Gluten free porridge oats

[Loobs39]

I desperately want to be able to eat porridge - proper porridge, not rice porridge. I have never been diagnosed as celiac but have to assume from my symptoms that I am. A moot point really, I can't eat gluten as it makes me ill! However, when this whole (horrible) journey started, I found I was unable to eat oats even when they were gluten free - still had all the symptoms I got from eating anything that contained gluten. I appear to be/have been allergic to the Avenin which I believe is present in even gf oats? Two things really; would soaking the oats overnight then cooking them make a difference? Also, has anyone else found that they could tolerate gf oats after a period of 4 years of gluten free living??

[corby39]

I have tried various brands and you won't get the real the real thing the nearest I have got is Tesco's.

[Loobs39 in reply to corby39]

Thanks - my husband actually has the Tesco gf oats - I will try them (slowly) just to see if I can tolerate them now.

[Cooper27]

It's unlikely you'd find them easier if you soaked them first, as it's a cross reaction.

You can get glutenease enzymes, which is an enzyme that helps to break down the gluten-like proteins in your stomach, reducing the intolerance reaction. If it's just an intolerance then it may be an option - I use a similar product for lactose intolerance and it really helps with symptoms. It's not suitable for a celiac though, as it doesn't stop the autoimmune response.

[Loobs39 in reply to Cooper27]

Thank you - I will try them as I really want to be able to eat 'normal' porridge.

[Hidden]

There is the argument that soaking various grains and seeds for a period of time helps. That breaks down the phytic acid which can be an irritant for the GI tract. People 'activate' almonds like that - just means putting them in water for some time. If you are not intolerant/bothered by the phytic acid, then this will do little for the other proteins that might be causing the issue. Only way to know is to give it a go.

Oats also contain lectins, proteins found in plant foods. Gluten is a lectin. Some lectins can be destroyed through pressure cooking (e.g. in legumes), and some may reduce slightly through cooking. You may have an issue with lectins, so worth looking into those as they cross-react similar to gluten for some people.

It's really tricky to know what's what, and some things do seem to resolve with time, and only way to know is to experiment.

Alternative options for porridge, beyond rice, is millet porridge - millet is a seed and can be used for porridge or cous cous substitute. Comes in basic seed form, in a flour for baking. Or you could try buckwheat porridge.

[Loobs39 in reply to Hidden]

Brilliant - I will definitely try buckwheat porridge. I just find that on a gf diet I seem to eat an awful lot of rice so didn't want to continually eat rice porridge. Real oats are good for cholesterol reduction too, and I really need to get mine down so that was another reason I wanted to eat porridge oats. I think I will try the enzymes suggested and then try very slowly eating some gf porridge (I cook it every day for my husband anyway) - thanks for taking the time to reply.

[Hidden in reply to Loobs39]

No worries. Rice isn;t particularly nutricious either, and bit bland. Try Dove Farm Freee range for the buckwheat. Millet porridge is quite interesting also.

[Compostella1]

These are the real deal - u get them in Ireland in all the supermarkets and there is no difference to the norm.

mccambridge.ie/product/porr...

[Compostella1]

mccambridge.ie/product/porr...

These are in supermarkets in Ireland and thre is no differnce

[Alybubbles]

Hi I can’t eat GF oats either, or GF bread. I still get all the symptoms. Sorry, I know it doesn’t answer your question, just wanted to let you know you are not alone ❤️

[Loobs39 in reply to Alybubbles]

Thank you. I have just ordered some Amaranth as I have remembered it makes a lovely porridge!! It takes a while to cook but seems the best option for me.

[Haych42]

Morrisons do this and I'm just tucking into mine. I love it and it fills me up until lunchtime. I soak sultanas and oats overnight (you don't have to soak them) I've no tummy aches and grumbles from eating this and I've had this for 2 years now. It just says pure oats and milk free although I add milk to mine😛hope this helps

[Loobs39 in reply to Haych42]

Yep, my husband also has these - I may give it a go (in small quantities!!)

[Haych42 in reply to Loobs39]

3 tablespoons then soak over night

[alchemilla12 in reply to Haych42]

since when did oats contain milk anyway??!!😁

[Penel]

Hello Loobs39

I found that I could tolerate oats after a few years (can’t remember exactly how long) but have to be careful not to have too much. I combine them with buckwheat flakes to make my own granola.

As you have said, it’s just a question of trying them very now and then, but in small quantities.

[MTCee]

I can’t tolerate gf oats either. I understand that you’d love to be able to eat oat porridge but you could also try nut porridge. Here’s a recipe I’ve used before,

Nut porridge

Two servings

2 eggs beaten

500ml milk

1 banana

1tsp ground mixed spice

2tbsp peanut butter

honey to taste

2 tbsp chia seed

4 tbsp ground almonds

2 tablespoons ground flaxseed

2 tbsps dessicated coconut

a sprinkle of mixed seeds

1 handful of fresh or dried fruit/berries

Place the eggs and milk in a pan and whisk together.

Mash the banana and peanut butter together in a separate bowl.

Add the banana peanut mixture to the eggs and milk, along with the remaining ingredients.

Heat gently while whisking until a thick custard is formed.

Add more milk as required.

Pour into two bowls and store the second bowl in the fridge for another day.

To serve, Sprinkle fruit and nuts on top and add more milk and honey as required.

[Loobs39 in reply to MTCee]

Wonderful, how kind of you and what an unusual recipe - I will definitely try this, it sounds amazing - thank you.

[MTCee in reply to Loobs39]

You’re welcome 😊

[EastbourneJackie]

I have the Sainsburys Deliciously Free From Oats which I’ve found to be the best. Hope this helps as it’s so difficult to find a real proper porridge made from proper oats. These are the ones I find work well. Good luck with your search and hope they can do the job for you.

[Researchfan]

Hi. There’s a brand in the UK called Rude Health that do gluten free porridge made from sprouted oats. Pre soaking and or sprouting supposed to get rid of the anti nutrients and make them easier to digest. It’s trial and error whether tolerate oats. Everyone’s different. You’d have to try and see how you react or not.X

[Loobs39]

Well I am now making and eating amaranth 'porridge' and I'm not having any issues with it - in fact I really like it. I add water to it in the morning and leave it overnight then cook it in a slow cooker - this works really well and I love the texture and the nutty taste - sorted!!! Thanks for all your replies - I imagine I won't ever eat 'proper' porridge again, gf or not but this is a good solution.

[Penel in reply to Loobs39]

That’s really to good to hear. A small but significant victory!