Who are these options for?

Anyone checking sugar information

You want to choose a product with no added sugars for Easter lunch, while also knowing how much sugar it contains. So compare the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g.

Anyone preparing food just before lunch

You’re looking for a neutral oat base that’s quick to serve, with options such as yoghurt, milk, fruit or nuts for guests to add themselves. Albert Heijn gives a preparation time of two minutes for Quaker Oats Express Naturel.

Anyone weighing up protein and ingredients

You’re considering an instant option with a higher stated protein content and want to know where the protein comes from. Quaker Oats Express Protein’s product information lists soya protein and soya lecithin.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you’re specifically looking for a product labelled ‘sugar-free’, or whether you mainly want to avoid added sugars. Then compare preparation and ingredients: a pre-measured instant portion is a different option from flakes you measure out yourself.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Added and naturally occurring sugars Read the ingredients and compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘no added sugars’ doesn’t mean a product contains no sugars. I don’t want to serve added sugars, but I don’t want to overlook sugars that are already present. Around 42% of consumers put this sugar check first.
Preparation and portions Check the preparation instructions and whether you’re buying pre-measured portions or a pack to portion out yourself. If I’m only starting just before lunch, I want to know how much preparation is involved. For around 33% of consumers, speed and ease of serving come first.
Protein and allergens Check the protein content per 100 g, the source of the protein and the allergen information on the current packaging. A higher stated protein content is only useful to me if the ingredients are also suitable for my guests. Around 25% of consumers put this consideration first.

Common mistakes

  • Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘no sugars’

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that a product with no added sugars may still contain sugars that are naturally present. So the statement on the front doesn’t tell you how much sugar the product contains in total.

    Also check ‘of which sugars’ in the nutrition table and compare products per 100 g.

  • Treating a protein option as ordinary porridge oats

    According to its product information, Quaker Oats Express Protein contains 15% soya protein and soya lecithin. That means its ingredients differ from porridge oats made with oats as the only ingredient.

    Check the ingredients if you want to avoid soya or are looking for a product with a short ingredients list.

  • Assuming porridge oats are always gluten-free

    The Quaker Naturel option mentioned here may contain barley and wheat; Brinta Havermout may contain wheat and rye.

    If you need a gluten-free option, look for a suitable statement on the current packaging rather than relying on the product category.

  • Leaving the shopping until Easter Sunday

    The Dutch government states that Sunday shop opening varies by municipality. So typical opening hours don’t necessarily tell you whether the branch you’re planning to visit will be open.

    Buy your porridge oats in advance or check the current opening hours for your local branch before setting off.

Brands with relevant oat products

Quaker

The Oats Express options are worth considering if you’re looking for a quick-to-prepare, pre-measured portion for Easter lunch.

  • According to the product information, Oats Express Naturel is made from wholegrain oats and is ready in two minutes. Both Naturel and Protein are described as having no added sugars.
  • According to the product information, Protein contains 15% soya protein and soya lecithin. Neither option should be considered literally sugar-free just because it has no added sugars.

Brinta

Brinta Havermout is a pack of extra-fine oat flakes for anyone who wants to measure out several portions themselves.

  • Jumbo lists 100% oat flakes as the ingredients and describes the extra-fine flakes as quick to prepare.
  • These aren’t individually measured instant portions. The product information states that the product may contain wheat and rye.

Golden Bridge

ALDI’s own-brand range includes fine wholegrain porridge oats in a 500 g pack, which you can use as a base and portion out yourself.

  • The product name and pack size make it clear which type of oat product you’re comparing.
  • Check the ingredients and nutrition information on the pack before choosing it to avoid added sugars.

Crownfield

This Lidl own-brand range includes organic porridge oats in a 500 g pack, for anyone looking for a pack of oats as a base.

  • The pack contains 500 g of porridge oats to portion out yourself.
  • Check the current ingredients and nutrition information if added or other sugars will influence your choice.

Oat products for Easter lunch

These two Joybuy products suit different needs for Easter lunch: a Quaker instant portion for anyone also keeping an eye on protein content, and Leev porridge oats to portion out yourself. If a confirmed short preparation time is your main priority, compare the preparation instructions for the product you want to buy.

Quaker Oats Express Protein, 302 g pack

Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g

For anyone looking for a quick-to-prepare portion of oats just before Easter lunch and taking the stated protein content into account.

The product information gives a preparation time of two minutes, 22 g of protein and 1,2 g of sugars per 100 g. The ingredients include 15% soya protein and soya lecithin; check the current allergen information before serving.

View at Joybuy
Leev Dutch Oatmeal, 450 g pack

Leev Dutch Oatmeal 450 g

For anyone who would rather measure out their porridge oats from a 450 g pack for Easter lunch.

Check the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figure on the current packaging if you want to avoid added sugars. Also check the preparation instructions if you’re planning to serve the oats just before lunch. If you need a gluten-free option, rely only on a clear, suitable statement on the packaging.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the same as ‘sugar-free’?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘no added sugars’ means that no sugars or other products used for their sweetening properties have been added; sugars that are naturally present may still be there. So also check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g.

Which porridge oats can I prepare just before Easter lunch?

For Quaker Oats Express Naturel, Albert Heijn gives a preparation time of two minutes using a microwave or saucepan. Also check the portion size and preparation instructions on the pack so you know how much you’ll need for your guests.

Can I choose Quaker Oats Express Protein if I need to avoid soya or gluten?

Not if you need to avoid soya: the product information lists soya protein and soya lecithin. If you need a gluten-free option, you should also check the current packaging for a suitable gluten-free statement; the product information says it may contain barley and wheat.

Can I still buy porridge oats on Easter Sunday?

You can only tell by checking the current opening hours for a specific shop. The Dutch government states that Sunday shop opening varies by municipality, so check your local branch before setting off, or buy your porridge oats in advance.