For anyone who likes to put their own breakfast together
With standard oats as your base, you can choose what to add, such as fruit, yoghurt or milk. According to the Voedingscentrum, oats are made from cut and rolled oat kernels.
Who are the different types suitable for?
For anyone who wants to spend less time preparing breakfast
Fine oats or pre-measured portions can make preparation easier. Check the instructions on the pack you choose: the size of the flakes and whether they come in individual portions don’t, on their own, tell you how to prepare the oats.
For anyone who needs to avoid gluten strictly
Don’t rely on the word ‘oats’ alone. The Dutch Coeliac Society points out that oats can come into contact with gluten, so look for an explicit gluten-free label and read the allergen information.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the ingredients, then choose the flake size or packaging that suits your breakfast. If you need to avoid gluten strictly, check for a gluten-free label before choosing how you want to prepare your oats.
| What to look for | Check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain base | Check whether wholegrain oats or wholegrain oat flakes are the main or only ingredient. For products with several ingredients, compare the nutritional information per 100 g too. | If I want to add my own fruit or yoghurt, I look for a simple oat base. For around 40% of consumers, a wholegrain base is the most important factor. |
| Preparation | Read the preparation instructions and stated time. Check whether the oats are fine or coarse, and whether portions are pre-measured. | When breakfast needs to be ready quickly, I want to spend as little time as possible measuring and preparing it. For around 30% of consumers, convenience comes first. |
| Pack size | Compare the net weight and, where stated, the number of portions per pack. | If I want to make several breakfasts from one pack, I pay attention to how much I’ll actually use. For around 20% of consumers, pack size is the first thing they consider. |
| Gluten-free label | If you follow a strictly gluten-free diet, look for an explicit gluten-free claim or the Crossed Grain symbol, and read the allergen information. | If I need to avoid gluten strictly, I can’t rely on the word ‘oats’. For around 10% of consumers, a gluten-free label is a key requirement. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all oat products are the same
Plain oats have a different composition from a biscuit or bar that also contains oats. The presence of oats doesn’t tell you what other ingredients have been used.
Read the ingredients list for each product and, if needed, compare the sugars, fat and fibre in the nutritional information per 100 g.
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Assuming regular oats are automatically gluten-free
The Dutch Coeliac Society warns that oats can come into contact with gluten. Products from Brinta, Quaker and Jumbo also carry a warning that they may contain other cereals containing gluten.
If you follow a strictly gluten-free diet, check the current packaging for an explicit gluten-free label and read the allergen information.
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Looking at fibre content alone
The fibre content doesn’t tell you everything about the composition of a breakfast product.
As well as fibre, check the ingredients, the stated sugars and fat, and the portion size.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Quaker
Quaker offers both standard oats and pre-measured Express portions, giving you options to compare within the range.
- Quaker Netherlands lists 100% wholegrain oats as the ingredient in Havermout Original.
- According to Quaker Netherlands, Havermout Original may contain barley and wheat. If you follow a strictly gluten-free diet, check the specific pack.
Brinta
Brinta Havermout is an option if you prefer extra-fine oat flakes.
- The ingredients listed by Albert Heijn are 100% oat flakes.
- The product information mentions possible traces of wheat and rye, so don’t assume it’s gluten-free.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers fine wholegrain oat flakes and an organic wholegrain variety.
- Jumbo lists wholegrain oat flakes as the ingredient in its fine variety, and only organic oat flakes in its organic variety.
- According to Jumbo, the fine variety may contain barley, rye and wheat.
Golden Bridge
Golden Bridge is the brand listed by ALDI for fine wholegrain oats.
- ALDI lists a 500 g pack of fine wholegrain oats.
- If the ingredients and allergens matter to your choice, check the current label.
Lidl
Lidl offers coarse oat flakes if you’re looking for that texture in your breakfast.
- Lidl describes a 500 g pack of coarse oat flakes and suggests serving them with milk, yoghurt or quark.
- Check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens on the pack you choose before drawing conclusions about its composition.
Oat products at Joybuy
These Quaker products give you a choice of an Express pack and two pack sizes of standard oats. Compare the current ingredients, preparation instructions and allergen information for the variety you’re considering.
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Quaker Express Oatmeal 324 g
An Express variety for anyone who wants to do less measuring at breakfast. The pack contains 324 g; check the preparation instructions and allergen information on the product you choose.
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Quaker Oatmeal 600 g
Standard oats for anyone who likes to decide for themselves what goes into breakfast. This pack contains 600 g; check the label for the ingredients and allergens in this variety.
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Quaker Oatmeal 375 g
Standard oats in a 375 g pack for a breakfast you can put together your way. Check the pack for preparation instructions and allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Are oats wholegrain?
Yes. The Voedingscentrum describes oats as a wholegrain cereal product made from cut and rolled oat kernels. If oats are one of several ingredients in a product, check the full ingredients list.
Do you have to make oats with milk?
No, milk isn’t the only way to prepare oats. Depending on the product and your preference, you can use water or mix oats with yoghurt. If you’re making them warm, follow the instructions on the pack.
Are standard oats suitable for people with coeliac disease?
Not necessarily: the Dutch Coeliac Society points out that oats can come into contact with gluten. If you follow a strictly gluten-free diet, choose a product with an explicit gluten-free claim or the Crossed Grain symbol, and follow individual advice about eating oats.
How should you store oats once opened?
Store oats in a dry place and seal the pack well after use. Also check the storage instructions on the specific pack.