10 October 2019

We couldn't celebrate World Porridge Day without giving a big shout-out to the wonderful charity Mary’s Meals who have school feeding programmes around the globe, providing porridge to some of the world’s poorest children.

Porridge is a winner in the UK too. We’ve calculated that last school year 251,147 bowls of porridge were enjoyed by children at Magic Breakfast partner schools.

Porridge fills children up and keeps them full for longer. There is a unique form of fibre called beta glucans in porridge which helps regulate blood sugar levels. So, there’s no ‘spike’ and ‘dip’ that you get with some carbohydrates. It is low fat, low sugar and contains the B vitamins essential for converting food into energy. Such a great start to the school day! 

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All this fabulous goodness comes from one of our key food partners, Quaker Oats UK who have been supporting Magic Breakfast for the last 10 years, supplying all the porridge we provide to our partner schools. Some schools make up large batches using traditional Quaker Oats whilst those who don’t have the facilities available to do that, use the handy Oat So Simple sachets.

If children are reluctant to try it, there are lots of ways to make porridge more tempting. Magic Breakfast’s Nutrition Advisor, Annah Herbert Graham, has some great ideas:

The Big Greek

Topping: 3 tablespoons of yogurt (natural or Greek),

Chopped fruit: banana, apple, pear, plum, or berries, 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)

Spiced Apple

Mix in 1 teaspoon of mixed spice. Topping: 1 grated apple, 2 chopped dates (optional)

Carrot Cake

Mix in ½ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 grated carrot. Topping: Handful of raisins or sultanas

Thank you Quaker for your ongoing support and Happy World Porridge Day to all!