For a picnic in the park, compare the ingredients and fibre content of porridge oats per 100 g. Loose oats need to be measured out, while portion packs take care of that for you. However, you’ll still need liquid and suitable equipment to prepare them on the spot. Pack oats with ingredients that need to be kept chilled in a cool bag, and if you have coeliac disease, check the pack for the official gluten-free mark.
You’re looking for a wholegrain oat base and want to compare the fibre content per 100 g and per serving before adding other ingredients. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre provides general reference values for porridge oats; the figures on product labels may differ.
You want to measure out portions in advance or prepare your porridge oats at home. If you’re making them with milk or yoghurt that needs to stay chilled, how you transport them to the park is part of your decision too.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information rather than relying on the word ‘oats’ alone. For people with coeliac disease, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends looking for the official gluten-free mark on oat products.
First, decide whether you can prepare dry oats on the spot or would rather make something at home. Then compare the nutritional information and packaging of products that suit your plan.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and ingredients | Read the ingredients list and compare fibre per 100 g. Also consider the portion you’ll be taking with you. | If fibre is my priority, I want to be able to compare products on the same basis. Around 36% of consumers would choose this as their main consideration. |
| Preparation and transport | Check what you’ll need to prepare the oats on the spot, or take a prepared portion in a sealed container. Use a cool bag for ingredients that need to be kept chilled. | I want to be able to eat in the park without relying on preparation facilities that may not be available. For around 29% of consumers, practical preparation comes first. |
| Portions and packaging | Choose between measuring out oats from a bag yourself and individual portions. Think about which containers and how much liquid you’ll need to bring. | When I’m packing food for several people, I want to be able to divide it into portions in advance. This would be the main consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Gluten and allergens | Read the current label, including any warnings about the possible presence of other cereals. If you have coeliac disease, check for the official gluten-free mark. | If I’m choosing an oat product because I have coeliac disease, the mark on the pack needs to be right for my needs. For around 14% of consumers, this would be their top priority. |
The nutritional value of what you eventually eat also depends on the ingredients you add to your porridge oats. The fibre information doesn’t describe the whole prepared serving.
Compare the nutritional information and ingredients for the oats, then look separately at what you add to them.
A sealed container doesn’t replace chilling for ingredients that would normally be kept in the fridge.
Use a cool bag. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, food that would normally be kept chilled should be thrown away if it has been left unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
Ordinary oat products may come into contact with cereals containing gluten during processing. The labels on the Brinta and Quaker varieties discussed here also warn of the possible presence of other cereals.
Check the current packaging. For oat products and coeliac disease, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends looking for the official gluten-free mark.
AH Wholegrain Fine Oat Flakes are an option if you want to portion out loose oats yourself.
Brinta Porridge Oats have extra-fine flakes, ideal if that’s the texture you prefer.
Quaker offers both loose Quaker Oatmeal Original and pre-portioned Oats Express Natural.
Below, you’ll find both individual portions of porridge oats and packs you can measure out yourself. Before you set off, decide whether you’ll prepare the oats at home or bring what you need to make them in the park.
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An option if you’d rather not measure oats out from a larger bag. According to the product information, you’ll need a microwave or saucepan to prepare it hot; the stated preparation time is 2 minutes.
Check the current packaging for allergens and, if needed, a suitable gluten-free mark.
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For anyone who wants to measure out a portion of dry porridge oats at home for a picnic. Joybuy’s product information states that these are 100% wholegrain oats; Jumbo lists Quaker Oatmeal 600 g as containing 9 g of fibre per 100 g.
Bring a container and the liquid you need if you’re preparing the oats on the spot. The product information warns of the possible presence of wheat and barley.
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For anyone who wants to portion out their porridge oats before heading to the park. Check the packaging for nutritional information, ingredients and preparation instructions that suit your picnic plans.
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For anyone who wants to measure out a portion of porridge oats in advance. Compare the fibre per 100 g on the nutrition table for this pack, and check the current allergen information.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products can be contaminated with gluten during processing. If you have coeliac disease, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends looking for the official gluten-free mark on the packaging. Also read the current ingredients and allergen information.
Pack them in a clean, sealed container and use a cool bag. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, food that would normally be kept in the fridge should be thrown away if it has been left unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
First compare the nutrition tables per 100 g, then consider how much you’ll actually be taking with you. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 4.4 g of fibre for a 40 g serving of porridge oats as a general reference; check the label for information about a specific product.
A portion pack saves you measuring the oats out in advance, but it doesn’t automatically make them easy to prepare on the spot. Check whether you can bring liquid, a container and the equipment needed for that particular variety.
