Oats & Porridge

Shop Oats & Porridge at Holland & Barrett

Attitudes towards breakfast have changed over the years and thankfully, for the better – and healthier!

Gone are the days of a daily fry up and even buttered toast and marmalade may have had its day.

And whilst, admittedly, there’s little that is new about porridge oats (we’ve been eating them for centuries and they remain a staple food around the world), there’s certainly a renewed love for this healthy and nutritious breakfast meal.

So what is so versatile about oats and how can you be inspired to eat more porridge for breakfast?

Oats of all sizes

All oats, whatever their size, are full of fibre and can offer health benefits, when eaten as part of a low fat diet.

And for anyone who is concerned about having a reaction to regular oats, it might be reassuring to know you can also purchase gluten free oats.

All oats begin their lives as kernels of grain, which are then processed into different varieties.

Rolled oats and jumbo oats

Sometimes called old fashioned oats, rolled oats are oat groats that have been steamed and rolled into flat flakes, using heavy rollers, before being lightly toasted.

Ideal for use as porridge, you can choose to cook them over a hob in a pan of water or milk, for a bowl of creamy texted porridge.

Or if you’re in a rush and heading out of the door, they can just as easily be covered with water or milk and microwaved for a couple of minutes. Don’t forget to add your favourite toppings, such as honey or maple syrup. As well as fresh or dried fruits, nuts and seeds.

With a little advance preparation, overnight oats are brilliant for a grab and go breakfast in the morning too – simply soak jumbo oats in liquid the night before (we love a good quality, freshly squeezed apple juice) and then top the next morning with chia seeds, berries or nuts.

Rolled oats are also perfect for use in granola and muesli. As well as flapjacks, crumble toppings and many savoury dishes.

Gluten free rolled oats

For those who have an intolerance to rolled oats, you will be reassured to know that it’s now possible to buy gluten free rolled oats, safe in the knowledge that they have been thoroughly segregated, tested, and re-tested to confirm their gluten free status.

Quick oats

The main advantage of instant rolled oats, or quick oats, is – you’ve guessed it – the short amount of time needed to prepare these oats.

Due to the fact that quick oats have been rolled even more thinly than regular oats (and sometimes steamed for longer as well), they are quick to prepare on either the stove or in the microwave.

Steel cut oats

As the name suggests, steel cuts oats are oat groats that have been sliced into 2 or 3 pieces with a sharp metal blade.

Sometimes called Irish oatmeal, they take longer to cook and are rougher and therefore chewier than rolled or instant oats.

Oatmeal cups

If time really isn’t on your side, then you might like to consider our range of oatmeal cups, which come in a variety of flavours, many with flaxseeds and chia seeds, as well as a gluten free option.

Designed as a single serving meal, oatmeal cups simply require you to add hot water up to a clearly marked line and stir. Pop the lid back on and wait for 3 mins before stirring again. And then enjoy!

Oatmeal cups are perfect for storing in your desk at work. Or for those cold camping trips with the family.

They are an easy go-to meal for one, whether that’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. Or perhaps even just as a healthy snack.