Porridge is often hailed as a nutritious, high‑fibre staple (Image: Matt Davies)
Porridge is widely regarded as a nutritious, high-fibre staple linked to improved heart health and reduced inflammation — and it may even assist with weight loss and cholesterol management. However, not all porridges are created equal, and certain varieties can be packed with sugar, which can negate the potential health benefits for diabetics and those keeping a close eye on their waistline.
Quaker Oats, instantly recognisable by its iconic Quaker man logo, remains one of the most well-known brands on the market. The American company registered its first cereal trademark back in 1877 and continues to thrive to this day. Supermarkets also stock their own takes on the beloved oaty classic, ranging from traditional oats to flavoured sachets and convenient instant pots.
For this taste test, however, I kept things classic, pitting instant pots from seven popular high-street supermarkets against Quaker — but which one reigned supreme? Scroll down to find out.
Quaker Oats (Image: Matt Davies)
Kicking off with one of the sweetest offerings on the list, Morrisons’ Original simply failed to impress. I found it overwhelmingly sweet and sorely lacking in the creamy texture one would hope for, despite thorough stirring.
The end result was a rather watery pot that left bits in my mouth, and while it didn’t require my customary drizzle of honey, it was still a letdown. And a quick look at the nutrition label revealed a sugar content of 12.2g.
Lidl’s interpretation of the classic oats produced a comparable consistency to Morrisons, with the mixture still failing to thicken quickly and a similar bitty texture. Even so, one particular quality elevated it.
In contrast, Crownfield’s sugar content came in at just 5.9g — something that is immediately noticeable upon tasting. Naturally, sweetness is entirely a matter of personal preference, though I chose to stir in a touch of honey.
A collection of assorted frozen food containers neatly stacked on a wooden table against a white backdrop. Each container varies in color and label, showcasing a range of frozen food products. (Image: undefined)
Asda’s offering produced a wonderfully thick porridge, yet this creamy creation tasted bland and left behind an unpleasant aftertaste. Despite containing 8.2g of sugar, it still felt as though it required further sweetening.
A drizzle of honey improved matters considerably, making it quite enjoyable. That said, were I seeking a plainer option, I would likely find myself reaching for one of the alternatives.
Aldi’s offering represented a marked improvement in terms of texture, coming out noticeably thicker with a more welcome flavour, though it remained slightly watery. Despite boasting 6.4g of sugar, it didn’t taste particularly sweet, and a generous swirl of honey proved beneficial.
Given how highly I rate a thick porridge, this one climbed two points in my rankings. At a mere 37p, it also represents value — an absolute no-brainer for budget-conscious shoppers.
Entering elite territory, Sainsbury’s Original proved to be another impressively thick porridge, boasting a soft and pleasant texture. It remains a relatively plain offering despite its 6.8g of sugar, though a drizzle of honey made a world of difference.
Once added, it became a contender for the top spot.
Considerably pricier by comparison, Quaker’s £1.30 for 45g means paying noticeably more for noticeably less — yet its popularity is hardly surprising. True to form, it produces a thick, velvety porridge with a reliably smooth consistency.
It contains 5.3g of sugar, though flavour-wise it proved slightly plain. With or without honey, it comfortably secured a top-three position, but its higher price tag weighed heavily in the rankings, ultimately placing it in a respectable third.
M&S porridge (Image: Matt Davies)
An unexpected frontrunner, Tesco’s Instant was remarkably thick, immediately propelling it up the rankings. Creamy with a pleasantly subtle sweetness — though it later emerged that it contains 9g of sugar.
Indeed, no honey was required whatsoever, as the natural sweetness hit just the right note. It even rivalled Quaker, largely on price, yet narrowly missed out on claiming the overall title.
Rising above all competitors, M&S Traditional Porridge delivered a gloriously thick, creamy pot that was thoroughly enjoyable without any honey, despite containing a modest 4.1g of sugar.
In terms of flavour alone, it emerged as the undisputed champion, with a texture perhaps closer to creamy rice pudding than instant oats. I added a drizzle of honey purely out of curiosity, and it transformed into something bordering on dessert – easily surpassing Quaker.
