If you need to choose strictly gluten-free, opt for wholegrain porridge oats explicitly labelled gluten-free; the Dutch Coeliac Society recommends choosing a pack with the Crossed Grain symbol where possible. If gluten isn’t a concern for you, you could consider ordinary 100% wholegrain porridge oats. If you have other allergies, always check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack.
If you have coeliac disease or follow a strict gluten-free diet, ordinary porridge oats may not be suitable. Look for an explicit gluten-free label; the Dutch Coeliac Society recommends choosing products with the Crossed Grain symbol where possible.
If you need to check for allergens besides gluten, the ingredients list and any warnings on the exact pack matter more than the brand alone or the front of the pack.
If you’re looking for ordinary wholegrain porridge oats for breakfast, you can compare the ingredients and nutritional information per 100 g. If someone you’re buying for has an allergy, check the label on these products too.
Start with the allergens that matter to you. Then compare the wholegrain ingredients, nutritional information and preparation instructions of products that meet that first requirement.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten and cross-contamination | Look for an explicit gluten-free label and check the label on the exact product. Where possible, also look for the Crossed Grain symbol, as recommended by the Dutch Coeliac Society. | If I need to choose strictly gluten-free, I don’t want to mistake ordinary oats for a product explicitly labelled gluten-free. For around 36% of consumers, gluten safety comes first. |
| Other allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. | If I need to consider multiple allergens, I want to know what’s in the product and which substances may be present. For around 29% of consumers, this check is the top priority. |
| Wholegrain ingredients and composition | Check whether the ingredients list says 100% wholegrain oats, and compare the fibre per 100 g and any added ingredients. | I’m looking for a simple wholegrain product and want to compare the ingredients in different packs. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Everyday use | Once you’ve checked the allergen information, compare the preparation instructions and decide whether you want fine or regular oats. | On weekdays, I want to prepare porridge in a way that fits my morning routine. Ease of use comes first for around 14% of consumers. |
Wholegrain describes the type of grain used, not whether a product is free from gluten contamination. Standard versions from Brinta, Quaker and Jumbo list gluten-containing cereals or the possible presence of wheat, rye or barley.
If you need a strictly gluten-free product, choose one explicitly labelled gluten-free and look for the Crossed Grain symbol where possible.
A product name doesn’t tell you which allergens are in the ingredients or may be present. Information on a pack you bought before may not match the pack you’re buying now, either.
Always read the ingredients list and allergen information on the current packaging.
These labels answer a different question from a gluten-free label or an allergen warning. A product containing only oats may still carry a warning about other cereals.
Check the allergens that matter to you first. Then use organic production or a short ingredients list as additional factors to help you choose.
Albert Heijn sells ordinary porridge oats as well as a separate gluten-free wholegrain variety.
Jumbo sells fine wholegrain oats as a standard variety, as well as a separate gluten-free product range.
According to its product information, Brinta Porridge Oats are made from extra-fine oats.
The Quaker Porridge Oats variety reviewed is ordinary wholegrain porridge oats.
Leev Simply Free is a specific variety for people looking for both organic and explicitly gluten-free wholegrain porridge oats.
Not necessarily. Oats can come into contact with wheat, barley or rye during harvesting or processing. Choose a product explicitly labelled gluten-free; the Dutch Coeliac Society recommends choosing one with the Crossed Grain symbol where possible.
Start with the ingredients list and read any warnings on the exact pack too. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) advises that allergens are listed in the ingredients list. Also check for ‘may contain’ warnings for any allergens that matter to you.
No. A product containing only oats may still carry a warning about the possible presence of other cereals. So check the full allergen information on the pack, not just the ingredients list.
Keep explicitly gluten-free porridge oats separate from products containing gluten, and use a clean spoon. The Dutch Coeliac Society describes cross-contamination as gluten accidentally getting into gluten-free food. So watch out for crumbs when storing and preparing your oats, too.
