Pupils and parents short on time before school
A plain oat base that’s quick to prepare before you leave can save you measuring it out. Portion sachets give you a set amount, while loose flakes let you decide for yourself.
Who is this choice relevant to?
People looking to avoid added sugars
The claim ‘no added sugars’ answers a different question from ‘sugar-free’. So check the claim, the ingredients and the amount of sugars in the nutrition table.
Families who need to avoid gluten
Regular oat products are not automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises looking for the official Crossed Grain symbol on oat products; also check the latest allergen information.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you need a product that is ‘sugar-free’ or has ‘no added sugars’, and check for any allergens. Then compare the preparation method and portioning options for eating at home or packing for a school lunch.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar claim | Read the exact claim, the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. Don’t treat ‘sugar-free’ and ‘no added sugars’ as interchangeable. | I want to avoid added sugars without overlooking naturally occurring sugars. For around 36% of consumers, this would be the main consideration. |
| Preparation time | Compare the preparation method and time with what’s possible before you leave, including the liquid required. | If the morning is short, I want to know whether I can prepare the porridge in time. Quick preparation would be the top priority for roughly 29% of consumers. |
| Gluten and allergens | Check the allergens and ‘may contain’ statements on the packaging. For coeliac disease, look for the official Crossed Grain symbol, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre for oat products. | If I need to avoid gluten or another allergen, I need to know whether the product is suitable before anything else, even if it’s quick to prepare. For around 21% of consumers, this check would be the main priority. |
| Portions | Decide whether you want ready-portioned sachets or would rather measure out the amount yourself from a larger pack. | I want to choose my own portion and don’t mind measuring it out. For around 14% of consumers, this flexibility would matter most. |
Common mistakes
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Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’
Quaker Oats Express Naturel states that it contains no added sugars, but according to the product information it does contain 1 g of sugars per 100 g. So that first claim alone doesn’t meet a requirement that literally says ‘sugar-free’.
Decide which claim you need, then check the packaging and the ‘of which sugars’ line.
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Assuming regular porridge oats are gluten-free
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products can be contaminated with gluten. Products may also carry warnings about other grains.
If you have coeliac disease, check the packaging for the official Crossed Grain symbol. If you have other allergies, also read the ingredients and ‘may contain’ statements.
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Choosing a portion sachet without thinking about lunch
A set portion saves you measuring before school, but it doesn’t tell you how the porridge is prepared or how to take it with you if it’s intended for lunch.
Check whether it will be prepared at home and whether the portion format suits the school day.
Brands to consider
Quaker
Oats Express Naturel is available in individual portions; there’s also a protein version.
- According to the product information, Naturel contains 12 portions and has no added sugars, but does contain 1 g of sugars per 100 g.
- The protein version also contains soya. Check the latest allergen information for both versions; regular oats are not automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease.
Brinta
According to Albert Heijn, Brinta Havermout contains 100% oat flakes; the extra-fine flakes are designed for quick, hot preparation.
- With the larger pack, you can decide how much to use and what to add.
- Albert Heijn states that the product may contain traces of wheat and rye. Check the packaging if you need to avoid gluten.
Jumbo
Jumbo sells both regular oat flakes and individual products in its gluten-free range.
- Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten Havermout was described as carrying the Crossed Grain symbol.
- A gluten-free label on its own tells you nothing about preparation time or the sugar claim. Check these separately on the product you choose.
Albert Heijn
The range offers options to compare portions, regular porridge oats and a protein version separately.
- Product information can help you compare the ingredients and nutritional values of each version.
- The AH protein porridge oats reviewed state that they contain 0.8 g of added sugars per 100 g. If you want to avoid added sugars, don’t choose this version based on its product category alone.
Golden Bridge
Golden Bridge fine wholegrain porridge oats are an option if you want to portion them yourself from a 500 g pack.
- Measuring out your own amount lets you adjust the portion size.
- Before choosing this version for a specific dietary or gluten requirement, check the ingredients, sugar claim and allergens on the packaging.
Related products at Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the same as ‘sugar-free’?
No, they are different claims. Quaker Oats Express Naturel states that it contains no added sugars, but according to the product information it contains 1 g of sugars per 100 g. If ‘sugar-free’ is a requirement for you, check that the claim appears on the packaging of the product you choose.
Can someone with coeliac disease eat regular porridge oats?
Not without checking the packaging. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, regular oat products can be contaminated with gluten, and the official Crossed Grain symbol is important for oat products if you have coeliac disease. Also read the latest allergen information.
What should I check if porridge is going to school?
Read the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements on the current packaging. Also check the school’s allergy policy and decide whether the porridge will be prepared before you leave.
How can I choose what to add to plain porridge oats?
Start with plain porridge oats and, if you like, add fruit or cinnamon separately. If the school lunch is affected by any dietary requirements, check the ingredients and allergens of those additions too.