If you’re looking for an organic oat base
You want to put together your own Sunday breakfast, so you’re checking both the organic label and what else is in the oats.
Who are these options for?
If you want to spend less time preparing breakfast
You want to serve porridge without a long wait. Fine oats or individual portions may be worth considering, but compare the preparation instructions for the product you choose.
If you need to eat gluten-free because of coeliac disease
For you, gluten-free suitability is essential. The Dutch Nutrition Centre points out that regular oat products can be contaminated with gluten, and recommends checking for the Crossed Grain mark on the pack if you have coeliac disease.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide which requirement matters most for your Sunday breakfast: certified organic, quick to prepare, easy to customise or suitable for someone with coeliac disease. Then check the packaging of the specific product.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic base | Check the organic label and ingredients list. The European Commission says that the EU organic logo is also accompanied by the code number of the control body and the origin of the agricultural raw materials. | I want to make my own breakfast with oats that are clearly labelled organic. For around 40% of consumers, an organic base comes first. |
| Preparation time | Compare the preparation instructions and portion size of instant oats or sachets with those of loose oats. | If breakfast needs to be ready quickly, convenience matters more to me than measuring out a portion. Around 30% of consumers prioritise a short preparation time. |
| Your own flavour and texture | Check the size of the oats and whether any other ingredients, such as sugar or flavourings, have been added. | I’d rather choose my own toppings and how much to use. Around 20% of consumers put the option to customise their breakfast first. |
| Gluten-free suitability | If you have coeliac disease, check for the Crossed Grain mark on the pack. The Dutch Nutrition Centre says an organic label is no substitute for this check. | Because I have coeliac disease, I need to know whether the oats are suitable before considering any other preferences. This essential gluten-free requirement comes first for around 10% of consumers. |
Common misconceptions
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Assuming ‘organic’, ‘natural’ and ‘gluten-free’ mean the same thing
These terms answer different questions. An organic label relates to how a product is produced; the Dutch Nutrition Centre says oat products can still be contaminated with gluten.
For an organic option, check the relevant label. If the oats are for someone with coeliac disease, check separately for the Crossed Grain mark on the pack.
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Assuming all instant oats are organic
Quick preparation and an organic label are two separate product features. For example, Albert Heijn says Quaker Oats Express Naturel can be prepared in two minutes; that preparation time tells you nothing about whether it carries an organic certification.
Check whether the packaging of the specific instant option you want to buy also carries an organic label.
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Looking at the oats alone
The ingredients and nutritional value of the finished bowl also depend on what you add to the oats. So don’t assess a flavoured option as though it has the same ingredients as plain rolled oats.
Read the ingredients and nutritional information for the product you choose, then decide separately which toppings you want to use.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists organic porridge oats, including fine oats and coarse wholegrain oats, for anyone who wants to make their own oat-based breakfast.
- The product names distinguish between fine and coarse oats.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you choose, especially if gluten-free suitability is important.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists organic wholegrain porridge oats and organic wholegrain oat flakes in 500 g packs.
- According to Jumbo, its organic wholegrain porridge oats consist solely of organic oat flakes, with nothing else added.
- This does not confirm that the product is gluten-free; check the packaging of the product you choose.
Crownfield (Lidl)
Lidl lists CROWNFIELD Organic porridge oats as an organic oat option.
- The product name identifies the oats as organic.
- Check the pack for ingredients, preparation instructions and any allergens that may be relevant to you.
Quaker
Quaker Oats Express Naturel is worth considering if you’re mainly looking for individual portions that take little time to prepare.
- Albert Heijn says this option can be prepared in two minutes.
- If you need an organic instant option, check for an organic label on the specific pack before choosing it.
Elovena
Albert Heijn lists Elovena Natural Instant Oatmeal Glutenvrij for anyone looking specifically for instant porridge with a gluten-free product label.
- The product name specifies both instant porridge and gluten-free.
- If you have coeliac disease, check for the Crossed Grain mark on the pack. If you also need an organic option, check for an organic label separately.
Oats for a breakfast you can make your own
These oats are an option if you want to choose the flavour of your own Sunday breakfast. If an organic label or very short preparation time is essential for you, check that information on the packaging of this product.
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Zonnatura Organic wholegrain porridge oats 500 g
For a breakfast where you can add your own flavour to the oats.
Pack size: 500 g. Check the packaging for the organic label, preparation instructions and allergen information before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if porridge oats are organic?
Check the organic label on the pack, including the EU organic logo where applicable. The European Commission also specifies the code number of the control body and the origin of the agricultural raw materials. In the Netherlands, Skal Biocontrole supervises the organic sector.
Can I eat regular organic porridge oats if I have coeliac disease?
No. An organic label alone does not make porridge oats suitable for someone with coeliac disease. The Dutch Nutrition Centre points out that oat products can be contaminated with gluten, and says to look for the official Crossed Grain mark on the pack.
Should I choose fine oats or instant portions?
Choose fine oats if you want to decide the portion size and what to add. Consider instant portions if their preparation instructions better suit the time you have. Albert Heijn says Quaker Oats Express Naturel can be prepared in two minutes, but check separately for an organic label if that matters to you.
What does an organic certification say about nutritional value?
An organic certification does not, by itself, tell you the nutritional value of your breakfast. Compare the ingredients and nutritional information for the oats, and take into account what you add when preparing them.