Chocolate Banana Porridge
Diet Category: Vegan • Vegetarian • Plant-Based • Dairy-Free • Gluten-Free • High-Fibre • No Added Sugar*
*When made with unsweetened plant-based milk. Banana provides naturally occurring sugars.
Introduction
This warm and creamy Chocolate Banana Porridge turns a simple bowl of oats into a delicious chocolatey breakfast that's both comforting and nourishing.
Certified gluten-free oats are cooked with plant-based milk, cocoa, chia seeds and cinnamon to create a rich, creamy porridge, while sliced banana adds natural sweetness and a soft, satisfying texture. A little stevia enhances the sweetness without adding conventional sugar.
Packed with fibre, whole grains and plant-based nutrients, this is an easy breakfast for busy mornings and a great option when you're craving something sweet and chocolatey without starting the day with a heavily sweetened breakfast.
Benefits of the Main Ingredients
Oats
Oats are a nutritious whole grain and an excellent source of soluble fibre, particularly beta-glucan. Oat beta-glucan has been shown to help maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels and can contribute to a filling and satisfying breakfast. Oats also provide nutrients including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium and B vitamins.
Banana
Bananas provide natural sweetness along with fibre, potassium and vitamin B6. They also contribute carbohydrates for energy and their naturally creamy texture works particularly well with oats. Using a ripe banana can make the porridge sweeter without needing additional sugar.
Cocoa Powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the porridge its rich chocolate flavour while providing naturally occurring polyphenols, particularly flavanols. Cocoa also contributes minerals including magnesium, iron and copper.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are an excellent source of fibre and provide plant-based protein, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. They're also a rich plant source of ALA omega-3 fatty acids. As they absorb liquid, chia seeds help make the porridge thicker and more satisfying.
Plant-Based Milk
Plant-based milk creates the creamy base of the porridge without requiring dairy. Depending on the variety, fortified plant milks can provide calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. Choosing an unsweetened, fortified variety can help keep added sugars low while improving the nutritional profile.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon provides natural warmth and sweetness that pairs beautifully with both chocolate and banana. It's an easy way to add more flavour without needing additional sugar.
Sensory-Friendly Benefits
Porridge can be particularly adaptable for different sensory preferences because its thickness and texture can easily be adjusted.
For a completely smooth consistency, blend the finished porridge or use finely ground oats. If chia seeds are difficult because of their texture, they can be finely ground before cooking or omitted.
For those who don't like pieces of fruit mixed into foods, blend or mash the banana into the porridge for a consistent flavour and texture, or serve the banana separately.
The cocoa can also be reduced for a milder chocolate flavour, making it easier to adapt the breakfast to individual taste and sensory preferences.