First-time shoppers stocking up on essentials
You want to make several portions from one pack. Check the pack size, then decide whether fine or jumbo oats are better suited to the way you prepare them.
Which option is right for you?
Breakfast lovers short on time
You don’t want to measure out porridge oats every morning. Portion packs and express varieties are worth considering; check the preparation instructions and ingredients for each product.
Shoppers with dietary or allergy requirements
You need to be able to check whether a product meets your requirements. Read the current ingredients and allergen information, and if you need a gluten-free option, check for the relevant label on the packaging.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want loose oats or pre-measured portions. Then compare the ingredients and check the packaging for any relevant dietary information.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Stocking up and pack size | Compare the net weight and check whether the pack contains loose oats or pre-measured portions. | I want to make several breakfasts from one pack and decide how much to use myself. For around 35% of consumers, having a supply to hand is the top priority. |
| Ease of preparation | Read the preparation instructions and check whether the oats are already divided into portions. | On busy mornings, I want to spend as little time as possible measuring or preparing. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and additions | Check that the product is labelled wholegrain and read the ingredients list, especially for flavoured varieties. | I want to decide for myself what goes into my porridge. This freedom of choice is the deciding factor for around 29% of consumers. |
| Dietary and allergy requirements | Read the allergen information and, if necessary, look for an explicit gluten-free label. | I need to check before buying whether a product meets my dietary requirements. For around 7% of consumers, this is the most important condition. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a flavoured variety is the same as plain porridge oats
A flavoured variety may contain different ingredients. According to Quaker’s product information, Oats Express Cinnamon contains sugar and natural flavourings as well as wholegrain oats; possible allergens are also listed.
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the variety you’re actually choosing.
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Assuming plain porridge oats are gluten-free without checking the label
The word ‘porridge oats’ alone doesn’t confirm that a pack is suitable if you need to eat gluten-free. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends looking for the words ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol.
Check for this label and the rest of the packaging information even when you’re buying the same product again.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo’s own-brand porridge oats are available as fine or jumbo wholegrain oats, in larger packs and in portion packs.
- A pack of loose oats suits anyone who wants to measure out their own portions; the portion packs save you the measuring.
- Check the pack size and ingredients for the variety you choose: a portion pack isn’t the same product as a pack of loose oats.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
Golden Bridge is ALDI’s own brand, with fine and jumbo wholegrain porridge oats.
- Choosing between fine and jumbo oats lets you match the texture to the way you prepare them.
- Check which pack and variety are available when you do your food shop.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn sells its own-brand fine wholegrain porridge oats and organic porridge oats.
- These varieties are worth considering if you’re buying porridge oats alongside your other groceries at Albert Heijn.
- Albert Heijn notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change, so check the current label.
Quaker
Quaker offers plain porridge oats and Oats Express varieties, including flavoured options.
- Quaker says its Porridge Oats Original is made from 100% wholegrains; the brand lists a two-minute preparation time for Oats Express Cinnamon.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each flavoured variety separately; the details for Original don’t automatically apply to Express.
Brinta
Brinta Porridge Oats is a branded variety sold by retailers including Jumbo and Albert Heijn.
- An option if you’re specifically looking for a pack of Brinta Porridge Oats.
- Compare the pack size and ingredients with those of other porridge oat products.
Crownfield (Lidl)
Crownfield is a Lidl brand that offers an organic porridge oat variety.
- Worth considering if you shop at Lidl and are looking for organic porridge oats.
- Check the current packaging and availability before adding this variety to your shopping list.
Porridge oat products on Joybuy
These three Quaker products suit two of the choices in this guide: an express variety for less preparation, and plain porridge oats that you can measure out yourself. For your first food shop, compare the pack sizes and check the current product information.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
For anyone who wants an express option at breakfast. This pack contains 324 g; check the preparation instructions and allergen information for this product.
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Quaker Oatmeal 600 g
For anyone who wants plain porridge oats and prefers to measure out their own portions. This pack contains 600 g; check the current ingredients and allergen information if it’s important to your choice.
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Quaker Oatmeal 375 g
For anyone who wants plain porridge oats in a smaller pack than the 600 g variety. This pack contains 375 g; check the ingredients and allergens on the current label.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of porridge oats should I buy to stock up for the first time?
Choose loose porridge oats if you want to decide on your own portions and toppings; choose pre-measured portions if saving time on preparation matters more to you. Check the pack size, ingredients and preparation instructions for the specific product.
Should I choose fine or jumbo porridge oats?
Choose the type of oats that suits the way you want to prepare them. Both fine and jumbo porridge oats are available as wholegrain varieties, including from Golden Bridge; check the product name and label on the pack you buy.
Are plain porridge oats automatically gluten-free?
No. Don’t assume they are if you need to eat gluten-free. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises checking the packaging for the words ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol, and reading the current label information.
Where can I find allergen information on a pack?
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information is shown on the label of pre-packed food. Before buying, read the ingredients and allergen information for the porridge oat variety you’ve chosen.
How should I store porridge oats?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack. The product information for Brinta Porridge Oats says to store in a dry place; also check the best-before date on your pack.