Students looking for one pack to use for several meals
You don’t mind measuring out your own portions and want to use fine wholegrain oat flakes as the base for different bowls.
Who are these options for?
Students short on preparation time
You want a warm bowl of oats without having to weigh out a portion first. Quaker states that Oats Express Naturel comes in individual sachets and takes two minutes to prepare.
Shoppers who read labels carefully
You want to know which grains the product contains and which allergens or possible traces are listed on the packaging. This is particularly important if you’re looking specifically for oats.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether you’d rather measure out your own portions or use pre-portioned sachets. Then compare the preparation instructions and the label for the product you want to buy.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size and portions | Pack weight and how much dry oats you use per bowl. | If I want to make several student meals from one pack, I’d rather measure out my own portions. Around 36% of consumers say using one pack is their priority. |
| Preparation | The instructions for your chosen product and whether you need a pan or microwave. | After a long day, I want to make a warm bowl quickly without weighing out a portion. Preparation convenience is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | The type of grain in the ingredients list and the allergen and may-contain statements. | If I’m looking specifically for oats or need to avoid allergens, I want to know what the label says before buying. The ingredients are the main priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Building a meal | The amount of oats per portion and the liquid or other ingredients you add. | For an evening meal, I want to consider more than just the dry oats: I want to think about the whole bowl I’m making. Around 14% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming every wholegrain cereal breakfast is made with oats
According to the ingredients list at Jumbo, Brinta Volkoren graanontbijt contains wholemeal wheat flour and salt. It’s a different product from Brinta Havermout.
Check the type of grain on the packaging if you specifically want wholegrain oats.
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Assuming regular oats are gluten-free
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats may come into contact with gluten-containing grains during processing. Warnings about possible traces are also given for the oat products mentioned here.
Don’t rely on the word ‘oats’ alone: check the gluten-free statement and allergen information on the pack you’re buying.
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Judging a meal by the dry oats alone
Nutrition information for dry oats doesn’t automatically describe the bowl you’ll end up eating; liquids and toppings change its nutritional make-up.
Consider your usual portion and the ingredients you use for the whole meal.
A meal with milk, yoghurt, fruit or nuts also depends on those individual ingredients.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Albert Heijn
AH Volkoren havermout fijne vlokken is an option if you want to measure out loose oats yourself.
- The product information lists wholegrain oat flakes as an ingredient.
- The packaging states that it may contain barley, spelt, rye and wheat. Check the current label if this is important to you.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
ALDI lists fine and coarse Golden Bridge wholegrain oats.
- You can choose between fine and coarse flakes.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and preparation method on the pack you choose.
Brinta
Brinta Havermout and Brinta Volkoren graanontbijt are different products.
- According to the product information at Albert Heijn, Brinta Havermout contains 100% oat flakes.
- According to Jumbo, Brinta Volkoren graanontbijt contains wholemeal wheat flour and salt. Don’t choose it if you’re specifically looking for oats.
Quaker
Quaker Oats Express Naturel is aimed at people who want individual portions.
- The product information lists 12 sachets of 27 g and a two-minute preparation time.
- This Naturel variant may contain soya, barley and wheat.
Lidl
Lidl lists Havermout grove vlokken as a product option.
- An option for anyone looking for coarse flakes.
- Check the packaging for the ingredients, nutrition information, allergens and preparation instructions.
Oat products on Joybuy
These products let you choose between Quaker Express variants and a 500 g Zonnatura product. Compare the exact product and its label before deciding between portioned convenience and measuring out your own servings.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
For anyone looking for pre-portioned servings and quick preparation. The product information for Quaker Express Havermout 324 g lists 12 individual portions and two-minute preparation in a microwave or saucepan.
Check the allergen and may-contain statements on the packaging.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g
An Express variant to consider if you want to compare the ingredients in different Quaker products. Check the ingredients, nutrition information per 100 g and allergens on the packaging of this Protein variant.
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Zonnatura Organic Whole Wheat Oatmeal 500 g
A 500 g pack to consider if you want to measure out your own portions. Check the ingredients to find out which types of grain the product contains, and read the preparation instructions and allergen information for this variant.
Frequently asked questions
Are oats automatically gluten-free?
No, regular oats aren’t automatically gluten-free. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats may come into contact with gluten during processing. So check for an explicit gluten-free statement and the allergen information on the packaging.
Why should I check allergens in oats?
Because the information varies from product to product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires allergens to be clearly indicated on the label. Also check the packaging you’re buying for warnings about possible traces.
Does a bowl of oats automatically make a complete evening meal?
No, consider the whole bowl rather than just the dry oats. The liquid, portion size and any toppings all contribute to the meal’s nutritional value.