Banish breakfast boredom with our porridge variations.
1. Banana, raisins and a sprinkle of nutmeg
These everyday ingredients make this a real crowd pleaser that is an easy and comforting choice.
2. Strawberries and blueberries
Great for the summer, fresh berries are a sweet and refreshing topping, making porridge taste extra creamy.
3. Cherry and chia seeds
Simmer frozen cherries on the hob or in the microwave with a tablespoon or two of chia seeds, stirring regularly. Allow the mixture to cool. The seeds help to naturally thicken the liquid released by the cherries. Use to top porridge.
4. Banana, raspberry, almond butter and cinnamon
This combo will add some protein to your porridge thanks to the nut butter. Peanut butter will work instead of almond but either way, choose a version without added sugar and salt.
5. Flaked almonds and chopped dates
Keep these in the store cupboard or in a jar on your desk to sprinkle over your porridge when you need them.
6. Walnuts, pear slices and ginger
If you like a crunchy texture the pear and walnuts will add this, while sprinkling on a little ground ginger provides some spicy warmth.
7. Peaches and raspberries
Recreate a peach melba with this classic combo. Depending on the time of year, you could use frozen raspberries and tinned peaches if that’s easier or cheaper than fresh. Tinned and frozen fruit still count towards your 5-a-day. Just make sure that tinned fruit is in juice rather than syrup.
8. Stewed plums
These can be halved and either microwaved or baked in the oven in a covered dish. Add cinnamon or vanilla for extra flavour.
9. Blueberries, walnuts and sunflower seeds
These look pretty on top of your porridge, but even better, an 80g portion of blueberries counts as one of your5-a-dayand the walnuts and sunflower seeds provideunsaturated fatsas well as fibre and vitamins. Use other berries if you prefer, or even dried apricots for a store cupboard alternative – in which case 30g will count as one of your 5-a-day.
10. Low fat Greek yoghurt and tinned apricots
Low fat yoghurt will be creamy without adding saturated fat, while the apricots (tinned in juice, not syrup) will add sweetness without adding sugar.
11. Stewed apple with cinnamon
Perfect for an autumn porridge – but you can also cook extra apple and freeze it in smaller portions to enjoy year-round.
12. Grated apple, blackberry and pecan
Grate up a little apple and stir into the porridge. Once it’s cooked, top with some blackberries and chopped pecan for extra crunch.
13. Chocolate banana
Mash up most of a ripe banana – the riper the better as it will add natural sweetness – then cook in with the oats and about 2 tsp cocoa powder (or to taste). Stir well and serve with the remaining banana sliced on top.
14. Blueberries and blackberries
Cook some of the berries in with the oats to turn your breakfast an interesting pink colour, and serve with the rest scattered on top.
FAQs
Whichever porridge you choose, make it with low-fat milk or water to keep the calories down and minimise saturated fat, especially if you are trying to lower your cholesterol levels.
What is a good substitute for oatmeal in porridge? ›
Buckwheat
It's gluten-free, rich in antioxidants and is a fantastic source of fibre. Why not try your own buckwheat porridge, which is similar to oatmeal but generally more hearty and nutty. To make buckwheat porridge, cook buckwheat groats or flakes with your choice of milk and sweetener in a pot until tender.
What to put on porridge instead of sugar? ›
If you need a bit of sweetness, skip the sugar, and instead go for agave or maple syrup. 7. Add a dash of your favourite juice. Fruit juice is also a great sweetener for porridge.
What's the difference between porridge and oatmeal? ›
But the main difference between porridge and oatmeal is that porridge is made with a variety of whole grains, cereal or legumes, and oatmeal is made with oats (either rolled, flattened or ground).
Is it OK to eat porridge every day? ›
The Bottom Line
Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Is buckwheat healthier than oatmeal? ›
Buckwheat is rich in various antioxidant plant compounds, which are responsible for many of its health benefits. In fact, it provides more antioxidants than many other cereal grains, such as barley, oats, wheat, and rye (21, 22 , 23 ).
What is healthier than oatmeal for breakfast? ›
Both oatmeal and granola make for a healthy, nutritious breakfast, but the winner for us is granola—the added nuts, seeds, and dried fruits give you a source of fiber and healthy fats that oatmeal can't quite compete with.
Which is healthier, chia seeds or oatmeal? ›
Although chia seeds provide healthy protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, whole-grain oats are a heartier source of vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy antioxidants, and are generally considered more filling.
What not to mix with oatmeal? ›
Whatever you do, steer clear of the worst offenders: dried fruit with added sugars, like Craisins or dried pineapple. "These are almost always made with added sugar, if not also an artificial sweetener, says Pennsylvania-based RD Gina Consalvo. "Always choose a fresh fruit instead." Need hard proof?
What spices to add to porridge? ›
Ground almonds, coconut flakes, cocoa, cinnamon, vanilla and ginger give your porridge a nutty, warmly spiced taste. Doesn't that sound like the perfect all-in-one mix for your mornings?
Steel-cuts and rolled oats have a lower glycemic index than quick oats, potentially making them the best choices for blood sugar control.
Is porridge healthier with water or milk? ›
Milk is rich in fats, calcium, and Vitamin D that complements the nutrients in oats. Thus oats cooked in milk have benefits over oats cooked in water. Milk has fats, calcium, and Vitamin D that is normally absent in processed oats. Apart from adding a flavour, it also helps in keeping your muscles and bones healthy.
Is porridge better for you cooked or uncooked? ›
Cooking increases their nutritional value
According to Harvard Health , there are no benefits to eating raw oats. Cooking your oatmeal or making overnight oats is probably your best (and tastiest) option. The end result is a delicious breakfast that is nutritious.
What is the healthiest grain for porridge? ›
Oats are a cheap, healthy grain for making porridge. They are also high in fiber and contain antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Oats are especially beneficial for people who want to lose weight because they are filling and low in calories.
