warning about possible traces of cereals containing gluten.

    Check the ingredients and the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ information for the product you choose. Don’t rely on the grain type or organic logo alone.

  • Judging by green packaging

    Green packaging doesn’t, in itself, say anything about organic certification. According to Skal Biocontrole, the EU organic logo is compulsory on pre-packed food produced in the EU and sold as organic.

    Check the organic label and EU organic logo on the current packaging or product information, rather than relying on general claims about natural ingredients.

  • Assuming all flakes are ready to eat straight away

    Albert Heijn recommends using the coarse oat flakes reviewed here cold. By contrast, the porridge preparation Jumbo describes for its organic spelt flakes takes 7–8 minutes.

    Read the preparation instructions before choosing flakes for a short break. Save anything that needs cooking for a time when you have a few minutes to spare.

Brands to compare

AH Biologisch

Albert Heijn sells organic coarse wholegrain oat flakes which, according to the product information, can also be eaten cold with yoghurt or milk.

  • The 500 g variety reviewed lists wholegrain oat flakes as an ingredient, along with the EU organic logo and NL-BIO-01.
  • The product information lists oats and possible traces of other allergens; if you have allergies, check the current packaging.

Jumbo

Jumbo sells organic wholegrain oat flakes and organic wholegrain spelt flakes. The right option for you depends, among other things, on what you want to make.

  • The products reviewed list organic wholegrain oat flakes and organic wholegrain spelt flakes respectively as ingredients.
  • Jumbo says porridge made with the spelt flakes reviewed takes 7–8 minutes to cook. Check the allergen information for both varieties.

Smaakt

Smaakt sells organic buckwheat flakes for anyone looking for an alternative to oats or spelt.

  • The variety reviewed lists organic buckwheat flakes as an ingredient and is recommended with milk or yoghurt, or for making porridge.
  • The packaging warns of possible traces of, among other things, cereals containing gluten, peanuts, soya, nuts, sesame and lupin.

De Halm

De Halm offers a range of organic grain flakes, including oat, buckwheat, barley and multigrain varieties.

  • You can compare different types of grain and blends side by side.
  • Check the ingredients, preparation instructions and allergen information for each product you choose, as these vary between types of flakes.

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Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if flakes are organic?

Check the organic label on the packaging. According to Skal Biocontrole, the EU organic logo is compulsory on pre-packed food produced in the EU and sold as organic. Also check the ingredients list to see which type of grain you’re buying.

Are organic oat flakes automatically gluten-free?

No. The organic label doesn’t mean a product is gluten-free. The oat products reviewed list oats and allergens or possible traces, so if gluten is a concern, check the full label on the pack you choose.

Which flakes can I eat cold during a short coffee break?

According to the product information, Albert Heijn’s organic coarse oat flakes reviewed here can be mixed cold with, for example, yoghurt, quark or milk. If you want to make spelt porridge, bear in mind that Jumbo says its spelt flakes take 7–8 minutes to cook.

What if the online information differs from the packaging?

Before using the product, check the current packaging for the ingredients and allergen information of the product you’ve bought. This is especially important if your choice depends on a particular grain or allergen statement.

Does this buying guide also cover chocolate sprinkles for bread?

No. This guide is about organic grain flakes for adding to yoghurt or milk, or making porridge during a coffee break. Chocolate sprinkles are a different product, so check the organic label, ingredients and allergen information for that particular spread separately.