For making your own bowl
If you like to add your own sweet or savoury ingredients, porridge oats made with wholegrain oats only give you a simple base to start with. Check the ingredients list if this matters to you.
Which choice is right for you?
For a quick, warming bite
If you’re short on time, compare the preparation instructions for regular flakes and portion packs. If you choose a variety with extra ingredients, check the allergen information too.
For gluten-free oats
According to the Voedingscentrum, oats can become contaminated with gluten during processing. If you have coeliac disease, look for an explicit gluten-free label or the official Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide what matters most for your warming bowl of oats: the ingredients, preparation, versatility in different recipes or suitability for a gluten-free diet.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pure wholegrain base | Read the ingredients list and check whether the product contains wholegrain oats only. | I want to choose what goes into my warming bowl, without any ingredients in the oat base that I haven’t chosen. Around 33% of consumers put checking the ingredients first. |
| Quick preparation | Compare the preparation instructions and check what equipment and liquid you’ll need. | When I’m busy, I want to make something warm with as little effort as possible, so I choose my oats accordingly. For around 33% of consumers, speed matters most. |
| Preparation options | Check whether the pack gives instructions for your preferred method, such as using a pan, microwave or no-cook preparation. | I want to use the same oats in the way I like to make my bowl or recipe. Around 27% of consumers put this flexibility first. |
| Gluten-free suitability | Check the current packaging for an explicit gluten-free label or the official Crossed Grain symbol. | If I need gluten-free oats, seeing the word ‘oats’ on the pack isn’t enough to help me choose. Around 7% of consumers give this requirement top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ordinary oats are gluten-free
According to the Voedingscentrum, oats can become contaminated with gluten during processing. This means regular wholegrain oats aren’t automatically suitable if you have coeliac disease.
Check the current packaging for an explicit gluten-free label or the official Crossed Grain symbol.
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Confusing Brinta with porridge oats
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Brinta Volkoren graanontbijt contains wholemeal wheat flour and salt. It isn’t an oat product and contains wheat.
Choose Brinta only if you’re looking for a warm wheat-based product. Check the type of grain if oats are a must.
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Treating a portion pack like plain flakes
A portion pack may contain different ingredients and allergens from porridge oats made with wholegrain oats only. According to Quaker, its Pots Protein Naturel contains milk powder and soya protein, among other ingredients.
Compare the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions on the specific packs before choosing.
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Looking only for the word ‘wholegrain’
The preparation method and what you add to your oats also affect what ends up in your bowl.
Choose flakes with instructions that suit the way you prepare them, and check the nutritional information for any additions separately.
Brands compared
Quaker
Offers both a simple porridge oat option and a portion product that, according to Quaker, is made with boiling water.
- According to Quaker, Havermout Original is made from 100% wholegrain oats.
- Quaker Pots Protein Naturel also contains milk powder and soya protein, so check the allergens for the variety you choose.
Albert Heijn
Offers fine and jumbo wholegrain oat flakes, as well as a separate variety labelled gluten-free.
- The product information lists wholegrain oat flakes as an ingredient in the regular fine and jumbo varieties.
- If you need gluten-free oats, don’t assume the regular varieties are suitable; check the label on the specific pack.
Jumbo
Offers wholegrain porridge oat varieties, including fine flakes and an organic option with instructions for cooking in a pan.
- Jumbo lists wholegrain oat flakes as an ingredient in its fine wholegrain flakes.
- Check the allergen information and preparation instructions for each variety individually.
Golden Bridge (ALDI)
Offers fine and jumbo wholegrain porridge oats, so you can choose between the two types of flakes.
- ALDI lists a 500 g pack of fine wholegrain porridge oats.
- Check the packaging of the variety you choose for ingredients and allergens.
Lidl
Lists jumbo oat flakes as a product available in store.
- Lidl lists a 500 g pack of these jumbo flakes.
- Check the packaging for the exact ingredients and nutritional information.
Brinta
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a warm wholegrain cereal, but not specifically one made with oats.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Brinta Volkoren graanontbijt contains wholemeal wheat flour and salt.
- The product contains wheat, so it isn’t an alternative if oats are a must.
Porridge oats at Joybuy
These Quaker porridge oat packs offer a choice between an Express variety and porridge oats in different pack sizes. For your preferred way of making a warm bowl, always check the ingredients and instructions on the pack you choose.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal, 324 g
An option if you’re looking for an Express variety in a 324 g pack. Check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the current packaging; according to the Voedingscentrum, ordinary oats aren’t automatically suitable if you have coeliac disease.
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Quaker Oatmeal, 600 g
A 600 g pack for making porridge as the base for a warming bowl. Check the ingredients, preparation instructions and allergen information for this variety before you choose.
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Quaker Oatmeal, 375 g
A 375 g pack if you’re looking for a smaller amount for a warm bowl of oats than the 600 g variety. Check this pack for the ingredients and preparation methods that apply.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use wholegrain porridge oats for a warm meal?
Yes, wholegrain porridge oats can be the base for a warming bowl or an ingredient in a dish. Choose the flakes and preparation method that suit your recipe, and consider any additions separately.
How much fibre is in a portion of porridge oats?
The Voedingscentrum lists 4,4 g of fibre in a bowl made with 40 g of porridge oats. Check the nutritional information on the pack for a specific product.
Are ordinary porridge oats suitable if I have coeliac disease?
Don’t assume they are: according to the Voedingscentrum, oats can become contaminated with gluten during processing. If you have coeliac disease, choose a product whose current packaging explicitly states that it’s gluten-free or carries the official Crossed Grain symbol.
How do I prepare jumbo oat flakes?
Follow the instructions on the pack you choose, as preparation methods vary by product. For its jumbo wholegrain flakes, Albert Heijn recommends 40 g of oats with 250 ml of liquid and provides instructions for methods including cooking in a pan, using a microwave and preparing without cooking.