Office lunch planners who portion their own oats
You make several oat-based lunches each week and don’t mind measuring out a portion and preparing it.
Who are these options for?
Desk workers with a short break
You want to prepare a pre-measured portion quickly, provided you have the liquid and equipment you need at work.
Consumers looking for added protein
You’re looking for a quick oat option with added protein and want to check the ingredients and allergens for each variety.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with a preparation method that works at your workplace. Then compare the portion size and label of the products that fit the bill.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Portioning it yourself | Check the pack size, recommended portion and preparation instructions for the large pack. | If I take oats to work regularly, I want to decide how much to use for each lunch. Around 33% of consumers prioritise portioning their own oats. |
| Minimal preparation | Check whether the portions are pre-measured and what liquid and equipment you’ll need to prepare them. | I don’t want to measure out oats during a short break. Around 33% of consumers say minimal preparation is their top priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients list and check which allergens are present or may be present. | I need to be able to check before buying whether a specific variety suits my dietary requirements; for around 20% of consumers, this is the first thing they look for. |
| Added protein | Compare the protein content per 100 g and per portion, and check which ingredient provides the protein. | I’m looking for a quick oat-based lunch where added protein is my main product criterion. This applies to around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘instant’ means you won’t need anything else
Even a quick-to-prepare oat product may require a bowl, water or milk, and a microwave or hot liquid. Instructions vary from product to product.
Check the preparation instructions before buying and make sure you can use what you need at work.
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Assuming all oat products are gluten-free
Allergen information varies by product and variety. The oat products described also mention other grains or the possibility that they may be present.
Check the current label on the pack; don’t rely solely on the product category or an older online description.
Brands to consider
Quaker
The product ranges described include both standard oats and Oats Express portions, as well as a variety with added soya protein.
- Oats Express Original contains 12 pre-measured sachets; microwave preparation is described for this variety.
- Portion size, ingredients and allergen information vary by variety. Check the label of the product you choose.
Jumbo
The wholegrain fine flakes described come in a 1 kg pack for you to portion yourself.
- The product information gives a reference portion of 40 g.
- These aren’t pre-measured sachets. Follow the preparation instructions and read the allergen information on the pack.
CROWNFIELD
The organic porridge oats from Lidl described here come in a 500 g pack of standard oats, not instant portion sachets.
- An option to consider if you want to portion the oats yourself.
- Before choosing them for your work lunch, check the preparation method, nutritional information and allergens on the pack.
Instant oat products at Joybuy
These two Quaker products are suitable if you’re looking for oats that are quick to prepare; the Protein variety contains added soya protein. If you want a large pack to portion yourself, use the points above to help you decide.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g
An option if you’re looking for oats that are quick to prepare for lunch. Check the portion size, preparation instructions and allergen information on the pack.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein, 302 g
An option if added protein is an important product criterion for you. The product information lists 85% wholegrain oats, 15% soya protein and 22 g of protein per 100 g. Check the portion size, preparation instructions and allergens on the pack too.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make standard porridge oats for a quick lunch at my desk?
Yes, if you can measure out a portion and follow the preparation instructions at work. For the Jumbo oats described, the reference portion is 40 g, and the pack instructions explain how to prepare them with milk or a plant-based alternative.
How do you prepare Quaker Oats Express Original?
For the Original variety described, the product information specifies one 27 g sachet and two minutes in an 800 W microwave after adding 180 ml of milk. Read the instructions for the variety you buy, as they may differ.
Are porridge oats automatically gluten-free?
No, don’t assume they are. Check the allergen information on every pack, and only choose a product with a suitable gluten-free statement if that’s essential for your purchase.
Should I check the ingredients and allergens on the pack again?
Yes, check the label on the product you buy, even if you’ve already looked at the online description. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the importance of allergen information on pre-packed products; details may vary by variety.