Students looking to stock up
If you eat porridge regularly and can measure out your own portions, compare the pack weight with the stated number of servings.
Which product format is right for you?
Students short on preparation time
A pre-measured portion can be handy if you want to make something quickly. Check the microwave instructions for loose fine oats, too: pre-packed portions aren’t the only way to keep preparation time short.
Shoppers checking ingredients and allergens
Check the type of grain and the allergen statement on the packaging. Porridge oats and wheat-based breakfast cereal are different products; information about the possible presence of other ingredients also varies between products.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want oats and whether you can measure out your own portions. Then compare the preparation instructions and the information on the packaging of the specific products.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Stocking up and portions | Compare the pack weight and stated serving size; with loose oats, you measure out your own portions. | I eat porridge regularly and want to make several meals from one bag. For around 42% of consumers, stocking up is the top priority. |
| Speed and pre-measured portions | Check whether the portions are pre-measured and read the full microwave instructions, including any standing time. | When I’m short on time between other activities, I don’t want to measure out a portion each time. Around 33% of consumers put this convenience first. |
| Grain type and allergens | Check the main ingredient and the current allergen statement; wheat-based breakfast cereal is not porridge oats. | If I’m specifically looking for oats or need to check ingredients, the label determines my choice. For around 25% of consumers, this is the most important consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking breakfast cereal for porridge oats
Brinta Volkoren breakfast cereal lists wholemeal wheat flour as its main ingredient, while Quaker Havermout 600 g lists 100% wholegrain oats. The type of grain matters if you want to make a recipe with oats or need to avoid wheat.
Check the main ingredient before choosing a larger pack.
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Assuming the product name tells you which allergens it contains
The name doesn’t tell you which other allergens may be present. The products reviewed differ in their statements about other grains and soya.
Check the current ingredients and allergen statement on the packaging every time you buy, especially if you have an allergy or intolerance.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo offers a 1 kg value pack of fine wholegrain oat flakes.
- The pack states that it contains 25 servings; you can measure out the oats yourself.
- They aren’t individually packed single-serve portions. Follow the preparation instructions on the packaging.
Albert Heijn
AH Volkoren havermout fijne vlokken is a 1 kg bag with a stated serving size of 40 g.
- The product information describes preparation without cooking, as well as preparation in a pan or microwave.
- You measure out the oats yourself. Check the allergen statement, including information about the possible presence of other allergens.
Golden Bridge
Golden Bridge fine wholegrain porridge oats are listed as a 500 g pack at ALDI Netherlands.
- The smaller pack may suit you if you don’t want to store a 1 kg bag.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions on the pack before deciding.
Quaker
Quaker offers both regular porridge oats in a 600 g pack and Oats Express Naturel in individual portions.
- Oats Express Naturel contains 12 portions of 27 g; the product information gives a cooking time of 2 minutes at 800 W.
- Regular porridge oats and Oats Express are different product formats. Check the ingredients and allergens for each product.
Brinta
Brinta Volkoren breakfast cereal is made with wholemeal wheat flour and intended for hot porridge; it isn’t porridge oats.
- The preparation instructions listed by Albert Heijn use 35 g of product with 250 ml of warm milk.
- The product contains wheat, so it isn’t an interchangeable choice if you’re specifically looking for oats.
Products related to this topic
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make porridge quickly with oats from a large bag?
You can, but follow the instructions for the product you choose. AH fine porridge oats give a microwave cooking time of 2 minutes at 800 W, followed by 2 to 3 minutes standing time, or around 1 minute on the hob. Quaker Oats Express Naturel gives a microwave cooking time of 2 minutes at 800 W; the portion is already pre-measured.
Is Brinta the same as instant porridge oats?
No. Brinta Volkoren breakfast cereal contains wholemeal wheat flour and salt, while Quaker Havermout 600 g is made from 100% wholegrain oats, according to its ingredients list. Check the type of grain if you specifically want to use oats.
Should I check allergens in regular porridge oats, too?
Yes, especially if you need to avoid certain ingredients because of an allergy or intolerance. The packs reviewed sometimes list the possible presence of other grains or soya alongside the main ingredient. So be sure to check the current statement on the pack.