Solo diners who don’t want to measure
Do you have your main meals delivered and make your own breakfast or light meal? A sachet saves you from measuring. Just check you can follow the preparation instructions where you plan to use it.
Who are single servings useful for?
People keeping an eye on their protein intake
A variety with added protein may be worth considering if you’re comparing the protein content of different products. Check where the protein comes from, too: the Quaker Express Protein variety listed contains soya protein.
People following a strict gluten-free diet
Don’t rely on the word ‘oats’ alone. The Dutch Coeliac Society advises checking the product labelling for gluten-free oats and recommends looking for the Crossed Grain symbol. Check the current label on the variety you choose.
What should you look for?
First decide whether you want a pre-measured dry serving, a pack you can portion yourself or ready-to-eat porridge. Then check how it’s prepared, how much is in the pack and which ingredients matter for your choice.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quick preparation without measuring | Check how many individual servings there are and whether the instructions call for a microwave or saucepan. | When I make my own breakfast, I don’t want to weigh out the oats first, and the preparation method needs to suit my kitchen. This convenience is a priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Serving size and storage | Compare the weight per serving with a pack you portion yourself; if the pack has been opened, check the storage instructions too. | I want to choose an amount that suits one meal without having to worry about storing an open pack. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
| Protein and ingredients | Compare the protein per 100 g and check which ingredients provide it. | If protein matters to me, I want to know what a variety offers and whether its ingredients suit my diet. This is the main purchase consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Dietary requirements and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information; if you follow a strict gluten-free diet, check for a gluten-free statement or the Crossed Grain symbol. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, suitable product labelling matters more than the convenience of a sachet. This is the most important consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all oats are gluten-free
According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, oats can come into contact with gluten-containing cereals during growing and processing. So ‘oats’ or ‘wholegrain’ on the front of a pack doesn’t mean it’s gluten-free.
If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, check the labelling on the exact pack you’re buying, ideally for the Crossed Grain symbol, and read the allergen information.
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Going by the word ‘Protein’ alone
Quaker Express Protein lists 22 g of protein per 100 g and, according to the product information, contains 15% soya protein. The variety may also contain barley and wheat.
Compare the nutritional information with your own dietary goals and check the ingredients before choosing this variety if soya or gluten-containing cereals matter to you.
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Assuming an express sachet is ready-to-eat porridge
A short preparation time doesn’t mean you won’t need equipment. The product information for Quaker Express Oats specifies a microwave or saucepan.
Before buying, read the instructions for the variety you’ve chosen and make sure you have the equipment and liquid you need.
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Choosing a large pack without thinking about storage
A standard pack doesn’t contain individually measured servings. Once it’s open, you’ll also need to store the remaining oats properly.
Choose a large pack if you’re happy to portion it yourself. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing oats in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container.
Comparing brands and product ranges
These product ranges show different pack formats; features of one variety don’t necessarily apply to every oat product from the same brand.
Quaker
Oats Express Naturel is an example of pre-measured oats, while Express Protein is a separate variety with added soya protein.
- The product information for standard Express Oats lists 12 sachets and preparation in a microwave or saucepan in two minutes.
- According to the product information, Express Protein contains 15% soya protein and may contain barley and wheat. Check the allergen information for each variety.
Jumbo
Jumbo Havermout Porties Original offers pre-measured servings; Lekker Vrij van Gluten Havermout is a separate product range sold in a larger pack.
- The Original pack contains five 27 g servings. Jumbo lists the Crossed Grain symbol for its separate Lekker Vrij van Gluten oats.
- The gluten-free labelling on that product range doesn’t tell you whether the Original servings are suitable.
Brinta
Brinta Havermout 450 g is an example of standard oats in a pack for those who prefer to portion them themselves.
- The product information lists 100% rolled oats and 11 servings per pack.
- The servings aren’t individually packaged; if you have dietary requirements, also check the information about possible traces of wheat and rye.
Upfront
The Oats Cup comes in a cup format, as an alternative to a dry sachet or standard pack.
- Jumbo lists 75 g Oats Cup varieties, including Chocolade and Appel Kaneel.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions for your chosen flavour separately.
Golden Bridge
This ALDI brand illustrates the option of standard oats instead of individually packaged servings.
- ALDI lists 1 kg of fine wholegrain oats, as well as coarse wholegrain oats.
- With a large pack, you’ll need to measure out the amount you want and store the rest once it’s open.
Products for different preparation methods
These products show three options to go with a meal delivery service: pre-measured express oats, an express variety with added soya protein, and ready-to-eat porridge in tins. A tin of ready-to-eat porridge isn’t the same as a sachet of dry oats that you prepare yourself, so check whether the quantity suits your meal.
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Quaker Express Oats 324 g
For one person who wants to make oats without measuring them out.
The product information lists 12 sachets and preparation in a microwave or saucepan in two minutes. If you have dietary requirements, check the current label; soya, barley and wheat may be present.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g
For anyone comparing an express oat variety with added protein to standard oats.
The product information lists 22 g of protein per 100 g and 15% soya protein. Check the preparation instructions on the pack and read the allergen information: barley and wheat may be present.
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Yin Lu Haozhoudao oatmeal porridge with coconut milk, 280 g × 12 tins
For anyone considering ready-to-eat porridge in individual tins instead of oats that need preparing.
The pack contains 12 tins of 280 g. Check that one tin is the right size for your meal, and read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose standard oats if I have coeliac disease?
Not without checking the product labelling. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, oats can come into contact with gluten-containing cereals. If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, choose oats labelled gluten-free, ideally with the Crossed Grain symbol, and follow personalised advice if you also react to pure oats.
Do I only need hot water to make a sachet?
Don’t assume so. The product information for Quaker Express Oats specifies a microwave or saucepan. Read the preparation instructions for your chosen variety before buying sachets to use somewhere with limited kitchen facilities.
How should I store an opened pack of oats?
Store it in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Also check the instructions on the pack and assess the product before use.
Do I automatically need protein oats to go with a meal delivery service?
No. Whether to choose a variety with added protein depends on your overall diet and any personal dietary advice you’ve been given. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights getting enough protein-rich foods as a consideration for older people, but a product called ‘Protein’ isn’t automatically right for you. Check the protein source and allergens too: Quaker Express Protein contains soya protein.