Which option works best for you?

Hosts making one batch for everyone

If you’re serving porridge from a pan or bowl and putting the toppings out separately, you can use the label to work out how much you’ll need. Jumbo’s 1 kg pack states that it contains 25 portions of 40 g.

Hosts preparing individual bowls

Individual sachets are handy when guests are eating at different times. Jumbo’s description of the Quaker Oats Express Naturel pack says it contains twelve 27 g sachets and takes two minutes to prepare.

Households needing to check allergens

Check both the porridge oats and the toppings before serving, and avoid cross-contamination. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ordinary oats are not automatically suitable for someone with coeliac disease. Look for the official Crossed Grain symbol on the pack.

What should you consider when choosing?

First, decide whether you’re making one batch for everyone or serving individual bowls. Then work out how much you’ll need and check that the ingredients are suitable for your guests.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Enough portions Compare the net weight with the portion size on the label and the number of guests. If I’m making one bowl for the group, I want to be able to measure out enough porridge oats without having lots left over. Around 31% of consumers put the number of portions first.
Individual portions Check the number of sachets, the amount in each sachet and the preparation instructions. When guests are eating at different times, I want to be able to prepare separate bowls. This is the main priority for around 31% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the current label. If someone has coeliac disease, also check that the oats carry the official gluten-free symbol. If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in the porridge oats and toppings before serving. This is the top priority for around 23% of consumers.
Texture and toppings Choose between fine and coarse oats, and decide which toppings to serve separately. I want to serve a base that lets guests choose their own toppings, without everyone having to have the same texture. Around 15% of consumers give this choice top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a large pack contains individual instant portions

    A 1 kg pack is intended for several portions, but you’ll still need to measure and prepare them yourself. Individual sachets offer a different way to serve porridge.

    Before buying, decide whether you’re making one large bowl or giving each guest their own.

    If you’re making one batch for everyone, allow time for measuring, cooking and cleaning up.

  • Assuming ordinary oats are suitable for someone with coeliac disease

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats are suitable for someone with coeliac disease only if the pack carries the official Crossed Grain symbol. The Quaker and Jumbo products reviewed also state that other cereals may be present.

    Check the pack you’re serving and avoid cross-contamination with other ingredients or kitchen utensils.

  • Treating an online product description as the definitive label

    Ingredients and allergens can vary between products and packs. This is especially important if you put the porridge oats on the buffet without their original packaging.

    Read the physical pack just before preparing the porridge, and keep the allergen information available for your guests.

Brands to consider

Quaker

Among the products reviewed, there’s a 600 g pack of plain porridge oats and Oats Express Naturel, which contains twelve 27 g sachets.

  • According to Albert Heijn, the 600 g pack contains around fifteen 40 g portions.
  • The sachets are for individual portions. Check the allergen information for the variety you choose on either product.

Brinta

Brinta Porridge Oats is a 450 g pack of extra-fine oats, as described by Jumbo.

  • An option if you want to prepare plain fine oats without using individual sachets.
  • Check the label for oats and any stated traces of rye and wheat.

Jumbo

Jumbo Fine Wholegrain Oats comes in a 1 kg pack, ideal if you want to make one batch for everyone.

  • Jumbo states that each pack contains 25 portions of 40 g.
  • You’ll need to measure out the portions yourself. Also check the label for oats and any possible presence of barley, rye and wheat.

GOLDEN BRIDGE

ALDI Netherlands lists fine or coarse wholegrain porridge oats from GOLDEN BRIDGE in 1 kg packs.

  • Choosing between fine and coarse oats can help if you’ve already decided on the texture you want for your buffet.
  • Before using, check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you’ve chosen.

CROWNFIELD

Lidl Netherlands lists CROWNFIELD Organic Porridge Oats in a 500 g pack.

  • The pack size gives you a starting point for planning how much you’ll need for a smaller group.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the pack, as Lidl advises for its food products.

Instant porridge for individual bowls at Joybuy

These two packs are suited to serving individual bowls. If you’re making one large bowl for everyone, it’s best to work out how many portions you need first; the products below aren’t large-pack options.

Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g pack

Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g

For serving individual bowls to your guests. Use the pack to work out how many portions you can make from the total 324 g, and check the label for allergens.

View at Joybuy
Quaker Oats Express Protein, 302 g pack

Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g

For individual bowls when you want to plan portions for each guest. Check how many sachets are in the 302 g pack, and read the ingredients and allergens on the label. Don’t assume anything about the nutritional content from the model name Protein.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How much porridge oats do I need for the buffet?

Use the portion size for your chosen product and the number of guests as a guide. Jumbo states that its 1 kg pack contains 25 portions of 40 g. According to Jumbo, Quaker Oats Express Naturel contains 27 g sachets, so one sachet isn’t the same amount as a 40 g portion.

Are ordinary porridge oats suitable for someone with coeliac disease?

Not necessarily. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can be contaminated with gluten and are suitable for someone with coeliac disease only if the pack carries the official Crossed Grain symbol. Also check the other ingredients and avoid cross-contamination during preparation.

How can I make allergen information clear at a buffet?

Keep the packaging for the porridge oats and toppings so you can check the current ingredients and allergen information, and tell guests what you’re serving. Also consider ingredients added during preparation, such as milk, soya or nuts.

How should I store porridge oats left over after the buffet?

Store dry porridge oats in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. If the pack has been opened, also check the use-by or best-before information and make sure the contents are still suitable to use.