If you eat porridge often
You want to keep wholegrain oats in stock and are looking for a pack size that suits how often you use them.
Who is this relevant to?
If you have little time to prepare breakfast
You want to be able to make a portion quickly in the morning. Preparation time and the type of oats are important to you.
If you need to avoid gluten because of coeliac disease
You can't rely on the word ‘oats’ alone: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ordinary oats may be contaminated with gluten. The label and allergen information on the pack are therefore key.
What should you look for when stocking up?
First, decide which pack size and product type you’ll actually use. Then check the ingredients, storage instructions and, if you need to, the allergen information.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it's important for |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Compare the net weight with how quickly you use oats and the dry storage space you have available. | If you make porridge often, you won't want to keep buying a new pack, but you also won't want an opened pack sitting around for too long. A suitable pack size would be the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Wholegrain base | Read the product name and ingredients list if you're looking for plain rolled oats rather than a mix. | If you like to choose what goes into your porridge, a simple base is what matters most. This would be the main requirement for around 27% of consumers. |
| Preparation and texture | Check whether the oats are fine, coarse or quick-cooking, and follow the preparation instructions. | On busy mornings, you'll want to know how to prepare your oats, while still getting a texture you enjoy. This would be the top consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
| Storage and allergens | Read the storage instructions, best-before date and allergen information; check for a gluten-free label if needed. | If you use a pack over a longer period or need to avoid gluten, you'll want to know how to store it and whether the product meets your needs. This reassurance would matter most to around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Buying a large pack without a storage routine
A bulk pack may not be the best choice if you use it slowly or can't store it somewhere dry.
Choose an amount that matches how much you use. Once opened, follow the storage instructions on the pack and watch out for changes in smell or texture.
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Assuming ordinary oats are gluten-free
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats may be contaminated with gluten during production. So the name of the grain alone isn't enough for someone with coeliac disease.
If you have coeliac disease, check for a gluten-free label and read the ingredients and allergen information for the specific product.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Jumbo sells wholegrain oats in fine and coarse flakes, including a 1 kg pack of fine oats.
- The choice of flake types and pack sizes gives you options when stocking up.
- Check the flake type and storage instructions for each pack.
Golden Bridge
This ALDI own-brand range includes fine and coarse wholegrain oats in 500 g packs.
- You can choose between fine and coarse oats.
- Choose a pack size that suits how often you eat porridge.
Quaker
Quaker sells plain wholegrain oats as well as its separate Oats Express range.
- Quaker says Oats Express is ready in 2 minutes; check the instructions for the variant you choose.
- Compare the ingredients and pack format of plain oats and express varieties separately.
Brinta
Brinta Oatmeal, as described by Albert Heijn, is made from rolled oats and has an extra-fine flake texture.
- The extra-fine flakes are a distinctive option if you're choosing by flake type.
- Albert Heijn states that this product may contain traces of wheat and rye.
Albert Heijn
The AH range includes separate products made with fine and coarse wholegrain oats.
- The flake type is included in the product name.
- Albert Heijn recommends checking the current packaging, as ingredient and allergen information may change.
Oat products on Joybuy
These products give you a choice of portion packs and two pack sizes of plain Quaker oats. Choose according to how quickly you use them, and check the product type, storage instructions and allergen information before buying.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g
An option if you prefer making individual portions of oats rather than scooping them from a larger pack.
Check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the pack before stocking up.
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Quaker Oatmeal, 600 g
This 600 g pack suits anyone who eats plain oats regularly and wants to choose how much to make each time.
If texture or preparation time matters to you, check the flake type, and read the allergen and storage information on the pack.
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Quaker Oatmeal, 375 g
The 375 g pack is a smaller option than the 600 g version if you don't use as many oats.
Before buying, check which flake type you're getting and follow the allergen and storage information on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I keep oats once opened?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing opened oats in a kitchen cupboard for up to one year. Also follow the best-before date and the specific storage instructions on your pack. Don't use oats if they smell musty or have gone soft.
Can I choose ordinary oats if I have coeliac disease?
If you have coeliac disease, don't assume that ordinary oats are suitable: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats may be contaminated with gluten. Check that the specific product is labelled as suitable for a gluten-free diet, and read the ingredients and allergen information.
When should I choose fine, coarse or instant oats?
Choose fine or coarse flakes according to the texture you prefer and the preparation instructions on the pack. An instant variety is most useful if its preparation instructions fit your morning routine. Check the ingredients too, as a portion-sized or flavoured variety isn't automatically the same as plain rolled oats.