If you want to put your own lunch together
A plain wholegrain base gives you the freedom to make your lunch sweet or savoury. The nutritional value of your meal also depends on what you add to the oats.
Who is this choice relevant for?
If you have little time for lunch
Fine flakes or a quick-cook version are worth considering if you need to keep preparation time short. Albert Heijn describes Brinta’s extra-fine flakes as quick to prepare; according to Joybuy’s product information, Quaker Express takes two minutes to prepare.
If you need to choose strictly gluten-free products
For these consumers, seeing the word ‘oats’ on the packaging is not enough. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends choosing oats with the Crossed Grain mark where possible, or otherwise looking for a gluten-free logo or a clear gluten-free claim.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether you mainly need a plain base, a short preparation time, a particular texture or reassurance that the product is gluten-free. Then compare the ingredients and preparation instructions on the pack you plan to buy.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Plain wholegrain base | Check whether the ingredients list says wholegrain oats or wholegrain oat flakes. For flavoured varieties, compare the ingredients and sugar per 100 g. | If I want to flavour my hot lunch myself, I prefer oats without a separate added sugar ingredient. Around 37% of consumers put having control over the base first. |
| Short preparation time | Check the stated preparation time, method and serving size. Joybuy says Quaker Express takes two minutes to prepare in a microwave or saucepan. | When I have a short lunch break, I want to know whether the oats will be ready in time using the equipment I have. For around 27% of consumers, speed is the most important factor. |
| Texture | Check whether the pack describes the flakes as fine or coarse, and follow the preparation instructions for that variety. | For a hot bowl, I want to choose between a fine or coarser flake texture. This is the top priority for around 18% of consumers. |
| Gluten-free reassurance | Look for the Crossed Grain mark where possible; otherwise, check for a gluten-free logo or a clear gluten-free claim. | If I need to eat strictly gluten-free, having oats as the main ingredient is not enough. Around 18% of consumers give this product assurance the highest priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming every variety of oats is a plain base
A flavoured variety may contain different ingredients. Quaker Netherlands lists sugar as an ingredient in Quaker Oats Express Cinnamon, alongside wholegrain oats.
Read the ingredients list and compare the sugar per 100 g if you want to choose what goes into your hot lunch.
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Assuming ordinary oats are the same as gluten-free oats
Ordinary oat products may come into contact with grains containing gluten. Possible traces of other grains are listed for some ordinary varieties of Brinta and Quaker, among others.
If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, check the current label. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends choosing oats with the Crossed Grain mark where possible, or otherwise looking for a gluten-free logo or a clear gluten-free claim.
Brands to consider
Brinta
Brinta Oats are an option if you’re looking for extra-fine flakes as a plain base.
- Albert Heijn’s product information lists 100% oat flakes and describes the extra-fine flakes as quick to prepare.
- The same product information notes possible traces of wheat and rye. Don’t consider this variety gluten-free unless the packaging carries a suitable claim.
Quaker
The range includes plain oats and Express varieties to suit different lunch routines.
- Quaker Netherlands lists 100% wholegrain oats for Havermout Original. Joybuy’s product information says Quaker Express takes two minutes to prepare.
- Those ingredients don’t apply to every flavour: Quaker Netherlands also lists sugar as an ingredient in Oats Express Cinnamon.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers a range of wholegrain oats, including fine, coarse and organic varieties.
- The coarse variety lists wholegrain oat flakes as an ingredient. The description on the packaging helps you choose the texture you prefer.
- Jumbo Coarse Flakes may contain traces of barley, rye and wheat. If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, check for a suitable gluten-free claim.
Golden Bridge
Golden Bridge is the ALDI own brand behind a fine wholegrain oats variety.
- ALDI lists Fine wholegrain oats in a 500 g pack.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before you buy, especially if you have specific dietary requirements.
Oats for a hot lunch at Joybuy
These products give you oats to customise for a hot lunch; Quaker Express is also designed for quick preparation. If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, check the current packaging for each product individually.
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Quaker Express oats 324 g
For a hot lunch when a short preparation time matters.
According to Joybuy’s product information, the pack contains 12 servings and the oats take two minutes to prepare in a microwave or saucepan. Check the current label if you need to avoid gluten.
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Quaker oats 600 g
A plain base for anyone who wants to choose what to add to a hot lunch.
The product information for this pack lists 100% wholegrain oats and no added sugar. Check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the current label; possible traces of wheat and barley are listed.
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Quaker oats 375 g
A pack for anyone who wants to choose the flavour of their hot lunch.
The pack contains 375 g. Check the current label for preparation instructions and any allergens, especially if you need to choose strictly gluten-free products.
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Zonnatura organic oats 500 g
An oat option for anyone who wants to put together their own hot lunch.
The pack contains 500 g. Follow the instructions on the current label to prepare it hot, and check the allergen information if you need to avoid gluten or other allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have oats for a hot lunch?
Yes, oats can also be prepared for lunch. What you add, such as fruit, vegetables or dairy, also affects the ingredients and nutritional value of the finished meal.
How can you tell if oats are wholegrain from the packaging?
Check the ingredients: a description such as wholegrain oats or wholegrain oat flakes tells you which type of oat base you’re buying. If you’re choosing between plain and flavoured varieties, compare the other ingredients and nutritional information too.
Are ordinary oats suitable for people with coeliac disease?
Not necessarily: ordinary oat products may come into contact with grains containing gluten. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends choosing oats with the Crossed Grain mark where possible, or otherwise looking for a gluten-free logo or a clear gluten-free claim. If you have questions about whether you can tolerate oats, speak to your doctor or a specialist dietitian.
How should you store an opened pack of oats?
Store oats in a dry place and seal the pack tightly after use. Also follow the storage instructions on the pack you bought.