Who is this for?

Host setting up a toppings bar

You’re looking for an organic oat base that guests can customise with their own toppings. Jumbo lists oats as the only ingredient in its organic wholegrain oats, but also gives cooking and standing times.

Shopper who prioritises organic sourcing

You want to check the organic designation on the packaging rather than rely on a natural-looking image. The European Commission explains that the EU organic logo may only be used on certified organic products.

Organiser who wants to serve individual portions quickly

You want to be able to prepare oats with boiling water. Quaker gives this preparation method for Pot Protein Naturel; if organic is a requirement, check the designations on the packaging too.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide whether an organic designation is essential for your evening. Then read the preparation instructions and check the ingredients and allergen information on each pack: organic and ready in an instant are two different things.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Organic designation Check the EU organic logo, control code and origin statement on the packaging. If organic is a requirement for my toppings bar, I want to be able to check the designation. Around 40% of consumers say this is their top purchasing priority.
Preparation and serving Check whether the oats need to be cooked or can be prepared with hot water, and allow for any stated standing time. When I’m preparing individual portions during the evening, I want to know which method suits the kitchen facilities available. This is the most important factor for around 30% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Compare the full ingredients list, allergen information and any cross-contamination warnings. I want to check which oats suit my guests’ dietary needs before serving. Ingredients and allergens are the top priority for around 30% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming organic means instant

    Jumbo’s organic wholegrain oats take 3 minutes to cook and 3 minutes to stand, according to Jumbo. Quaker, on the other hand, says Pot Protein Naturel can be prepared with boiling water; that alone says nothing about organic certification.

    Read the preparation instructions before deciding whether you’ll need a pan or just hot water during the evening.

  • Assuming plain oats suit every guest

    Jumbo lists gluten and the possible presence of other allergens for its organic oats. The ingredients list for Zonnatura Bio Havermout Proteïne includes spelt and soya as well as oats.

    Keep the packaging handy when serving and check the latest ingredients and allergen information for each product.

  • Assuming online ranges match in-store stock

    Jumbo did not offer the Zonnatura Bio products mentioned here in its online range, while Lidl lists Crownfield Biologisch havermout as an in-store product.

    Check where your chosen product is available before you go shopping. If you choose an alternative, compare its ingredients, allergens and preparation method again.

Brands to consider

Jumbo

Jumbo Biologisch Volkoren Havermout 500 g is an organic oat base for a bowl you can customise yourself.

  • Jumbo lists organic wholegrain oats as the only ingredient.
  • The stated preparation method requires 3 minutes of cooking and 3 minutes to stand; check the allergen information too.

Zonnatura

The Zonnatura products discussed include organic oats and a separate organic mix containing oats, spelt and soya.

  • Jumbo states that Zonnatura Bio Havermout Proteïne 375 g contains 22 g of protein per 100 g.
  • This protein mix is not made from oats alone. Check the current availability of the products mentioned.

Crownfield (Lidl)

Lidl lists Crownfield Biologisch havermout in a 500 g pack for in-store purchase.

  • The product listing describes it as organic oats.
  • Check the packaging for ingredients, allergens, organic designations and preparation instructions.

Quaker

Quaker Pot Protein Naturel is an individual pot of oats that, according to Quaker, can be prepared with boiling water.

  • The stated preparation method may suit you if you’re making individual portions.
  • Check separately for an organic designation. The pot also contains skimmed milk powder and soya protein.

An oat option on Joybuy

These oats are an option if you want to add your own toppings. Before buying, check that the preparation method and organic designations on the packaging suit your plans for the evening.

Zonnatura organic wholegrain porridge oats 500 g

Zonnatura organic wholegrain porridge oats 500 g

An oat base for a bowl with your choice of toppings. Check the preparation instructions if you plan to make the portions during the evening.

Pack size: 500 g. If you have dietary requirements to consider, check the latest ingredients and allergen information and look for the organic designations on the packaging.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I check whether oats are organic?

For pre-packed organic oats, check the EU organic logo, control code and the origin statement for the agricultural raw materials. The European Commission says the EU organic logo may only appear on products certified as organic by an authorised body.

Are organic oats automatically gluten-free?

No. An organic designation doesn’t mean that oats are gluten-free. Jumbo lists gluten and the possible presence of other allergens for its organic wholegrain oats, so check the latest packaging before serving them to guests.

Can I make organic oats with hot water straight away?

It depends on the preparation instructions for the product you choose. Jumbo says to cook its organic wholegrain oats for 3 minutes and leave them to stand for 3 minutes, while Quaker recommends boiling water for Pot Protein Naturel. So check the organic designation and preparation method separately.

What label information can help me choose for my guests?

At the very least, compare the ingredients, allergens, nutritional information and storage and usage instructions for each product. Dutch government guidance on food labelling lists these as details found on the label; also read the specific preparation instructions on the pack you choose.