How much milk is in Big bowl porridge?

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a Quaker Oats study, a 38.5g sachet of their 'Big Bowl' porridge contains 245ml of semi-skimmed milk when prepared as instructed. The precise quantity of milk in Big bowl porridge, however, is not standardized and varies based on the specific recipe or brand used. This makes it a customizable meal for different dietary needs and preferences.

Quick Summary

The quantity of milk in Big Bowl porridge depends on the brand and recipe. Many commercial versions, like those from Uncle Tobys, are made with milk powder or designed to be prepared with a specified amount of milk or water. Homemade recipes offer full customization for liquid and toppings.

Key Points

No Standard Milk Amount: The milk content in 'Big bowl porridge' is not fixed and varies by brand or recipe.
Commercial Products Differ: Some commercial big bowl sachets, like Uncle Tobys, may contain milk powder, while others require the user to add milk during preparation.
Homemade Porridge is Customizable: Making your own 'big bowl' allows for complete control over the milk type and quantity, with standard ratios of 1 part oats to 2-3 parts liquid.
Consider Plant-Based Alternatives: For vegan diets or those with lactose intolerance, plant-based milks are an excellent, customizable alternative to cow's milk.
Toppings Add Nutrition: Additional ingredients like nuts, seeds, and fruit contribute to flavor and nutritional value, which can be adjusted for health goals.
Check Product Instructions: For pre-packaged products, always consult the preparation instructions and ingredient list for specific details on milk content and allergens.

Understanding the 'Big Bowl' Concept and Milk Content

The phrase "Big bowl porridge" can refer to several things: a brand of instant oats, a serving size, or a homemade recipe. This means there is no single, definitive answer to the question of how much milk is in a big bowl porridge, as the content is entirely dependent on the specific product or preparation method used.

Commercial 'Big Bowl' Porridge Products

Some of the most common products associated with this name are instant oat sachets designed for a larger serving size. Uncle Tobys, for instance, offers a 'Quick Sachets Big Bowl' product line. A key factor is to always check the ingredient list and preparation instructions on the package. Some flavors, like the 'Creamy Honey' variety, explicitly list milk powder as an ingredient. The 'Original' variety, however, may not contain milk powder but often suggests preparing it with milk or water, giving the consumer control over the dairy content. For example, the preparation instructions for Uncle Tobys sachets suggest adding 2/3 cup of milk or water per sachet. Similarly, Quaker's 'Oat So Simple Big Bowl' provides specific instructions for preparing each sachet with 245ml of semi-skimmed milk.

Homemade Porridge Milk Ratios

For those making porridge from scratch, the milk quantity is completely flexible. A standard porridge recipe for a single serving typically uses a ratio of one part oats to two or more parts liquid. For a larger, 'big bowl' serving, you simply scale up the ingredients. A common ratio recommended for a creamy texture is 1 cup of oats with a total of 3 cups of liquid, often a mix of water and milk. However, this can be adjusted based on desired consistency and dietary preferences. For a richer porridge, you can use all milk. For a lighter, healthier version, a combination of milk and water, or an entirely plant-based milk alternative, is perfect.

Common Porridge-to-Liquid Ratios

For a standard consistency: 1:2 (1 cup oats, 2 cups liquid)
For extra creamy texture: 1:3 (1 cup oats, 3 cups liquid)
For a thicker, denser porridge: Less liquid (e.g., 1 cup oats, 1.5 cups liquid)

Comparison Table: Different 'Big Bowl' Porridge Preparations


Feature	Uncle Tobys Quick Sachets Big Bowl	Homemade 'Big Bowl' Porridge	Quaker Oat So Simple Big Bowl
Milk Content	Varies by flavor; some contain milk powder, others rely on user-added milk.	Fully customizable; controlled by the cook.	Specific volume (245ml semi-skimmed milk) per sachet.
Customization	Low to moderate. Liquid choice (milk/water) is an option.	High. Liquid type, quantity, and toppings are fully flexible.	Low. Pre-portioned sachets with specific instructions.
Convenience	High. Ready in minutes.	Low. Requires measuring and cooking time.	High. Ready in minutes.
Ingredients	Predominantly oats, plus flavorings and potential allergens like milk powder.	Customizable. Oats plus any choice of milk or water and toppings.	Oats with additional ingredients for flavoring and texture.
Allergen Info	May contain milk and other allergens due to processing.	Dependent on chosen ingredients. Easier to control for allergies.	May contain allergens; check packaging for details.

Important Considerations for Milk in Porridge

When thinking about milk in your porridge, it's not just about quantity but also type. The liquid you choose significantly affects the final flavor, texture, and nutritional profile of your meal. Different milks will yield different results. Cow's milk, for example, produces a rich, creamy consistency and adds extra protein, calcium, and fat. Plant-based options like almond, oat, or soy milk offer diverse flavor profiles and are suitable for vegan or lactose-intolerant diets. Some recipes even suggest adding extra milk or cream at the end for an even creamier finish.

Making a Personalized 'Big Bowl' at Home

Choose your liquid: Start with a base of water for a lighter porridge, or use milk (dairy or plant-based) for a richer, creamier result. A mix of half water and half milk is a popular option. Use approximately 2.5 to 3 parts liquid for every 1 part of oats for a truly big, satisfying bowl.
Select your oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are a great all-around choice for a hearty, traditional texture. Instant oats cook faster but have a less chewy texture. Steel-cut oats take longer but produce a robust, chewy porridge.
Add your flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla are classic additions. You can stir them in while cooking or sprinkle on top.
Personalize your toppings: The real fun of a big bowl porridge is the toppings. Options include fresh or dried fruits, nuts, seeds (like chia or flax), and sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup.

Conclusion

There is no single answer to the question of how much milk is in Big bowl porridge. For commercially produced sachets, the amount is dictated by the brand's recipe and preparation instructions, which often specify adding a certain volume of milk or water. For homemade versions, the quantity of milk is entirely up to the cook, allowing for complete customization of texture, flavor, and nutritional content. Whether you opt for a convenient sachet or a personalized homemade version, remember to read the labels and adjust the milk content to best suit your taste and dietary needs.

(Outbound Link: https://chefoodrevolution.com/en/the-perfect-porridge-recipe-ideal-cheap-breakfast-can-also-be-gourmet/)

Frequently Asked Questions

Some flavors of Uncle Tobys Big Bowl porridge, such as the Creamy Honey variety, contain milk powder in the ingredients. The Original flavor, however, does not list milk powder but suggests preparation with milk or water.

Yes, you can easily make Big Bowl porridge without milk. For pre-packaged versions, many brands provide the option to use water instead of milk. For homemade porridge, simply use water or a plant-based milk alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk.

For a creamy consistency, a good starting point is a 1:2.5 or 1:3 ratio of oats to liquid. For example, use 1 cup of oats with 2.5 to 3 cups of milk or a milk/water combination.

No, Quaker Oat So Simple Big Bowl sachets are not pre-made with milk. The instructions specify adding 245ml of semi-skimmed milk (or water) during preparation.

Different milks affect porridge by altering its flavor, creaminess, and nutritional content. Cow's milk adds a rich, creamy texture, while plant-based milks like oat or soy provide unique flavor notes and are suitable for vegan diets.

The term 'Big Bowl porridge' can refer to a specific product line, such as Uncle Tobys' 'Quick Sachets Big Bowl'. It is also a general term used to describe a larger serving size of porridge, whether homemade or from another brand.

To make a big bowl at home, use a larger ratio of oats and liquid, such as 1 cup of oats to 2.5 cups of your preferred milk or water. You can customize the flavor with additions like cinnamon or honey and add toppings like fruit and nuts.