Holidaymakers keeping an eye on fibre
You want to make a simple breakfast and check how much fibre a portion of porridge oats provides. What you eat for the rest of the day matters too.
Who are these choices relevant to?
Self-caterers buying for several breakfasts
You choose a pack size to suit the number of people and mornings, so you can use what’s inside during your stay.
Travellers short on preparation time or with dietary restrictions
You check what kitchen equipment is available and how the oats need to be prepared. If you have coeliac disease, you’ll need to check whether the product is suitable separately.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how many breakfasts you’ll be making and what equipment the holiday cottage has. Then compare the fibre content for the same quantity of oats, and check the allergen information if needed.
| What to look for | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre and ingredients | Compare fibre per 100 g and per portion; check whether wholegrain oats are the main ingredient. | If I choose porridge oats as the basis for my breakfast, I want to know how much fibre my usual portion provides. This nutritional information is the top priority for around 44% of consumers. |
| Pack size | Check the net weight and how many breakfasts you expect to make during your stay. | If I’m making breakfast several times, I want to have enough oats without having lots left over when I leave. The right pack size is the most important factor for around 33% of consumers. |
| Preparation and suitability | Read the preparation instructions and check what equipment is available. If you have coeliac disease, also check the label and Crossed Grain trademark. | If I’m short on time or have a dietary restriction, I need to know whether I can prepare and eat the oats in the holiday cottage. Ease of preparation or suitability for a particular diet is the priority for around 23% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Thinking a bowl of porridge covers all your fibre needs
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, 40 g of porridge oats provides an average of 4.4 g of fibre. What else you eat during the day still matters for your overall fibre intake.
Think of porridge oats as part of your meals, and consider other sources of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods, when shopping for the rest of your holiday groceries.
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Assuming ordinary oats are automatically gluten-free
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products may contain gluten due to contact with other grains. So, seeing ‘oats’ or ‘wholegrain’ on the pack doesn’t confirm that a product is suitable for someone with coeliac disease.
If you’re choosing porridge oats for someone with coeliac disease, check the latest label and the official Crossed Grain trademark.
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Choosing individual sachets without considering your stay
Individual portions save you measuring, but you’ll need more sachets if there are several people and breakfasts to cater for. A large bag, on the other hand, needs space to store once opened.
Count how many breakfasts you’re planning and compare pack sizes before choosing between a large bag and individual portions.
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Relying only on online product information
The ingredients and allergen information on the pack you buy are important when you’re checking whether a product is suitable for a particular diet.
When you buy or receive the product, read the latest label, including the ingredients, allergens and storage advice.
Brands and shops to consider
Brinta
Brinta makes extra-fine oat flakes for anyone wanting to make a hot breakfast in their holiday cottage.
- Albert Heijn describes the flakes on its product page as extra fine and quick to prepare.
- If gluten is a concern when choosing a product, check the allergen information on the pack.
Quaker
Quaker offers both plain porridge oats in a larger pack and Express individual portions.
- Albert Heijn lists Quaker Oats Express Natural as containing twelve individual sachets.
- Compare the portion size, ingredients and allergens for each variety; the packs aren’t all the same.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn is a shop where you can compare product information for different types of porridge oats.
- The individual product pages make it easier to check ingredients and pack formats.
- A shop’s name doesn’t tell you what each product contains; check the specific product you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo sells fine wholegrain oat flakes, among other products, in a 1 kg pack for making breakfast several times.
- The stated pack size helps you choose an amount to suit the number of breakfasts you’re planning.
- Check the ingredients and whether other grains may be present in the product you choose.
Lidl
Lidl is one shop to look for oat flakes in once you arrive.
- Lidl Netherlands lists the oat flakes shown as an in-store product.
- Check the label on the specific product for nutritional information and allergens.
ALDI / Golden Bridge
ALDI lists Golden Bridge fine or coarse wholegrain porridge oats in a 1 kg pack.
- Choosing between fine and coarse flakes lets you pick the texture you prefer.
- Check the nutritional information and allergens on the pack for the variety you choose.
Porridge oats for a short stay
This individual-portion pack may suit you if you don’t want to measure out porridge oats in your holiday cottage. Before buying, check that the preparation instructions work with the kitchen equipment available.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g
Worth considering if you’re looking for pre-measured porridge oats for a short stay. The pack contains 324 g; check the label for preparation instructions and allergen information before use.
Frequently asked questions
How much fibre is in a portion of porridge oats?
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, 40 g of porridge oats contains an average of 4.4 g of fibre. If you’re comparing a different product or portion, check the nutritional information for the same quantity.
Can I choose ordinary porridge oats if I have coeliac disease?
An ordinary pack isn’t automatically suitable for someone with coeliac disease. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products may contain gluten due to contact with other grains. So, check the official Crossed Grain trademark and the allergen information on the pack.
What do I need to prepare porridge oats in a holiday cottage?
It depends on the preparation instructions for the product you choose, which may require a saucepan or microwave. Check what equipment is available before you leave and follow the instructions on the pack.
Where can I check the allergens in porridge oats?
Check the allergen information on the label of the pack you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly stated on the label. Also read the ingredients and any warnings for the specific product.