Breakfast shouldn’t be boring and we like to think of ourselves as experts in proving just this. So, without further ado, here are our top three mouthwatering breakfasts, made with none other than our Oatrageously Original porridge mix.
Black Forest Overnight Oats
If you’ve never tried overnight oats before, you’re in for a delightful surprise. And if you’re a fan of the luscious Black Forest Cake, well, you’re about to fall in love with a healthier, morning-friendly version of the classic dessert.
Get the full recipe here.
Peach Ice Tea Overnight Oats
Is anyone else craving a little bit of summer sunshine? Well, while we may not be able to control the weather, we think we’ve done a pretty good job at creating summer in a bowl with this one. Fruity and refreshing, this breakfast will take you back to warm summer mornings in a heartbeat.
Get the full recipe here.
High Protein Chocolate & Red Berry Baked Oats
Give the gift of breakfast in bed to your loved one this week with these dreamy berry-baked oats. A delightfully light and fluffy breakfast treat - this is the tastiest way to start your day!
Get the full recipe here.
]]>Whether you’re sharing breakfast with a special someone or treating yourself to a moment of self-love, these recipes are designed to make your Valentine’s morning extraordinary!
Treat yourself to a breakfast sensation that marries the wholesome goodness of oats with the sweet, caramelised crunch of Biscoff. This irresistible fusion of creamy oats and the iconic flavour of Biscoff biscuits is a celebration of warmth, comfort, and pure decadence.
Picture a spoonful of warm, baked oats infused with the burst of sweet blueberries and the refreshing citrusy essence of oranges. It’s a harmonious blend of fruity goodness, that’s not only delicious but also a wholesome way to kickstart a day of celebrations.
Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake Blondies
A breakfast made for sharing: golden-brown blondies swirled with velvety peanut butter, luscious jam, and a rich cheesecake layer, creating a heavenly medley of tastes and textures. The irresistible combination of sweet, creamy, and chewy makes these blondies the perfect treat to elevate your morning routine.
]]>You know we’re all about starting the day with a nutritious delicious breakfast, and this Halloween season, we’ve brewed up some delightfully eerie breakfast ideas perfect for celebrating spooky season with.
From bewitching baked oats to spine-chilling loaded bowls, our three Halloween-inspired breakfast ideas will ensure you kickstart the season in style. So grab your cauldron, don your witch’s hat, and join us as we whip up some enchanting breakfast treats.
Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Orange Oats
These Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Orange Oats are a warm indulgent breakfast combining the rich, creamy goodness of our Classic Chocolate Porridge with the comforting taste of pumpkin spice and zesty orange. This harmonious blend of flavours will transport your taste buds to a crisp autumn morning, making it the perfect way to start your day.
Recipe from
Bewitching Pumpkin Baked Oats
Warm and aromatic winter spices marry together with our Apple & Cinnamon Porridge in these irresistible baked oats. Get ready to bake up a batch of pure cosiness and embrace the magic of autumn with this warming breakfast dish.
Spooky Spider Truffles
Get ready to sink your teeth into these whimsical treats that combine the delightful flavours of our Red Berry & Pumpkin Seed Porridge with the enchanting essence of pumpkin spice. We can’t promise you won’t get caught up in their web of delectable flavour!
Remember to share your creations with us over on Instagram using the tag #whateverfloatsyouroats
]]>You know that we’re all about bringing you the most delightful porridge experiences, and what better day to share the love for this hearty breakfast treat than today? So, grab a bowl of your favourite GPBC flavour, and let’s dive into the five fantastic health benefits of porridge that make it a true breakfast champion!
OATS
There’s lots of science out there that backs the goodness of oats with heart health. Packed with beta-glucans and soluble fibers, these can help reduce cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease. Our Red Berry and Pumpkin Seed porridge is not only scrumptious but also a great choice for your heart health.
SUSTAINED ENERGY
Tired of that mid-morning slump? Porridge has your back. The complex carbohydrates in oats provide a slow and steady release of energy, keeping you fueled and focused for longer. Whether you’re a Classic Chocolate stan or Apple & Cinnamon lover, you can wave goodbye to those mid-morning slumps.
KEEP THINGS MOVING
Fibre is your immune system's best friend, and porridge is loaded with it. All our porridge mixes are high in fibre, helping to keep your gut healthy, happy, and moving along.
PACKED WITH PROTEIN
Protein is an essential food group in all our diets and starting your morning off with a naturally protein-rich breakfast is sure to set you up for success. Oats naturally contain protein, making it a fantastic way to get your protein in early on, and if you’re in need of a little extra hit, our High Protein Low Sugar mix is for you.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
If you’re looking for a healthy, sugar-free breakfast, porridge is an excellent choice. Its high fibre content helps keep you feeling fuller and more satisfied for longer, reducing the temptation for a sugar-loaded mid-morning snack.
So, there we have it, just 5 fantastic reasons why porridge should be your go-to breakfast, today and every day. Whether you’re indulging in our Blueberry & Banana or savouring the classic Strawberry & Peanut, not only are you enjoying a warming breakfast, but giving your body a wholesome, nutritious start to the day too
]]>2 years later and lots of hard work, we’re delighted to announce that our mouthwatering porridge is back to being GLUTEN-FREE - just in time for porridge season. Although we are over the moon with this announcement, we have a few less exciting, but just as important disclaimers.
We understand that you may have some questions, therefore we have tried to answer some of the ones we expect to be most common. However, if you have any additional queries, please drop an email to our customer service team who will be more than happy to help! You can reach them at customerservices@thegreatbritishporridgeco.co.uk
Why have you made the change?
When we initially had to make the tough decision to change over to non-gluten-free oats in 2021, it was important for us to work as hard as we could to ensure that this wasn’t a permanent change. With the ingredients market finally starting to stabilise at the start of this year, we began to see a glimmer of hope that gluten-free oats may be on the horizon once more.
We want to ensure that our breakfasts are suitable for everyone and that includes those with coeliac disease and gluten-intolerant individuals. Therefore we’re delighted to be reverting back to our gluten-free oats and making our breakfasts accessible to the wider community once again.
How do I know that my bag is gluten-free?
With this being a new change, there will still be some of our products in circulation that have been made with conventional, non-gluten-free oats.
To avoid confusion and make the changeover as clear as possible, all pouches made with gluten-free oats will have a gluten-free sticker in the bottom right corner of the bag - just like in the picture above.
If your porridge pouch does not have a gluten-free sticker in the bottom right corner, then it will not be gluten-free.
Is it safe for coeliacs?
We’re delighted to say that our mixes will now be suitable for coeliacs again. However if you do have an allergy to gluten, we’d like to advise you to take extra caution when checking to see if your bag has the correct sticker in the corner to ensure you have a gluten-free certified batch.
Will the packaging remain the same?
One thing that we are big on here at 91ɫ (apart from tasty breakfasts!) is trying to do our bit for the environment.
When it comes to printing packaging, it’s often done in large quantities. Instead of sending these to landfill, we’ve made the decision to work through the packaging which you’re all familiar with, but each bag will have a sticker on it with the updated allergen information, to help reduce waste.
Will it still taste the same?
And arguably the most important question of them all…
Of course, it will still taste the same! The remaining natural ingredients found in our mixes that are responsible for the flavour like the fruits, nuts, and seeds will all remain the same. The only thing that we have changed is the oats.
]]>Is porridge vegan?
Oats are a cereal grain derived from a plant, meaning anyone who follows a vegan diet should be safe to eat them as in their natural form as they’re plant-based. However, when it comes to getting creative with the flavours, you’ll need to start keeping an eye out for the added ingredients that might trip you up!
Back in 2017 when 91ɫ was nothing but a grain, the options were limited when it came to great tasting, plant-based friendly breakfasts, that weren’t full of added sweeteners and preservatives. From this realisation, 91ɫ was born, and great breakfasts were being served up to the nation!
All 8 of our delicious naturally flavoured mixes are plant-based and being made with 100% natural ingredients, you can spoon away safe in the knowledge that you’re only putting goodness into your bodies.
What about your classic chocolate porridge?
Yep, even our best-selling Classic Chocolate porridge mix is vegan! In order to create a luxurious chocolate porridge, we took luscious cacao butter and cacao powder, which mingle together forming rich, plant-based chocolate pieces that melt and swirl into the oaty greatness - meaning that even vegans can get their early morning chocolate fix!
How is it still creamy without milk?
We’re not ones to keep secrets around here! There's no complicated ingredients or processes that our mixes go through to make them creamy, instead we just use coconut cream! Known for it's smooth texture, the coconut cream acts as a thickener, creating a smooth, creamy porridge without the addition of any dairy products, such as milk.
The best plant milk for our porridge…
Although the best bit about our porridge is that it can be whipped up in just 60 seconds if you have a little extra time on your hands and want to make it that little bit extra creamy, adding a plant-based milk alternative is the way to go.
The Mighty Protein Oat milk is an excellent way of upping your protein intake in your bowls. We’re big fans of adding it to our classic chocolate mix - making it extra thick and creamy.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is incredibly versatile, meaning it tastes excellent when paired with pretty much any of our porridge mixes! If you’re someone who loves to keep things simple at breakfast time, try adding a dash of oat milk to our High Protein Low Sugar mix and topping it with a handful of fresh seasonal fruits - the perfect creamy, yet fresh breakfast choice to start the day with.
Almond Milk
Another particularly versatile milk - try pairing almond milk with our Red Berry and Pumpkin Seed porridge to add a subtle nutty finish to each spoonful.
Coconut Milk
Just in case the coconut cream in the mixes wasn’t enough, coconut milk is particularly well known for the creaminess it adds to almost anything, but particularly porridge. The subtle nutty taste is just enough to complement all our naturally flavoured mixes!
With a whole range of different milk alternatives now available, experiment with a few and discover what it is that floats your oats!
]]>If that was yours this morning, it sounds as though you could do with a pantry refresh. Our breakfasts are naturally creamy and bursting with flavour, here to step up your winter breakfast game. This year we’re giving the spoons up to bland, concrete-like porridge that just doesn’t hit the spot. Instead, we’re going to share our secrets to making the creamiest, most luxurious porridge, so you never have a boring breakfast again!
Secrets to making the BEST porridge
Coconut Cream
Luckily, we’ve done a lot of the hard work for you when it comes to making creamy porridge. Thanks to one humble ingredient known as the coconut.
We hand-mix smooth, nutty coconut cream into each of our mixes, just enough to add a subtle sweetness and maximise creaminess; meaning that all you have to do is add some hot water, give it a stir and you have an instantly thick, luxurious and hearty breakfast.
Furthermore, not only does coconut cream help to thicken up our mixes, but it also has a whole range of benefits for the body. Known for being high in healthier saturated fats, our bodies use this as energy as opposed to storing it as fat - helping to power your day the natural way. Immune-boosting and a source of high fibre, coconut cream acts as a delightful base for our decadent porridge mixes.
Although we have done most of the work for you when it comes to making breakfast time as luxurious as possible, if you’re looking for other ways to up the creaminess, here are a few of our secret top tips!
The beauty of our breakfasts is that they’re ready in just 60 seconds with the addition of hot water. Becoming instantly thick and creamy, to add a little extra luxury, pour in a dash of oat milk on top.
Oat milk is well known for its creamy texture, therefore when added to our oats and gently stirred in, it helps to increase the thickness, without distracting from the delicious flavour found in each bowl.
Now you may be thinking, but why do I need to leave my oats to rest…they’re oats.
Oats are naturally high in fibre, making them very absorbent, therefore the longer we leave them to rest, the thicker and creamier they get. Our simple trick when it comes to actually making the porridge is to add the water, stir for 30 seconds, then leave it to rest for 30 seconds before you tuck in and enjoy. By doing so, you are allowing the oats to soak up as much liquid as possible, helping to avoid that horrible watery texture, frequently associated with porridge.
Try adding plant milk
Finally, if you’ve got a little extra time in the morning, why not switch out water for plant milk? Although the brilliant thing about our breakfasts is that they can be made with just hot water, by adding in your favourite plant milk you will increase the creaminess factor in your bowl.
Sometimes we like to opt for a flavoured plant milk to add even more excitement to breakfast time!
]]>High Protein Salted Caramel Baked Oats
Inspired by a salted caramel brownie, these deliciously fluffy baked oats are just like eating dessert for breakfast. Packed full of protein and nutrients too, these are a great healthy alternative for not just breakfast, but when you’re feeling peckish throughout the day and in need of something hearty and warming.
View Recipe HERE
Eton Mess Overnight Oats
This quick and easy breakfast recipe is inspired by a much-loved British classic. We’ve not used anything fancy for this one, just simple ingredients to make a delicious breakfast, ideal for grabbing on the go.
Made using our epic Strawberry & Peanut Porridge and finished off with a vegan Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Bar from Flower & White to add a little crunch to breakfast time. The nuttiness of the porridge and sweetness of the bars marry together, creating the perfect fruity breakfast option, ready in just 5 minutes!
View Recipe HERE
Cacao & Raspberry Baked Oats
There’s something incredibly hearty and warming about starting a chilly winter's day with a wholesome bowl of baked oats straight from the oven.
Made using our Classic Chocolate mix, we’ve topped these vegan, high-protein baked oats with raspberry yogurt. It’s fudgy, fluffy, and full of flavour - a tasty breakfast sure to put a spring in your step and satisfy your sweet tooth all in one!
View Recipe HERE
So, whoever said plant-based eating was bland and boring had clearly never tried one of our breakfasts! Remember to tag us in your recreations using the tag #whateverfloatsyouroats
Oats are considered to be one of the healthiest breakfast foods; their nutritionally packed profile is full of important macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, helping to keep you feeling your best self this winter.
This well-balanced superfood, not only tastes great but does a whole lot of great for your insides as well! Here are just a few reasons why oats should be part of your winter morning routine this year…
Help Fight Winter Lurgies
As we still all very much feel the effects of the pandemic, our health is becoming more and more of a priority, and rightly so. Adjusting to this new way of living means that we need to be making small sustainable changes that will benefit our health in the long run.
The easiest way to look after our well-being is to ensure we’re eating a balanced diet, filled with all the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, needed to fight off those common colds before they set in.
Easy on the stomach, if you’re feeling a little under the weather oats are an excellent hearty breakfast to start the day with. Feeding your body with a whole load of nutrients needed to fight off the cold and get you back to feeling your best self.
Contain Important Vitamins and Minerals
From magnesium to zinc and copper to Vit B oats are home to a whole range of important vitamins and minerals. During the winter, our bodies are often under more stress than normal, which is what makes us more susceptible to colds and flus.
Making it a priority to get in the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals can help maintain a healthy immune system, helping to avoid any seasonal deficiencies.
A Source of Protein
Protein-rich foods are essential for keeping your health in check this winter. Although many of us have been led to believe that protein is just for gym bunnies and athletes, it’s just as important for you and I!
Not only does protein help to repair muscles and joints after exercise, but it also helps to maintain a healthy immune system. As our bodies crave stodgier foods in winter, reaching for protein-packed alternatives will help you to feel less bloated and will sustain your energy for longer.
High in Fibre
Getting your fair share of fibre in winter is crucial for a number of reasons, from avoiding digestive upset, to helping to regulate your blood sugar levels and even curbing those winter blues.
But not only this, fibre is excellent for helping to curb those morning cravings for sweet treats. As the weather drops, our appetites pick up as our bodies are working harder to keep us warm and as a result, we burn more energy, making us hungrier. But instead of turning to comfort foods, full of additives and sweeteners, start your day with a fiber-rich breakfast, like porridge. Porridge will provide you with sustained slow-release energy, making you less likely to snack on foods that aren’t so good for you.
Warming
And finally, we know how hard it can be to wake up in the morning when that extra 5 minutes tucked up on your blanket burrito just seems SO appealing. Not to mention, when it’s cold and dark outside, it gets that little bit harder. Porridge is a great winter warmer and the perfect way to start your mornings, helping to make getting out of bed that little bit easier.
Keep on top of your health this winter with out delicious and nutritious porridge mixes, ready in just 60 seconds!
]]>Summer Berry Crumble
Gently heat through some frozen blueberries with a splash of water until soft and add to your porridge along with a sprinkling of raw uncooked oats for a little extra texture variation. Super quick and easy, this flavour fusion is a great way to boost your vitamin intake.
Try this with our Red Berry & Pumpkin Oats.
Vanilla Yogurt & Frozen Blueberries
Start by topping with some frozen blueberries and a generous dollop of plant-based vanilla yogurt; blueberries are packed full of antioxidants, sure to have you feeling the best version of yourself!
Try with our Blueberry & Banana Oats.
Chocolate & Cherry Hazelnut
In the mood for something sweet? Grate some dark chocolate over our Classic Chocolate oats and top with some almonds, hazelnuts, and cherries to finish. The perfect option for a delicious breakfast in bed!
Try with our Classic Chocolate Oats.
Snickers Inspired Overnight Oats
This recipe is healthy filling and can be prepared the night before a busy day. The rich, creamy overnight oats taste just like the iconic Snickers bar, but better and healthier. Simply make up a batch of overnight oats and drizzle with some dark chocolate for a simple, yet delicious breakfast.
Try with our Strawberry & Peanut Oats
Tiramisu Overnight Oats
For this recipe, take our perkiest porridge, the Caffe Latte to create an overnight oats breakfast sure to put a spring in your step! Real ground coffee, crunchy cacao nibs and wholesome oats, all carefully mixed together with creamy coconut, bringing you a naturally sweet, healthy porridge!
Try with our Caffe Latte Oats
]]>Like with any nutritional topic, sugar can be a tricky one to get your head around. It goes without saying, there is absolutely a place for sugar in our diets, but it’s important to distinguish between natural sugars and added sugars as they both have dramatically different effects on the body.
Keen to know more about the battle of the sugars? Click here!
Juicy Dates & All Things Great
So what actually are dates? Dates are the fruit that grows from the date palm tree, native to the Middle East. Growing in large clusters, as they begin to ripen, their skin turns brown and wrinkly as more moisture leaves the fruit. There are lots of different variations of the date, but the best known is the Medjool date, which is richer and sticker in taste and texture.
When stirred into our porridge mixtures, the sweetness from the dates mingles with the creamy oats and coconut, bringing a natural sweetness to the dish. It gets better too! Not only are they brilliant at sweetening our porridge mixes, but they also have a whole range of different health benefits!
Shop our naturally sweet porridge range now!
]]>Not only does excessive sugar consumption deplete the enzymes necessary for the proper digestion of food, it is also the perpetrator behind diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and our growing obesity epidemic in the UK.
However, nutrition related topics are never black and white and there is absolutely a place for sugar in our diets. It is very important to distinguish between natural sugars and added sugars as they have dramatically different effects on the body.
What are the core differences?
Added sugar is the sugar that is added to food/drinks during the production process, as opposed to being naturally occurring. This sugar is generally refined - the type that we add to our teas and coffees, which comes from sugar cane or sugar beets. By refined, we mean that the sugar has been processed and heated to strip it back to its raw form which breaks down the most important parts - the minerals, vitamins and nutrients.
On the other hand, naturally occurringsugars are found in fruits (fructose) and dairy products (lactose). These sugars don’t count towards those recommended 30g of free sugars per day. Unlike added sugars, which are highly concentrated and easy to consume, natural sugars come with the bulk of the fruit, with the water, and the fibrous container of the fruit. This not only takes longer to eat, but is also more difficult to consume in excess. Just think how easy it is to demolish a bag of Haribo or Maltesers vs a bag of apples?
How does our body process them differently and why is it important to pay attention to them?
Added sugars are processed by the body very quickly and tend to result in a ‘sugar crash’. This is triggered by a huge spike in your insulin levels, closely followed by a drop in blood glucose levels which generally leaves us feeling hungry, irritable and craving more! The more we eat them, the more we crave them.
On the other hand, due to nutrients such as fibre, the natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables are absorbed into the bloodstream and metabolised much slower. They take much more effort for our bodies to break down than added sugars. The best part about these sugars is that they haven’t been heat pasteurised on their way to us so they still contain all the health enhancing nutrients found in the fibres within fruit and veg (e.g. vitamin C).
This is exactly why we only include fruits such as dates and berries in our porridge which gives it the perfect amount of sweetness without having detrimental effects on our bodies. We also include protein sources such as nuts and seeds which triggers the release of glucagon, a hormone which stabilises insulin levels.
In summary...
We need glucose for energy, but our bodies can get that from eating wholegrains (like porridge oats), vegetables and fruit. By following a nourishing, wholesome diet, the desire for sugary foods is likely to decrease. With that being said, it is important to acknowledge that too much added sugar is bad for our health, however, it absolutely can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. ]]>Despite the benefits of breakfast for general health and wellbeing, many people often skip it. So why is it the most important meal of the day?
Boosts Energy Levels
When you go without eating for an extended period of time, your glycogen stores are low. Once all of the energy from your glycogen stores are used up, your body starts to break down fatty acids to produce the energy it needs. However, without carbohydrates, fatty acids are only partially oxidized, which in turn can reduce your energy levels.
Eating breakfast boosts your energy levels and restores your glycogen levels, kickstarting your metabolism for the day. Although skipping breakfast may sound like a good idea to reduce your energy (calorie) intake, it’s been proven that breakfast eaters tend to be more active and alert in the morning.
Vitamins and Minerals
Breakfast foods are often packed with many essential vitamins and minerals - so much so that a good breakfast can provide you with a big chunk of your total daily nutrient intake. Additionally, it has also been proven that people who do eat breakfast, are more likely to hit their recommended intake of vitamins and minerals for the day.
Boost Brain Power
Often people that skip breakfast will struggle to focus on things in the morning - this is because your brain is yet to receive any energy. Studies have shown that eating breakfast can boost your attention span, ability to focus and improve your memory.
Improved Overall Diet
People who eat breakfast tend to have healthier diets and eating habits overall, as they are less likely to be hungry for snacks during the day, as opposed to people who skip breakfast.
People who often skip breakfast tend to nibble on snacks during the mid-morning or afternoon. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however if the snacks they’re reaching for are low in fiber, vitamins and minerals, but high in fat and salt, it can quickly become a problem. Without breakfast, people can often feel lethargic and turn to high-sugar/high-energy food and drinks to get them through the day.
So if you needed a little more convincing that you shouldn’t be skipping breakfast, this is it!
]]>As many of you know 91ɫ was founded by Jacqueline - in 2019, she was joined by business partner Matt, where they both went onto Dragons Den, and well, the rest is history!
To celebrate International Women's Day, we caught up with the Grain Surgeon herself, Jaqueline, and took a deep delve into the business.
Jacqueline’s mission started when she noticed how much better she felt after switching to a natural, healthy, dairy-free diet and wanted to spread the word.
She knew whatever she made had to be nutritious, delicious, and easy to make. So, sack loads of oats (and torn up recipes) later, 91ɫ was born.
Can you tell us a little about your background and the company?
As a family, we always tried to live a healthy lifestyle but often found breakfast ended up being a slice of toast and a banana. Knowing the health benefits of oats we loved the idea of an instant porridge as we never had enough time in the mornings to make porridge from scratch.
How did the idea come to you for the company?
When looking for a healthy instant porridge for the whole family, we were disappointed to see those available were either full of not very healthy ingredients or just tasted very bland. So, loving a challenge, I decided to make my own. It was such a success with the family that friends started asking if I’d make some for them which is when I realised I’d created something good. I had actually retired but this was pulling me, I knew it was something I had to do to see where it would lead.
I spent a lot of time trying the porridge out on friends and family as I had to make sure it not only had the right nutritional criteria but also tasted delicious too. Getting the price right was also a challenge as it was vital that it was made from 100% natural ingredients as that’s something I felt strongly about.
How did you achieve awareness?
I spent a lot of time visiting trade shows to see what the current food trends were. I soon realised that there was no point in having an amazing product if the packaging and branding weren’t right as that’s the first thing people notice.
Especially because I knew I was entering a very busy, competitive market. I was taking on some of the big, established names in the breakfast category. I needed to know my product would stand out and then not disappoint when people tried it.
I always intended from the very start to have amazing-looking packaging as I knew that would be my best marketing tool. We sell to stockists directly, via wholesalers plus direct to the public so we have all bases covered. I’ve always valued social media as it’s an incredibly cheap way of marketing your product and getting it out there. In the early days, I did all my own social media to really connect and engage with my customers. I also attended trade shows to reach new buys, giving out samples.
What are the key successes?
Turning an idea into reality and a very successful one at that. In a short space of time - along with a pandemic - we’ve managed to secure national listings with Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Ocado, we export all over the world and currently talking with Japan and the Middle East.
What were/are the challenges and how have you overcome these?
From the start, sustainability was so important to me. Finding the right route to sustainable packaging came with a range of challenges along the way. After 2 years and many different attempts, we finally got there. Determination and a belief in doing better are what got us there, along with a great team of people behind the scenes who helped drive us forward at every stage.
What are your plans now/for the future?
We have big plans to stand oat from the crowd! New flavours, new products, and more collaboration with partners who we feel align with our brand values. We're passionate about serving healthy, staple breakfasts to as many people as possible, so we have big plans to grow our market share.
Here at 91ɫ, we’re immensely proud of the amazing women we have working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. Right from sourcing the ingredients to the production and marketing right through to design.
]]>Natural sugar vs. added sugar.
There is no doubt that we as a nation are consuming far too much sugar - in spite of the 2018 sugar levy. And, this is partly due to the fact that sugar is hidden in so many unexpected foods and drinks such as soups, pasta sauces and ready meals. In fact, it is suggested that sugar is found in about 75% of the foods that we eat. So whilst you wouldn’t think twice about saying ‘no’ to a Mars bar for breakfast, there are some cereals on the market, for example, that can contain as much as 30g of sugar per serving!
Not only does excessive sugar consumption deplete the enzymes necessary for the proper digestion of food, it is also the perpetrator behind diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and our growing obesity epidemic.
However, nutrition related topics are never black and white and there is absolutely a place for sugar in our diets. It is very important to distinguish between natural sugars and added sugars as they have dramatically different effects on the body. Read on to find out more:
What are the core differences?
Added sugar is the sugar that is added to food/drinks during the production process, as opposed to being naturally occurring. This sugar is generally refined - the type that we add to our teas and coffees, which comes from sugar cane or sugar beets. By refined, we mean that the sugar has been processed and heated to strip it back to its raw form which breaks down the most important parts - the minerals, vitamins and nutrients. We should aim to get less than 30g (around 6 teaspoons) of these types of sugars per day.
On the other hand, naturally occuring sugars are found in fruits (fructose) and dairy products (lactose). These sugars don’t count towards those recommended 30g of free sugars per day. Unlike added sugars, which are highly concentrated and easy to consume, natural sugars come with the bulk of the fruit, with the water, and the fibrous container of the fruit. This not only takes longer to eat, but is also more difficult to consume in excess. Just think how easy it is to demolish a bag of Haribo or Maltesers vs a bag of apples?
How does our body process them differently and why is it important to pay attention to them?
Added sugars are processed by the body very quickly and tend to result in a ‘sugar crash’. This is triggered by a huge spike in your insulin levels, closely followed by a drop in blood glucose levels which generally leaves us feeling hungry, irritable and craving more! The more we eat them, the more we crave them.
Added sugar also stimulates the production of free fatty acids in the liver which is one of the main causes of inflammation. This can increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
On the other hand, due to nutrients such as fibre, the natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables are absorbed into the bloodstream and metabolised much slower. They take much more effort for our bodies to break down than added sugars. The best part about these sugars is that they haven’t been heat pasteurised on their way to us so they still contain all the health enhancing nutrients found in the fibres within fruit and veg (e.g. vitamin C).
This is exactly why we only include fruits such as dates and berries in our porridge which gives it the perfect amount of sweetness without having detrimental effects on our bodies. We also include protein sources such as nuts and seeds which triggers the release of glucagon, a hormone which stabilises insulin levels.
In summary...
We need glucose for energy, but our bodies can get that from eating wholegrains (like porridge oats), vegetables and fruit. By following a nourishing, wholesome diet, the desire for sugary foods is likely to decrease. With that being said, it is important to acknowledge that too much added sugar is bad for our health, however, it absolutely can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
]]>We all know that a wholesome bowl of porridge oats is better for us than a greasy full English. But, sadly, many of the instant, pre-prepared porridge options on the market are high in refined sugar and artificial flavourings.
Enter the Great British Porridge Company!
Our porridge is 100% natural with zero nasties. And the best thing is that it’s ludicrously delicious!
There are so many reasons why thousands of porridge lovers are switching to 91ɫ, and we assure you that it’s not just due to our feature on Dragon’s Den!
Read on to find out why the nation is switching to our oats:
It saves heaps of time:
Let’s face it, we live in a world where the majority of us are time poor. And even though many of us are now working from home, it still feels like there just aren't enough hours in the day!
That’s why our porridge is the perfect breakfast solution for busy mornings. Whether you’re a busy mum trying to cram everything in before the school run or perhaps you’re inclined to push snooze until the very last minute, in just 60 seconds you can have an incredible tasting and highly nutritious breakfast. There’s no need to spend precious time stirring away at a pan on the hob or even waiting for a microwave to ‘ding’! All you need is a kettle and you’re good to go!
It’s also a super convenient and ideal breakfast to take along if you’re traveling, staying in a hotel or even camping!
Packed full of flavour
There’s no need to root around for extra ingredients to add to our porridge as it is already jam packed full of flavour!
Thanks to delicious ingredients like sweet juicy dates, crunchy nuts and chocolate chunks, each flavour of our porridge is a taste sensation! And the best part is that all the ingredients we use are 100% natural with zero added sugar, so you can get all the deliciousness safe in knowing is full of goodness. Plus, it’s super creamy thanks to the coconut so all you need to do is add water. Some of our customers still like to add milk though, the choice is yours!
Whether you fancy something sweet and fruity or something rich and chocolatey, there’s something for everyone!
Full to the brim with nutritional goodness
In a world where people are becoming more health conscious, it’s really important to have healthy breakfast options available. We all know that porridge oats are wonderful wholegrains for many reasons, such as the fact that they contain beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that can help lower cholesterol. But we have gone the extra mile with our plant based porridge...
Each pack is full to the brim with super nutritious ingredients that contribute to improved health and wellbeing. We use delicious, natural fruits like antioxidant rich blueberries and goji berries alongside high protein chia seeds and flax seeds which both contain omega 3 fatty acids, proven to improve heart health and reduce inflammation.
For more information about the many nutritional benefits of our porridge check out our blog post which gives a run down of the ingredients.
We could go on for hours about why our porridge is so awesome but please don’t take our word for it! Head to our website to try for yourself, and do check out the customer reviews whilst you’re there!
]]>Blog post - The Nutritional Benefits of our porridge
Due to the current climate, where health and wellbeing has risen to the top of our priority lists, a breakfast as nutritious as porridge is just the ticket.
And when we say our porridge is the best, we really mean it. Not only is each pack a taste sensation, it is also jam packed with an abundance of highly nutritious ingredients. Each ingredient has been specifically chosen to provide the consumer with health enhancing goodness that will enable you to thrive!
If you need further proof of why 91ɫ is such a fantastic breakfast choice, continue reading this blog post where we delve into the composition and nutritional value of each ingredient we use.
The Mighty Oat
The key ingredient which makes porridge an unbeatable breakfast choice is, of course, oats which are simply unsurpassable in terms of their nutritional composition.
Oats are super high in soluble fibre, which not only keeps you full for a long time, it is also absolutely vital for optimum health. We should be aiming to get 30g a day and each serving of our porridge makes up 17% of your recommended daily amount of fibre. So, when paired with your favourite fibre filled topping (fruit, nut butter etc), you'll be well on your way to reaching the optimum amount!
Oats also contain vitamins B1 and B6, as well as zinc, magnesium and iron all vital for overall health and wellbeing.
And if all that isn’t enough, they are also naturally gluten free (if that’s your vibe) and help to regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. So if they aren’t considered a superfood, we don’t know what is!!
Chia Seeds
These nutritional powerhouses have become very popular in recent years, and for good reason.
Chia seeds are an unprocessed wholegrain, rich in antioxidants, which helps prevent damage to our cells, meaning we are less likely to develop chronic illnesses. They are also a great way to boost your fibre intake as they contain a whopping 35g of fibre per 100g - ideal for helping us keep our GI tract in tip-top shape.
Struggling to increase your protein intake? Chia seeds are the way to go as they are made up of 15% protein, which is very high for a plant-based source. They are also made up of the 9 essential amino acids needed for protein synthesis (the creation of protein molecules), tissue repair and nutrient absorption.
What’s more, they are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a specific type of unsaturated fat proven to improve heart health and reduce inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids are also strongly linked with improved cognition and brain function.
Other health boosting vitamins and minerals found in chia seeds include: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron and copper.
It’s a no brainer why we include these mighty seeds in every bag of our porridge!
Flax seeds
Flax seeds are another fantastic source of omega 3 fatty acids which are beneficial for the reasons listed above, plus, they can help with healthy hair growth whilst nourishing your locks and helping them to look super glossy.
You might have picked up a ‘fibre loving’ theme here, as flax seeds contain around 3g of fibre per tablespoon. This high fibre content helps to slow the absorption of carbohydrates (oats and fruits!) during the digestive process, meaning it can help control blood sugar levels whilst boosting satiety - win win!
Coconut
Coconut is the secret ingredient that makes our porridge taste so delightfully creamy. We use coconut cream, which is made by soaking the white flesh in water, which enables the cream to rise to the top to be scooped out, made into a powder form and popped into food products like our porridge. Not only is it a fantastic dairy alternative, coconut is also high in fibre, plus a fantastic, rich source of vitamins and minerals including vitamins B, C and E and iron.
Other ultra nutritious ingredients we include into our porridge include dates, pumpkin seeds, goji berries, raspberries, cacao nibs and sunflower seeds (to name just a few!). All of which have an abundance of health enhancing qualities that your body and mind will love you for!
]]>UPDATE 1/12/2023: Good news, our porridge is now gluten free again! Please click to read this linkfor further details on current allergen details:
Allergen Update
Our new oat suppliers, whilst offering exactly the same oaty goodnessas before, cannot guarantee there is zero 'cross-contamination', with grains from neighbouring fields.
Please be aware that as a result, our porridge is no longer certified as being 100% gluten-free andno longer suitable for coeliacs.
We know our existing coeliac customerswill find this announcement to be a great disappointment. We’d like to take the opportunity to expand on our reasons for the change. It was a decision necessitated by recent supply chain issues and was not something we undertook lightly. We faced the choice of continuing in the porridge business with a new supplier, or not continuing as a porridge provider. Reluctantly, we took the only course of action available to us.
To any coeliac readers of the above announcement, we’d also like to say that we understand that you want porridge not explanations, but do know we’re proud to have been a breakfast choice for you over recent years and we hope that at some point, when supply issues are resolved, we can reconnect.
Better for you
Oats are naturally gluten free, so if you are trying to reduce your gluten intake, we’re delighted to confirm that 91ɫmpany still makes your perfect breakfast choice.
We never rest on our laurels at 91ɫmpany, not even on our bushels.
We're still packing our all-natural porridges with only good things - like fruit, seeds and British oats – but now we've managed to create even tastier porridge, whilst simultaneously further reducing the saturated fat and natural sugar content. Clever eh!
A bowl of our no added-sugar, all-natural porridge ensures our customers enjoy all the benefits that this healthiest of grains provides. They are a high-fibre, wholegrain source of important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and they're naturally gluten-free.
Oats are also the perfect breakfast option, as they provide slow-release energy which, when combined with the soluble fibre they contain, helps you feel energised and satisfied for longer, as well as contributing to a healthy gut! Plus, with our inclusion of fruit and seeds, we offer a few extra benefits too!
Better for the environment
After seven material attempts, and 2 years in the making, we are delighted to announce that our porridge pouches will now be 100% recyclable!
From this week, you’ll start to see our new, fully 100% fully recyclable pouches in retail store outlets including Sainsburys & Waitrose.
You can now recycle our bags the same way that you recycle carrier bags in the U.K, at the front of stores and at high street supermarkets. Our 60g on-the-go porridge pots are also widely recyclable across the UK, and both the sleeve and the aluminium pot lid are made from recycled material.
In our commitment to sustainability, we are continuing to work through our old packaging, which will continue to be used for web orders for the foreseeable future.
You may receive a combination of both old and new bags during this time as we transition to our new packaging, so please bear with us.
As you can see, we really have been busy behind the scenes! Keep an eye out over the coming weeks for more exciting announcements, including our *3* new flavours... 🤫
]]>At , we’re all about supporting the most exciting British independent brands that offer tasty and unique food and drink.
That’s why we created our online shop with exclusively small brands that want to make a big difference. We’re proud to offer to our customers as a delicious instant porridge that tastes great but contains no nasties. Made with all natural ingredients, we think they’re the perfect way to start the day!
We launched in April 2020, during the first pandemic lockdown, to ensure people could still get hold of their favourite small brands as well as discover more. Whether you’re looking for a 24 pack of your favourite soft drink, flavour-packed meal kits or a gift box full of snacks and other goodies, we have it all!
Since opening, we’ve welcomed 70 brands and 400 products, hosted exciting giveaways and shared the message of supporting small businesses to thousands of customers.
We deliver across the UK, having sent packages from the northernmost Scottish islands down to the Channel Islands. We supply both individuals looking for a delivery direct to their homes or to gift loved ones, and also trade business (cafes, offices, shops) looking to line their shelves with exciting, small brands at wholesale volumes. Our mission is to get passionate brands into as many hands as possible!
From their feedback, we’ve heard that our customers absolutely love 91ɫ, with and being fan favourites. They appreciate the brand’s dedication to creating healthy vegan, gluten-free products with no added sugar – the best way to fuel your day. We also offer and porridges, so there’s something for everyone. With all these delicious flavours, there’s no way you can’t be a morning person when tucking into a bowl of this tasty porridge!
If you love 91ɫ, we’re sure you’ll absolutely adore some of our other products. Why not make creamy overnight oats by adding your favourite plant milk into the packet and leaving it to soak in the fridge overnight? If you can’t get enough oats, try Plenish’s Organic Oat Milk for a high-fibre breakfast. Or, to add some creaminess, try their or .
Or if you’re a business looking to buy 91ɫ and other independent brands in bulk, check our page.
With 95% five-star reviews on , we love to provide our customers with the best of British start-up brands.
Love supporting small businesses that create mouth-watering treats? Check out today!
Have you got any other ideas? Let us know!
We all know that effort goes a long way. Why not create some lovely message, clues or letter for your partner. If you live too far from them to take them signs in person, send them a hand-written letter, or give them virtual clues over text as to where to find something you might have hidden.
You know your partner best so why not take it to the kitchen. Choose a recipe you know your other half will love and order the ingredients along with the recipe to their house and vice versa. Have fun baking over video chat and see who can nail it!
Who doesn’t love a lazy breakfast in bed, hey?! Now although you won’t be there to make them breakfast in person, make sure they have something quick and easy to whip up. Our porridge only takes 60 seconds….combine that with some drizzled chocolate and strawberries on top and BOOOM! Breakfast is served.
Want to keep with the red colour scheme? Our Strawberry & Peanut Butter porridge goes down a TREAT.
Everyone loves a good ol’ take out – so what better to do than order each other their favourite take away straight to their door? Make a bit of effort and dress up and whip out the video call. Style, substance and….(smiles?)!
Wine tasting is often a big go-to when it comes to Valentine’s dates. have set up virtual wine tasting to combat this. There’s nothing better than getting a little tipsy with the one you love.
If none of the other suggestions take your fancy…the easiest option is to order some flowers!!
is just one of the favourites, but you could go off-piste and order some lovely desk plants from , too!
Don't forget to tag us in your posts, we love seeing your porridge!
Team Porridge x
]]>Scroll down for gift ideas for: The Foodie, The Active Bunny & The House Plant Freak.
Everyone LOVES a print, and a stylish one even more so! Grab one of these and take their WFH office to the next level! There’s plenty of different prints to choose from.
Think gourmet cookie dough, but healthy, gluten free, vegan AND edible before being cooked! They’ve got a range of little bites and cookies for the oven so you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Does your friend have a real love for a specific type of coffee? These roasters have got you covered. Or, why not gift them a yearly subscription?! The choices are endless…!
Now,this bundle not only features our BRAND NEW Apple & Cinnamon porridge, but you'll also get a beautiful Coffee flask for those chilly lockdown walks AND some little extras!
No one goes anywhere these days without a stylish reusable water bottle, do they (if you are, you need to jump on the hype)?! Mix-and-match lids, get it personally engraved and wait for the smile you get as they open it!
Say whatttt?! Modern technology is coming on leaps and bounds (quite literally) – their latest stylish bone conduction headphones are perfect for running, the gym and a multitude of other sports. They come in some funky colours, too!
The crew over at The Protein Ball Co relaunched their tasty, mini high protein balls earlier in the year, as well as an Advent Calendar – perfect for those active bunnies! Whether they're a vegan, coeliac or just generally in to healthy eating, there's a bundle just right for them.
Everyone loves a funky sock, right?! These specialist comfy sports socks come in more patterns and designs than you get types of car…! They're also super durable and last for aaaaaaages!
We’ve all got that friend that’s a little too obsessed with succulents, don’t we!? Why not gift them a subscription they’ll be dying to receive!
Not a plant freaaaak as such, but lover of everything stylish and wholesome? Fluoresse create wonderful dried flower bouquets (there’s also no risk of them suffering without water...always a bonus for busy people)!
Worried about space? Bloom Plant send out succulents that fit through the letterbox...yes, super convenient!! If you're not able to see your friends this year, this could be the perfect way of saying 'I miss you' through the post!
That's it for Part 1. Head back in a few days for Part 2!
Team Porridge 💚
]]>Or maybe there’s a friend you’ve not seen for a while due to lockdown? Send them one of these bundles as a virtual hug!
We’ve chosen two sets of products that we think couldn’t go together any better!
In our first bundle, Chocolate & Strawberry, you’ll find our hearty new Classic Chocolate and fruity Strawberry & Peanut porridge bags, paired with the ManiLife’s renowned Deep Roast Crunchy & Smooth Peanut Butter jars. If a strong, deep flavour is your thing, this is the bundle for you!
Our second bundle features the nation’s favourite Blueberry & Banana porridge, our Red Berry & Pumpkin Seed porridge and ManiLife’s delicious Original Roast Peanut Butter in both Crunchy & Smooth! If you’re a lover of that fruity, light flavour, you’ll love this one!
Don’t forget to tag us across Social Media 🙌🏼
]]>100% natural, with no added sugar and vegan-friendly, our Classic Chocolate instant porridge is one of the healthiest breakfasts you can choose, offering protein, fibre and real ingredients in every steaming bowl, plus it is sweetened only by dates making it a super-healthy choice.
“We are very excited to be launching our delicious Classic Chocolate porridge into Sainsbury’s, which brings our number of SKUs on shelf to four,” explains Jacqueline Barleycorn, Founder. “Our Classic Chocolate porridge has only been available for a few months, so we are incredibly pleased that Sainsbury’s wants to put it on their shelves and we know their customers will love it. It’s a far cry from other chocolate porridges on the market, which are often made with cocoa powder. Instead it is made using crumbs of real raw chocolate, which is sweetened only with dates and which melt into the porridge when boiling water is added making it creamy and delicious,” adds Jacqueline.
Read more about our Classic Chocolate Porridge or
]]>