Buffet organisers catering for a crowd
If you want to serve several bowls, the pack size and a guide to portions will help you work out how many packs you need.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Cooks who want to top up hot porridge quickly
You’re looking for a type of flake that suits your preferred texture and preparation method. Albert Heijn describes Brinta Porridge Oats’ extra-fine flakes as quick to prepare.
Hosts who need to check labels
If guests have dietary or allergen requirements, check the ingredients, allergen information and any gluten-free labelling on the exact pack, rather than relying on the product name alone.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how many bowls you want to serve. Then choose a type of flake that suits your preparation method and check the labels for guests with specific requirements.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Compare the pack size with the number of bowls you plan to serve; 40 g of dry porridge oats is a useful guide to one portion. | If I’m expecting lots of guests, I want enough of a base ingredient without having to open a new pack halfway through. Having enough quantity is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Preparation and texture | Check whether you’re choosing fine or coarse flakes, and try preparing them in advance with the liquid you plan to serve. | For a buffet where guests can help themselves throughout, I want to top up the hot porridge quickly while serving a texture that suits my plans. Around 33% of consumers give this top priority. |
| Label | Check the ingredients, allergen information and any gluten-free labelling on the exact pack. | If a guest follows a strict diet, I want to know whether this particular pack is suitable before serving it. Checking the label is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing individual sachets for one large pan
Individual portions can be handy if guests are preparing their porridge separately, but they’re less suitable if you’re making one large batch.
Before you buy, decide whether you’ll prepare individual bowls or serve hot porridge in larger quantities.
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Assuming a product is suitable for a diet based on its name
The ingredients and allergen information apply to the exact product. For example, Albert Heijn notes that Brinta Porridge Oats may contain traces of wheat and rye.
Check the pack before you buy and again before serving; don’t rely on the brand or the word ‘porridge oats’ alone.
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Leaving the shopping until the buffet
Lidl says its 500 g pack of coarse oat flakes is available in store only. That doesn’t tell you whether your local branch has the number of packs you need.
Check local availability and get the packs you need before Boxing Day.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo lists wholegrain porridge oats in fine and coarse flakes, including a 1 kg pack of fine flakes.
- The 1 kg pack gives you a good base for serving several bowls at your buffet.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you choose.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers its own-brand wholegrain porridge oats in fine and coarse flakes, in 1 kg packs.
- You can choose the type of flake to suit your preferred preparation method and texture.
- Check the product information for your chosen variant separately.
Golden Bridge
ALDI lists Golden Bridge fine or coarse wholegrain porridge oats in a 1 kg pack.
- The pack size is useful when planning several portions.
- Check in store which type of flake is available.
Quaker
Albert Heijn lists Quaker Porridge Oats in a 600 g value pack and Oats Express in individual portions.
- At 40 g of dry porridge oats per bowl, 600 g is enough for around 15 bowls.
- Decide whether you want to prepare one large batch or serve individual portions.
Brinta
Albert Heijn describes Brinta Porridge Oats as extra-fine oat flakes that are quick to prepare.
- The extra-fine flakes are a good option if you want to top up hot porridge quickly.
- This product may contain traces of wheat and rye; check the exact label.
Lidl
Lidl lists coarse oat flakes in a 500 g pack.
- The smaller pack may suit a limited number of bowls or work well as a top-up.
- According to Lidl, this product is available in store only; check local availability.
Porridge oats for your buffet on Joybuy
This 600 g pack is an option if you’re planning to serve a moderate amount of porridge oats. Use the number of bowls you plan to serve to work out whether one pack will be enough.
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Quaker Oatmeal 600 g
For a buffet with around 15 bowls, using 40 g of dry porridge oats per bowl, one 600 g pack may be enough. If any guests have dietary or allergen requirements, check the label on the exact pack.
Frequently asked questions
How many bowls can I make from a pack of porridge oats?
As a guide, allow 40 g of dry porridge oats per bowl: 1 kg makes around 25 bowls, while 600 g makes around 15. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre uses 40 g as a guide to one portion; adjust the quantity to suit the number of bowls you want to serve.
Should I choose fine or coarse flakes for hot porridge?
Fine flakes are a good choice if you want to make smooth porridge quickly; Albert Heijn describes Brinta Porridge Oats’ extra-fine flakes as quick to prepare. Choose coarse flakes if you prefer that texture, and try your chosen method of preparation in advance.
Can I serve ordinary porridge oats as gluten-free?
Don’t assume they’re suitable without checking the exact pack. Read the gluten-free labelling and allergen information before serving porridge oats to a guest who follows a strict gluten-free diet.