Instant Porridge Pots – Gluten Free Oatmeal Ready ‘To Go’

How to make the BEST gluten free Instant Porridge Pots (Oatmeal) at home… They’re quick and easy to make, cheaper and more delicious than shop-bought Instant Oats… AND can be made dairy free!

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Gluten Free Instant Porridge Pots – updated and improved

Instant Porridge Pots are hugely popular. But they’re not a new idea… For those of us too old to admit our age, the memory of ‘Ready Brek’ back in the 70’s remains strong. The TV adverts promised an ethereal-like orange body glow after eating, yet it always remained invisible. Either way, instant oatmeal has an appeal…  It’s quick and convenient to prepare and eat. And glow or no glow, it’s healthy, warm and sustaining.

I first put a recipe for gluten free Instant Porridge Pots on the blog back in 2015. It was long before the explosion of interest in ‘overnight oats’ or commercial on-the-go porridge pots. Indeed, it was at a time when as a Coeliac, finding Porridge Pots made with gluten free oats required a lot of determination and tenacity… Either way, the recipe I shared then was for something eye-catching and colourful and in many respects designed as much to gift as to eat at home. Time for an update!

These days there are any number of brands to choose from… From supermarket ‘specials’ to ‘premium’ pots from dedicated breakfast companies. But they aren’t cheap and for every single-portion pot you buy, there’s the guilt of packaging waste. Then there are the varying textures and flavour options… often with high sugar content and paltry amounts of fruit, nuts or other add-ins.

So… What if you could make them to perfection… YOUR way?

Well, you can! And it’s incredibly easy… I’ve done the hard work for you to create and test the best ratios and provide off-the-shelf recipes for the most popular commercial flavour options… ready to make at home…

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Why you’ll love homemade gluten free instant porridge pots

• Cost – It’s WAY cheaper to make your own (I’ve done the maths… see below).
• Convenience – You’ll have instant porridge ready to go whenever you want it.
• The BEST porridge texture – I’ve done all the testing to get the perfect ratio of oats to oat flour and milk. And if you want to tweak it, you can!
• Easy to make (and in bulk) – As long as you have a set of kitchen scales and an airtight container, you can bulk mix as much or as little as you like in about 5 minutes!
• Versatile – Make them YOUR way… ANY flavour… ANY add-ins… To the sweetness you prefer… Thick or thin.
• Quick and Easy – Just add boiling water and stir and your homemade gluten free Porridge Pots will be ready in 2 minutes.
• Transportable – Pop a portion of dry instant oats mix in a sealable pot and take with you for an on-the-go breakfast or snack. And if you can’t guarantee the availability of a kettle… Take hot water in a flask!
• Allergy and ‘free from’ friendly – Because homemade porridge pots are made for YOU, you can make them exactly to your dietary needs. 
• No unnecessary packaging – Which keeps costs down… And avoids adding to the destruction of the planet!

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Is Instant Porridge the same as Oatmeal or Instant Oats?

Yes… Instant porridge, oatmeal and instant oats are fundamentally the same thing. However, each brand or recipe varies in texture (depending on the ratio of rolled oats to oat flour) and whether sugar, milk or flavourings are already added. Nonetheless, they all require the addition of hot water to cook and swell the oats ready to eat.

What makes a Porridge Pot instant?

While making gluten free oatmeal at home brings new excitement and creativity to these nutritious wonder pots, the question has to be asked… What makes them instant?

In all honesty, there’s nothing clever involved. It’s a simple matter of balancing rolled oats with oat flour, both to make them cook more effectively (and thus it would seem more quickly) and to make the texture creamier. Porridge has always been a relatively simple affair! But… When it comes to making the PERFECT Porridge Pot, the question of balance is crucial. Too much oat flour and you’ll end up with a pasty, gluey gloop!

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Homemade gluten free Porridge Pots are much cheaper!

Although it’s convenient to grab on-the-go oatmeal pots from the supermarket shelves, I’ve done the maths and it’s NOT cost-effective…

Gluten Free Porridge Pots (in the UK) cost between 75p (supermarket branded) and £1.30 (‘premium’) per plain pot.

So… I researched the cost of making them at home using key gluten free ingredients (as per availability in the main supermarkets). Even with milk powder and brown sugar added (as at February 2024), the price per equivalent homemade pot comes in at just 25p… Compared with the cheapest supermarket product, that’s only one-third of the price.

Even if you make a chocolate version with actual chocolate, each pot can still only cost you 34 pence. And since it’s only taking a few minutes to bulk-mix a big jar, it’s got to be a ‘no-brainer’ right?… Not only are you getting gluten free porridge pots that are flavoured and made exactly how YOU want them… but they’re cheaper too!

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Making Instant oatmeal gluten free and safe for Coeliacs

Oats are naturally gluten free. However, you still need to use oats and oat flour that are certified ‘gluten free’ when making porridge pots for Coeliacs (Celiacs). The reason for this is that if oats are not grown and milled in a pure environment, there is a significant risk of cross-contamination from other gluten grains.

Making Oat Free Instant Porridge…

Now… I’m well aware that even though they are gluten free, a small percentage of Coeliacs are sensitive to oats as well as gluten. This comes down to their containing a protein called Avenin (which has a similar structure to gluten). Given this… there will inevitably be some Coeliacs who can’t eat oatmeal at all.

Then there are those of you living in parts of the world that still don’t recognise oats as gluten free. While there are some seeds of progress here, with Australian research examining the actual physical risk to Coeliacs of eating oats, I am aware nonetheless that for now at least, sourcing oats certified as gluten free remains against some government health policies.

The good news is this… If you can’t eat oats, there ARE other options for making Instant Porridge Pots that are oat-free! They can be made with any of the following:

• Quinoa Flakes
• Buckwheat Flakes
• Millet Flakes

… All of which are suitable for the instant absorption of hot liquid without having to use a stove or microwave! You may need to add a little more (or less) boiling water for the right consistency. Equally, they may need a little more (or less) time to absorb it… But the best way to judge is in the pot… adding a little at a time until you’re happy.

For the full know-how on making oat-free porridge, check out my Complete Porridge Guide!

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Where do I find oat flour? 

There are two options for sourcing gluten free oat flour:

1. Buy it – Unfortunately, it is difficult to find ready-ground in UK supermarkets. But can be sourced online from merchants like Shipton Mill, Healthy Supplies, YourHealthStore and even Amazon.

• Make your own – Simply get a large bag of gluten free oats… Pop them in a blender and switch it on. Grind them to a fine powder (anywhere between 10 and 25 seconds depending on the power). Transfer to an airtight container and keep ready for when you need it.

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Can I make Porridge Pots that are dairy free and vegan?

Yes! Simply switch the dairy milk powder for dairy free milk powder. I’ve tested my Instant Oatmeal with a weight-for-weight substitution of coconut milk powder. I use coconut milk from the Coconut Company, which is more reasonably priced than some.

Making gluten free and dairy free instant oats with coconut milk powder will increase the price per pot to around 34p… But that’s still far cheaper than commercial brands. 

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Extras and add-ins – flavour up your homemade Instant Porridge

The recipe shared at the end of this post includes direct instructions for some favourite commercial Instant Oatmeal flavour combos (but made better!)…

• Chocolate
• Cranberry & Raisin
• Cinnamon-Spiced Apple

However… One of the advantages of making Instant Porridge at home is that YOU get to choose what goes into it! That means you can add any favourite dried fruits, nuts and seeds, along with carefully paired spices. If you like porridge sweeter… add or top it with more sugar, or swirl through a little Maple Syrup before eating… If you prefer sugar-free… leave it out entirely.

When it comes to dried fruit, they all taste delicious… But make sure you chop larger fruits (such as dried apple, figs or apricots) extra small, as they swell when they hydrate with the added water.

Bear in mind that adding different fruits, etc can change hydration requirements… So you may need to add a drop of extra water to the bowl for the best consistency.

Try adding freeze dried fruit pieces for extra flavour intensity and colour and for a different texture. Healthy Supplies has a great selection.

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My original 2015 Porridge Jars

I’ll admit that my original (2015) recipe for Porridge pots was rather fancy… It used freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries and some dried blueberries for a fruity punch and also included rich ground hazelnuts and a couple of crunchy spoons of chopped green pistachio nuts as well. Sweetened with light brown sugar and a hint of warming cinnamon however, it was utterly amazing! Like no porridge I had ever tasted before… and that was a GOOD thing. So if you want a porridge that truly excites the tastebuds, give it a try… I’ve left the recipe at the very bottom…

Give Porridge Jars as gifts and stocking fillers…

Layered and presented in jars, with fruit and ingredients chosen for colour as well as flavour, Instant Oatmeal is quite beautiful. In fact, it’s so pretty that Porridge Jars make the loveliest of gifts and stocking fillers. I layer mine in cute square Lakeland jars which were perfectly sized for a single portion.

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Ready to make Free From Instant Porridge Pots?

I think that’s all you need to know… Whether you enjoy these Instant Porridge Pots at home, on the go or you layer in jars to give as gifts, I hope they are loved.

Do let me know what you think… You can rate the recipe (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️), leave a comment at the bottom or message me on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest).

If breakfast is your joy… Did you know we have a dedicated Gluten Free Breakfast & Brunch Index? And for everything else, our complete, easy-to-navigate Gluten Free Recipe Index is THE place to start!

All shared with my love for free

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5 from 9 votes

Gluten Free Porridge Pots (Instant Oatmeal)

How to make the BEST gluten free Instant Porridge Pots (Oatmeal) at home… They’re quick and easy to make, cheaper and more delicious than shop-bought Instant Oats… AND can be made dairy free!

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time2 minutes mins

Total Time12 minutes mins

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: British, Dairy Free, Gluten Free

Keyword: oats, porridge

Servings: 4

Calories per serving: 224.4kcal

Author: Gluten Free Alchemist – Kate Dowse

Key equipment

• Kitchen scales
• large airtight container

Ingredients 

0.33x0.5x0.66x1x1.5x2x

MetricUS Customary

Plain Porridge Pots Base Mix – NO Sugar Added (x 4 portion pots – single portion weight 53g)

• ▢ 140 g gluten free rolled oats (35g for a single portion)
• ▢ 36 g gluten free oat flour – oats ground into a powder (9g for a single portion)
• ▢ 36 g milk powder (dairy or dairy free) (9g for a single portion)

Sweetened base mix – with added sugar (4 x Pots Mix)

• ▢ 24 g soft light brown sugar (or coconut sugar or standard caster/granulated sugar) – single portion weight 6g = 2 tsp

Chocolate Porridge – Plain Base Mix above (NO sugar) +

• ▢ 60 g plain chocolate (chopped/chips or Callets) (15g for a single portion)
• ▢ 20 g chopped roasted hazelnuts OPTIONAL for Chocolate Hazelnut Porridge – single portion weight 5g = 1½ tsp

Cranberry & Raisin Porridge – Plain Base Mix above (NO sugar) +

• ▢ 16 g soft light brown sugar (or coconut sugar or standard caster/granulated sugar) – single portion weight 4g = 1½ tsp
• ▢ 28 g dried cranberries (7g for a single portion)
• ▢ 28 g golden raisins/raisins (7g for a single portion)

Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Porridge – Plain Base Mix above (NO sugar) +

• ▢ 24 g soft light brown sugar (6g for a single portion = 2 tsp)
• ▢ 20 g dried apple FINELY chopped (5g for a single portion)
• ▢ 2 tsp ground cinnamon (½ tsp for a single portion)

To Make One Portion of any Porridge Pot

• ▢ 120 ml/g boiled hot water = ½ US Cup (up to 140g/ml if prefer a looser consistency) PER PORTION

Instructions

To make the plain (no sugar) instant porridge base bulk mix

• Weigh the oats, oat flour and milk powder into a large airtight container and shake thoroughly. Store (sealed) at room temperature.

To make the plain, sweetened (with sugar) instant porridge base bulk mix

• Weigh the oats, oat flour, milk powder and sugar into a large airtight container and shake thoroughly. Store (sealed) at room temperature.

For all other porridge flavour variations

• Weigh and mix all the desired ingredients (plain base mix + listed add-ins) into a large airtight container and shake thoroughly. Store (sealed) at room temperature.

To prepare Instant Oatmeal for eating

• Weigh out a single portion of the dry porridge mix. Portion weights:

  Plain (no sugar) – 53g (6 to 7 tablespoons = ½ US Cup)

  Plain (with sugar) – 59g (6 to 7 tablespoons = ½ US Cup)

  Chocolate – 68g (7 to 7½ tablespoons)

  Cranberry & Raisin – 71g ((7 to 7½ tablespoons)

  Cinnamon-Spiced Apple – 64g (6½ to 7 tablespoons)
• Add 120 ml/g (½ US Cup) boiled hot water to the bowl and stir.
• Leave to sit for about 2 minutes and stir again.
• Depending on the preferred porridge consistency, add a drop more water and stir until happy with the thickness.
• Eat and enjoy xxx

Notes

* Note: nutritional information is an estimate & may vary according to portion size/ingredient variants.

To make oat flour at home – get a large bag of oats (gluten free or not). Pop them in a blender and switch it on… Leave to grind until you have a fine powder (usually anywhere between 10 and 25 seconds, dependent on the blender’s power). Transfer the oat flour into an airtight container and keep ready for whenever you need it!

ADDITIONAL INDIVIDUAL RECIPE NOTES

For the best versatility: Mix a large batch of Plain (No Sugar) Base Mix. When ready to eat, weigh one portion into a pot, then add chosen sweeteners and add-ins + hot water.

If you prefer porridge to be sweeter/less sweet... Adjust the sugar ratio as desired.

Depending on the fruit and extras added (and on the preferred porridge consistency), the hydration may vary… Add more (or less) water as desired.

One pot portion plain (no sugar) = 53g (or ½ US Cup or about 6 to 7 tablespoons)

One pot portion plain (WITH sugar) = 59g (Top with berries for extra love)

Chocolate Porridge Pots: If using chocolate chips, make sure they are meltable and are not ‘bake-stable’. OR chop bar chocolate finely. Sprinkle the bowl with chopped roasted hazelnuts for added crunch.

Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Porridge: Chop standard dried apple very finely. Freeze dried apple cubes have a better texture, but are difficult to source. If using freeze-dried apples, use a ‘handful’ rather than add by weight, as they are much lighter. Top the porridge bowl with a few sultanas for extra pzazz. 

Nutrition

Calories: 224.4kcal | Carbohydrates: 40.2g | Protein: 9.2g | Fat: 3.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1.8mg | Sodium: 53.6mg | Potassium: 329.2mg | Fiber: 4.1g | Sugar: 10.9g | Vitamin A: 196.1IU | Vitamin C: 0.6mg | Calcium: 141.5mg | Iron: 1.9mg

Tried this recipe?Tag @glutenfreealchemist #glutenfreealchemist

© 2019-2026 Kate Dowse All Rights Reserved – Do not copy or re-publish this recipe or any part of this recipe on any other blog, on social media or in a publication without the express permission of Gluten Free Alchemist

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5 from 10 votes

Instant Porridge Pots (Instant Oatmeal)

These home-made Instant Porridge Pots are simple, nutritious, colourful and delicious. Hands-down the best instant oatmeal you’ll get… AND they make lovely foodie gifts too. (optional gluten free; dairy free; vegan)

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Total Time10 minutes mins

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: British, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegan

Keyword: foodie gifts, oats

Servings: 1 see NOTES

Calories per serving: 348.8kcal

Author: Gluten Free Alchemist – Kate Dowse

Key equipment

• Kitchen scales
• measuring spoons
• sealable jars/pots/bags
• small bowls

Ingredients 

0.33x0.5x0.66x1x1.5x2x

MetricUS Customary

Dried Instant Porridge Pots

• ▢ 18 g oats gluten free if required
• ▢ 7 g oat flour gluten free if required – See NOTES
• ▢ 3 tsp rough chopped freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries or alternative fruit
• ▢ 1 tsp dried blueberries (heaped) – or alternative fruit
• ▢ 2 tsp pistachio nuts chopped (or alternative nuts)
• ▢ 2½ tsp brown cinnamon sugar make by adding a little ground cinnamon to soft light brown sugar
• ▢ 1 tsp ground hazelnuts heaped (or alternative nuts)

Add when ready to eat

• ▢ 140 ml/g milk dairy free if required (or a little more for a less thick porridge)

Instructions

Dried Instant Porridge Pots

• Mix the oats with the oat flour in a small bowl.
• Prepare your jars or pots (with airtight lids) ready for mixing or layering and lay out your ingredients in small bowls ready to divide into portion-pots (for making several pots at once).
• Spoon your ingredients into your jars/pots in the ratios as above. Feel free to vary your fruit and nuts as you prefer. To make pretty, layer… eg. in the following order (from bottom to top) : half the oat mix; strawberry; blueberry; pistachio; sugar; hazelnuts; rest of the oats.
• Seal the jar/ pot with a lid.

To prepare with milk when ready to eat

• Tip the porridge mix into a serving bowl and stir.
• Add 140 ml milk (DF if required) and microwave on high for 1½ to 2 minutes. If you prefer your porridge a little less thick, just add a little extra milk.
• Enjoy!

Notes

* Note: nutritional information is an estimate & may vary according to portion size/ingredient variants.

The ingredients listed are for one portion. To make several pots, multiply the ingredient amounts and divide evenly between portions.

To make oat flour – get a large bag of oats (gluten free or not). Pop them in a blender and switch on… Leave to grind until you have a fine powder (usually anywhere between 10 and 25 seconds, dependent on the blender’s power). Transfer the oat flour into an airtight container and keep ready for whenever you need it!

Vary the fruit and nuts as you prefer.

Nutrition

Calories: 348.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 52.3g | Protein: 9.5g | Fat: 11.3g | Saturated Fat: 3.3g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 66.7mg | Potassium: 525.6mg | Fiber: 5.5g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 226.8IU | Vitamin C: 180.7mg | Calcium: 158.2mg | Iron: 4.5mg

Tried this recipe?Tag @glutenfreealchemist #glutenfreealchemist

© 2019-2026 Kate Dowse All Rights Reserved – Do not copy or re-publish this recipe or any part of this recipe on any other blog, on social media or in a publication without the express permission of Gluten Free Alchemist

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