Cheap Porridge Oats vs Premium Brands

HappyIdiotTalk

Lately I've taken a liking to Porridge Oats for breakfast. I've noticed that most supermarkets sell both premium brands like Scots and also own brand economy oats. Given that the ingredients usually only list 'rolled oats', is there any real difference? I admit I buy the premium brands at the moment, but will swop to the cheap economy versions if there is no real difference.

Does anyone know about these things?

GRM

I have them every morning with cold milk. Had Scotts, Asda value, Sainsburys etc. etc. - can't say I've ever noticed a difference.

ariba10

The prettier the packaging, the dearer the product.

thistledome

I buy the Co-op's cheapo saver Oats and I find the flavour and texture perfectly acceptable, but they do have more black bits and husk particles than the Scott's Porage Oats IMO. I pick them out whilst I'm stirring the porridge and it's mildly irritating, but not enough to make me lash out for Scotts. I do buy them if they're on a very good offer, but most of the time I stick with the Co-op's.

I think there is a definite quality difference in the size and texture of the flakes in some cheapo brands. I Didn't like Morrisons own value oats, I thought the texture was too fine. You could give the own brands a try, OP. If you don't like them, you can always use them to make Twink's Hobnobs

HappyIdiotTalk

Thanks folks, that reassurance enough for me to have a go with some value brands. I know they are cheap, so it wouldn't have been a financial disaster trying them, but I would have felt guilty throwing them out if I'd not liked them. Cheers.

Enterprise_1701C

Not used them for porridge, but the Tesco Value ones are great for flapjack!!

ariba10

If you do buy a brand that you do not like, you can always mix it in a bit at a time with what you do like.

Quenastoise

I like porridge too, especially with fruit. For me it's not only about consistency but also about the sugar content. Some brands can have a whopping 50 % sugar content, especially the flavoured types :eek:

ariba10

If you buy the Porridge Oats there should be no sugar in them.

adsk

More expensive oats tend to keep some of their texture when cooked. I use Sainsburys Taste the Difference and there is plenty of bite left in the oats when cooked whereas cheaper oats just end up like glue, but ultimately it's a matter of preference.

zenseeker

I don't honestly think there is much of a difference. I sometimes but Scott's Porridge Oats simply because the box reminds me of being at my Nan's as a kid (she used to have the Scott's brand all the time), but usually I'm happy with the Tesco Value Oats.