If you want to avoid added sugar when ordering online, start with porridge oats that list oats as the only ingredient, and check the sugars per 100 g too. This is not the same as being sugar-free: under the Annex to EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, this nutrition claim is only permitted if the product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Then choose between a larger pack and portion sachets, depending on how much you use and how much preparation time you want to spend.
If you want to avoid added sugar or are specifically looking for a sugar-free product, check both the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. Oats can contain sugars even when no sugar has been added as an ingredient.
If you regularly make porridge, overnight oats or baked goods, a larger pack of wholegrain oats could suit you. Check the pack size and whether you can store it in a cool, dry place with the pack sealed tightly after opening.
If you prefer a pre-measured portion, plain portion sachets are worth comparing. Check the preparation instructions, sugar content and allergens for each variety.
First decide whether you want to avoid added sugar or are looking for a product that can genuinely be labelled sugar-free. Then compare the pack size and preparation method with how you plan to use it.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar and ingredients | Read the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. Under EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the claim ‘sugar-free’ can only be used if the product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. | I want to know whether sugar has been added and whether ‘sugar-free’ genuinely applies. For around 46% of shoppers, checking the sugar content would be the main consideration. |
| Pack size | Compare the pack size and stated serving size; Jumbo lists around 25 servings of 40 g for its 1 kg pack. | I use porridge oats often and want to know in advance how many portions a pack contains. For around 27% of shoppers, pack size would be the main consideration. |
| Preparation and portions | Check the preparation time and the amount in each sachet. Jumbo lists 27 g sachets and a 2-minute preparation time for Quaker Oats Express Naturel. | On busy mornings, I don’t want to measure out a portion myself, so preparation time matters. A pre-measured portion would be the main reason for choosing a product for around 27% of shoppers. |
Even porridge oats with no added sugar can contain naturally occurring sugars. Under the Annex to EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, ‘sugar-free’ means no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; the plain oat varieties reviewed list 0.7 to 1.1 g per 100 g.
Check the ingredients and total sugars per 100 g separately, depending on which of these two requirements matters to you.
A protein claim tells you nothing about added sugar or allergens. Albert Heijn lists soya in the ingredients for AH Volkoren havermout proteïne and 0.8 g of added sugars per 100 g.
Before adding any high-protein variety to your order, read its ingredients, nutrition information and allergen details.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can come into contact with gluten during processing. The Quaker and Jumbo varieties reviewed state that other cereals containing gluten may be present.
If you have coeliac disease, check that the specific pack you choose is officially labelled ‘gluten-free’ or carries the Crossed Grain trademark, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
Compare the ingredients of each product variety: a brand name alone won’t tell you how much sugar is listed on the pack.
The products reviewed include traditional porridge oats and Oats Express Naturel in portion sachets.
The own-brand varieties reviewed are fine wholegrain oats, also available in a 1 kg pack.
Among the products reviewed, the ingredients in the protein variety are particularly worth checking.
These Quaker packs suit shoppers choosing between Express oats and traditional porridge oats in two pack sizes. For each variety, check the ingredients, sugars per 100 g and allergens on the packaging; the product name alone does not confirm that it is sugar-free.
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If you’re comparing Express oats for busy mornings, take a look at this 324 g pack. Check the preparation time, ingredients and sugars per 100 g for this variety.
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This 600 g pack is an option if you use traditional porridge oats regularly. Compare the ingredients and nutrition information on this pack with your requirements for added and total sugars.
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This 375 g pack is worth comparing with the 600 g pack if you’d prefer a smaller pack of traditional porridge oats. As with any variety, check the ingredients, sugars per 100 g and allergen information on the pack you choose.
No, not necessarily: a product with no added sugar can contain naturally occurring sugars. Under the Annex to EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the claim ‘sugar-free’ can only be used if a product contains no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g; the plain porridge oat varieties reviewed list 0.7 to 1.1 g per 100 g.
Check the gluten-free labelling on the exact pack you want to order. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that oats can come into contact with gluten during processing, and says that an official ‘gluten-free’ label or the Crossed Grain trademark is needed for oats to be suitable for people with coeliac disease.
Store opened porridge oats in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. If you’re buying a larger pack, consider in advance whether you’ll be able to store it this way after opening.
