14 delicious heart-healthy porridge ideas

1. Banana, raisins and a sprinkle of nutmeg

These everyday ingredients make this a real crowd pleaser that is an easy and comforting choice.

2. Strawberries and blueberries

Great for the summer, fresh berries are a sweet and refreshing topping, making porridge taste extra creamy.

3. Cherry and chia seeds

Simmer frozen cherries on the hob or in the microwave with a tablespoon or two of chia seeds, stirring regularly. Allow the mixture to cool. The seeds help to naturally thicken the liquid released by the cherries. Use to top porridge.

4. Banana, raspberry, almond butter and cinnamon 

This combo will add some protein to your porridge thanks to the nut butter. Peanut butter will work instead of almond but either way, choose a version without added sugar and salt.

5. Flaked almonds and chopped dates

Keep these in the store cupboard or in a jar on your desk to sprinkle over your porridge when you need them.

6. Walnuts, pear slices and ginger

If you like a crunchy texture the pear and walnuts will add this, while sprinkling on a little ground ginger provides some spicy warmth.

7. Peaches and raspberries 

Recreate a peach melba with this classic combo. Depending on the time of year, you could use frozen raspberries and tinned peaches if that’s easier or cheaper than fresh. Tinned and frozen fruit still count towards your 5-a-day. Just make sure that tinned fruit is in juice rather than syrup.

8. Stewed plums

These can be halved and either microwaved or baked in the oven in a covered dish. Add cinnamon or vanilla for extra flavour.

9. Blueberries, walnuts and sunflower seeds

These look pretty on top of your porridge, but even better, an 80g portion of blueberries counts as one of your 5-a-day and the walnuts and sunflower seeds provide unsaturated fats as well as fibre and vitamins. Use other berries if you prefer, or even dried apricots for a store cupboard alternative – in which case 30g will count as one of your 5-a-day.

10. Low fat Greek yoghurt and tinned apricots

Low fat yoghurt will be creamy without adding saturated fat, while the apricots (tinned in juice, not syrup) will add sweetness without adding sugar.

11. Stewed apple with cinnamon

Perfect for an autumn porridge – but you can also cook extra apple and freeze it in smaller portions to enjoy year-round.

12. Grated apple, blackberry and pecan

Grate up a little apple and stir into the porridge. Once it’s cooked, top with some blackberries and chopped pecan for extra crunch.

13. Chocolate banana

Mash up most of a ripe banana – the riper the better as it will add natural sweetness – then cook in with the oats and about 2 tsp cocoa powder (or to taste). Stir well and serve with the remaining banana sliced on top.

14. Blueberries and blackberries 

Cook some of the berries in with the oats to turn your breakfast an interesting pink colour, and serve with the rest scattered on top. 

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