If buying organic is essential for your festival breakfast, choose oats with an EU organic logo and packaging information you can check. Then consider how you’ll be able to prepare them and read the allergen information: organic doesn’t mean gluten-free.
You want to check the organic label on the pack rather than rely on how the packaging looks. Look for the EU organic logo and the details alongside it; the European Commission and Skal Biocontrole explain what this certification means.
You may have access to water, but not always a pan or microwave. So check the preparation instructions and think about how you’ll keep an opened pack dry and sealed while you’re away.
For you, checking the certification and allergen information on the current packaging are two separate steps. The Voedingscentrum points out that regular oats may be contaminated with gluten; you should also check toppings for relevant allergens.
First check that the pack meets your organic requirements, then choose a preparation method that suits your festival set-up. If you have coeliac disease or an allergy, checking whether the product is suitable comes before either of these choices.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it’s most relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Organic labelling | Check the EU organic logo, the code of the control body and the ingredients list on the packaging. | If I want to buy organic, I want to be able to check this on the pack rather than rely on words such as ‘natural’. For around 42% of consumers, this is the top priority. |
| Preparation and taking it with you | Check whether the oats need a pan, microwave or another method of preparation, and keep an opened pack dry and sealed when you take it with you. | With limited cooking equipment, I want to know in advance whether I can make breakfast at the festival. This is the main consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Gluten and allergens | If you have coeliac disease, check for the official Crossed Grain symbol; also read the allergen information for the oats and any toppings. | If I have coeliac disease or a relevant allergy, I need to know whether this particular product and any additions are suitable. Around 25% of consumers give this check the highest priority. |
An organic certification doesn’t mean that oats are free from gluten contamination. The Voedingscentrum advises people with coeliac disease to look for the official Crossed Grain symbol.
Check for the symbol on the pack of oats and check toppings separately.
These words don’t mean the same thing as organic certification. According to the European Commission, the EU organic logo may only appear on products that have been certified for this purpose.
For a pre-packaged organic product, check the logo, the control body’s code and the ingredients list.
A portion pack tells you nothing about organic certification. Quaker describes Oats Express Naturel as portion packs, but that product description isn’t an organic certification in itself.
First check the labelling on the pack you’ve chosen, then read what you’ll need to prepare it.
For dry oats, the Voedingscentrum recommends storing them in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container. For porridge made with milk, yoghurt or other chilled ingredients, you’ll also need to follow the storage instructions for those ingredients.
Keep dry oats separate, and follow the instructions on the relevant packaging for prepared porridge and any additions.
AH Organic Oats is organic wholegrain oats in a 450 g pack.
Jumbo Organic Wholegrain Oats is a 500 g pack of organic wholegrain oats.
Lidl lists Crownfield Organic Oats as a 500 g pack available to buy in store.
According to the product listing, Zonnatura Organic Wholegrain Oats 500 g contains fine organic wholegrain oat flakes.
Quaker Original Oats and Oats Express Naturel are options to compare for regular oats and portion packs, but they aren’t automatically organic alternatives.
This product selection features a pack of fine organic wholegrain oats for anyone who can prepare their own festival breakfast. Before deciding whether they’re right for you, check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the current packaging.
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An option if you’re looking for fine oat flakes and can sort out the preparation yourself. The product information lists organic wholegrain oats; the Jumbo product listing states 11 g of fibre per 100 g.
The allergen information lists gluten/oats and possible traces of milk, nuts, sesame and soya. If you have coeliac disease, check for the official Crossed Grain symbol, and find out how much liquid and what preparation method you’ll need before you set off.
Check the EU organic logo, the control body’s code and the indication of origin on the pack. The European Commission says that the logo may only be used for products certified as organic by a recognised control body or control authority.
Not automatically: organic oats can be contaminated with gluten during processing. According to the Voedingscentrum, the packaging must display the official Crossed Grain symbol for people with coeliac disease; check any additions too.
Take dry oats with you in a well-sealed pack and decide in advance how you’ll prepare them. The Voedingscentrum recommends storing oats in a cool, dry, dark place; also follow the storage advice on the pack.
