Plain oatmeal is a practical base for a student meal if you want to choose what to add yourself. If you specifically want a sugar-free product, check the sugars per 100 g on the label: a ‘no added sugars’ claim is not enough. Fine flakes or portion sachets may suit you if quick preparation matters more than measuring out your own serving.
You want to be able to check on the label whether the sugars meet the threshold for a ‘sugar-free’ claim. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the limit for oatmeal is no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.
You’re looking for a plain oat base and want to know how much is in a pack, so you can decide for yourself how much to use and what to add to your meals.
You want to make a bowl of oatmeal quickly. Extra-fine flakes or pre-measured portions may suit the way you cook.
First decide whether sugar-free is a must-have. Then choose a pack size that suits how much you use and how much time you have to prepare it.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Most relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar claim | Read the ingredients list and check the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g in the nutrition information. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the limit for a ‘sugar-free’ claim on oatmeal is no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. | If I’m specifically looking for sugar-free oatmeal, I want to see the value on the label rather than rely on ‘no added sugars’. For around 42% of consumers, this check comes first. |
| Pack size | Compare the net weight and consider whether you want to measure out your own portions or prefer pre-measured servings. | On a limited student budget, I want to know in advance how much oatmeal is in a pack for my meals. Pack size is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ease of preparation | Check whether the pack contains fine flakes or individual portions, and follow the preparation instructions. | When I’m short on time, I don’t want to spend ages measuring or preparing my food. An estimated 25% of consumers give this convenience top priority. |
According to the Voedingscentrum, products with no added sugars can still contain sugars that occur naturally. The two claims do not mean the same thing.
If sugar-free is a must, check the ‘of which sugars’ value per 100 g. For oatmeal, Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 sets the limit at no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.
Albert Heijn states that Brinta Havermout may contain traces of wheat and rye. So, seeing oats listed as an ingredient does not answer every question about gluten.
If you need to avoid gluten, check the allergen information and look for an explicit gluten-free claim on the pack you buy.
Brinta Havermout is available in a 450 g pack of extra-fine oat flakes.
Quaker offers plain oatmeal in a 600 g pack, as well as Oats Express Naturel in packs of twelve individual portions.
ALDI Netherlands lists Golden Bridge Fine Wholegrain Oatmeal in a 500 g pack.
No, the two claims do not mean the same thing. According to the Voedingscentrum, sugars can occur naturally in a product even if no sugars have been added. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the limit for a ‘sugar-free’ claim on oatmeal is no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.
Check the allergen information first: Albert Heijn states that Brinta Havermout may contain traces of wheat and rye. If you need to follow a strict gluten-free diet, look for a product with an explicit gluten-free claim and check the pack of the specific variety you choose.
Read the ingredients lists for both the oatmeal and any additions you use. According to the Voedingscentrum, added sugars must be listed in the ingredients, for example as sugar, granulated sugar or fruit sugar.
