For a homemade fakeaway recipe that uses oats, choose porridge oats whose ingredients list says wholegrain oats, then add whichever flavourings you like. Fine oats make a smoother batter, while jumbo oats add more texture to a crumble topping, for example. If you need a strictly gluten-free option, check the packaging: regular porridge oats aren’t automatically gluten-free.
You want to use oats in pancakes, biscuits or a crumble topping, for example. In that case, the grain listed in the ingredients and the texture you want from the oats matter more than a breakfast suggestion on the front of the pack.
You’re looking for an oat base you can prepare hot without a lengthy cooking step, or you want to know in advance how long a cold preparation takes.
If you need to eat gluten-free, the word ‘oats’ alone isn’t enough to go on. Voedingscentrum highlights the importance of the official Crossed Grain symbol on the packaging for people with coeliac disease.
Start with the grain and the ingredients list. Then choose the oat texture or preparation method that suits your recipe, and check separately for any gluten-free labelling.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Texture in your recipe | Choose fine oats for a smoother batter, or jumbo oats if you want visible oats in a crumble topping. | For a homemade batter or topping, I want the oats to suit the texture I’m after; around 38% of consumers put the texture of the finished recipe first. |
| Wholegrain ingredients | Look for wholegrain oats or wholegrain oat flakes in the ingredients list, and check what else has been added. | When I make a sweet or savoury snack myself, I want to choose what goes in alongside the oats. Around 31% of consumers put control over the ingredients first. |
| Preparation time | Check whether the pack gives instructions for cooking in a pan or microwave, and how long it takes. Joybuy lists a preparation time of 2 minutes for Quaker Express. | On a busy evening, I want to make a hot oat base quickly; preparation time is the main consideration for around 23% of consumers. |
| Gluten-free labelling | Check the current packaging and allergen information. For people with coeliac disease, Voedingscentrum recommends looking for the official Crossed Grain symbol on oat products. | If I need to eat strictly gluten-free, I don’t want to rely on the grain alone; gluten-free labelling is the top priority for around 8% of consumers. |
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Brinta Volkoren graanontbijt contains wholemeal wheat flour and salt. It isn’t an oat product, so it won’t work in a recipe that specifically calls for porridge oats.
Check which grain is listed in the ingredients before choosing a wholegrain cereal breakfast as a recipe ingredient.
Oat products can come into contact with gluten during processing. That’s why Voedingscentrum distinguishes between regular oat products and packs bearing the official Crossed Grain symbol for people with coeliac disease.
If you need a strictly gluten-free option, check the current label, allergen information and relevant symbol on the packaging.
The ingredients in plain porridge oats don’t tell you what will end up in your snack or bake. Sugar, salt, cheese or sauces that you add yourself are part of the recipe too.
Choose your oat base based on its ingredients and texture, then consider any additions as part of the whole recipe.
The own-brand range includes fine and jumbo wholegrain porridge oats, as well as a separate gluten-free option.
Quaker offers wholegrain porridge oats and an Express pack for anyone looking for a product with a short stated preparation time.
The own-brand range includes fine oats and organic wholegrain porridge oats.
ALDI lists fine and jumbo wholegrain porridge oats from Golden Bridge, both in 500 g packs.
Lidl lists a 500 g pack of jumbo oat flakes.
Brinta Volkoren graanontbijt is a wheat product, so it’s only relevant if you don’t specifically need oats.
These products suit two choices for a fakeaway night: an oat base you can flavour yourself, or a variety with a short stated preparation time. If the texture of the oats is crucial to your recipe, check the packaging of the specific product.
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A 500 g pack to consider if you want to put together your own oat recipe. The product title includes ‘Whole Wheat’; check the current packaging to see which grain is listed in the ingredients, especially if you want to avoid wheat. If you need a gluten-free option, don’t rely on the title: check the separate labelling and allergen information.
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If you want to make a hot oat base quickly, Joybuy lists a preparation time of 2 minutes in the microwave or a saucepan. The pack contains 324 g. Check the oat texture if it matters for your baking recipe, and read the current allergen information if you need a gluten-free option.
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A wholegrain oat base for a recipe where you choose the flavourings yourself. Jumbo lists 100% wholegrain porridge oats as the ingredient in Quaker Porridge Oats, 600 g. Check the size of the oats on the pack to make sure they’ll give your recipe the texture you want; if you need a gluten-free option, check the allergen information too.
Start by reading the ingredients list and looking for wholegrain oats or wholegrain oat flakes. For example, Quaker Nederland lists Original as 100% wholegrain porridge oats; Albert Heijn lists wholegrain oats in its fine and jumbo varieties that were checked.
Fine oats work well in a smoother batter, while jumbo oats are a good option if you want more texture in a crumble topping. Check your recipe’s method, as the texture you want will depend on how you’re using them.
Don’t assume that regular porridge oats are gluten-free. Voedingscentrum notes that contamination can occur during processing for people with coeliac disease and points to the official Crossed Grain symbol on the packaging; also check the current label of the product you choose.
Keep porridge oats in a cool, dark, dry place and seal the pack well. Albert Heijn and Jumbo give this storage advice for their porridge oat products; follow the instructions on your own pack.
