If you have a fussy eater, start by finding out which flake texture they prefer: extra-fine flakes are a good choice to try for smooth porridge, while jumbo flakes add more texture. Only buy a larger pack once you know they’ll eat it and you have somewhere dry to store it. If they need to eat gluten-free, check the details on the exact pack and, ideally, choose a product bearing the Crossed Grain symbol.
If they prefer smooth porridge, you could start by trying fine flakes in a standard pack. Brinta describes its flakes as extra fine; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping things calm and offering small portions to a child who doesn’t eat much breakfast.
If porridge is a regular feature at home, pack size and a dry place to store it matter. Jumbo’s range includes fine wholegrain flakes in 500 g and 1 kg packs.
If you have coeliac disease, ordinary oats are not automatically suitable. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre and the Dutch Coeliac Association recommend looking for the Crossed Grain symbol; check the exact pack before buying a larger supply.
First, work out which texture and flavour the eater will accept. Then decide between a standard pack, a larger pack or pre-measured portions.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Flake texture | Check whether the flakes are fine or jumbo; if you’re unsure, try a standard pack first. | If the texture puts them off porridge, I don’t want to buy a large amount of the same flakes straight away. Texture is the top priority for around 29% of consumers with this purchasing need. |
| Plain or flavoured | Read the ingredients list for the exact variety and decide whether you’d rather add the flavour yourself. | I want to choose what goes into my oats, so I’d rather start with a plain base. Around 29% of consumers say this flexibility is their top priority. |
| Pack size | Compare the pack weight with how much you use, the best-before date and the dry storage space you have available. | When porridge is a regular feature at home, I want to have enough in without leaving an unopened pack unused. Pack size is the main consideration for around 24% of consumers. |
| Pre-measured portions | Check the amount per portion and the preparation instructions; distinguish plain varieties from flavoured ones. | On busy mornings, I don’t want to have to measure everything out each time, so I’d rather have a set portion. Convenience is the first consideration for around 18% of consumers. |
Fine and jumbo flakes have different textures. A large pack isn’t much use if the eater leaves the porridge untouched.
Try a smaller pack of the type of flakes you want, or start with a product the eater already knows.
Pre-measured portions are handy when you want to prepare breakfast quickly, but they’re stored and used differently from a larger pack of loose porridge oats.
Choose portions if measuring or preparation time is the deciding factor for you; if you’re stocking up on loose flakes, check the pack weight.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can come into contact with gluten-containing grains during processing and distribution. The Brinta and Quaker product information reviewed warns that these grains may be present.
If you have coeliac disease, check the gluten-free labelling on the exact variety and, ideally, choose a pack bearing the Crossed Grain symbol.
As well as wholegrain oats, Quaker lists sugar, natural flavourings and salt in Oats Express Banana. Its ingredients list is different from that of a plain variety.
Compare the ingredients for the exact flavour you’re considering. With plain porridge oats, you can choose what to add yourself.
According to the product information, the 450 g pack of porridge oats shown by Albert Heijn contains extra-fine flakes, making it a good option if you want to try a finer texture.
The range includes standard porridge oats, Express Original in pre-measured portions and flavoured varieties. Choose between them based on the ingredients and preparation method, not just the brand name.
The range shown offers a choice of fine or jumbo wholegrain flakes, as well as standard packs and portion products.
Golden Bridge is the ALDI range to consider if you’re looking for fine or jumbo wholegrain porridge oats.
Lidl lists oat flakes in a 500 g pack, a size to consider if you want to try a standard pack first.
These packs offer standard porridge oats to try, plus an Express variety for anyone who prefers pre-measured portions. Compare the stated pack weight and check the flake texture and ingredients for the exact variety before buying a larger supply.
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A pack to try if you’d like to see whether extra-fine flakes work for someone who prefers smooth porridge. Albert Heijn’s product information describes these Brinta oats as extra fine and warns that traces of wheat and rye may be present.
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For anyone looking for a pack of plain porridge oats to flavour themselves. Check the flake size if texture is a deciding factor for the eater, and read the label on this variety if they need to eat gluten-free.
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A smaller listed pack size for anyone who wants to try these oats before making them part of their routine. If the eater is sensitive to texture, check the flake size and review the allergen information on the exact pack.
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An Express option for anyone who values pre-measured portions. Check whether the portion format and ingredients of this exact variety suit what the eater already accepts; if they need to eat gluten-free, checking the pack is essential.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that children aged one to three can occasionally have porridge instead of bread for breakfast. If a child doesn’t eat much breakfast, it recommends keeping things calm, offering small portions and, if needed, serving part of breakfast later.
No, with plain porridge oats you can choose what flavour to add yourself. Quaker says Oats Express Banana also contains sugar, natural flavourings and salt, so it’s best to try a new flavour before buying more.
Not automatically: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can come into contact with gluten-containing grains during processing and distribution. Check the gluten-free labelling on the exact pack; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre and the Dutch Coeliac Association recommend choosing one with the Crossed Grain symbol where possible.
Store porridge oats in a dry place and follow the best-before date on the pack. Brinta’s product information says to store its oats in a dry place; if you decant them into a storage container, keep the packaging information you might need later too.
