Stoats Porridge Pots

By Matt Cooper Last updated: 16th December 2009

How seriously do you take you nutritional preparation for the golf course?

You've got a morning tee time in winter - what do you eat first thing? Full English breakfast, rushed bowl of cereal, a banana, a cup of tea, a block of chocolate or, sometimes, what about nothing?

I'm sure I'm not the only golfer who's tried all of those options.

Nutritional experts would shake their heads in disbelief because those breakfasts just don't prepare a golfer for the four hours on the course.

In the last 10 years professional golfers have woken up to this truth and begun to maximise their performance by fuelling themselves properly - just as they wouldn't put petrol in a diesel car, they wouldn't fill their bellies with food that leaves them stuttering down the back nine.

Perhaps the Scottish knew all along. They invented golf, they love their porridge and guess what? Porridge is the perfect fuel for golfers.

Young English star Melissa Reid is typical of the modern professional golfer who seeks perfection in all elements of his or her game and when asked by the Times what she ate before a round she said: "In the mornings I have porridge for slow release energy."

The problem is that many of us gave up on porridge years ago either because we thought it was dull, or because it seemed a bit difficult to make.

Which is where Stoats Porridge Pots come in - they are quick, easy to make and taste delicious.

What's more, because they are designed to be eaten on the move you can make no excuses about not having time to make or eat them.

And with added fruit there is no need to complain about the taste (or add a few spoonfuls of self-defeating sugar).

Stoats also cater for on-course golfing needs with their wide range of Porridge Oats Bar which are a favourite snack of Ireland's Paul McGinley.

"The high oat content gives me sustained energy and they taste great," McGinley says. "There's nothing else like it, filling and sturdy enough to carry around the tour in my bag."

Stoats Porridge Pots - what they say

What are they? A single serving of nutritious porridge oats that simply requires the addition of boiling water or a quick blast in the microwave with either cold milk or water.

What flavours are available? Three delicious flavours - Classic Original, Berry feast (strawberries, blueberries, cranberries and goji berries) or Apple, Sultana and Cinnamon.

What's in them? Made with all natural ingredients and Stoats unique blend of Scottish organic oats.

Why is it good for me? Oats boast lots of health benefits, from the slow release of energy that stabilises blood sugar levels to the high level of fibre that helps lower cholesterol.

Where can I get them? Stoats Porridge Pots cost between £1.75 and £2 and can be bought in good delis and cafes, Fortnum and Mason, as well as online at www.eatstoats.co.uk.

What we say - Matt Cooper

I took the Stoats taste test - well, it wasn't just about taste (although that is obviously an important factor), I was also intrigued to see if the claims about nutritional benefits would work on a hacker as well as they seem to for professional sportsmen.

The Porridge Pots passed the first test with flying colours: making them was a doddle, in fact it was quite fun to make in the microwave.

Berryfeast was my favourite in terms of taste - plenty of fruit which gave the porridge a really tasty, rather than sugary, sweetness.

I also liked the Apple, Sultana and Cinnamon - it was perfect for a winter morning and even quite festive.

But I did struggle with the classic porridge. There was nothing wrong with the oats, it was quite clear they were good quality, but I need the fruit. I'll leave the unadulterated porridge for the traditionalists, I think - too dry for me.

I can be a bit foolish about nutrition. I tend to do a lap of honour if I remember to put a banana and a bottle of water in my bag.

I also like to play golf early in the morning, to beat the crowds, and so often play without having eaten. Is it really any wonder I begin to wilt near the end?

Having eaten my Porridge Pots, however, I did feel more appropriately fuelled. More to the point I genuinely felt like I the energy was stored for when I needed it - longer into the round.

The coup de grace were the Porridge Bars though. At the turn I took one out and nibbled away, wondering if I was about to eat a very dry flapjack.

Instead I found myself wolfing down the cranberry and macadamia bar with unseemly haste.

I even found myself thinking about my favourite comedian (and golf fan) Larry David. In one episode (appropriately titled 'The 5-wood') he complained about a packet of heath food ("the whole cashew/raisin balance is askew!").

No imbalance in this health food, I smiled to myself, munching on the macadamia nuts.

Five holes later I decided to break into the raspberry and honey, to send me flying down the home stretch: it was delicious and, yes, I did wander up the final fairway feeling strong and energetic (despite the cold wind and dark December morning).

I'm persuaded: golfers need to fuel correctly before a round of golf and grabbing a chocolate bar from the pro shop is not a great idea. Porridge is though.