Chocolate Chia Porridge


I'm a big porridge fan and even on a sunny day, if I've got a lot on, or a big adventure planned, then I find it sets me up really well and keeps me full until lunch time. As you can have 2 HEB allowances when doing an SP day it also helps that I can have this at breakfast, but also enjoy something bread or cereal-based later on in the day too. 

This recipe does come out at 2 syns per portion (including using one of your HEB allowances and a quarter of your HEA allowance). I'm aware that this may seem like a lot, when you could have plain porridge just using your allowances, but if you feel the need to ring the changes, this makes a tasty treat. Personally I am happy to use 2 syns up as this tastes delicious and the health benefits of the cacao powder and chia seeds also make me feel all smug!  

Be aware that you can microwave this or, indeed, use one of the 'big bowl' versions of measured microwave porridge sachets to make this if you have a hectic morning. If you do use the sachets, take care to use the measurements on the packet for your milk, rather than these as the amount in the sachet may differ to this recipe. You can then stir in the cacao / cocoa once out of the microwave. 


As with all recipes and meal plans on the blog I have highlighted the protein sources (P foods) in red, the speed (S) foods in green, healthy extra allowances in blue and syns, with syn values in brackets in orange.  

 Chocolate Chia Porridge

 Serves 1 - 2 syns if using 1 x HEB allowance and 1/4 of HEA allowance 

 40g porridge oats
250ml unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp cocao powder (or normal cocoa powder could be used) - 1 syn
1 tsp chia seeds - 1 syn
7 or 8 eating blackberries 

 Heat the almond milk gently in a pan. 

 When it comes to a boil, stir in the porridge oats and mix well.

 Turn down to a simmer and allow it to cook for 5 - 8 minutes, stirring constantly to allow it to thicken. 

 Sprinkle the cacao powder  or cocoa powder - I run it through a tea strainer to ensure there aren't any little lumps that could stay un-blended.

 Mix carefully to ensure this is fully blended in and cook for a further minute, stirring constantly to avoid it catching. 

 Serve and sprinkle over the blackberries and chia seeds before demolishing. 


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