National Porridge Week 2026
October 7 - October 13
About National Porridge Week 2026
What is National Porridge Week?
National Porridge Week is an annual celebration of one of the most comforting and nutritious breakfast options available. As autumn arrives and mornings take a chillier turn, the week encourages people across the United Kingdom to rediscover porridge and explore the many ways it can be prepared and enjoyed.
Founded by FUEL10K, National Porridge Week highlights the versatility of porridge as a quick, tasty, and wholesome start to the day. Whether you prefer classic oats with a drizzle of honey or more adventurous combinations featuring fruit, nuts, and spices, the week provides the perfect opportunity to experiment with new flavours and toppings.
When is National Porridge Week 2026?
National Porridge Week 2026 takes place during the second week of October, from Monday 7 October to Sunday 13 October 2026.
| Year | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 October | 13 October |
The History of Porridge
Porridge is one of the oldest prepared foods in human history. Evidence of grain-based porridges dates back thousands of years, with oats becoming the grain of choice in Scotland and northern Europe, where the climate was ideally suited to their cultivation. Scottish porridge, made simply with oats, water, and a pinch of salt, became a dietary staple that sustained farming communities and soldiers alike.
In Scotland, porridge holds a particularly revered place in culinary heritage. The World Porridge Making Championship, held annually in Carrbridge in the Scottish Highlands, attracts competitors from around the globe. Traditional Scottish porridge is stirred clockwise with a wooden spurtle — a rod-shaped utensil specifically designed for the task — and served standing up, according to custom.
Over the centuries, porridge has evolved from a simple subsistence food into a celebrated health food. The modern porridge revival has been driven by growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of oats and the increasing demand for quick, healthy breakfast options that fit busy lifestyles.
Health Benefits of Porridge
Porridge made from oats is widely regarded as one of the healthiest breakfast choices available. Oats are a wholegrain food that provides a range of important nutrients and health benefits:
- Rich in fibre — A 40g serving of oats provides around 3g of fibre. Oats contain a soluble fibre called beta-glucan, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels when consumed regularly as part of a healthy diet.
- Heart health — The beta-glucan in oats supports cardiovascular health by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol. The British Heart Foundation recommends porridge as a heart-healthy breakfast option.
- Sustained energy — Oats have a low glycaemic index, meaning they release energy slowly throughout the morning, helping to keep blood sugar levels stable and reducing mid-morning energy dips.
- Nutrient-dense — Oats are a good source of manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, all of which play essential roles in overall health.
- Weight management — The combination of fibre and protein in porridge promotes feelings of fullness and satiety, which can help with managing appetite and calorie intake.
How to Get Involved
FUEL10K encourages everyone to get involved in National Porridge Week. Here are some ways to celebrate:
- Try a new topping — Go beyond your usual porridge routine. Try fresh berries, banana and peanut butter, stewed apple and cinnamon, toasted coconut, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Explore savoury porridge — Porridge does not have to be sweet. Try topping your oats with a poached egg, avocado, cheese, or mushrooms for a savoury twist.
- Share your creations — Post your porridge recipes and photos on social media using the hashtag #NationalPorridgeWeek.
- Support charity — FUEL10K partners with leading UK charity FareShare throughout October with their “Fuel a Breakfast” campaign. Find out how you can get involved by following @fuel10k on Instagram.
- Batch cook overnight oats — Prepare your oats the night before for a grab-and-go breakfast that requires zero cooking time in the morning.
Porridge Facts
- The word “porridge” comes from the 16th-century English word “pottage,” meaning a thick soup or stew.
- Scotland’s annual World Porridge Making Championship has been running since 1994.
- Oats are one of the few grains that are naturally gluten-free, though cross-contamination during processing means not all oat products are suitable for those with coeliac disease.
- World Porridge Day, a separate observance, falls on 10 October and raises funds for the charity Mary’s Meals.
Hashtags: #NationalPorridgeWeek #Porridge #PorridgeWeek
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