January always arrives with renewed energy – and often a quiet desire for something simple, nourishing and dependable after the bustle of Christmas. For many people, that means making small changes that feel good rather than restrictive. One of the easiest places to start is your gut.
Your gut plays a central role in everything from digestion to energy levels, and what you eat can make a significant difference. Among the best natural helpers?
Wholegrain oats – the core ingredient that gives Stockan's Oatcakes their signature flavour and crunch.
The quiet power of wholegrain oats
Wholegrain oats have been a staple in Scottish kitchens for centuries, and for good reason. They’re naturally high in fibre, especially beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre which supports healthy digestion. Fibre helps keep the gut moving, encourages balance in the microbiome, and supports longer-lasting feelings of fullness.
Fibre is also an important consideration for women navigating menopause or perimenopause, when changes to digestion, energy and appetite can feel more noticeable. Adding foods naturally rich in fibre, like oats, can be a small but meaningful tweak.
And because oats provide slow-release energy, they’re ideal for busy days, work routines and the natural dip many people feel during the winter months.
Plant-based, simple and versatile
One of the easiest ways to bring more oats into your routine is to choose snacks built on simple, plant-based ingredients. Stockan’s Oatcakes are approved by The Vegetarian Society with many of them also being vegan, making them a natural fit for anyone leaning towards plant-based eating in January.
And because oatcakes are made from minimal ingredients and traditional baking methods, they’re a reliable base for a huge variety of toppings – sweet, savoury, light or more indulgent.
Gut-friendly pairings to enjoy in January
Here are a few topping ideas that make the most of wholegrain oats while offering balanced, feel-good flavour combinations:
Cottage cheese, herbs & cracked pepper - A light, protein-rich option that pairs beautifully with the crisp crunch of fine-milled oatcakes.
Roasted cauliflower with warm spices - One of the stand-out vegetarian ideas from our Christmas collection, and perfect for using up leftovers.
Peanut butter & banana - A simple pairing that’s excellent for steady energy. (And a timely one too, Peanut Butter Day falls in January!)
Greek yoghurt & berries - A refreshing, gut-friendly combination for those who prefer something sweet without being heavy.
Small swaps that make a big difference
The beauty of incorporating more oats into your diet is that it doesn’t require a complete overhaul. You don’t need to avoid your favourite foods or follow strict rules. Instead, it’s about simple swaps and these gentle changes often feel easier to maintain, and far more enjoyable.
- Replacing refined snacks with oat-based alternatives
- Choosing toppings that nourish and satisfy
- Adding more plant-based meals to your week
- Focusing on foods that support digestion naturally
Start the New Year with Stockan's Oatcakes
Stockan’s have been crafting oatcakes in Orkney for many years, using wholegrain oats, fresh island water and traditional baking skills. While it’s not about chasing trends, it’s reassuring to know that foods made with care and simplicity often align naturally with what modern research tells us: wholegrains, plant-based pairings and fibre-rich ingredients are some of the best things we can reach for.
So whether you’re looking to support your gut, seeking slow-release energy through winter, or simply want something dependable in the cupboard for busy days, oats are a great place to start – and January is the perfect time to do it.
