Porridge Wars: UK Government Advertising Ban Targets Sugary Foods, Sparking Debate

New regulations due to take effect in October 2025 will restrict advertisements for food and drinks deemed “less healthy” in a bid to address rising childhood obesity rates in the UK. 

The legislation will apply to TV ads aired before 9 p.m. and paid online advertising.

The ban, announced by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2021 and delayed due to economic concerns, includes a wide range of products such as sugary breakfast cereals, sweetened yoghurts, crumpets, scones, and certain types of porridge. 

Foods classified as "less healthy" will be determined through a scoring system that evaluates sugar, fat, and protein content. Products without added sugar, salt, or fat, such as plain porridge oats or unsweetened yoghurt, will not be affected.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the policy as a step toward shifting healthcare focus from treatment to prevention. The government believes the ban will prevent thousands of obesity cases annually and reduce UK children's calorie intake by 7.2 billion calories.

NHS data highlights the urgency of the issue, showing 9.2% of children in reception classes are obese, and over 23% experience tooth decay by age five due to high sugar consumption.

Critics, however, question the ban's scope and effectiveness. Paul Bristow, a former Conservative MP, expressed concern over the inclusion of everyday staples like porridge and crumpets. "The government needs to trust people to make their own decisions," he pointed out.

Some business owners echoed this sentiment. Prasanna Callaghan, who runs Crumpets Café near Buckingham Palace, called the policy "bonkers," arguing that categorising crumpets as junk food could harm small businesses.

On the other hand, proponents, including cook and restaurateur Thomasina Miers, welcomed the move as necessary but urged the government to take further steps. Miers pointed to the economic burden of diet-related diseases, citing research estimating these conditions cost the UK £268 billion annually.

The legislation has also sparked debate among parents. While some, like Maria McCracken from Kent, emphasise the importance of teaching children healthy eating habits at home, others question whether banning advertisements will effectively change behaviour.

The government maintains evidence supports a link between food advertising and increased calorie consumption in children. As implementation approaches, the ban is set to reshape the advertising landscape and reignite discussions about public health and personal responsibility.

Celebrating World Porridge Day: A Warm Bowl for a Great Cause

Every year on the 10th of October, porridge lovers from all corners of the globe unite to celebrate World Porridge Day. 

But this day is more than just about indulging in a hearty breakfast staple, it’s a day dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children living in poverty. 

The humble bowl of porridge, simple and nourishing, symbolises hope and health for thousands who depend on it for their daily meal.

The Origins of World Porridge Day

World Porridge Day began as a way to raise awareness and funds for the Scottish charity Mary's Meals, which provides daily meals to some of the world’s poorest children. 

Often, this meal takes the form of porridge, a nutritious and affordable dish made from grains like oats or maize. For many of these children, this is the only meal they will receive all day. Mary's Meals operates in countries such as Malawi, Liberia, and Zambia, ensuring that over two million children receive food in schools, helping to break the cycle of hunger and improve access to education.

Porridge: A Universal Comfort

While oats are a staple of porridge in the UK and many Western countries, porridge exists in various forms across the world. In East Africa, ugali (a thick maize porridge) is a popular dish, while in countries like India, rice-based porridges like congee are enjoyed. What unites all these dishes is their ability to provide warmth, sustenance, and comfort – qualities that make porridge the ideal food to represent this important cause.

Why Porridge?

Porridge is more than just a healthy breakfast; it’s a food that transcends boundaries. Its simplicity and versatility make it accessible to people of all cultures and backgrounds. In the context of World Porridge Day, it represents nourishment that is easy to prepare, affordable, and full of the nutrients needed to fuel growing bodies.

By focusing on porridge, Mary's Meals highlights a critical issue: hunger should not be a barrier to education. When children are hungry, they struggle to concentrate and learn. A simple bowl of porridge can change this by giving children the energy they need to engage in school and thrive.

How You Can Get Involved

World Porridge Day is a great opportunity to not only enjoy a delicious bowl of porridge but also to give back. Whether it’s making a donation to Mary’s Meals, hosting a porridge-themed event, or simply spreading the word, every little action counts. Many people celebrate by taking part in a "Porridge Smiles" campaign – posting pictures of their breakfast porridge with a smiley face made of fruits or nuts and sharing it online to raise awareness.

If you want to take it a step further, you can organise a fundraising breakfast with friends or colleagues, encouraging others to donate to the cause while enjoying a warm bowl of porridge together. You could even experiment with new porridge recipes, trying out savoury options or unique toppings to spice up the occasion!

The Impact of World Porridge Day

Thanks to the efforts of Mary’s Meals and the support of generous donors, thousands of children who once faced the stark reality of hunger now have the chance to build a brighter future. Since its inception, World Porridge Day has helped to fund meals for schoolchildren in some of the most disadvantaged communities, providing them not only with food but also the opportunity for education.

The day reminds us that small, simple actions – like enjoying a bowl of porridge – can have a far-reaching impact. It’s a powerful example of how food can be more than just sustenance; it can be a vehicle for change.

Conclusion: Porridge with Purpose

World Porridge Day is a day to appreciate the simple joys of a warm, hearty breakfast and, more importantly, to reflect on the significance of food security and education for all children. By celebrating this humble dish, we contribute to a global effort to ensure that no child goes to school hungry.

Incidentally although sugar, jam or honey is often added to breakfast porridge in England in Scotland porridge is more usually served with salt.

So, on this 10th of October, let’s raise our spoons in solidarity with children across the world. Whether you enjoy your porridge with honey and fruit, or with a dash of salt and savoury toppings, remember the power of a single meal to change a life. Happy World Porridge Day!

No cook chilled porridge

No cook chilled porridge is a dish I invented myself many years ago.

Very late one evening I was pouring some cold milk into a bowl of porridge oats. I realised that I wasn't hungry after all, so I placed the bowl in the fridge and went to bed.

The next morning I remembered the bowl of oats and I took it out and took a mouthful. The result was better than anything I had ever expected. 

The oats had perfectly melded with the milk and I had inadvertently created a bowl of utterly delicious cold porridge.

The recipe is simplicity in itself.

Take one bowl of porridge oats. 

Fill to the brim with the chilled milk of your choice, dairy or non-dairy.

You can add brown sugar, honey, etc to add sweetness if you wish.

Stirring in cinnamon or mixed spice with dried mixed fruit is a good idea, but do make certain any spices you add are properly mixed throughout. The dried mixed fruits will absorb the moisture from the milk and will plump up very nicely.

You can also add sliced or ground nuts.

When the bowl of porridge is ready, place it in your fridge and leave it overnight or throughout the day until it is ready for you to eat.

Actually, you could try oat alternatives if you want to give that a try. 

You can garnish with freshly cut fruits including bananas, strawberries, etc.

(Image courtesy of  Pictavio from Pixabay)