Families making several bowls at once
A larger pack gives you the freedom to choose your own portions and toppings. Check the pack size and think about how many bowls you usually make.
Which pack size works best for you?
Families having breakfast at different times
Individual portions can save you measuring out oats when everyone isn’t sitting down to eat at the same time. Check how many portions are in the pack you choose and how to prepare them.
Households with strict allergen requirements
The ingredients and allergen information for the specific variety are what matter here. For coeliac disease, the Voedingscentrum recommends looking for the official Crossed Grain mark on suitable oat products.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’ll make one larger batch for Sunday breakfast or prepare individual bowls. Then compare the pack size, preparation instructions and label of the variety you want to buy.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Stock and quantity | Check the net weight and portion guidance; choose a pack size to suit the number of bowls you make. | If I make several bowls on a Sunday, I want to have enough oats in the cupboard and be able to serve them myself. For around 42% of consumers, keeping a good supply is the top priority. |
| Preparation and portions | Check the preparation instructions, cooking time and number of individual portions. | When everyone has breakfast at a different time, I want to do as little measuring as possible for each bowl. Around 33% of consumers give this portioning convenience top priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information for each variety. If you have coeliac disease, check for the official Crossed Grain mark. | If someone at home needs to avoid certain grains, I want to know what’s in the pack before preparing it. For around 25% of consumers, the ingredients are the first thing they consider. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a big bag is the same as instant porridge oats
Fine flakes and instant portions may need to be prepared differently. You’ll notice the difference most when family members each want to make their own bowl quickly.
Read the preparation instructions on the pack before deciding which type is right for your breakfast routine.
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Assuming plain oats are automatically gluten-free
According to the Voedingscentrum, oat products can be contaminated with gluten. The word ‘oats’ alone isn’t enough to determine whether a product is suitable for someone with coeliac disease.
If you have coeliac disease, check the current pack for the official Crossed Grain mark.
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Treating a Protein variety as plain porridge oats
Varieties with extra ingredients may have a different composition. For example, the Jumbo Havermout Proteïne described by Jumbo contained wheat protein crisps as well as oats.
Compare the full ingredients list of the specific variety with that of plain porridge oats, especially if ingredients or allergens affect your choice.
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Relying on a label you checked previously
Ingredients, allergen information and pack sizes can vary or change between varieties. A similar product name doesn’t tell you everything about what’s inside.
Before using the product, read the information on the pack you actually bought.
Brands to consider
Quaker
Offers plain porridge oats and Oats Express portions. The latter are worth considering if family members have breakfast separately.
- Quaker states that Oats Express takes 2 minutes to prepare. According to Quaker, the Naturel variety contains 12 portion sachets.
- Quaker says it cannot guarantee that its products are completely gluten-free. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the variety you choose.
Brinta
The 450 g Brinta Havermout described by Albert Heijn contains fine oat flakes for a warm breakfast bowl.
- Albert Heijn lists 100% oat flakes as the ingredient in this product.
- The product information notes that it may contain wheat and rye. If you have allergen requirements, check the current pack.
Albert Heijn
AH Volkoren havermout fijne vlokken, 500 g, is an option if you want to choose how much goes into each bowl.
- Albert Heijn lists wholegrain oat flakes as an ingredient in this variety.
- The product information notes that it may contain other cereals, including barley, rye, spelt and wheat.
Jumbo
The range includes plain porridge oats in a larger pack, as well as varieties with a different composition.
- Jumbo listed fine wholegrain porridge oats in a 1 kg pack, which could suit you if you want to make several bowls from one bag.
- The Jumbo Havermout Proteïne described also contains wheat protein crisps. Don’t treat this variety as having the same ingredients as plain porridge oats.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
ALDI lists both fine and coarse wholegrain porridge oats under the Golden Bridge name, in 500 g packs.
- Choosing between fine and coarse flakes makes texture another factor to consider alongside pack size.
- If you have allergen requirements or follow a strict diet, check the ingredients and information on the specific pack.
Porridge oat varieties on Joybuy
These two Quaker Oats Express varieties are a good fit if you want to make a quick individual bowl for Sunday breakfast. Compare the pack sizes and check the ingredients and portion guidance for each variety.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
For anyone who wants to prepare individual bowls of porridge oats. This pack contains 324 g; check the label for portion guidance and allergen information.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g
For anyone who wants to compare the Protein variety with plain porridge oats. This pack contains 302 g; compare the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the label before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
Is a big bag of porridge oats always more convenient for a family?
No. A big bag works well when you’re making several bowls and measuring out the portions yourself; individual instant portions are a better fit when family members have breakfast at different times. Also consider how the oats are prepared and how much you’ll actually use.
How do you work out how much porridge oats you need for Sunday breakfast?
Use the portion guidance on the pack as a starting point, then adjust the number of portions to suit the number of people eating. If you’re buying portion sachets, check how many are in the pack.
Are plain porridge oats suitable for people with coeliac disease?
Not necessarily. The Voedingscentrum points out that oat products can be contaminated with gluten and says that suitable oat products for people with coeliac disease must carry the official Crossed Grain mark on the pack.
What should you check in the ingredients and allergen information?
Read the ingredients list, as well as the allergen and ‘may contain’ information on the specific pack. Albert Heijn notes that its fine wholegrain porridge oats may contain other cereals; the Protein variety described by Jumbo contains wheat protein crisps as an ingredient.
Do you have to make porridge oats with milk?
No. The porridge oat products described can be prepared with either water or milk. Follow the instructions on the pack for the variety you choose, as preparation can vary from product to product.