The other week Alpro asked me to join in with their new campaign “Alpro Tops”, by coming up with 5 different topping ideas for their plant-based yoghurts; Simply Plain, Vanilla and Strawberry with Rhubarb. All three yoghurts are packed with soya goodness, which is great for reducing cholesterol levels, are rich in plant protein and are naturally low in saturated fat. They are certified vegan (and vegetarian!) and are ideal for those who suffer with lactose intolerance.
“Alpro Tops” is all about encouraging people to liven up their breakfasts by experimenting with delicious Alpro alternative to yogurts using inspirational, healthy toppings and I couldn’t wait to join in! As a dietitian I LOVE BREAKFAST! It’s my favourite meal of the day and I usually have porridge with fruit & yogurt, overnight oats (made with Alpro Almond and Simply Plain), a smoothie or yoghurt with berries & nuts (see below!). I sometimes add a scoop of whey protein for a protein boost and nearly always add cinnamon! Regular meals are essential for a healthy lifestyle, energy levels and for controlling your hunger.
So, onto my Alpro Tops creations!
- Alpro Vanilla.. Topped with Flaxseed & Pistachio Nuts
Flaxseeds are packed with vitamins and minerals, healthy omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fibre which is great for improving digestion, without causing bloating. Pistachios are a great source of protein, fibre and healthy monounsaturated fat as well as potassium and vitamin K. The nuts added a lovely texture and crunch to the yoghurt and didn’t mask the lovely vanilla flavour!
- Alpro Strawberry with Rhubarb.. Topped with Dried Cranberries, Mulberries & Desiccated Coconut
Cranberries are a great source of vitamin C and add sweetness & texture to any yoghurt. Dried fruit is a great source of fibre for healthy digestion as well as energy. Mulberries have an amazing taste and like other berries are packed with antioxidants to keep us healthy. Just a small handful of dried fruit (30g) counts towards 1 of your 5-9 portions of fruit and vegetables that we should be eating a day! Desiccated coconut (always buy unsweetened) provides extra fibre as well as ‘crunch’!
- Alpro Simply Plain.. Topped with Linseeds & Banana
Linseeds can be added to yoghurt either whole or ground and if you were wondering how I created the design below I used a cookie cutter as a template! Bananas are packed with fibre and potassium and are a great pre or post work-out snack with yoghurt.. think fibre and protein for a winning snack time combination!
These combinations are perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast or for a snack – simply pop into a Tupperware container for on the go!
And now to ‘mix it up’ with a few different toppings in one.. !
- Alpro Plain.. Mixed with Mint, Topped with Dried Mango, Muesli, Coconut Flakes & Honey
This exotic taste explosion tastes incredible and is packed with fibre, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. The taste of mint and honey together is both fresh and sweet and would be perfect for dessert as well as breakfast!
- Alpro Vanilla.. Mixed with Chia Seeds, Topped with Goji Berries, Pecans, Dark Chocolate Flakes & Cinnamon
This is probably my favourite combination and thanks to the goji berries & dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants. Chia seeds along with the pecans provide omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, calcium, iron and magnesium and add a lovely crunch to the creamy yoghurt. Topping yoghurt with cinnamon is one of my favourite things to do as it adds an amazing taste with out any extra sugar or calories and has been shown to help stabilise blood sugar levels. Yum!
I really hope that these topping ideas have inspired you to jazz up your breakfast.. and if you want to join in with the campaign and win a hamper of Alpro goodies for yourself all you have to do is “make your own” on the Alpro Tops Website!
You can also tweet your entry using the hashtag #AlproTops and don’t forget to include both Alpro (@Alpro_UK) and me (@nicsnutrition) in your tweet too!
*The top two images are credit to The Black Pearl Blog. This blog post has been written in collaboration with Alpro. I do not recommend any products featured over others. Please read my disclaimer page for more information.
