Picnickers who don’t want to measure portions
If you want to take a measured portion for everyone, individual sachets are practical. Just check whether you can prepare them without a cooker, and bring whatever else you need.
Who are the options suitable for?
Anyone making their own cold oats
With fine oat flakes, you can portion them into a sealable container at home and choose what to add. Check the packaging to make sure the flakes you’ve chosen are suitable for your planned preparation method.
Groups portioning out oats at home
If you’re picnicking with a group, you can divide oats from a larger pack into containers before you go. That means no measuring in the park, but you’ll need to do some preparation at home.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how you want to prepare the oats in the park. Then check the ingredients and how many portions you want to prepare in advance.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing them in the park | Check whether the packaging says they can be mixed cold, and what liquid or equipment you’ll need. | If there’s no kitchen where I’m going, I want to be able to mix a portion without measuring it out. Around 45% of consumers prioritise easy preparation. |
| Choosing your own ingredients | Read the ingredients list and compare the nutritional information per 100 g if you’re weighing up different options. | I want to choose what goes into my container along with the oats. This freedom to choose is the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Taking several portions | Check the pack size and whether you can divide the oats into sealable containers at home. | If I’m sharing with other people, I want to prepare their portions in advance. Preparing several portions is a priority for around 22% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘instant’ means ready to eat
A short preparation time doesn’t mean you can eat the oats without liquid or equipment. You may also need a pan or microwave to prepare them hot.
Read the preparation instructions and bring a spoon, liquid and a suitable container for your chosen method. Try preparing them cold at home before planning to take them on a picnic.
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Assuming regular oats are gluten-free
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oat products may be unsuitable for people with coeliac disease because they can come into contact with grains containing gluten. The Quaker and Brinta products mentioned also carry warnings about possible traces of other grains.
If you have coeliac disease, only choose oats with the official Crossed Grain symbol on the packaging, and check the latest allergen information.
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Looking only for the word ‘wholegrain’
The product name doesn’t tell you what other ingredients a particular variety contains. If you make your own oat mix, your chosen additions also form part of the meal.
Read the ingredients list and nutritional information for the variety you’ve chosen. For example, compare fibre and sugar per 100 g when weighing up different products.
Brands to consider
Quaker
Quaker Oats Express Naturel is an option if you want to take individual portions with you.
- Quaker lists 12 portion sachets. Albert Heijn also says this variety can be mixed with milk, water, yoghurt or quark.
- Check the latest allergen information: the product details mention possible traces of soya, barley and wheat.
Brinta
Brinta Oatmeal is a fine oat base for anyone who wants to choose their own portions and toppings.
- Albert Heijn lists 100% oat flakes as the ingredients in Brinta Oatmeal.
- The product information mentions possible traces of wheat and rye. If you have coeliac disease, check that the packaging carries the required symbol.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s fine wholegrain flakes are worth considering if you’re portioning out oats for a picnic at home.
- Jumbo lists pack sizes of 500 g and 1 kg.
- Check the preparation instructions and allergen information for the pack you choose, especially if you want to eat the flakes cold.
Golden Bridge
According to ALDI, Golden Bridge offers fine and jumbo wholegrain oats for anyone who wants to portion out their own servings.
- ALDI lists a 500 g pack for both varieties.
- Check the label of your chosen variety for ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions.
Oat products at Joybuy
These products suit two ways of taking oats with you: an Express variety and fine oat flakes that you can portion out yourself. If you want to eat them without a cooker, check the wholegrain labelling and preparation instructions on the pack.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
An Express variety to consider if you want to keep picnic preparation to a minimum. Check whether this pack contains individual portions and whether its preparation method suits your plans without a pan or microwave.
Pack size: 324 g. If you have allergies, read the latest ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
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Brinta Oatmeal 450 g
An option if you want to divide oats into containers at home. Check the wholegrain labelling and preparation instructions on this pack before planning a cold picnic meal.
Pack size: 450 g. Albert Heijn lists 100% oat flakes and possible traces of wheat and rye for Brinta Oatmeal. Check the latest label too.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take oats to the park without a flask?
Yes, if the preparation instructions say your chosen variety can be made cold. Albert Heijn says Quaker Oats Express Naturel can be mixed with milk, water, yoghurt or quark. Remember to bring a spoon and a suitable container too.
Are regular oats and instant oats always wholegrain?
Don’t rely on the product name alone. Check the wholegrain labelling and ingredients on the specific pack you’re buying, especially if you’re choosing between an Express variety and fine flakes.
Which oats can I choose if I have coeliac disease?
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, only choose oats with the official Crossed Grain symbol on the packaging. Oats can come into contact with grains containing gluten, so check the latest allergen information too.
Where can I find allergen information for packaged oats?
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information must be provided on the label of pre-packed products. Read the label of the variety you’re taking with you, rather than relying on the brand name or the front of the pack alone.