Camper who checks sugar claims carefully
You’re specifically looking for a product with no added sugars, or you need it to be sugar-free. That’s why you check both the claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Camper who can cater for themselves
You can measure out and prepare your own porridge oats. A larger pack suits your plans if you can keep the oats dry and well sealed during your trip.
Camper who wants pre-measured portions
You want to take a separate portion for each breakfast and do as little measuring as possible at the campsite. The preparation instructions still matter if you have limited cooking equipment.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the sugar claim that matters to you. Then choose between measuring your own portions and taking individual sachets, and check that the preparation method suits your campsite.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar claim | Read the exact claim, the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. ‘No added sugars’ does not mean the same as ‘sugar-free’, according to the Voedingscentrum. | If I’m specifically looking for sugar-free porridge oats, I don’t want to rely on the words ‘no added sugars’ alone. For around 40% of consumers, that exact claim comes first. |
| Measuring your own portions and storage | Check the pack size and storage instructions. Consider whether you can keep the opened oats dry and sealed during your stay. | I want to decide how much oats to use for each breakfast and be able to store the rest during my stay. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Portions and preparation | Check the number of portions and the instructions for liquid and preparation. Find out what facilities are available at your campsite. | If space or cooking equipment is limited, I want to be able to plan my breakfast portions in advance without measuring them on the spot. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘no added sugars’ means ‘sugar-free’
According to the Voedingscentrum, a product with no added sugars can still contain naturally occurring sugars. The porridge oats and portion sachets mentioned here list sugars in their nutritional information.
If you specifically need a product to be sugar-free, check that it carries that exact claim. Also read the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g.
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Assuming ordinary porridge oats are gluten-free
Product information from Quaker, Brinta and Albert Heijn states that certain varieties may contain other cereals. Ingredients and allergen information vary by product.
If you need a product labelled gluten-free, check the label and allergen information on the pack of the variety you’re taking with you.
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Packing only the dry porridge oats
A portion sachet saves you measuring, but you’ll still need to prepare your breakfast. Depending on the product instructions, you may still need liquid and possibly cooking equipment or a microwave.
Read the preparation instructions before you set off, and make sure you have the right liquid and equipment for the facilities available at your campsite. When camping, the Voedingscentrum recommends taking extra care with the storage of perishable food.
Brands to consider
Quaker
Quaker offers regular porridge oats and Oats Express Naturel in individual portions. You can choose between measuring out your own portions and taking pre-packed ones.
- Quaker says Havermout Original is made from 100% wholegrain oats. Quaker describes Oats Express Naturel as a product with no added sugars.
- Quaker lists 1.1 g and 1 g of sugars per 100 g respectively for these varieties. Oats Express Naturel may contain soya, barley and wheat.
Brinta
Brinta’s extra-fine porridge oats are an option if you want to measure out your own portions for campsite breakfasts.
- Jumbo’s product information lists 100% oats as the ingredient in Brinta Havermout.
- Jumbo lists 0.8 g of sugars per 100 g and says the product may contain traces of wheat and rye. This is not evidence that the product is sugar-free.
Albert Heijn
AH Volkoren havermout fijne vlokken is a larger pack of porridge oats that you can portion out yourself for camping.
- Albert Heijn lists wholegrain oats as an ingredient and states that the product contains 0 g of added sugars per 100 g.
- The nutritional information also lists 0.7 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the allergen information on the pack; the product may contain barley, spelt, rye and wheat.
Jumbo
Jumbo has its own-brand porridge oats that you can portion out yourself. Compare the ingredients and nutritional information for each variety.
- Jumbo says its Havermout Fijne Vlokken contain wholegrain oats.
- Jumbo lists 0.7 g of sugars per 100 g for these oats. Don’t assume that a claim for a specific variety, such as gluten-free, applies to other porridge oats without checking the label.
Related products on Joybuy
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are porridge oats with no added sugars also sugar-free?
No, the terms don’t mean the same thing: according to the Voedingscentrum, products with no added sugars can still contain naturally occurring sugars. If you need a sugar-free product, check the exact claim and the ‘of which sugars’ figure on the pack.
Which porridge oats should I take if I don’t have a fridge?
Dry porridge oats are a practical option if you can store them dry and well sealed, in line with the pack instructions. Plan separately for the liquid you’ll need to prepare them: the Voedingscentrum advises taking care with perishable food when camping.
Can I assume ordinary porridge oats are gluten-free?
Not automatically. Product information for various ordinary oat products says they may contain other cereals. If you need a product labelled gluten-free, check the label and allergen information on that specific pack.
Should I compare sugars per portion or per 100 g?
Start by comparing the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g, so different portion sizes don’t skew the comparison. Then look at how much you’ll use for each breakfast; according to the Voedingscentrum, manufacturers set their own stated portion sizes.