SIX OF THE BEST

Porridge pots

By Morgan Lawrence

Waking up to a saucepan of steaming porridge is a comforting treat during this chilliest of months. A perfect bowlful is the holy grail; debates rage over whether pre-toasted oats, water instead of milk, a slow bake or a fat pinch of salt is the answer. And then there’s the matter of the toppings...

But when time isn’t on your side, can a graband-go porridge pot ever compare? Just as the homemade stuff is open to limitless creativity (we recently featured a carrotcake inspired version, with nutmeg and golden raisins, in these very pages – find it at telegraph.co.uk/ cookbook), so the supermarkets and producers are doing clever things, too. There are options for plant-based protein, whole-milk powder, chia seeds and freeze-dried fruit – but how close can a rehydrated pot of oats really get to the real deal? We sought out the latest creations, added water (or, in some cases, milk), and stirred like crazy to find out.

WOLFY’S NUTTY PORRIDGE WITH HONEY POT £1.69 FOR 90G, OCADO

With water added, this mixes to a thick porridge with plenty of crunch from chopped peanuts, walnuts and almonds. The honey comes in a separate pot, so you can add it to your taste – a nice touch. A satisfying breakfast. 9/10

£1.30 FOR 70G, SAINSBURY’S

Made with jumbo oats, this produces a thin, yet creamy tasting oats. The dried cranberries deliver a nicely sour contrast to the sweet raisins – more of this tartness would be welcome. The oats are gluten-free, too. 8/10