I have to admit, I find porridge oats on the whole very difficult to digest- they leave me feeling bloated and my stomach aggravated. I fully expected the same from Flahavans as I have never found a porridge oat that doesn't give some sort of digestive trouble.
Flahavan's Irish Multi Seed Porridge Oats
I am however willing to keep trying new things, which is why I decided to give oats another shot.
Flahavans Multi Seed Porridge contains wholegrain porridge oats, flax, sunflower, pumpkin and hemp seeds.
As a vegan, I was thrilled to find a porridge that would give me an extra hit of protein. This is something that can be in short supply if you don't pay attention to it in the food you're eating when adopting a vegan diet.
One 40g serving with water gives you 5.6g of protein, and if you add in non-dairy milk, such as soya or hemp, you can increase that number even more.
Another thing that one has to be careful of in a vegan diet is the lack of Omega 3 Fatty Acids. One tablespoon of flaxseed everyday can take care of this- but it's already in the porridge so you don't have to worry.
Another great thing about oats is that they are low calorie, one serving only contains 166 calories, a little more if you add in non-dairy milk. Still a 200 calorie (approx.) breakfast is not a lot from your 2,000 calorie allowance for the day and great if you are dieting.
The 40g potion doesn't look at lot but by the time you run it through the microwave, it doubles in size as it soaks up the moisture. Oats are also slow release, so I have found that I'm not hungry until about an hour after I would normally have my lunch.
Other than providing protein, the seeds give the porridge a welcome crunchy texture as oats on their own can be a little bland.
I'm not going to lie, a bowl of porridge doesn't look that appealing. It doesn't matter how you dress it up it's not the most attractive of dishes. But with a squirt of agave nectar after one mouthful you only care about the taste and the warming effect it has on your body on a chilly spring morning.
These are the best oats I have ever tasted- and with no side-affects. I plan to continue to have oats every morning- now I can. Thanks Flahavans for restoring my faith in the humble bowl of porridge!
Tagged in Vegan