If you’re looking for a less-sweet base
You want to decide for yourself what to add to your porridge. Compare the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ figure: ‘no added sugars’ doesn’t mean that figure is zero.
Who are these options for?
If you want a quick breakfast
A measured serving can make things simpler when you’re doing your first food shop. With loose oats, you measure them out yourself; with sachets, check how many are in the pack and how to prepare them.
If you’re buying oats to keep in the cupboard
You’ll want to know how much a pack contains and be able to measure out your own portions. Check the net weight and preparation instructions for the product you choose.
What should you check when choosing?
First, decide whether you’re looking for a simple oat base, a quick measured serving or clear allergen information. Then compare the exact packs: loose oats, plain sachets and protein varieties don’t necessarily have the same ingredients.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars and ingredients | Read the ingredients list and compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g, including for products that state they have no added sugars. | If I want to decide what to add to my breakfast, I need to know exactly what’s in the oat base. Around 42% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Preparation | Check the preparation instructions, serving size and number of sachets if you’re considering a pack of individual portions. | On a busy morning, I want to get started without measuring a portion myself. Around 33% of consumers prioritise quick, measured servings. |
| Allergens | Read the allergen information on the exact pack, and look out for warnings about other cereals or soya. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I don’t want to rely on the product category alone. Around 25% of consumers make clear allergen information their top priority. |
A protein variety needs its own ingredients check. According to the information provided by Jumbo, Quaker Oats Express Proteïne Naturel contains soya protein and soya lecithin as well as wholegrain oats, so it isn’t the same as plain oats.
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘no added sugars’ means ‘sugar-free’
A nutrition table can still list sugars even when no sugars have been added. For example, Quaker lists 1.1 g of sugars per 100 g for Havermout Original.
Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and read the ingredients list. Also consider separately what you add to the oats yourself.
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Assuming all porridge oats have the same allergen information
According to Quaker’s product information, Havermout Original may contain barley and wheat. The plain sachets checked also mention possible traces of soya.
If you have an allergy or follow a strict diet, check the allergen information on the pack of the exact variety you’re buying.
Brands compared
These brands offer different pack formats and ingredients. Compare individual varieties within each brand rather than judging by the brand name alone.
Quaker
Quaker offers regular porridge oats, plain individual portions and a variety with added protein.
- For Havermout Original, Quaker lists 100% wholegrain oats as the ingredient, no added sugars and 1.1 g of sugars per 100 g.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information for the plain portions and protein variety separately; the protein variety checked contains soya.
Jumbo
The own-brand range includes fine and coarse wholegrain oat flakes in loose packs.
- You can choose between a fine and a coarse variety, then measure out your own portions.
- For ingredients, nutritional values and allergens, check the information for the exact own-brand variety.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
ALDI lists Golden Bridge fine wholegrain oats as a loose oat option.
- The variety listed is fine wholegrain oats in a 500 g pack.
- Check the nutritional information and allergens on the pack if they’re important to your choice.
Porridge oats at Joybuy
These products include individual portions and loose oats, giving you options to compare ingredients and convenience for your first food shop. Check the exact pack for each product, especially if the type of grain or allergens are important to your choice.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
An option if you’re looking for measured portions of porridge oats. The pack contains 324 g; check the exact pack for the number of portions, preparation instructions and allergen information.
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Quaker Oatmeal 600 g
Loose porridge oats are a good choice if you want to decide on your own portions and toppings. This pack contains 600 g; check the ingredients and allergen information for this variety before you buy.
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Zonnatura Organic Whole Wheat Oatmeal 500 g
A 500 g loose pack for anyone who wants to measure out their own portions. The product name says ‘Whole Wheat Oatmeal’, while the product description refers to wholegrain oats. If the type of grain, ingredients or allergens matter to your choice, check the exact pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean porridge oats are sugar-free?
No. The nutrition table may still list sugars. Quaker says that Havermout Original has no added sugars, but it does contain 1.1 g of sugars per 100 g. Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figures for the products you’re considering, using the same 100 g basis.
Where can I find the ingredients and allergen information for prepacked porridge oats?
Check the label on the exact pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that information about the contents and use of prepacked foods must be clearly legible on the label, and that allergen information must be included there.
Are plain porridge oats automatically free from wheat and barley?
No, you can’t tell from the name ‘porridge oats’ alone. For example, Quaker states that Havermout Original may contain barley and wheat. If you have an allergy or follow a strict diet, always check the allergen information on the specific pack.