New parents who want to keep a supply in
If you often make breakfast at home, a pack of porridge oats lets you decide how much to use each time and what to add. Check the pack size and choose an amount you can use up in time.
Who are the different pack types suitable for?
Parents with little time to measure
Individual sachets save you having to measure out a portion. Albert Heijn lists Quaker Oats Express as a pack of 12 portions, ready in two minutes in the microwave or in a saucepan. This information applies to this instant variety, not to every pack of porridge oats.
Households looking for gluten-free oats
A standard pack of porridge oats isn’t automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises looking for the official Crossed Grain symbol; also read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you buy.
What should you consider when choosing?
First, decide whether measuring out your own portions fits into your morning routine. Then consider the pack size, preparation method and any requirements relating to ingredients or allergens.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Stock and portions | Check the pack size and how many portions you want to make from it. Don’t compare a pack of loose flakes with individual instant sachets as if they were the same type of packaging. | If I often make breakfast at home, I want enough porridge oats in the cupboard without being tied to fixed portions. This need to keep a supply in is the top priority for around 46% of consumers. |
| Less measuring | Check whether the portions are individually wrapped, and look at the preparation method and time given for that specific variety. | On a morning with a baby, I want to be able to grab a portion without having to measure anything first. This convenience is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Gluten-free options | Read the current ingredients and allergen information; if you have coeliac disease, check for the official Crossed Grain symbol. | If gluten-free food is essential, the pack must meet that requirement before I consider portions or convenience. This requirement is the deciding factor for around 18% of consumers. |
One thing to watch out for when buying
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Assuming all porridge oats are suitable for coeliac disease
A standard pack of oats isn’t automatically gluten-free. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products are only suitable for people with coeliac disease if the pack carries the official Crossed Grain symbol.
Check for the symbol and read the current ingredients and allergen information on the pack you choose.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo lists fine wholegrain porridge oats in a 1 kg pack, as well as other pack sizes.
- The 1 kg pack gives you plenty to measure out your own portions for regular breakfasts.
- Check that you’ll use this pack size in time and decide how you want to prepare the flakes.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists fine wholegrain porridge oats in a 500 g pack.
- Loose fine flakes let you decide how much to use for each breakfast.
- This is a 500 g pack, not a 1 kg bulk pack or a box of instant sachets.
Quaker
Quaker offers a 600 g pack of porridge oats, as well as individually wrapped Oats Express portions.
- The 600 g pack lists 15 portions; according to Albert Heijn, Oats Express contains 12 sachets that can be prepared in two minutes.
- The preparation time given is for Oats Express. Check the instructions for the specific product you choose.
Brinta
Brinta Porridge Oats are extra-fine oat flakes in a 450 g pack.
- According to Brinta’s product description, the extra-fine flakes are quick to prepare.
- Check the preparation instructions; extra-fine flakes aren’t the same as individually portioned instant sachets.
Golden Bridge
Golden Bridge is ALDI’s own brand, which lists 500 g packs of fine wholegrain porridge oats.
- The loose flakes let you measure out your own portions for each breakfast.
- If nutritional information and allergen labelling affect your choice, check the details on the pack.
Leev Simply Free
Leev Simply Free is sold as organic, gluten-free wholegrain porridge oats.
- The gluten-free label makes this product worth considering if that’s a requirement for your purchase.
- If you have coeliac disease, also check for the official Crossed Grain symbol and the latest information on the pack.
Porridge oats in a pack at Joybuy
If you want to measure out your own portions at home, here’s a pack of standard porridge oats. Check the preparation instructions separately if a quick cooking time is a deciding factor for you.
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Quaker Oatmeal 600 g
A pack of oats to measure out into your own portions at home. The ingredients list states 100% wholegrain porridge oats.
If you want to know how long this product takes to prepare on a busy morning, check the instructions on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Are standard porridge oats suitable for coeliac disease?
Not automatically. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, people with coeliac disease need to look for the official Crossed Grain symbol on the pack. Also check the current ingredients and allergen information.
What’s the difference between a pack of Quaker porridge oats and Oats Express?
With a 600 g pack of Quaker porridge oats, you measure out your own portions, whereas Oats Express comes in individual sachets. Albert Heijn lists Oats Express as a pack of 12 sachets, ready in two minutes in the microwave or in a saucepan. Don’t assume the 600 g pack takes the same amount of time to prepare.
How should I store a large pack of porridge oats?
Keep it in a cool, dark and dry place, and seal the pack well after use. Also follow the storage instructions and use-by date on the pack.