If you need to follow a strict gluten-free diet, choose porridge oats labelled gluten-free and, ideally, carrying the Crossed Grain symbol. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, regular oats can come into contact with grains containing gluten. If you don’t need to avoid gluten, you could consider regular porridge oats; if you have other food allergies, always check the ingredients and allergen information on the latest packaging.
If you need to avoid gluten strictly, the gluten-free status of the oats matters more than simply seeing ‘oats’ in the ingredients list. For oats, the Dutch Coeliac Society recommends choosing a product with the Crossed Grain symbol wherever possible.
If you need to avoid other ingredients, check the allergen information for the specific product. A gluten-free label doesn’t tell you whether it is free from other allergens.
If you’re looking for regular porridge oats, you can compare factors such as pack size and preparation method. Even so, check the label if you need to avoid another allergen.
First, work out which allergens you need to avoid. Then compare the pack size and preparation method of products that meet your requirements.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Most relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly gluten-free | Look for a gluten-free label, ideally with the Crossed Grain symbol, and check the latest packaging. | If I need to follow a strict gluten-free diet, I want to know that the oats are suitable for my needs, not just that oats are an ingredient. Around 33% of consumers put this reassurance first. |
| Other allergens | Check the ingredients and allergen information for the version you’ve chosen, especially for products with added ingredients. | If I have another food allergy, I need to know whether this particular product contains an ingredient I avoid. Around 27% of consumers put this product-specific check first. |
| Regular porridge oats | Compare pack sizes and check that the allergen information suits your needs. | If I don’t need to avoid gluten strictly, I’m mainly looking for a pack of regular porridge oats that suits how often I make porridge. This is the first consideration for around 27% of consumers. |
| Portions and preparation | Check the pack size and preparation instructions; read the allergen information again for each version. | If I want to take porridge with me or prepare it quickly, the pack size matters a lot. Around 13% of consumers put convenience first. |
According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, oats can come into contact with grains containing gluten. Quaker also states that its Oatmeal Original may contain barley and wheat.
If you need to avoid gluten strictly, choose a product with an appropriate gluten-free label, ideally with the Crossed Grain symbol, and check the packaging of the product you’re buying.
The allergen information that matters to your choice is the information for the specific version you’re buying. Another product from the same brand may have different ingredients or warnings.
Check the label on the product each time you buy it, even if you already know the brand.
Albert Heijn lists 450 g of gluten-free wholegrain porridge oats.
Jumbo has product ranges for shoppers looking specifically for gluten-free groceries.
Quaker sells porridge oats in various pack sizes, including Original and Express.
ALDI lists 500 g of fine wholegrain porridge oats under the Golden Bridge brand.
Lidl lists organic porridge oats under the Crownfield brand.
These Quaker products are available in different pack sizes if you’re looking for porridge oats. Don’t use them as a gluten-free option unless the latest packaging carries an appropriate label; also check for any other allergens you need to avoid.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a different pack size for preparing porridge oats.
The product information mentions gluten and possible traces of soya, wheat and barley. Check the latest packaging if you need to avoid any of these allergens; if you follow a strict gluten-free diet, don’t rely on the product name.
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This 600 g pack may suit you if you’re looking for regular porridge oats and prefer a larger size.
The product information mentions the possible presence of wheat and barley. Read the latest allergen information; don’t treat this version as gluten-free unless the packaging carries an appropriate label.
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This 375 g pack is one size to compare if you’re looking for regular porridge oats.
The product information mentions the possible presence of wheat and barley. Check the packaging for allergen information and any gluten-free label before deciding whether this product suits your needs.
Don’t assume regular porridge oats are suitable if you have coeliac disease: according to the Dutch Coeliac Society, oats can come into contact with grains containing gluten. Look for a gluten-free label, ideally with the Crossed Grain symbol, and check the latest packaging.
Yes, check the allergen information on the packaging of the product you’re buying now. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that pre-packed products must show allergen information on the label; the brand name alone doesn’t tell you which labels apply to this version.
Regular porridge oats may be an option if you don’t need a strictly gluten-free product and the ingredients and allergen information suit your needs. Then compare the pack size and preparation method you’d prefer.
No, the label ‘organic’ doesn’t confirm that porridge oats are gluten-free. If you need to avoid gluten strictly, look for a gluten-free label on the specific product and check the other allergen information too.
