For an organic oat base, first check the EU organic logo, inspection code and origin statement on the pack. Then choose rolled oats if you want to prepare overnight oats for your Easter lunch, or porridge oats if you’d like to make warm porridge shortly before serving. If you have coeliac disease, organic certification alone isn’t enough: the Dutch Nutrition Centre recommends looking for the Crossed Grain quality mark on oat products.
You’re looking for oats for Easter lunch and want to be able to check the packaging to confirm that the product is organically certified. According to the European Commission, the EU organic logo must be accompanied by an inspection code and an indication of the origin of the agricultural raw materials.
You’d like to prepare lunch in advance, perhaps as overnight oats, or use oats in a baking recipe. The texture you want and the preparation instructions will help you choose the right product for your plans.
As well as the organic label, check the ingredients, possible cross-contact allergens and, if needed, the Crossed Grain quality mark. Check the current packaging of every product you use for this information.
Start by checking the organic label on the pack. Then decide whether you want to soak the oats in advance or serve them warm, and check the allergen information for everyone who’ll be eating.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Organic certification | Look for the EU organic logo, inspection code and origin statement on the specific pack. | If organic certification is the deciding factor for me, I want to be able to check the label on the packaging. Around 44% of consumers put this check first. |
| Texture and preparation | Compare porridge oats with rolled oats, and read the preparation instructions for your dish. | If I want to make lunch in advance, I look for rolled oats that work well in overnight oats. For warm porridge, I plan to prepare it around serving time. This is the first consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Gluten and allergens | Read the ingredients and any warnings about possible traces; if you have coeliac disease, look for the Crossed Grain quality mark. | If someone eating with me needs to avoid gluten or other allergens, I also need to check the oats and any toppings. Around 23% of consumers put this check first. |
These words alone don’t confirm organic certification. A product can consist entirely of rolled oats without being certified organic.
If organic certification is a must for you, check the EU organic logo, inspection code and origin statement on the pack.
Organic certification says nothing about possible gluten contamination in oats. For oat products suitable for people with coeliac disease, the Dutch Nutrition Centre recommends looking for the Crossed Grain quality mark.
If you have coeliac disease, check for that mark on the current packaging. For other allergens, also read the ingredients and any warnings about possible traces.
Jumbo recommends soaking its organic rolled oats overnight in the fridge. That won’t suit a preparation method that only starts shortly before serving.
First decide whether you want to prepare the oats cold and in advance or serve them warm. Then follow the instructions for your chosen product.
AH Biologisch Wholegrain Coarse Porridge Oats is an option if you’re looking for coarse oats and want to check the organic label.
Jumbo offers organic wholegrain porridge oats for cooking, as well as organic wholegrain rolled oats with a serving suggestion for overnight oats.
CROWNFIELD Organic Porridge Oats is a supermarket option in a 500 g pack.
Brinta Porridge Oats are finely milled oats for anyone considering a warm preparation; check any organic variant separately.
Quaker Porridge Oats are a wholegrain option for anyone who wants to choose the other ingredients in their dish.
These porridge oats provide an oat base for Easter lunch. Check the packaging to make sure the organic label, preparation method and allergen information suit your dish and the people you’re serving.
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An oat base for Easter lunch, with the flexibility to prepare and serve it your way.
500 g pack. Check the current pack for the EU organic logo, preparation instructions and, if needed, information about gluten and other allergens.
On pre-packed products, check for the EU organic logo, the inspection body’s code and the origin statement for the agricultural raw materials. According to the European Commission, the logo can only appear on products that have been certified organic by an authorised control body.
No. Organic certification doesn’t confirm that oats are free from gluten contamination. For oat products suitable for people with coeliac disease, the Dutch Nutrition Centre recommends looking for the official Crossed Grain quality mark; check for it on the current packaging.
Organic rolled oats are an option for overnight oats if you leave them to soak in good time. Jumbo recommends soaking its organic wholegrain rolled oats overnight in the fridge; follow the preparation instructions for the product you choose.
Yes. As well as checking the oats, check the packaging for any milk, yoghurt, nuts, seeds and ready-made toppings you use. The Dutch Nutrition Centre explains that allergens in packaged products must be clearly listed on the label.
Seal the pack carefully after use and store it according to the instructions on its label. Jumbo and Albert Heijn’s product information recommends storing their oat products in a cool, dry and dark place.
