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Which Porridge Pots Are Vegan? Your Ultimate Guide

4 min read

The demand for vegan products continues to grow, with a significant increase in plant-based food sales year over year. For those seeking a convenient, plant-based breakfast, knowing precisely which porridge pots are vegan is essential for a worry-free start to the day.

Quick Summary

This guide identifies popular porridge pot brands and flavors suitable for a vegan diet, highlighting key brands like MOMA, Simplyseedz, and Bio&Me. It also provides a comparison of options, details ingredients to check for, and gives tips for customizing homemade alternatives.

Key Points

  • Check Ingredients: Not all instant porridge pots are vegan; look out for hidden milk powder, whey, or honey.

  • Look for Vegan Labels: Many brands, including MOMA, Simplyseedz, Bio&Me, and Wolfy's, explicitly label their pots as vegan.

  • Be Cautious with Quaker: Some Quaker Oat So Simple flavors are not vegan (e.g., Honey & Vanilla), so always read the label carefully.

  • Consider DIY: Making your own porridge pots with instant oats and plant-based add-ins offers full control and can be more budget-friendly.

  • Read Cross-Contamination Warnings: Those with severe allergies should be aware that some vegan products may be processed in facilities that also handle dairy.

In This Article

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.

  1. Fill a heatproof jar or pot with instant or rolled oats.
  2. Add your preferred dried fruits (e.g., raisins, dates), nuts, or seeds (e.g., chia, flax).
  3. For flavour, include spices like cinnamon, cocoa powder, or a dash of vanilla extract.
  4. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all Quaker Oat So Simple pots are vegan. While many flavors like Original and Golden Syrup are, certain varieties such as Honey & Vanilla or those with 'Cream' in the name contain milk products. You must check the ingredients list for each specific flavor.

To confirm if a porridge pot is vegan, check the ingredients list and allergen warnings on the packaging. Common non-vegan ingredients to look for include milk powder, whey, lactose, and honey.

Several brands offer high-protein vegan porridge pots. Simplyseedz highlights the protein content in its plain and flavored pots. Brands like MOMA and Bio&Me also offer options with significant protein and fiber.

Some supermarket own-brand porridge pots have vegan options. For instance, Marks & Spencer's Plant Kitchen range includes vegan porridge pots. However, you should always check the label, as not all flavors within a store's range will be plant-based.

Yes, Simplyseedz porridge pots are specifically marketed as plant-based and dairy-free, suitable for vegans. They use jumbo oats and seeds without added sugar or milk powder.

MOMA vegan porridge pots, including flavors like Almond Butter & Salted Caramel, are available at major supermarkets like Tesco and Waitrose, as well as on their official website.

To make your own vegan porridge pot, you can use instant oats, seeds (like chia or flax), nuts, dried fruit (such as raisins or cranberries), and flavorings like cinnamon or cocoa powder. Just add hot water or a plant-based milk when ready to eat.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.