Flaxseeds, or linseeds, are wondrous seeds packed with fibre, omega-3, and proteins. They're gluten-free and naturally low in carbohydrates.
Flaxseeds are a great alternative to oats for porridge because they're rich in soluble fibres. These fibres absorb liquids like milk or water, turning thick and jelly-like.
Using flaxseeds to prepare a creamy, grain-free porridge is super easy as you need just 2 ingredients:
Ground flaxseeds — the ground form yields a smoother porridge and allows your body to better absorb the seeds' nutrients. They're also called flaxseed meal or flax meal, a fine powder made from milled whole flaxseeds.
Milk — dairy milk or plant-based alternatives like soy or almond milk (or oat milk if you're okay with more carbs).
Follow our recipe below to cook the flax porridge in just 5 minutes. Then, add healthy toppings to make it a fully balanced breakfast!
What is flaxseed porridge?
Flaxseed porridge is a grain-free version of hot cereal made with flaxseed meal simmered in milk until thick and creamy. It’s similar to oatmeal in consistency but more jelly-like.
Flaxseed porridge is served warm as a nourishing breakfast topped with fruits and nuts and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
How do you make flaxseed porridge?
To make flaxseed porridge, combine ground flaxseeds (flax meal) with milk (or water) in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture achieves a porridge-like consistency.
How much flaxseed can I add to porridge?
You can have up to 5 tablespoons (35 grams / 1.2 oz) of ground flaxseeds per day in your porridge, but 1 tablespoon (7 grams) of flax meal per day is already beneficial.
To prepare flax porridge, we recommend using 2 to 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds, but you can start with a smaller amount and gradually increase—this prevents bloating from too many fibres.
The ratio of milk to ground flaxseeds for a thick porridge is 100ml (3.5 fl oz, 1/2 cup) of milk for every 1 tablespoon of flax meal.
Can I use whole flaxseeds instead of ground flaxseeds for porridge?
It’s better to use flaxseed meal for porridge than whole flaxseeds, as it yields a smoother porridge consistency. Ground flaxseeds are also easier to digest and their nutrients are more readily absorbed by the body.
Instead, whole flaxseeds make the porridge grainier and pass through your gut mostly undigested, so you won't get all the health benefits.
Can I prepare flaxseed porridge in advance?
Flaxseed porridge can be made in advance, portioned it into single-serving containers or jars, and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The flax porridge will thicken as it cools, almost to a scoopable, pudding-like consistency. You can thin it out with a splash of milk or water.
Flaxseed porridge can be eaten cold, similar to overnight oats, or reheated.
To reheat, transfer to a pot with a splash of water or milk over medium heat until warm or heat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
Why is flaxseed porridge so good for you?
Having porridge with flaxseed is an incredibly healthy breakfast choice to support your overall well-being.
Flaxseed porridge is good for you because it provides lots of healthy omega-3 fats, soluble fibres, and antioxidants called lignans.
These nutrients fight inflammation and support the heart, brain and gut health. They also help control blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and aid weight loss.
Is flaxseed porridge low-carb?
Flaxseed porridge is a low-carb recipe as it’s prepared with only ground flaxseeds and milk, no oats or other grains.
A serving of porridge made with 2 tablespoons of flaxmeal and a cup of almond milk has less than 2 grams of net carbs.
Flaxseeds are naturally low in sugar and packed with fibre, healthy fats, and proteins.
What's healthy to add to flaxseed porridge?
You can make this low-carb flaxseed porridge tastier and even healthier by adding ingredients such as:
Low-sugar fruits like berries, peaches, kiwis, melon, orange or grapefruit
Hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds — chia seeds can replace some of the flaxseeds in the porridge
Greek yoghurt, soy yoghurt or silken tofu for extra proteins
Roasted walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios
Low-fat coconut milk
Ground nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, or cloves
Ingredients
| Flax Porridge | |
| Ground Flaxseeds | 2 tbsp |
| Plant Milk (Soy/Almond) | 200 mL |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 pinch |
| Toppings | |
| Blueberries | 80 g |
| Toasted Almonds | 1 tbsp |
| Yoghurt (Soy/Coconut) | 120 g |
Step 1
To make the porridge, use ready-milled flaxseeds or grind whole flaxseeds (linseeds) into a flax meal with a spice grinder, pepper mill or food processor.
One tablespoon of ground flaxseeds is about 8 grams.
Combine ground flaxseeds with milk in a saucepan, and tip in the cinnamon.
Step 2
Bring the flax porridge mix to a gentle boil over medium-low heat and simmer for 5 minutes while stirring until thickened.
Remove from the heat and leave to stand for 2-3 minutes to cool down slightly and thicken even more.
The longer the porridge cools the thicker and more scoopable it will get. If it’s too dense, you can thin it out with a splash of milk.
Step 3
Serve the flaxseed porridge warm with fresh blueberries, roasted almonds and yoghurt; or pick your favourite toppings.
If you like the flax porridge sweeter, you can add some sugar-free erythritol for a low-carb option.
Alternatively, use maple syrup, honey, or naturally sweet fruits like dates, raisins, and bananas.
Tips
Extra Creaminess
To add bulk and creaminess to flaxseed porridge, stir blended silken tofu or nut butter into the hot porridge.
You can also use low-carb coconut flour or ground nuts plus coconut milk — it’s a trick from our Coconut Peanut Porridge Recipe.
Applesauce, sweet potato puree or pumpkin mash are other healthy (but higher in carbs) thickeners for flaxseed porridge you can try.
No-Cook Option
For a quicker recipe, you can prepare the porridge without cooking the flaxseeds. Combine flaxseed meal and milk in a jar, seal, and leave to thicken in the fridge overnight. Then, add fruit and nuts before eating.
Ground Flaxseeds Storage
Due to their high oil content, ground flaxseeds can quickly oxidise if left at room temperature. So, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 months, ideally 2-3 weeks, to maintain their peak nutritional value.
Like this recipe?
Chia seeds are another healthy seed you can use for a low-carb breakfast idea, like chia pudding. Try them in this Chai Chia Pudding or Blueberry Blue Pudding.
For more porridge ideas instead, discover these healthy recipes: