Camper with limited cooking facilities
If you want to avoid measuring or washing up, check how the oats you’ve chosen need to be prepared. Instructions for a microwave or saucepan aren’t the same as instructions for mixing with cold water.
Which pack is right for you?
The cooking facilities available and the number of breakfasts you’re taking with you are the main factors in deciding whether loose flakes or pre-measured portions are more practical.
Camper taking several breakfasts
A larger bag lets you measure out a portion for each morning. Make sure you can keep the pack dry and well sealed while you’re travelling.
Camper checking ingredients and allergens
Plain oats, a flavoured option and a variety with added soya protein don’t have the same ingredients. Check the label again if sugar, soya or gluten-free suitability matters to you.
What should you look for?
First, choose a preparation method that’s practical at your campsite. Then compare how much you want to take and the ingredients in the specific variety.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Check whether the product calls for a pan, microwave, hot water or mixing with cold water. | If I only have a camping stove, I don’t want to rely on a microwave. For around 33% of consumers, the preparation method that suits them would be the main reason for their choice. |
| Amount for the trip | Compare the pack size, any individual portions and how to reseal an opened pack. | For several mornings, I’d rather take one bag and measure out my own portions. For around 25% of consumers, having enough for several breakfasts would be the main consideration. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients list, sugars per equivalent portion and allergen information; if you have coeliac disease, look for the Crossed Grain symbol. | If I need to consider additives or allergens, I want to know what’s in this particular variety. Checking the ingredients would be the main reason for around 25% of consumers. |
| Added protein | Compare the protein per 100 g and per portion, and check which ingredient provides the extra protein. | If I’m specifically looking for an option with extra protein, the protein source also needs to suit my diet. For around 17% of consumers, added protein would be the first thing they consider. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘wholegrain’ means ‘no added sugar’
Wholegrain describes the type of grain, not all the other ingredients. Quaker also lists sugar and natural flavourings as ingredients in Oats Express Cinnamon.
Compare the ingredients list for the exact variety. If you want to choose what to add yourself, look for a plain option.
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Assuming all instant oats can be made with cold water
Preparation instructions vary from product to product. A short preparation time doesn’t, by itself, mean the oats are suitable for cold water.
Before you set off, check that the pack mentions the liquid and preparation method you’ll have available.
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Assuming ordinary oats are automatically gluten-free
According to the Voedingscentrum, oat products can be contaminated with gluten. So, seeing oats listed as the main ingredient isn’t enough if you have coeliac disease.
Check the Crossed Grain symbol on the pack and read the allergen information for the specific product.
Brands and own-label options compared
Compare the variety and pack, not just the brand name: ingredients and preparation instructions can differ between products from the same brand.
Quaker
Offers ordinary oats and Oats Express varieties, including plain, cinnamon and an option with added protein.
- Quaker describes Oats Express Plain as a pack containing 12 individual portions.
- The cinnamon variety contains sugar and natural flavourings; the Protein variety contains soya protein. Check the ingredients for each variety.
Brinta
Brinta Oatmeal is an option if you want to measure out loose oat flakes and make porridge with water or milk.
- The ingredients listed by Jumbo consist of 100% oat flakes.
- According to that product listing, it may contain traces of wheat and rye.
Albert Heijn
AH Wholegrain Oatmeal Fine Flakes comes in a loose pack, so you can measure out your own portions.
- Albert Heijn lists wholegrain oat flakes as an ingredient.
- The preparation instructions call for water or milk and a brief boil, so you’ll need a heat source.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s own-label range includes fine and coarse wholegrain oat flakes, so you can compare the flake size too.
- For its coarse variety, Jumbo lists wholegrain oat flakes as the ingredient.
- Check the preparation instructions for your chosen variety if you can’t cook at the campsite.
Golden Bridge
ALDI lists Golden Bridge fine wholegrain oats as loose oats.
- The product listing specifies a 500 g pack.
- Check the pack you buy for preparation instructions and allergen information.
Joybuy products to help you choose
These products are for a quick oat-based breakfast: a standard Express variety and a Protein variety. Choose the one that suits the preparation method available at your campsite.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
A good option if you can use a saucepan or microwave at the campsite and want to make a quick breakfast.
Check the pack if you only have cold water, or need information about allergens and gluten-free suitability.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g
An option to compare if added protein is an important factor for you. The product information for this variety states that it contains 22 g of protein per 100 g and lists soya protein as an ingredient.
Check the label if you have a soya allergy, and read the preparation instructions if you’re travelling without a heat source. If you have coeliac disease, also look for the Crossed Grain symbol on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does wholegrain instant oatmeal always contain no added sugar?
No. Quaker lists sugar and natural flavourings as ingredients in Oats Express Cinnamon. Compare the ingredients and sugar content of the specific varieties, ideally per equivalent portion.
Can I make instant oatmeal at the campsite without a pan?
Only if the instructions for your product suit the facilities you have. Some varieties say to mix with cold water, while others call for hot water, a pan or a microwave. Check the pack before you set off.
Is ordinary oatmeal suitable for people with coeliac disease?
Not automatically. The Voedingscentrum highlights the risk of oat products being contaminated with gluten and says that people with coeliac disease should look for the Crossed Grain symbol. Check for this symbol and read the allergen information on the pack.
How should I store oatmeal on a camping trip?
Keep oatmeal dry and seal opened packs well. Albert Heijn and Jumbo advise closing the pack after use for the oatmeal varieties mentioned; bear this in mind if you’re taking a larger bag.