Which option is right for you?

For a salt-conscious lunch

If you want to choose what goes into your porridge, start by checking the salt content per 100 g of the dry product. Then look separately at the liquid and toppings you use to prepare your lunch.

For a quick lunch

A pre-measured plain portion can be handy at work or on the go, as long as you have the milk or water and facilities you need to prepare it. Also check that the portion size suits your lunch.

For lunch with coeliac disease

The word ‘oats’ alone does not confirm that a product is gluten-free. The Dutch Coeliac Association recommends choosing oats with the Crossed Grain symbol; also check the labelling and allergen information on the pack.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide which requirement matters most for your lunch: control over what you add, convenience or certified gluten-free oats. Then compare nutritional values on the same basis, for example per 100 g of dry product.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Salt and added ingredients Compare salt per 100 g and read the ingredients list; assess toppings separately. I want to decide for myself how much salt and what other ingredients go into my lunch. This is the priority for around 33% of consumers considering porridge oats for lunch.
Ease of preparation Check the preparation instructions and portion size, and make sure you have the equipment you need. I want to be able to make porridge at work without measuring out a portion first. Speed and portion convenience matter most to around 27% of these consumers.
Gluten-free labelling Check for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol, and read the allergen information. If I have coeliac disease, I need oats whose suitability as a gluten-free product is clearly stated on the pack. This is the first thing around 20% of these consumers look for.
Fibre and putting a meal together Compare the fibre content in the same quantity of oats and consider what else you add to your lunch. I want to know how much fibre my portion contains and how the other ingredients change my lunch. This is the priority for around 20% of these consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Looking only for a claim about salt

    Plain porridge oats can also be low in salt: Jumbo lists 0.02 g per 100 g for its fine wholegrain oats. That figure does not tell you how much salt will be in your prepared lunch.

    Compare the nutritional information on the exact pack, and check milk, cheese and other savoury additions separately.

  • Assuming all oats are gluten-free

    According to the Dutch Coeliac Association, oats may come into contact with gluten during production. A standard pack without a gluten-free label therefore does not provide the assurance needed if you have coeliac disease.

    Every time you buy, check for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol, and read the allergen information.

  • Comparing dry oats with a prepared portion

    Nutritional information for oats prepared with milk is not the same as a figure per 100 g of dry oats. This can make comparisons of salt or fibre misleading.

    First compare the same quantity of dry product, then take your chosen liquid and toppings into account.

Brands to consider

The details below apply to the products mentioned, not every product from these brands.

Jumbo

Jumbo sells plain fine wholegrain porridge oats in 500 g and 1 kg packs.

  • According to Jumbo, the fine oats reviewed consist of wholegrain oats and contain 0.02 g of salt per 100 g.
  • The allergen information for the oats reviewed mentions oats and possible traces of barley, rye and wheat; do not assume they are gluten-free.

Quaker

As well as standard porridge oats, Quaker sells Oats Express Naturel in individual portions.

  • Jumbo’s product information lists 0 g of salt per 100 g and per portion for Quaker Oats Express Naturel.
  • The plain variety reviewed may contain traces of barley, soya and wheat, among other things. Check the pack if allergens are a concern for you.

Brinta

According to Albert Heijn, Brinta porridge oats consist of oat flakes; the retailer describes their texture as extra fine.

  • The ingredients list for the product reviewed states that it contains 100% oat flakes.
  • The product may contain traces of wheat and rye. Nutritional values for a prepared portion with milk are also not directly comparable with values per 100 g of dry oats.

Porridge oats on Joybuy

This selection of porridge oats suits a lunch where portion convenience matters. For a salt-conscious choice, compare the nutritional information on the specific pack.

Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g

Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g

An option if you’re looking for individual portions of porridge oats for lunch. The pack contains 324 g; to compare salt content, check the amount per 100 g and per portion on the label. If you have coeliac disease, also check the gluten-free labelling and allergen information.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can plain porridge oats be a good base for a salt-conscious lunch?

Yes, but check the exact product and the rest of your lunch. The Dutch Nutrition Centre lists 0 g of salt for 40 g of porridge oats; Jumbo lists 0.02 g per 100 g for its fine wholegrain oats. Added ingredients can change the salt content of your prepared lunch.

When should I choose standard flakes or quick portions?

Choose standard flakes if you want to measure out your own portion and add your own ingredients; individual portions can be more convenient when you’re short on preparation time. For a quick option, check what liquid and equipment you’ll need to prepare it.

Are standard porridge oats suitable if I have coeliac disease?

Not necessarily: according to the Dutch Coeliac Association, oats may come into contact with gluten. Check for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol on the specific product, and read the allergen information.

What should I check on the label if salt and allergens matter?

Read the salt content in the nutrition table and check the ingredients and allergens on the exact pack. Before comparing products, check whether the nutritional values are per 100 g of dry product or per prepared portion.