Which option is right for you?

Shoppers stocking up

You eat porridge regularly, measure out your own portions and have somewhere to store a larger pack in an airtight container.

Shoppers looking for a quick breakfast

You want wholegrain oats in pre-measured portions. Albert Heijn gives a preparation time of two minutes for Quaker Oats Express Naturel.

Shoppers who read labels carefully

You’re specifically looking for oats or need to check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack before buying.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you need a supply that’s easy to store, pre-measured portions or a particular type of grain. Then check the packaging and label of the product you want to buy.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Stocking up and storage Check the quantity and best-before date, and make sure you can store opened oats in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as advised by the Voedingscentrum. If I eat porridge regularly, I want to be able to measure out my own portions without an opened pack becoming unsuitable for my cupboard. Around 42% of consumers would choose storage and keeping a supply as their main consideration.
Preparation and portions Check the number of portions, preparation method and preparation time for the exact variety. On busy mornings, I don’t want to measure out oats every time, so I’d rather have a pre-measured portion. For around 33% of consumers, that convenience would be their top priority.
Type of grain and allergens Read the ingredients list and allergen information, and check that the product actually contains wholegrain oats. If I’m specifically looking for oats or need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in the pack I choose. For around 25% of consumers, checking the label would come first.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking Brinta for instant porridge oats

    According to the product information at PLUS, Brinta Volkoren graanontbijt is made from wholegrain wheat. It isn’t an oat product.

    If oats are a must-have, check the type of grain in the ingredients list.

  • Opening a large pack without sealing it properly

    For opened oats, the Voedingscentrum recommends storing them in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container.

    Before stocking up, check that you have enough suitable storage space. For unopened packs, follow the storage advice and best-before date on the packaging.

  • Assuming regular oats are gluten-free

    The Voedingscentrum warns that oats can be contaminated with gluten. Regular porridge oats are therefore not automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease.

    If you have coeliac disease, look for the official Crossed Grain symbol and check the current label on the pack you choose.

Brands to consider

Quaker

Quaker offers both plain oats in a larger pack and Oats Express portion sachets.

  • Albert Heijn describes the 600 g pack of Quaker Havermout as 100% wholegrain oats.
  • Check the exact variety: Quaker Oats Express Naturel may contain traces of soya, barley and wheat.

Brinta

A wholegrain breakfast cereal for anyone considering wheat as an alternative grain.

  • According to the product information at PLUS, Brinta Volkoren graanontbijt is made from 100% wholegrain wheat.
  • It isn’t porridge oats, so it’s not the right choice if you’re specifically looking for oats.

Albert Heijn

Own-brand wholegrain oats in a 1 kg pack.

  • The fine-flake variety shown may suit you if you’re looking for a larger quantity.
  • Check that the flakes and ingredients in the pack you choose suit the way you want to prepare them.

Jumbo

Own-brand range including fine wholegrain oats in a 1 kg pack.

  • A larger pack lets you decide how much oats to use each time.
  • Fine and jumbo oats are different varieties, so check which one you want to use.

Lidl

Lidl offers, among other products, oat flakes in a 500 g pack.

  • The pack size shown can help you decide how much to stock up on.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and preparation method for the variety you choose rather than assuming oat flakes are instant porridge oats.

Aldi

Aldi’s own-brand Golden Bridge offers fine wholegrain oats in a 500 g pack.

  • The variety mentioned is clearly labelled as wholegrain oats.
  • Read the nutrition information and allergen statement on the pack if they’re important to your choice.

Portion-packed wholegrain oats at Joybuy

This product selection is suited to anyone looking for wholegrain oats in a smaller pack. If you’re stocking up for home, also compare the quantity and storage options you need.

Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g pack

Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g

Worth considering if you’re looking for wholegrain oats in a smaller pack and preparation time matters to you.

Pack size: 324 g. Before buying, check the preparation method, ingredients and allergens on the pack you choose.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How should I store several packs of porridge oats?

Store opened oats in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as advised by the Voedingscentrum. For unopened packs, check the storage advice and best-before date on the packaging.

Is Brinta the same as instant porridge oats?

No. According to the product information at PLUS, Brinta Volkoren graanontbijt is made from wholegrain wheat, not oats. It’s therefore not a substitute if you specifically want to buy porridge oats.

Are regular porridge oats suitable for people with coeliac disease?

Not necessarily: according to the Voedingscentrum, oats can be contaminated with gluten. If you have coeliac disease, look for the official Crossed Grain symbol and check the label on the pack you choose.

Does an instant pack tell you anything about its nutritional value?

No, the preparation method alone doesn’t determine the nutritional value. Compare the ingredients and nutrition information per 100 g for the exact varieties, and check the portion size too if you’re considering pre-measured sachets.