If you like choosing your own toppings
You’re looking for a plain wholegrain base and want to add fruit, nuts, yoghurt or milk to suit your taste. A short ingredients list makes it easier to see what’s already in your porridge oats.
Which choice is right for you?
If you want to spend less time preparing breakfast
You want a hot or cold bowl without much preparation. Fine oats or a portioned product could suit you, but it’s worth checking the preparation instructions and any additional ingredients separately.
If you need to choose gluten-free products because of coeliac disease
You’ll need to distinguish ordinary porridge oats from a suitable gluten-free option. The Voedingscentrum advises people with coeliac disease to look for the official Crossed Grain mark on the packaging.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether you want a plain base, a particular preparation method or a ready-made portioned product. If you need to eat gluten-free because of coeliac disease, the suitability of the specific product takes priority over these preferences.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Plain wholegrain base | Check whether the ingredients list contains only wholegrain oat flakes or 100% wholegrain porridge oats. For products with added ingredients, compare the sugar and salt content per 100 g too. | If I’m adding my own fruit or other toppings, I want to know what’s already in the base. Around 36% of consumers place the greatest importance on choosing their own ingredients. |
| Preparation and oat type | Compare the preparation instructions and choose between fine or jumbo oats, or a portioned product. The name alone doesn’t tell you how to prepare it. | On a weekend morning, I want to choose between quickly making a warm bowl and taking a little more time over preparation. For around 29% of consumers, this practical difference comes first. |
| Gluten-free suitability | If you have coeliac disease, check the gluten-free label, the official Crossed Grain mark and the latest allergen information. | If I need to eat gluten-free because of coeliac disease, suitability determines which porridge oats I can buy. For around 21% of consumers, this is their first consideration. |
| Protein and portion convenience | For products with added ingredients, check the ingredients and allergen information. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per serving. | If I prefer a portioned product or extra protein, I also want to assess the rest of the ingredients. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all porridge oats are a plain base
A product with flavourings or added protein ingredients has a different composition from porridge oats made with wholegrain oats alone. The name on the front doesn’t always make the difference clear.
Read the ingredients list, and for products with added ingredients, compare the sugar, salt and fibre per 100 g.
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Choosing ordinary oats if you have coeliac disease
According to the Voedingscentrum, ordinary oat products may be unsuitable for people with coeliac disease because of contact with gluten, even though oats themselves are naturally gluten-free.
Choose an explicitly labelled gluten-free oat product with the official Crossed Grain mark, and check the latest packaging.
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Assuming a protein version is the same as plain oat flakes
A ready-made portioned product may contain other ingredients and allergens as well as oats. For example, Quaker lists milk powder and soya protein in its Pot Protein Naturel.
Check the full ingredients list and compare the nutritional information per serving and per 100 g before choosing between these types of product.
Brands to consider
Brinta
Brinta Porridge Oats are made with extra-fine flakes, for anyone choosing based on oat type and preparation.
- Albert Heijn describes the flakes in this variety as extra fine.
- If you need a gluten-free product, check the packaging: ordinary porridge oats are not automatically suitable.
Quaker
Quaker offers both ordinary wholegrain porridge oats and ready-made portioned products. Compare the specific variety rather than the brand alone.
- Jumbo lists 100% wholegrain porridge oats as an ingredient in Quaker Porridge Oats.
- According to Quaker, Quaker Pot Protein Naturel also contains milk powder and soya protein, so it isn’t made with oats alone.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers separate fine wholegrain oat flakes and a wholegrain variety labelled gluten-free.
- Albert Heijn lists wholegrain oat flakes as an ingredient in its fine variety.
- The gluten-free label applies to the specific gluten-free variety, not automatically to other AH porridge oats.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers its own-brand wholegrain porridge oats as both fine and jumbo flakes, so you can choose the type that suits you.
- Jumbo lists wholegrain oat flakes as an ingredient in its jumbo variety.
- If gluten contact is a concern for you, check the allergen information on the packaging you choose.
Lidl
Lidl lists jumbo oat flakes as a breakfast product that can be eaten with milk or yoghurt, among other options.
- The product description is useful if you’re specifically looking for jumbo oats.
- Before comparing this variety with wholegrain products, check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the packaging.
Aldi
Aldi lists fine and jumbo wholegrain porridge oats under the Golden Bridge brand.
- The separate descriptions for fine and jumbo flakes let you choose based on oat type.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information on the latest packaging for the variety you choose.
Porridge oat products on Joybuy
These products are suited to a porridge breakfast you can customise, as well as Express varieties for anyone looking for convenience or a different composition. If you need a gluten-free product, always check that the specific product is suitable.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
An option if you’re looking for porridge oats you can customise, with preparation that suits your morning routine. Check the packaging if you specifically want whole flakes or need to choose gluten-free products because of coeliac disease.
Pack size: 324 g.
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Zonnatura Organic Whole Wheat Oatmeal 500 g
A choice for anyone looking for a base to add their own toppings to. The product name says Whole Wheat, while the listed ingredients refer to oat flakes. If the exact type of grain matters to you, check the latest packaging. Also check the allergen information.
Pack size: 500 g.
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Quaker Oats Express Protein 302 g
A blended alternative if you’re considering a protein version rather than plain porridge oats. Check the ingredients and allergens, including information about soya, and compare the protein content using the serving size on the latest packaging.
Pack size: 302 g.
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify plain wholegrain porridge oats for my weekend breakfast?
Read the ingredients list: a plain base might list wholegrain oat flakes or 100% wholegrain porridge oats. If you also want to compare products with extra ingredients, check the sugar, salt and fibre per 100 g.
Can I eat ordinary porridge oats if I have coeliac disease?
Ordinary porridge oats aren’t automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease. According to the Voedingscentrum, oat products may come into contact with gluten, so check that your chosen product carries the official Crossed Grain mark.
Is protein porridge the same as plain porridge oats?
No, a protein version may contain other ingredients as well as oats. For example, Quaker lists milk powder and soya protein in Pot Protein Naturel. If you’re considering this type of product, check the allergens too, and compare the nutritional information per serving and per 100 g.