Households looking to stock up
If you regularly make a quick bowl of porridge, savoury or otherwise, you’ll want to have enough in the cupboard and be able to store an opened pack properly.
Who is this relevant to?
Home cooks short on prep time
On a busy weeknight, you want to make a warm base without too many steps or much measuring.
Shoppers who read labels carefully
Ingredients, allergen information and any warnings about traces can all affect which pack is right for you.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether you want to measure it out yourself, how you’ll prepare the oats and whether the base will work with a savoury dish. Then check the label on the pack you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size and keeping a stock | Check the net weight and whether you can seal the pack properly after opening. | If I make porridge on several evenings, I want enough in the cupboard without having to open a new pack each time. An estimated 33% of consumers put this need first. |
| Preparation and measuring | Read the preparation instructions and check whether the oats are loose in the pack or divided into individual portions. | If I start cooking late, I want to do as little measuring as possible and know how to prepare it. An estimated 27% of consumers consider this the most important factor. |
| Savoury dishes | Check the ingredients of a plain variety and choose the oat texture you’d like to use. | If I’m adding vegetables and egg to my bowl, I want a base without a flavour that could clash with the savoury ingredients. An estimated 20% of consumers put this first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients, allergen information and warnings about possible traces on the current packaging. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients or allergens, I need the label to help me make an informed choice. An estimated 20% of consumers prioritise this. |
Common mistakes
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Confusing a large pack with individual portions
Both can make several bowls, but with loose oats you measure them out yourself; portion sachets are pre-measured individually.
Check the net weight and pack format, then choose what suits the way you use them.
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Choosing flavoured oats for a savoury dish
An added flavour may work less well with vegetables, egg or savoury herbs than a plain oat base.
Read the ingredients list if you plan to use the oats as a savoury base.
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Assuming regular oats are suitable for coeliac disease
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can be contaminated with gluten, so the word ‘oats’ alone isn’t enough.
For people with coeliac disease, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre says the pack must carry the official Crossed Grain mark. Check the latest allergen information too.
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Not sealing an opened large pack properly
A larger pack stays open for longer when you use its contents over several meals.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, store opened oats in a cool, dry, dark place and keep them well sealed.
Brands to consider
Quaker
Worth considering if you want to use individual portions for a quick bowl.
- Quaker describes Oats Express Naturel as a pack containing 12 portions of wholegrain oats.
- For other Quaker varieties, check the flavour and ingredients separately; the information for Naturel doesn’t necessarily apply to the whole range.
Brinta
An option if you want to use extra-fine oat flakes as a warm base.
- Albert Heijn lists Brinta Havermout as containing 100% oat flakes, with microwave preparation taking two minutes at 900 watts.
- For this product, Albert Heijn warns that it may contain traces of wheat and rye. Read the label if allergens are important to your choice.
Jumbo
The own-label range includes both a large pack of fine wholegrain oats and individual portions.
- Jumbo lists a 1 kg value pack of fine wholegrain oats.
- Individual portions and a large pack don’t save you measuring in the same way.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
An own-label brand to consider if you want regular wholegrain oats to measure out yourself.
- ALDI lists fine and coarse wholegrain oats from Golden Bridge, each in a 500 g pack.
- Choose the type of oat flakes for the texture you want and follow the preparation instructions on your chosen pack.
Crownfield (Lidl)
A brand to consider if you’re specifically looking for organic oats.
- Lidl lists Crownfield Organic Oats as a 500 g in-store product.
- For a comparison, read the ingredients and nutrition information on the pack.
Oat products on Joybuy
These products suit two ways of making a quick bowl of porridge: measuring oats out of a pack yourself or using individual portions. Before preparing a savoury dish, check the ingredients and preparation instructions for your chosen variety.
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Brinta Oatmeal 450 g
A pack you can measure out yourself for a warm bowl of porridge.
450 g pack. Check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the label.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
An option if you want to use individual portions for a quick evening bowl.
324 g pack. Read the preparation instructions, ingredients and allergen information for this variety.
Frequently asked questions
Is a large pack of oats practical for a quick evening meal?
Yes, if you want to measure the oats yourself and have time to prepare them. A savoury porridge recipe from the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives a cooking time of five to six minutes; follow the instructions on your product’s packaging.
How should I store opened oats?
Store opened oats in a cool, dry, dark place and keep them well sealed. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing opened oats in a kitchen cupboard for up to one year.
Are oats automatically gluten-free?
No, the name ‘oats’ doesn’t guarantee that. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can be contaminated with gluten. For people with coeliac disease, the relevant requirement is the official Crossed Grain mark on the pack.
What information on the label can help me choose?
At the very least, check the ingredients, allergens, net quantity and nutrition information on the pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists these details, where applicable, as part of the information that must appear on food labels.