Lunch-makers looking to avoid added sugar
If you want to add your own savoury or unsweetened toppings, start with plain porridge oats. Check both the ingredients list and the amount of sugars per 100 g: they tell you different things.
Which option is right for you?
If you have little time to prepare lunch
A pre-measured portion can be useful when you’re short on time during your lunch break. Check the preparation instructions, though, and make sure the amount in one sachet is enough for what you want to make.
If you have specific ingredient requirements
For a higher-protein option, the full ingredients list and allergen information matter more than just the name on the pack. If you need gluten-free oats, don’t assume regular oats are suitable: check the pack’s labelling.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide which ingredients you want in your lunch base. Then compare preparation time and pack size with how you plan to use the oats.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Added sugar and toppings | Read the ingredients list and compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. | If I’m putting together my own savoury lunch, I want to know what’s already in the base. This is a top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Preparation time | Check the preparation instructions and the amount of water or milk needed for one portion. | I want to be able to make a warm base quickly during a short lunch break. Ease of preparation matters most to around 33% of consumers. |
| Pack size and availability | Check the pack size, portion size and whether you can buy the product in a shop. | If I have porridge oats for lunch regularly, I want a pack size that suits how I use them and is easy to find. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘no added sugar’ means ‘sugar-free’
A product with no added sugar can still contain sugars that occur naturally. The nutrition table shows the total amount of sugars.
For flavoured varieties and toppings, read the ingredients list and compare similar products per 100 g, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends.
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Assuming a sachet is the right size for your lunch
For the products listed by Albert Heijn, one sachet of Quaker Oats Express Naturel contains 27 g, while the loose Quaker Havermout lists a 40 g portion. That difference matters if you want to use one sachet as the base for your lunch.
Check the amount per portion and decide what other ingredients you want to add to your lunch.
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Assuming regular oats are gluten-free
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can become contaminated with gluten. So a standard pack of porridge oats may not offer the reassurance you need if you have coeliac disease.
If you have coeliac disease, check the current pack for the official Crossed Grain trademark.
Brands and shops to consider
The differences below relate to the specific products or categories mentioned, not every type of porridge oats from a brand or shop.
Quaker
Worth considering if you want to compare loose porridge oats with portion sachets.
- The ingredients list for Quaker Havermout at Albert Heijn says it contains 100% wholegrain oats. Albert Heijn says Quaker Oats Express Naturel can be prepared in 2 minutes.
- This product information does not necessarily apply to other Quaker varieties. Check the ingredients, nutrition information and portion size for each one.
Jumbo
Worth considering if you’re looking for standard own-brand flakes for a warm lunch you can customise.
- Jumbo’s range overview lists fine wholegrain porridge oats in a 500 g pack.
- Before deciding whether they meet your requirements, check the ingredients, nutrition information and allergens on the pack you choose.
Lidl
Worth considering if you’re looking for jumbo oats in a physical shop.
- Lidl lists 500 g packs of jumbo oats as an in-store product.
- If you want to avoid added sugar, check the ingredients and sugars per 100 g on the pack.
Albert Heijn
Worth considering if you want to compare different types of porridge oats or are looking specifically for gluten-free oats.
- Albert Heijn has a separate category for gluten-free porridge oats and porridge.
- A category label is no substitute for checking the ingredients, allergens and any added sugar on the pack you choose.
Porridge oats on Joybuy
These options include an Express pack and a larger pack of plain porridge oats. Choose the pack size that suits you, and check the current product packaging for ingredients and allergens.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
An option if you want to use an Express pack for a warm lunch. The pack contains 324 g; check the portion size, ingredients and allergens on the label.
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Quaker Oatmeal 600 g
An option if you want to choose the amount of porridge oats and toppings for a warm lunch. The pack contains 600 g; check the label for ingredients, preparation instructions and allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugar’ mean sugar-free?
No. The nutrition table also shows sugars that occur naturally. So check both the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. According to the product information, the Quaker Havermout listed by Albert Heijn contains no added sugar, but does contain 1.1 g of sugars per 100 g.
How can you make a savoury warm lunch with plain porridge oats?
Prepare the porridge oats as a plain base, then add savoury ingredients that work with your meal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggests combinations such as mushrooms and egg, or courgette and cheese. Check the nutrition information and allergens for each ingredient you add.
Are regular porridge oats suitable if you have coeliac disease?
Not automatically. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can be contaminated with gluten. If you have coeliac disease, check whether the pack carries the official Crossed Grain trademark. A statement about added sugar tells you nothing about whether a product is gluten-free.
Do you need portion sachets for a warm lunch?
No, loose porridge oats can also make a warm lunch base. Sachets are particularly useful if measuring and preparation time matter to you: Albert Heijn says Quaker Oats Express Naturel can be prepared in 2 minutes. Check that the amount in one sachet is right for the lunch you want to make.