The coronavirus pandemic has inspired a change to people’s breakfast habits with consumers now having time to enjoy a ‘slower’ breakfast, which has resulted in more people opting for porridge. In the UK, over 70% 1  of households are choosing porridge oats and 45% of consumers are eating porridge oats at least three times a week 2. Health has also been a motivating factor with Mintel’s UK Breakfast Cereal’s report citing the top three priorities for breakfast as low sugar, high fibre and wholegrain options 2.

White’s is committed to the provenance of its products and  has forged strong relationships with thirty local arable farmers to ensure that the oats that go into their porridge oats are of the highest quality and taste.

Suzie Lee who has developed a series of bespoke recipes for White’s Oats commented,

“I am delighted to be working with White’s to celebrate World Porridge Day as I am passionate about showcasing local brands and producers to highlight the home–grown products that are from here. I get a great feeling in the kitchen when I can cook with local ingredients.

“Porridge is something that I’ve grown up with as my Mum was a porridge enthusiast and had her own recipe for extra creamy porridge which she picked up in Hong Kong – it really sets me up for the day. I’ve been working on a few recipes for World Porridge Day and it has been great to develop not only a porridge recipe but something a little different to showcase the versatility of oats.”

White’s has been locally milling porridge oats at its mill in Co Armagh since 1841 and is passionate about educating consumers on the many benefits of starting your day with a bowl of oats.

Jillian Mooney, Performance Nutritionist added,

“If you’re busy and active, which most of us are these days, then it is important to think about the kinds of foods which are going to give you the energy you need. Whole unprocessed foods like oats are rich in complex carbohydrates giving us sustained energy over time and are abundant in healthy fats, which support brain function and mood.

“Now more than ever we know the importance of eating to enhance the ability to fight disease and this is something that oats are great at. Beta–glucans, which are found in the fibrous part of the oat, can not only help to decrease cholesterol but also pack a punch which it comes to supporting our immune system. Of course to get all these wonderful nutritional benefits you need oats grown by experienced growers in rich nutrient dense soil which White’s oats certainly are. I’m a huge advocate of starting the day with a bowl of porridge, whether it’s World Porridge Day or just a normal work day’’.