Choose plain instant porridge oats if you want to make a quick wholegrain breakfast around the Christmas dinner and decide on the flavour yourself. A version with added soya protein is worth considering only if the protein content is a priority; regular wholegrain oats are another option if you don’t need individual sachets. If you’re buying gluten-free oats, check the label and allergen information on the packaging, as wholegrain oats aren’t automatically gluten-free.
If you want to keep measuring and preparation to a minimum, instant sachets are worth a look. Albert Heijn lists a two-minute preparation time for Quaker Oats Express Naturel; follow the instructions on the packaging.
A plain wholegrain base lets you choose what to add. Even with a wholegrain product, check the ingredients list: for example, Quaker lists sugar and flavourings in Oats Express Cinnamon.
If you’re looking for added protein, soya is one to watch: Albert Heijn lists soya protein in Quaker Oats Express Protein. For a gluten-free option, it’s the label on the packaging that matters—not simply the words ‘oats’ or ‘wholegrain’.
First, decide which feature matters most for your breakfast: a simple wholegrain base, quick preparation, a clearly labelled gluten-free option or added protein. Then compare the ingredients and preparation instructions for the specific product.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain base and added ingredients | Check the wholegrain label and ingredients list; compare sugars per 100 g if you’re weighing up different options. | If I want to choose my own toppings, I’d rather start with a plain base than a pre-flavoured option. This choice of ingredients comes first for around 36% of consumers. |
| Ease of preparation | Check the preparation time, amount of liquid needed and serving size on the packaging. | On a morning with guests, I want to make breakfast without measuring out the oats first. Quick preparation is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Gluten-free labelling and allergens | Check the gluten-free label and allergen information on the packaging you choose; a wholegrain label alone doesn’t guarantee that a product is gluten-free. | If gluten or soya needs to be avoided, the packaging will determine which option is suitable. For around 21% of consumers, checking the ingredients is the first requirement. |
| Added protein | Compare protein per 100 g and check the source of any added protein. | When I’m specifically looking for a higher-protein option, I also want to know whether it contains soya. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this product feature. |
Wholegrain doesn’t mean a product contains no other ingredients. For Oats Express Cinnamon, Quaker lists ingredients including sugar and flavourings.
As well as checking the wholegrain label, read the ingredients list and nutritional information per 100 g. Choose a plain option if you want to decide what to add yourself.
According to the Voedingscentrum, oats can come into contact with gluten during processing. A wholegrain label doesn’t change that.
For a gluten-free option, check for an explicit gluten-free label or the official Crossed Grain symbol on the packaging, and check the allergen information again when you buy it.
Albert Heijn lists added soya protein and soya lecithin in Quaker Oats Express Protein. This means its ingredients list differs from that of plain porridge oats.
Check that soya is suitable for you and compare the nutritional information on the same basis, for example per 100 g.
If you’re considering instant porridge in individual sachets, Oats Express Naturel and Protein offer two different ingredient options.
Alongside its regular porridge oats, the supermarket’s own-label range includes a product called AH Glutenvrij Volkoren havermout.
Jumbo is one place to compare regular fine or coarse wholegrain oats with instant sachets.
Golden Bridge is an own-label range to consider if you’re looking for regular wholegrain porridge oats rather than instant sachets.
Lidl lists coarse oats as an option if you prefer to make your own breakfast with oats.
This selection features instant porridge oats with added soya protein, for anyone looking for a quick breakfast over the Christmas period and weighing up the ingredients in a high-protein option.
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An instant option for anyone looking for added protein in a quick breakfast.
The pack contains 302 g. The ingredients information for this version lists wholegrain oats and soya protein; check the allergens and nutritional information on the packaging.
No. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, the term ‘wholegrain’ refers to the grain ingredient; an instant product may also contain other ingredients. So check the ingredients list too if, for example, you want to compare sugar or flavourings.
No. The Voedingscentrum points out that oats can come into contact with gluten during processing. If you’re buying gluten-free oats, check for an explicit gluten-free label or the official Crossed Grain symbol on the packaging, along with the allergen information.
Yes, if the preparation instructions for your chosen oats allow it. Albert Heijn describes an overnight oats method for Zonnatura wholegrain porridge oats, where the covered mixture is left in the fridge for around eight hours. Follow the instructions on the packaging for your product.
