Picnickers who want to use a larger pack
If you’re taking porridge oats for a group or for several outings, regular oats could be a good fit. You’ll need to measure out the portions and sort out how to prepare them yourself.
Which format works best for you?
Picnickers with hot water but limited equipment
If you want to make a single portion on the spot without bringing your own bowl, a cup could work well. Check how much hot water you’ll need and how long the porridge has to stand.
Shoppers who need to check the label carefully
If you have allergies or coeliac disease, the ingredients and information on the current packaging are especially important. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats are only suitable for people with coeliac disease if the official Crossed Grain symbol appears on the pack.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether you’ll prepare the porridge at home or in the park, and what equipment you’ll take with you. Then compare the packaging and the label.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount per pack | Check the pack size and consider whether you’ll use any leftover oats. | For a group or several picnics, I want to measure out my own portions without leaving the rest unused. An estimated 33% of consumers say this is their top priority. |
| Preparation and equipment | Check the preparation instructions, how much water you’ll need and whether you need a bowl. | If I’m taking very little with me, I want to know whether hot water from a flask will be enough. An estimated 27% of consumers put this first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current label; if you have coeliac disease, also look for the official Crossed Grain symbol. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I need to be able to check the exact variety. This is the main concern for an estimated 20% of consumers. |
| Nutritional information | Compare the ingredients, sugars and fibre per 100 g for the varieties you’re considering. | I want to know how a plain variety differs from a flavoured one before choosing. An estimated 20% of consumers prioritise this information. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming every instant variety contains only oats
According to Jumbo, Jumbo Havermout Porties Original contains sugar as well as wholegrain oats. Albert Heijn’s apple and cinnamon cup contains milk and almonds, among other ingredients.
Check the ingredients and allergen information for the variety you’ve chosen, even if you know another product from the same brand.
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Assuming regular oats are automatically gluten-free
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that oats can become contaminated with gluten during processing. If you have coeliac disease, the information on the specific pack is therefore important.
Check the current label for the official Crossed Grain symbol.
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Taking prepared porridge made with dairy without keeping it chilled
If a product would normally be kept in the fridge, it’s important to consider how long it will be out of the fridge during your picnic.
Take it in a cool bag. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises throwing away these products if they’ve been kept unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo offers both regular wholegrain porridge oats and individual portions.
- With regular oats, you can measure out your own portions.
- According to the product information, Jumbo Havermout Porties Original contains 90% wholegrain oats as well as sugar.
Quaker
Quaker offers regular porridge oats and Oats Express sachets.
- For Oats Express Naturel, Albert Heijn gives a preparation time of two minutes using a microwave or saucepan.
- If you’re taking it on a picnic, check where you’ll be able to prepare it.
Albert Heijn
The AH Oat & go range includes single-serve cups that you prepare with hot water.
- According to Albert Heijn, the apple and cinnamon cup needs 155 ml of hot water and four minutes to stand.
- This variety contains milk and almonds, so check the label for anyone sharing your picnic.
Lidl Healthy Fit
Lidl lists Healthy Fit Proteïne havermout as an in-store product.
- The product name makes it easy to recognise this variety in store.
- Before choosing it for your picnic, check the packaging for ingredients, nutritional information and preparation instructions.
Porridge products on Joybuy
This selection includes two Quaker Express varieties and a pack of regular Zonnatura porridge oats. For all three, think about where and how you’ll prepare the porridge during your picnic.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
An option if you want to take an Express variety with you and can plan how to prepare it.
Pack size: 324 g. Check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the current packaging.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g
Another Express variety to consider if you want to compare the ingredients in each pack.
Pack size: 302 g. Check the preparation instructions on the current packaging before packing for your picnic.
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Zonnatura Organic Whole Wheat Oatmeal 500 g
A pack of regular porridge oats for anyone who wants to measure out their own portion.
Pack size: 500 g. Check the preparation instructions before taking these oats as a picnic meal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare a porridge cup in the park without a kitchen?
Yes, as long as you can bring the hot water the cup needs. According to Albert Heijn, the AH Oat & go apple and cinnamon cup needs 155 ml of hot water and four minutes to stand; without hot water, it won’t be ready to eat.
How can I take porridge made with milk or yoghurt with me?
Keep porridge made with dairy chilled during your picnic if it would normally need to be refrigerated. A cool bag is one option. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises throwing away these products if they’ve been kept unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
Are regular porridge oats automatically gluten-free?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can become contaminated with gluten during processing. For people with coeliac disease, the Centre says the pack must carry the official Crossed Grain symbol.
Do I need to check for allergens in instant porridge too?
Yes, check the allergen information for the exact variety. For example, the AH Oat & go apple and cinnamon cup contains milk and almonds; the ingredients in another sachet or flavour may be different.