Sophie Harris, Senior Lifestyle Reporter, tested six instant porridge pots from UK supermarkets, preparing each with boiling water as instructed. Aldi's Original Porridge Pot scored 8/10, emerging as the winner, while M&S's Traditional Porridge Pot scored 2/10 and came last.
Taste test results
Tesco's Instant Oats Original scored 6/10, praised for a decent consistency and reasonable thickness, though slightly too sweet. Sainsbury's Porridge Pot Original scored 4/10, with oats remaining firm and turning gloopy.
Quaker Oats' Oat So Simple Original Porridge Pot, priced at £1.30, also scored 6/10. It was ready in about two minutes and pleasant to eat, with a useful fill line, but the flavour and texture did not justify the price.
Lowest scores
M&S's Traditional Porridge Pot, at £1.10, scored 2/10. It lacked a fill line, and the oats were described as extremely claggy. Waitrose's Original Porridge Pot scored 3/10, being lumpy and unpleasant, and was among the priciest options.
Winner
Aldi's Original Porridge Pot scored 8/10, described as a surprising standout. It had a satisfying texture, subtle creaminess, and came closest to porridge made with milk, without needing added sweeteners.
