Which option suits you?

Student looking for a product that is literally sugar-free

You want ‘sugar-free’ to apply to the product’s sugar content too. A ‘no added sugars’ label is not enough.

Student short on time after moving in

You’re looking for porridge that’s quick to prepare and comes in portions you don’t have to measure out each time.

Student who needs to buy gluten-free

You need an explicit gluten-free label, rather than just the word ‘oats’ on the pack. Albert Heijn’s product information describes Elovena Natural Instant Oatmeal as gluten-free.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by distinguishing between sugar-free and no added sugars. Then consider which preparation method, packaging and allergen information suit your new living arrangements.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important for?
Literally sugar-free Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g with the limit of no more than 0.5 g per 100 g for the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim, as set out in Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. Treat ‘no added sugars’ as a separate claim. If I’m specifically looking for sugar-free, I don’t want to rely on a plain variety name or a claim about added sugars. Around 33% of consumers would make this strict label check their top priority.
Speed and portions Check the preparation instructions, time and quantity per sachet. Quaker states that Oats Express Naturel takes 2 minutes to prepare. In a newly equipped kitchen, I want to make a portion without having to measure out the oats first. For around 27% of consumers, this convenience would be the main consideration.
Stocking up and measuring Decide whether you want individual sachets or would rather serve your own portions from a pack of fine oats. Also check what you’ll need to prepare them. If I’m keeping a pack for several breakfasts, I don’t mind measuring out my own portions. Around 27% of consumers would prefer to shop this way.
Gluten-free and allergens If needed, look for an explicit gluten-free label and read the allergen information for the variety you choose. According to the product information, the Quaker Protein variety contains soya. If I need a gluten-free label or information about soya, I need to be able to check the exact variety. This would be the most important consideration for around 13% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’

    These are different claims. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Quaker Oats Express Naturel contains 1.0 g of sugars per 100 g and Elovena Natural Instant Oatmeal contains 1.2 g per 100 g, despite both being labelled as having no added sugars.

    If you need a product that is literally sugar-free, check ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g on the current packaging. The limit for the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim is no more than 0.5 g per 100 g.

  • Assuming a protein variety is automatically sugar-free

    Protein content tells you something different from sugar content. Albert Heijn’s product information states that AH Volkoren Havermout Proteïne contains added sugars; according to the same information, Quaker Oats Express Protein also contains soya.

    For the exact protein variety, check the ingredients, ‘of which sugars’, any added sugars and allergens separately.

  • Assuming ordinary oats are the same as oats labelled gluten-free

    A pack that lists oats does not automatically carry the explicit gluten-free label you may need. Albert Heijn does describe Elovena Natural Instant Oatmeal as gluten-free.

    If you need to buy gluten-free, check the label and allergen information on the current packaging for the specific product.

Brands to consider

Quaker

Oats Express Naturel comes in portion sachets, making it a handy option if you don’t want to measure out your own serving.

  • According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Oats Express Naturel contains no added sugars and takes 2 minutes to prepare.
  • The stated 1.0 g of sugars per 100 g does not meet the limit for a ‘sugar-free’ claim. The Protein variety contains soya; assess it as a separate product.

Elovena

Natural Instant Oatmeal combines portion sachets with an explicit gluten-free label.

  • According to Albert Heijn’s product information, you can mix this variety with hot or cold water or milk; no sugars have been added.
  • The stated amounts are 1.2 g of sugars and 1 g of salt per 100 g. ‘No added sugars’ does not make this product literally sugar-free.

Albert Heijn

AH Volkoren Havermout Fijne Vlokken comes in a pack that lets you serve your own portions; the Proteïne variety has a different composition.

  • According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the fine oats contain 0 g of added sugars per 100 g.
  • The fine oats contain 0.7 g of sugars per 100 g, so they do not meet the limit for ‘sugar-free’. Check the added sugars in the separate Proteïne variety too.

Brinta

Brinta Havermout is made from extra-fine oats, which you can measure out and prepare yourself.

  • According to Albert Heijn’s product information, this porridge contains 100% oats.
  • To compare the sugars in dry porridge, check the value per 100 g of the product itself, not the value for a prepared portion made with milk.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

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

No. Under the EU ‘sugar-free’ claim, the limit is no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g or 100 ml, according to the annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Quaker Oats Express Naturel and Elovena Natural Instant Oatmeal contain no added sugars, but contain 1.0 g and 1.2 g of sugars per 100 g respectively.

Which quick-cooking porridge has a gluten-free label?

According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Elovena Natural Instant Oatmeal is explicitly labelled as gluten-free. Check the current packaging for the variety you’re buying; don’t rely on the product name alone for ordinary oats.

Should I compare the sugars in dry porridge or in a prepared bowl?

First, compare products using the nutrition information per 100 g of the porridge as sold. Your Europe explains that nutrition declarations generally refer to the product as sold; the sugar content of porridge prepared with milk is not the sugar content of the dry oats alone.

How should I store an opened pack of porridge in my student room?

Store dry porridge according to the instructions on the pack and seal it well after use. For AH Volkoren Havermout Fijne Vlokken, the product information says to store in a cool, dry place.