Have you got a pan or microwave in your holiday home, and want to choose what goes into your breakfast? Go for simple wholegrain porridge oats and choose a pack size to suit the number of breakfasts you need. Portions are worth considering if saving time on preparation and washing up is a priority, but check the instructions first: not every portion can be made with just a kettle. If you have specific dietary requirements, always check the label on the product you choose.
With basic kitchen equipment, you can combine porridge oats with fruit, yoghurt, milk or a plant-based alternative. That way, you choose exactly what to add. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes porridge oats as a wholegrain cereal; the overall nutritional value of your breakfast also depends on what you add.
If you want to keep preparation to a minimum, a portion product could be handy. Quaker says its Pots Protein Natural can be made with boiling water. Don’t assume other portion products use the same method: check what equipment the pack requires.
If allergens or the possible presence of other grains affect your choice, the product name alone isn’t enough. Check the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings on the exact pack you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products.
First, check what kitchen equipment is available and how many breakfasts you need to provide. Then compare the ingredients and labels of products that suit your situation.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain base and added ingredients | Check which grain is listed as an ingredient and read the full ingredients list. | If you want to choose the flavour of your breakfast yourself, look for a recognisable wholegrain base without any additions you don’t want. Around 31% of consumers would say this is their main reason for choosing a product. |
| Preparation and kitchen equipment | Check whether the instructions call for a kettle, microwave or hob. | If you’re short on time and have limited kitchen equipment, the product needs to suit what’s available in your holiday home. Around 31% of consumers would say easy preparation is their top priority. |
| Pack size and length of stay | Compare the amount in each pack with the number of people and breakfast days. | For a short stay, you don’t want to be left with more than you need; for several people having breakfast, you’ll want to make sure there’s enough. Around 23% of consumers would prioritise having the right amount. |
| Allergens and other grains | Check the allergen information and any warning about the possible presence of other grains on the current pack. | If you need to avoid certain ingredients, the label will determine whether you can choose a particular product. Around 15% of consumers would make this their first consideration when buying. |
A breakfast product made with several ingredients may contain more than just oats. That’s why the Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes between porridge oats as a wholegrain cereal and products such as oat bars or biscuits.
If you’re looking for a simple base, start with the ingredients list. Check any flavourings and other ingredients separately.
Jumbo’s fine wholegrain oat flakes also carry allergen information and a warning about the possible presence of barley, rye and wheat. So the name of the grain alone doesn’t tell you everything about the pack you’ve chosen.
Read the current allergen information and any warnings on the label. If you specifically need a gluten-free product, check that the relevant product is labelled as such.
According to Jumbo’s product information, Brinta Wholegrain Cereal Breakfast is made with wholemeal wheat flour and salt. It’s a wheat porridge base, not an oat product, and the listed allergens include wheat and cereals containing gluten.
Choose Brinta if you specifically want to make wheat porridge; look for porridge oats or oat flakes if oats are the grain you want.
Offers products including Original porridge oats and portion packs with different preparation instructions.
Offers fine wholegrain oat flakes in a 500 g pack and a larger 1 kg pack.
ALDI lists coarse wholegrain porridge oats in a 500 g pack under this own-brand label.
A wholegrain wheat-based cereal breakfast for anyone who wants a hot porridge, but isn’t specifically looking for oats.
These products come in different pack sizes, including an Express option for breakfast in your holiday home. When choosing, check the ingredients and preparation instructions for the specific pack, especially if the kitchen has limited equipment.
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A pack to consider if you’re planning several breakfasts during your stay and want to choose the additions yourself.
Contents: 600 g. Check the preparation instructions against the equipment available in your holiday home, and read the current label if you need to avoid any ingredients.
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An Express option to consider if you want to keep preparation simple for individual breakfasts.
Contents: 324 g. Check how to prepare this product; don’t assume boiling water alone is enough. If you have specific dietary requirements, read the label.
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A 500 g pack to consider if you want to match the amount you buy to the length of your stay.
The product name mentions both wheat and oats. Check the pack to see which grain is actually used, how to prepare the product and which allergens are listed.
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A smaller pack than Quaker Oatmeal 600 g, for anyone wanting to match the amount to a shorter stay.
Contents: 375 g. Before buying, check the preparation method. If you have specific dietary requirements, read the ingredients and allergen information on the label.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes porridge oats as a wholegrain cereal made from cut and rolled oat grains. However, if a breakfast product contains several ingredients, the presence of oats doesn’t mean it consists solely of porridge oats; check the ingredients list to find out.
Use the serving size on the pack you’ve chosen as a guide, then multiply it by the number of people and breakfast days. Quaker gives 40 g as the average serving of its porridge oats; adjust the total amount to suit how much you actually plan to eat.
Only if the preparation instructions for the product you’ve chosen allow it. Quaker says Pots Protein Natural can be made with boiling water, but that doesn’t automatically apply to ordinary porridge oats or another Express product.
No. Check the claims and allergen information on the specific pack. For example, Jumbo says its fine wholegrain oat flakes may contain barley, rye and wheat. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information for pre-packed products must appear on the label.
A larger pack is a good option if you’re planning enough breakfasts to use it up and want to serve your own portions. Individual portions can be more convenient if you want to take breakfasts with you; just check that the preparation method suits the kitchen equipment in your holiday home.
