Porridge is now the UK’s favourite breakfast cereal according to figures from leading consumer knowledge and insights provider Kantar Worldpanel* beating other well known breakfast foods hands down.
 
The news has been welcomed by Northern Ireland’s only porridge producer White’s, makers of Toat’ly Oaty and Speedicook porridge ranges and coincides with Farmhouse Breakfast Week (22nd – 29th January) organised by the Home-Grown Cereals Authority.
 
Over the past decade the popularity of porridge and oats has continued to rise as health professionals and consumers alike have come to understand the benefits of including oats in the daily diet.
 
Oats are a natural super-food which means that in addition to being nutritious they offer the body a number of distinct health benefits. One of the key be have been proven to help to reduce blood cholesterol levels**.
 
Oats, because they contain wholegrains, are also good sources of nutrients such as protein, fibre, vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc antioxidants and photochemicals - a powerhouse package of nutrients which boosts the body’s immune system and helps to keep bugs at bay.
 
Commenting on the news, Danielle McBride, Brand Manger of White’s, said: “In recent years we have witnessed a huge upsurge in the number of people eating oat based cereals and in particular porridge as people have come to realise the health benefits of including them in their daily diet.
 
Porridge oats are well known for boosting energy levels and because oats are a complex carbohydrate, with a low GI index, energy is released slowly into the bloodstream which means that the body stays fuller for longer. They can therefore help prevent hunger pangs and reduce cravings for high fat and high sugar snacks.
 
“Porridge oats are low in fat, 100% natural, with no added sugar, salt or additives and are low in calories - an average bowl of porridge contains approximately 103 kcal and are the perfect choice for everyone for a nutritious healthy breakfast throughout the year.”
 
Danielle added: “With so many different health messages out there consumers are often left confused about what they should and should not be eating and whether foods are as healthy as they are lead to believe. Oats are 100% natural and with the host of benefits they have for the body it was only a matter of time before porridge claimed the breakfast crown. She said.
 
*(52 weeks ending 30th October 2011)
 
** According to the Joint Health Claims Initiative (JHCI). The inclusion of oats as part of a diet low in saturated fat and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce cholesterol.