There are many types of cereal available today, so which one should you pick? In this post we compare Ready Brek and porridge oats, look at their nutrition, explain the main differences, and ask: is Ready Brek healthier than porridge?
No, Ready Brek is not the same as porridge. Both come from oats, but they’re processed differently. Ready Brek is made from crushed rolled oats and milled oat powder, while porridge oats are whole oats that have been rolled or cut. That makes Ready Brek more processed.
Ready Brek is also fortified with extra vitamins and minerals, which porridge oats usually are not.
Texture is another difference. Ready Brek is much smoother because the smaller oat particles cook faster and break down more easily. Porridge oats are coarser and hold more texture.
Nutritionally, the two are quite similar. Both are high in carbohydrates, have similar calorie counts, and are low in fat. Their protein levels are close too, around 11–12 g per 100 g. Both are high in fiber, though porridge oats provide more fiber per serving than Ready Brek.
Both cereals supply important minerals like manganese, iron, and magnesium. Ready Brek, however, is fortified with extra nutrients such as calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, and it typically contains more iron per serving than plain porridge oats.
For baby food, both can work, but there are a few things to consider. Ready Brek’s finely milled texture makes it smoother and easier to eat for babies starting solids. It also cooks faster, which is handy when you need a quick meal. Porridge oats are made from whole kernels and so are coarser and take longer to cook, which may make them less suitable for very young babies. The extra fortification in Ready Brek also makes it a more nutrient-dense option.
When choosing cereal for your baby, check with your pediatrician to get advice based on your child’s needs.
Both Ready Brek and porridge oats are healthy choices, but Ready Brek does offer some extra nutritional benefits because it’s fortified and has a slightly different nutrient profile. So, is Ready Brek healthier? It depends on what you want from your cereal. If you want more fiber, porridge oats are better. If you want added vitamins and minerals, Ready Brek could be the better pick.
Ultimately, it comes down to your dietary needs and personal taste. Both can fit into a balanced diet.