Office workers short on preparation time
You want to make porridge during a short break using what’s available at work, such as a microwave, hot water or a fridge for overnight oats. Check the preparation method and serving size on each pack.
Who is this lunch option for?
Shoppers looking for a simple wholegrain base
You want to choose what to add to your porridge yourself. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats are a wholegrain cereal; the ingredients list on a specific pack will show whether it contains anything besides oats.
Shoppers who need to strictly avoid gluten
If you have coeliac disease, you can’t rely on the words ‘oats’ or ‘wholegrain’ alone. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends choosing oat products with the official Crossed Grain symbol; check the allergen information on the pack too.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether preparation time, a simple ingredients list, added protein or a strict gluten-free requirement matters most for your lunch. Then compare the preparation instructions and nutritional information on the packs you’re considering.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation time | Check which liquid, equipment and standing time the pack specifies. | If my break is short, the preparation method needs to suit the facilities available at work. Around 42% of consumers prioritise speed above all else. |
| Simple wholegrain base | Check the ingredients list and compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per serving. | I want to choose what to add to my porridge myself, rather than buying a ready-flavoured variety. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this simple base. |
| Added protein | Compare the protein per 100 g and per serving; check the ingredients and allergens too. | If I’m specifically looking for a variety with added protein, I want to know what other ingredients I’m choosing along with it. This is the main consideration for around 17% of consumers. |
| Strict gluten-free requirement | If you have coeliac disease, look for the official Crossed Grain symbol and check the current label. | If I have coeliac disease, I need to be sure the oats are suitable, regardless of how quickly they’re ready. Around 8% of consumers prioritise this requirement. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming ‘wholegrain’ means ‘gluten-free’
Wholegrain describes the grain; it doesn’t mean a product is suitable for people with coeliac disease. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that ordinary oat products may be contaminated with gluten.
If you have coeliac disease, choose only oats with the official Crossed Grain symbol and check the allergen information on the pack.
-
Choosing a quick-cook serving without checking the label
A convenient pack doesn’t tell you anything on its own about the ingredients, serving size or nutritional information for your lunch.
Compare the preparation instructions and ingredients in single-serve packs with those for ordinary oats, and decide whether the convenience makes a difference during your break.
-
Treating oats with added protein like plain oats
The AH and Quaker protein varieties described here also contain soya protein. That means you need to check the ingredients and allergens differently from a product made entirely from oats.
Check the protein per serving and look for soya and other allergens on the label of the variety you choose.
-
Swapping bread for porridge every day without considering the bigger picture
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread provides iodine, whereas porridge does not. Replacing bread every day is therefore a different dietary choice from having porridge for lunch now and then.
If you’re making a lasting change, consider your overall diet rather than comparing just this one lunch.
Brands to consider
Quaker
Quaker offers plain wholegrain oats as well as quick-cook varieties and products with added protein.
- The product information for Quaker Oatmeal 600 g states that it contains 100% wholegrain oats and no added sugars.
- The Express Protein variety described contains soya. Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety; the nutritional information for this protein variety does not automatically apply to other Quaker products.
Brinta
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Brinta Oatmeal uses extra-fine oats for hot preparation.
- The stated microwave cooking time for this product is 2 minutes.
- The pack warns that it may contain traces of wheat and rye, so fine oats are not automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease.
AH
Alongside plain oats, AH offers a wholegrain variety with added protein, linseed and sunflower seeds.
- Albert Heijn states that AH Wholegrain Protein Oatmeal contains 20 g of protein and 9,1 g of fibre per 100 g, and can be prepared hot or cold.
- This variety contains soya protein and has a longer ingredients list than plain oats. Check the allergen information on the pack.
Zonnatura
Zonnatura offers an organic variety made with fine wholegrain oats for shoppers who value this product feature.
- The wholegrain variety described by Albert Heijn contains 11 g of fibre per 100 g and can be prepared hot or as overnight oats.
- Check with the retailer which pack is available and follow the preparation instructions on that pack.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s range of oats includes fine and jumbo oats, organic varieties and single-serve packs.
- The different formats let you choose between a larger pack and individual servings, depending on what’s practical at work.
- Check the ingredients and preparation instructions for each product; the same features don’t apply to the entire range.
Oat products on Joybuy
These products offer options for a quick lunch with oats or a simple wholegrain base you can customise. Check the preparation instructions and any allergen information on each pack before choosing a product for work.
Image unavailable
Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
An option for a short lunch break, provided the preparation instructions suit the equipment you have available.
Check the pack for the liquid required and allergen information; if you have coeliac disease, don’t rely on the product name alone.
Image unavailable
Quaker Oatmeal 600 g
A good choice as a simple base if you want to decide for yourself what to add to your lunch.
The product information for this variety states that it contains 100% wholegrain oats, 9 g of fibre per 100 g and no added sugars. If you’re short on time, check the preparation instructions and read the warning about possible traces of wheat and barley.
Image unavailable
Zonnatura Organic Wholegrain Oatmeal 500 g
A wholegrain option if organic origin matters to you too.
Check the preparation instructions before taking these oats with you for a short break. If you have an allergy or need to strictly avoid gluten, check the current label and, if you have coeliac disease, look for the official Crossed Grain symbol.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have porridge for lunch?
Yes, porridge isn’t just for breakfast. Choose a serving size and toppings that suit your lunch, and bring the liquid and equipment you need to prepare it at your desk.
How can you make porridge quickly at work?
Follow the instructions on the pack you’re using. For example, Albert Heijn recommends combining 40 g of Brinta Oatmeal with 250 ml of milk and microwaving it for 2 minutes at 900 watts. The AH protein variety uses different settings and needs extra standing time. Use a large, microwave-safe bowl.
Are plain wholegrain oats suitable for people with coeliac disease?
Not necessarily. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ordinary oat products may be contaminated with gluten, and people with coeliac disease need to choose products with the official Crossed Grain symbol. Check the allergen information on the pack too.
Which allergens should you look out for in oats with added protein?
At the very least, check whether your chosen variety contains soya: the AH and Quaker protein varieties described use soya protein. Also check the other ingredients and allergen statements on the exact pack you’re buying, as these can vary from product to product.