Who is this choice relevant to?

Stocking up while avoiding added sugar

You’re buying porridge oats for several breakfasts and want to choose what you add yourself, rather than opting for a ready-made flavoured mix.

Breakfast lovers short on preparation time

You’re looking for a portion that’s quick to prepare, and weighing up that convenience against a larger bag that you measure out yourself.

Shoppers checking allergens

As well as sugar, you need to look out for possible gluten contamination in regular oats or soya in a variety with added soya protein.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want to avoid added sugar or are specifically looking for a product labelled ‘sugar-free’. Then compare the pack size and preparation method with how often you eat porridge oats.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Sugar information Read the ingredients list and check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. In the European Union, the ‘sugar-free’ claim is only permitted for products containing no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. I want to avoid added sugar, but need to know whether ‘sugar-free’ genuinely applies to the product too. For around 34% of consumers, checking sugar is the top priority.
Pack size for stocking up Compare the amount in each pack with how much you use, and check whether you can keep the contents dry and tightly sealed after opening. If I’m buying enough for several breakfasts at once, I want a pack I’ll actually use up. For around 33% of consumers, a practical pack size for stocking up is the main consideration.
Ease of preparation Check the preparation time and whether you need to measure out a portion yourself; according to Albert Heijn, Quaker Oats Express Naturel is ready in 2 minutes. On busy mornings, I don’t want to weigh out a portion every time. Around 20% of consumers prioritise ready-measured portions and speed.
Allergens Read the allergen information on the specific pack. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, regular oats may be contaminated with gluten; the Quaker protein variety on Joybuy contains soya protein. If I need to avoid gluten contact or soya, the label determines which variety I can choose. For around 13% of consumers, checking this is the most important consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘no added sugar’ means ‘sugar-free’

    Oats also contain naturally occurring sugars. AH Volkoren havermout grove vlokken and Jumbo Havermout Grove Vlokken Volkoren each list 0.7 g of sugars per 100 g, which is above the European threshold for the ‘sugar-free’ claim.

    If the distinction affects your choice, check the ingredients list and the total sugars per 100 g.

  • Choosing portion sachets without considering how you’ll use them

    A measured portion saves you weighing oats out, but you may not need that convenience for every breakfast.

    Consider a larger bag if you can measure out your own portions at home, and save portion sachets for when having a ready-measured serving matters more.

  • Assuming pure oats are always gluten-free

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats do not naturally contain gluten, but regular oats may be contaminated with it. A short ingredients list does not rule out contact with gluten.

    If you need a gluten-free option, check that the specific pack is explicitly labelled gluten-free. For flavoured or other varieties, check the remaining allergen information too.

  • Buying more than you can store properly

    A large pack is less practical if you can’t keep its contents dry and sealed after opening.

    Choose an amount that suits how much you use, and reseal the pack properly after measuring out a portion.

Brands to compare

Quaker

Quaker offers both regular porridge oats in a 600 g pack and Express Naturel portions, so compare the ingredients as well as how each is prepared.

  • Albert Heijn lists 100% wholegrain porridge oats as the ingredient in its regular Quaker porridge oats.
  • The same product information states that the oats may contain barley and wheat. Check the nutritional information for each variety too.

Albert Heijn

The AH own brand is worth considering if you’re looking for simple wholegrain porridge oats to stock up on.

  • AH Volkoren havermout grove vlokken lists wholegrain oat flakes as an ingredient and 0 g of added sugars per 100 g.
  • It also lists 0.7 g of total sugars per 100 g, so no added sugar is not the same as sugar-free.

Jumbo

At Jumbo, you can compare the pack size you need and the texture of fine or coarse oat flakes.

  • According to Jumbo, Jumbo Havermout Grove Vlokken Volkoren 500 g contains wholegrain oat flakes and provides 0.7 g of sugars and 10 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • These nutritional values apply to the 500 g coarse variety; check the label again if you choose a different Jumbo variety.

Crownfield

Lidl lists Crownfield Biologisch havermout in a 500 g pack as one of its products.

  • The pack size gives you a practical starting point for deciding how much to stock up on.
  • Before choosing based on sugar, check the ingredients and nutritional information on the pack.

Golden Bridge

ALDI lists Golden Bridge Fijne volkoren havermout in a 500 g pack.

  • The product name makes clear that these are fine wholegrain porridge oats.
  • Before choosing this variety to stock up on, check the ingredients, sugars per 100 g and allergen information on the pack.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are porridge oats with no added sugar also sugar-free?

No, not necessarily: the product may contain naturally occurring sugars. In the European Union, the ‘sugar-free’ claim may only be used for products containing no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. So check the total sugars in the nutritional information, not just the ingredients list.

Should I buy a large bag or portion sachets for stocking up?

A large bag works well if you measure out your own portions and can store the contents properly after opening. Portion sachets suit you if you want a ready-measured serving that’s quick to prepare. Think about how you’ll actually use them before choosing a pack type.

How should I store an opened bag of porridge oats?

Store porridge oats in a cool, dark, dry place and seal the pack tightly after use. When stocking up, choose an amount that suits how quickly you’ll use it.

Are regular porridge oats gluten-free?

Not necessarily: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats do not naturally contain gluten, but regular oats may be contaminated with it. If you need a gluten-free option, check that the specific product’s packaging is explicitly labelled gluten-free.