Student stocking up for the first time
You want one pack to cover several breakfasts. Think about how much space you have to store the oats somewhere dry, with the pack properly sealed.
Which pack is right for you?
Student with busy mornings
You want to spend as little time as possible weighing or preparing your breakfast. Fine flakes or individual portions may work better for your morning routine.
Careful label reader
You want to know what’s in a flavoured variety or need to take allergens into account. If you have coeliac disease, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre says it’s important to look for the official Crossed Grain symbol.
What matters when stocking up for the first time?
First, decide whether you want several portions to store, need to keep preparation time to a minimum or have specific requirements for the ingredients. Then choose a pack that suits your storage space and preferred preparation method.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size and storage | Compare the pack sizes and check the best-before date and storage instructions. | When I’ve just moved in, I want enough for several breakfasts without having to leave a large, opened pack lying around. For around 40% of consumers, having enough in each pack is the top priority. |
| Ease of preparation | Check the type of oats, the preparation method and whether the oats are individually portioned. | On a busy morning, I don’t want to weigh out a portion every time. Around 30% of consumers say convenience is their top priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list for each variety and check the allergen information. If you have coeliac disease, look for the official Crossed Grain symbol. | If I want to choose exactly what goes into my breakfast or need to take allergens into account, I read the label before making a choice. For around 30% of consumers, this check matters most. |
What could you get wrong?
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Assuming all quick-cook oats are the same
The ingredients differ between flavoured varieties: Quaker lists sugar and flavourings in Oats Express Cinnamon, while the ingredients information for Oats Express Original lists wholegrain oats.
Read the ingredients list for the variety you’re buying if you want to choose what to add yourself.
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Assuming regular oats are gluten-free
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that oat products can come into contact with gluten. This means regular porridge oats aren’t automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease.
If you have coeliac disease, check for the official Crossed Grain symbol and read the allergen information on the pack.
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Not sealing an opened pack properly
How you store your oats matters too, especially when stocking up in a student room. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping them in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container.
Choose a pack or storage container that you can seal securely after use.
Brands and own-label options to consider
Brinta
The Brinta Porridge Oats 450 g we looked at are an option if you’re after fine flakes.
- Albert Heijn describes the flakes in this product as extra fine and quick to prepare.
- The product information warns that traces of wheat and rye may be present. Check the label if allergens are a consideration for you.
Quaker
Quaker sells both regular porridge oats and Express varieties in individual portions.
- According to the product information, the regular 600 g oats we looked at contain wholegrain oats. Quaker describes Oats Express Original as individually portioned.
- Oats Express Cinnamon also lists sugar and flavourings. Check the ingredients for the variety you choose.
Albert Heijn huismerk
AH Wholegrain Fine Porridge Oats are an own-label option if you’re looking for a 500 g pack of fine flakes.
- The ingredients information we looked at lists wholegrain oats.
- The pack states that barley, spelt, rye and wheat may be present.
Jumbo huismerk
Jumbo lists fine wholegrain oat flakes in 500 g and 1 kg packs, among other options.
- You can choose a pack size that suits the space you have for storing your oats in a sealed container.
- For the fine flakes we looked at, Jumbo states that barley, rye and wheat may be present.
Lidl / Crownfield
Lidl lists a 500 g pack of Crownfield organic porridge oats.
- The pack size is clearly stated, so you can compare it with the space in your cupboard.
- Lidl says this product is only available in store. Check your local branch if you’re looking for this variety.
ALDI / Golden Bridge
ALDI lists Golden Bridge wholegrain porridge oats in fine and jumbo flakes.
- Choose the type of oats to suit your preferred preparation method and texture. The fine variety we looked at comes in a 500 g pack.
- Check the variety and the information on the pack when choosing in store.
Porridge oat products at Joybuy
These products come in different pack sizes and include regular porridge oats, fine flakes and an Express variety to help you stock up for your student room. Check each product to find the preparation method and pack size that suit you.
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Brinta Porridge Oats 450 g
An option if you’re after fine flakes for a quick-to-prepare breakfast. Albert Heijn describes these Brinta Porridge Oats as extra fine, and the pack contains 450 g. Check the allergen information on the pack if that’s important to your choice.
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Quaker Express Porridge Oats 324 g
An Express variety to consider if you’d rather not weigh out a portion on busy mornings. The pack contains 324 g. Check the preparation instructions and ingredients for this variety on the label.
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Quaker Porridge Oats 600 g
A regular porridge oat base if you want to decide how to prepare your breakfast. The pack contains 600 g, and the product information we looked at lists wholegrain oats. Store an opened pack tightly sealed.
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Zonnatura Organic Porridge Oats 500 g
A 500 g pack to consider if you’re looking for organic porridge oats. Check the label for the type of oats, preparation instructions and allergen information for this variety.
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Quaker Porridge Oats 375 g
A smaller pack of regular porridge oats if you want to see how much storage space you need before buying more. The pack contains 375 g. Check the pack for serving sizes and allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
How should I store an opened pack of porridge oats in my student room?
Keep it in a cool, dry, dark place and make sure it’s properly sealed. For opened porridge oats stored in a kitchen cupboard, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives a storage period of one year. Check the instructions on your pack too.
Are regular porridge oats suitable for people with coeliac disease?
Not necessarily: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that oat products can come into contact with gluten. If you have coeliac disease, choose only a pack with the official Crossed Grain symbol and check the allergen information.
Do all Express varieties have the same ingredients?
No, the ingredients differ between varieties. Quaker lists sugar and flavourings in Oats Express Cinnamon, so check the ingredients list for the exact flavour you want to buy.