Shoppers looking for larger own-brand packs
If you make porridge regularly and can measure out portions yourself, you can compare loose flakes in a larger pack with smaller packs and pre-measured portions.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Older people looking for an easy breakfast
If measuring or preparation is difficult, fine flakes or pre-measured portions may be practical. Choose a format that suits your daily routine.
Carers keeping an eye on overall intake
If someone has a poor appetite or is losing weight unintentionally, choosing a single breakfast product is only part of the picture. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also advises carers to consider intake of nutrients such as protein and fluids.
What should you look for in porridge oats?
First, consider whether someone can measure out and prepare loose flakes themselves. Then think about the texture they prefer and how the porridge fits into the rest of their diet.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is it important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size and use | Compare loose flakes with pre-measured portions. Consider whether you’ll use the contents of a larger pack and can store it properly. | If you make porridge often and measure out portions yourself, choose a pack that suits how you use it. Pack size is the top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Preparation and texture | Consider whether fine flakes or pre-measured portions would make preparation easier. If someone has difficulty swallowing, ask for advice on a suitable consistency. | If measuring is difficult or the texture of porridge needs careful consideration, ease of preparation is a key factor. Around 30% of consumers put this first. |
| How it fits into the diet | Read the nutritional information per portion and consider what else is eaten with the meal. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you buy, too. | If someone has a poor appetite, you’ll want to know how breakfast fits into the rest of their daily diet. For around 30% of consumers, this is their main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Thinking porridge oats are a complete solution to low food intake
A bowl of porridge won’t tell you whether someone is getting enough energy, protein and other nutrients throughout the day.
Look at their overall diet. Talk to a GP or dietitian about unintentional weight loss or a persistently poor appetite.
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Assuming fine flakes are safe to swallow
The word ‘fine’ describes the flakes, not whether the consistency is right for an individual. Thuisarts advises that swallowing difficulties are a reason to have food and drink assessed for suitability.
If someone chokes or has difficulty swallowing, ask a GP or speech and language therapist for advice rather than simply choosing a different flake size.
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Not checking the label on the pack you buy
Ingredients and allergen information can vary between products. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists oats among the gluten-containing cereals in its allergen information.
If you have an allergy or follow a strict diet, read the label and any warnings on the exact pack you’re using.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo sells fine wholegrain porridge oats in 500 g and 1 kg packs, as well as coarse flakes and pre-measured portions.
- A choice of loose flakes or pre-measured portions.
- ‘Fine’ or ‘coarse’ doesn’t tell you whether the texture is right for someone with swallowing difficulties.
ALDI / Golden Bridge
ALDI lists Golden Bridge wholegrain porridge oats in fine and coarse 500 g varieties.
- Two flake sizes to consider when choosing how you want to prepare the porridge.
- Flake size alone doesn’t tell you whether the product is suitable for someone with swallowing difficulties.
Brinta
Brinta describes its 450 g porridge oats as extra-fine oat flakes that are quick to prepare.
- An option if quick preparation is important.
- Extra-fine flakes are not a substitute for individual advice about swallowing.
Quaker
Quaker offers plain porridge oats and an Express version with pre-measured portions.
- Pre-measured portions mean you don’t need to measure them out yourself.
- Check the ingredients and preparation instructions for each variety individually.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s own range includes organic porridge oats with fine and coarse flakes.
- A choice of fine or coarse flakes within this product range.
- Check the nutritional information and packaging for your chosen variety individually.
Lidl
Lidl lists coarse porridge oats in its range.
- Coarse flakes are one option to consider when choosing the texture you want for your porridge.
- Check the label on your chosen pack for ingredients and nutritional information.
Porridge oats on Joybuy
These products include plain porridge oats and an Express version. Choose based on the preparation someone can manage, and check the label on the pack you’ve chosen before use.
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Brinta Porridge Oats 450 g
If you’re looking for porridge that’s quick to prepare, Brinta describes these flakes as extra fine. If someone has swallowing difficulties, that doesn’t determine whether the prepared porridge is suitable.
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Quaker Express Porridge Oats 324 g
For anyone who wants to do less measuring. Check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the pack; quick preparation doesn’t mean it’s suitable for someone with swallowing difficulties.
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Quaker Porridge Oats 600 g
A pack of plain porridge oats for anyone who measures out portions themselves. If the make-up of breakfast is important, compare the nutritional information per portion on the label.
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Quaker Porridge Oats 375 g
A smaller pack of plain porridge oats for anyone who measures out portions themselves. If you have an allergy or follow a strict diet, read the ingredients and warnings on the pack you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Are plain porridge oats enough if someone has a poor appetite or is losing weight?
A portion of porridge won’t show whether someone is getting enough throughout the day. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes malnutrition as a lack of energy and other nutrients. Talk to a GP or dietitian about unintentional weight loss or a persistently poor appetite.
Can I choose fine porridge oats if someone often chokes when eating?
Don’t choose based only on the description ‘fine flakes’. According to Thuisarts, difficulty swallowing calls for careful consideration of the texture of food and drink. If swallowing problems keep happening, ask a GP or speech and language therapist for advice.
What should I check on the label if I have an allergy or follow a strict diet?
Check the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings on the pack you buy. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists oats among the gluten-containing cereals in its allergen information, so don’t rely on the product name alone.