Breakfast lover who likes to measure their own portions
A larger pack of plain porridge oats lets you measure out as much as you want each morning. It’s a good fit if you don’t mind the extra step.
Which format suits you?
Shopper who wants a set portion
Sachets save you measuring. According to Albert Heijn, Quaker Oats Express Original takes two minutes to prepare; just check that you have what you need to make it.
Shopper who checks labels carefully
Ingredients, nutritional values and allergens can vary between oat products. Check the information for the product you choose, especially if you need to avoid certain ingredients.
What should you look for?
First decide whether you want to measure your own portions. Then see which preparation method suits your morning, and finally check the label on the specific product.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Measure your own portions or choose set portions | Check whether you’re buying loose oats, individual sachets or a single cup, and how much the pack contains. | I want to choose how much porridge to make for my daily breakfast. For around 36% of consumers, having the freedom to measure their own portions comes first. |
| Preparation | Check which liquid and preparation method are needed. According to Albert Heijn, the AH Oat & go apple and cinnamon cup needs hot water and four minutes to stand. | If measuring is tricky in the morning, I want a portion that takes little effort to prepare. Around 36% of consumers say convenience is their main priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Compare the ingredients list and nutritional information for the product you choose; also look for statements about the possible presence of allergens. | I need to check that the ingredients suit my diet before choosing a pack. For around 28% of consumers, checking the label is most important. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming instant means ready to eat
A sachet or cup still needs to be prepared. Albert Heijn says the Oat & go apple and cinnamon cup needs hot water and four minutes to stand.
Read the instructions before buying, and check that you have the liquid and equipment you need.
-
Assuming every oat product suits the same diet
Products can contain different ingredients. The AH Oat & go apple and cinnamon cup contains milk and almonds, among other ingredients; Quaker Oats Express Original carries a warning about the possible presence of soya, barley and wheat.
If you have an allergy or need to avoid gluten, always check the current label on the exact product.
Brands to compare
Quaker
Quaker sells plain porridge oats as well as Oats Express sachets. According to Quaker’s product information, the Original version contains 100% wholegrain oats and no added sugar.
- The individual sachets are designed for anyone who’d rather not measure out a portion.
- Check the preparation instructions and the warning about the possible presence of soya, barley and wheat.
Brinta
Jumbo lists both Brinta Wholegrain cereal breakfast and Brinta porridge oats. Cereal breakfast and porridge oats are different products, so assess them separately.
- You can compare the ingredients and preparation instructions for both categories with what you need from breakfast.
- For Brinta porridge oats, don’t assume they’re prepared in the same way as instant sachets without checking the label.
Albert Heijn
The AH Oat & go apple and cinnamon cup is a single-serve pack that, according to Albert Heijn, is prepared by adding hot water.
- A cup could suit you if you’d rather not measure a portion and have hot water to hand.
- This version contains milk and almonds, among other ingredients; check the label if these matter to you.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s range includes plain wholegrain porridge oats in a 1 kg pack and Havermout Porties Original.
- The different pack formats let you choose between measuring your own portions and pre-measured servings.
- Compare the preparation instructions for each product; a larger pack isn’t the same format as a sachet.
Crownfield
Lidl lists Crownfield organic porridge oats in a 500 g pack. This is a different format from an instant sachet or cup.
- The pack is worth considering if you’d rather measure out your own portion of oats.
- Read the preparation instructions on the pack before using it as a quick breakfast option.
Single-portion oats on Joybuy
These two Quaker products come in single-portion packs: one version with added soya protein and one Express porridge option for anyone who’d rather not measure out a portion. Compare the ingredients and nutritional information for each version.
Image unavailable
Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g
A single-portion pack to consider if you’re looking closely at the ingredients and protein content of your porridge oats.
Joybuy’s product information lists 22 g of protein per 100 g, with wholegrain oats and soya protein among the ingredients. Check the current label if you need to avoid soya or gluten-containing cereals.
Image unavailable
Quaker Express Porridge Oats 324 g
This pack is a good fit if you’d rather use individual portions than measure oats out of a larger pack.
Joybuy lists 12 single-portion packs. Check the preparation instructions and current label for this version before choosing it.
Frequently asked questions
Are instant oats a suitable breakfast for someone aged 70 or over?
Instant oats can be part of breakfast, but the word ‘instant’ doesn’t tell you how a product fits into your overall diet. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the importance of getting enough energy, nutrients and fluids in older age, so check the ingredients and nutritional information for the version you choose too.
Should I check for allergens in instant oats?
Yes. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact version. The AH Oat & go apple and cinnamon cup contains milk and almonds, among other ingredients; Quaker Oats Express Original carries a warning about the possible presence of soya, barley and wheat.
Are oats automatically gluten-free?
No. If you need to follow a gluten-free diet, don’t assume that they are. Choose a product with labelling that suits your diet, and check the current packaging for warnings about the possible presence of other cereals too.