Navigating the Vegan Porridge Pot Market
While oats are naturally vegan, instant porridge pots often contain added ingredients that are not. The key to finding a suitable option is carefully checking the ingredients list for non-vegan additives such as milk powder, whey, lactose, or honey. Fortunately, with the rise of plant-based eating, many brands have introduced dedicated vegan-friendly lines.
Brands with Guaranteed Vegan Options
Several brands explicitly label their porridge pots as vegan, making it easier to shop with confidence. These include:
- MOMA Foods: A wide selection of MOMA's porridge pots is vegan, including the popular Almond Butter & Salted Caramel and Blueberry & Vanilla flavours. They explicitly promote a range of vegan porridge pots and oat drinks.
- Simplyseedz: This brand specialises in dairy-free and plant-based porridge pots, with options like Simply Plain with seeds, Apple & Cinnamon, and Dark Chocolate & Ginger. Their pots contain no added sugar or milk powder, making them a safe and nutritious choice.
- Bio&Me: Known for their gut-friendly focus, many of Bio&Me's porridge pots are clearly labeled as vegan. Options often include Apple & Cinnamon and Original Seed & Nut.
- Wolfy's: This brand offers a specific range of vegan porridge pots, such as Vegan Strawberries & Cream and Vegan Rhubarb & Ginger, available at major retailers.
- M&S Plant Kitchen: Marks & Spencer's Plant Kitchen line includes vegan-friendly products like the Golden Syrup Flavour Porridge Pot, which is explicitly labelled as suitable for vegans.
Popular Brands with Mixed Vegan and Non-Vegan Products
For some brands, it is important to be vigilant and check each flavor, as not all options will be vegan. The most notable example is Quaker Oats.
- Quaker Oat So Simple: While many flavours are vegan, some contain milk-derived ingredients. According to the Vegan Recipe Club, flavors like Honey & Vanilla or Maple Pecan contain non-vegan components, so it is best to check the ingredients list. However, many fruity and plain options, including the Original and Golden Syrup pots, are often vegan-friendly.
- FUEL10K: While their porridge pots are generally high in protein and fibre, it is crucial to check individual flavours. Some are plant-based, like the High Protein Salted Caramel, while others may contain dairy.
Vegan Porridge Pot Comparison Table
| Brand | Key Vegan Options | Protein Content | Gluten-Free | Key Feature | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOMA Foods | Almond Butter & Salted Caramel, Blueberry & Vanilla | High | Yes (some) | UK-grown oats, wide variety | Major supermarkets, MOMA website |
| Simplyseedz | Simply Plain, Apple & Cinnamon, Dark Chocolate & Ginger | High | Yes (naturally) | No added sugar/sweeteners, compostable pot | Amazon, Simplyseedz website |
| Bio&Me | Original Seed & Nut, Apple & Cinnamon | High | Yes | Gut-loving, diverse plant goodness | Major supermarkets, Bio&Me website |
| Wolfy's | Strawberries & Cream, Rhubarb & Ginger | Varies | No (check label) | Explicitly vegan-labeled, unique flavors | Ocado, other retailers |
| Quaker Oats | Original, Golden Syrup (check labels) | Varies | No (not certified GF) | Widely available, popular brand | All major supermarkets |
| M&S Plant Kitchen | Golden Syrup | Varies | No (cross-contam. warning) | Supermarket own-brand convenience | Ocado, M&S stores |
What to Look for in the Ingredients List
When in doubt, a quick check of the ingredients list on the packaging can confirm if a porridge pot is vegan. Here are some common non-vegan culprits to watch out for:
- Milk Powder/Skimmed Milk Powder: These are the most common dairy additives. Always read the allergens section as well.
- Whey: A byproduct of cheesemaking, whey is a milk protein often added to boost protein content.
- Honey: Used as a sweetener in some flavored options.
- Cross-Contamination Warnings: Some products may be prepared on equipment that also handles milk. While this does not make a product non-vegan, it is a consideration for those with severe allergies.
A Simple DIY Vegan Porridge Pot
For full control over ingredients and lower cost, you can create your own instant vegan porridge pots. This method ensures your breakfast is 100% plant-based and tailored to your taste.
- Fill a heatproof jar or pot with instant or rolled oats.
- Add your preferred dried fruits (e.g., raisins, dates), nuts, or seeds (e.g., chia, flax).
- For flavour, include spices like cinnamon, cocoa powder, or a dash of vanilla extract.
- On the go, simply add boiling water or a plant-based milk of your choice and let it stand for a few minutes.
Conclusion
Finding vegan porridge pots has become easier than ever, with many brands now offering clearly labeled, plant-based options. By opting for dedicated vegan brands like Simplyseedz and MOMA, or carefully checking the ingredients of popular lines like Quaker, you can enjoy a quick and delicious plant-based breakfast. For those who prefer complete control and customisation, a simple DIY approach provides a cost-effective and flexible alternative.
For a deeper dive into vegan-friendly recipes, check out Vegan Recipe Club.