Chocolate Mint Quinoa Breakfast Bowl (Low FODMAP Recipe)

Chocolate Mint Quinoa Breakfast Bowl is a healthy, low fodmap breakfast alternative to oatmeal, full of complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber and vitamins! This sweet quinoa recipe is dairy free, gluten free and vegan.  

Note: This recipe was originally published in September, 2016. Text/photos have bee updated as of October 2019. 

Did you know that September is Better Breakfast Month? So in honor of breakfast being my favorite and in my opinion, most important meal of the day, I’ve made you a delicious low fodmap recipe that also entails chocolate for breakfast!

Our most recent recipe challenge with the Recipe ReDuxers was to use low fodmap foods to create a meal, to show those with digestive sensitivities that they can still enjoy ultimate deliciousness.

The reason this challenge caught my eye is because I’m starting to see more and more clients with digestive issues.

What are FODMAPs?

FODMAP is an acronym for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols. They classify specific types of short-chain carbohydrates (sugars or fibers) that can trigger digestive distress in some people.

Often times, anxiety causes these individuals to avoid all foods and food categories that give them discomfort — or fear will give them discomfort — which can unintentionally minimize their nutritional intake.

What Are Some Low FODMAP Foods?

According to Monash University (a well known resource for FODMAPS), here are some “safe”, low fodmap foods that people can look to incorporate into their diets.

• eggplant
• green beans
• potatoes
• tomato
• strawberries
• almond milk
• most cheeses
• soy milk
• eggs
• quinoa
• dark chocolate
• maple syrup
• pumpkin seeds

Other low fodmap fruits include pineapple, cantaloupe, grapes, kiwi fruit and orange. Feel free to add those to your favorite low fodmap snacks list. 

As you can guess, we’re using many of these ingredients for this low fodmap breakfast. 

What Does the Research Say About a Low FODMAP Diet?

The research shows that a low FODMAP diet can help with digestion difficulties and reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. 

In the spring of 2016, Nestlé Health Science launched www.LowFODMAPcentral.com to support both the consumer seeking more information about FODMAPs and the healthcare professional looking to build knowledge and practice tools.

It’s a great resource for those looking to pinpoint possible sources of irritation in their diets, and a comprehensive list about what foods may be tolerated better than others. Nestlé is also sponsoring this recipe contest to show that those suffering from IBS or other digestive sensitivities can still enjoy healthy food. 

How To Make a Low FODMAP Breakfast

We’re utilizing many of the ingredients above for this vegan breakfast quinoa.

Have you ever had quinoa for breakfast?

It’s a great alternative to oatmeal, and since it’s a complete protein (with all essential amino acids – the ones our bodies’ can’t make), it has an edge up on oatmeal.

First, we’ll toast our quinoa. You can either choose to toast the quinoa or boil it. I chose to toast it because I like the taste of a toasted quinoa recipe, but fluffy quinoa is also pretty dreamy. 

Then, you’ll add your almond milk, cinnamon, and salt and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat but make sure to keep stirring so it doesn’t stick to the pan. 

Once all the liquid is absorbed, you’ll top your quinoa breakfast porridge with pumpkin seeds, strawberries, mint and chocolate – if you so desire. This is the perfect option for a quinoa berry breakfast. 

I will say, there are several benefits to a chocolate quinoa breakfast bowl. Dark chocolate is a source of healthy fats, plus it’s really satisfying and can help reduce that nagging hanger later. 

I’m going to have to set out to find more chocolate quinoa combinations because this one is heavenly!

Can I Use Another Milk Choice?

Yes – soy milk (made from soy protein) is another FODMAP friendly milk choice, aside from almond milk. Soy milk is also a great alternative because it has comparable protein content to cow’s milk, while almond milk provides barely any protein.

This post goes into more detail about dairy alternatives. 

Cow’s milk is a high FODMAP food, so should be avoided if you are looking to make this a low fodmap breakfast. 

Why I Love This Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

For me, breakfast is usually the same thing time and time again: Oatmeal. With frozen blueberries, chia seeds, and peanut butter.

Sometimes a smoothie bowl and sometimes eggs, but 80% of the time, it’s oatmeal.

So, making this quinoa breakfast bowl recipe feels so… indulgent. Something different, yet delicious. 

I’ve seen some delicious sweet quinoa recipes but never tried them.  I’m sad I waited this long, but excited to share with you why you need to try it too! 

We all know chocolate mint is a tasty combination. Then, we’ve added berries for some natural sweetness and antioxidants. And of course, we have some pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate for our healthy fats. 

However, if you’re more in the mood for a savory quinoa breakfast bowl, some low fodmap foods/toppings you could add are eggs or tofu, feta cheese, carrots, potato and/or zucchini!

Add This To Your Low FODMAP Snacks List

Plus, this low fodmap breakfast also doubles as a low fodmap dessert, with it’s sweet nature. Or, serve it up as one of your favorite low fodmap snacks. 

It is also wheat and gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great choices for those with other allergies, as well. All hail for low fodmap vegetarian recipes. 

I found it pretty easy to create a delicious recipe while avoiding the high FODMAP irritants, and I think you could too!

You can see a more extensive list here about foods high and low in FODMAPs.

Can You Make This Ahead of Time?

If you’re looking for an overnight quinoa breakfast, I wouldn’t necessarily suggest this because it is best fresh! Although you could prep a batch of quinoa ahead of time, and then just add the toppings the morning of to save time. 

The quinoa has a nice crunch from the toastiness which sells it for me. I am now no longer a savory quinoa only kinda girl. I am in love with these flavors.

You can also increase the protein content with low fodmap protein powder, nuts, nut butter, hemp seeds or chia seeds.

Just promise me you will eat this warm, with the melty chocolate goodness oozing out of it!

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Chocolate Mint Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Yield: 2

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Chocolate Mint Quinoa Breakfast Bowl is a healthy, low fodmap breakfast alternative to oatmeal, full of complex carbohydrates, protein, fiber and vitamins! This sweet quinoa recipe is dairy free, gluten free and vegan.  

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Ingredients

• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• ½ cup rinsed, drained uncooked quinoa
• 1 cup almond milk (unsweetened)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• ½ cup blueberries
• ½ cup strawberries
• 2 tbsp mint leaves
• 1-2 squares of dark chocolate
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• Other optional add ins: nuts, brown sugar, maple syrup, other fruit (note; avoid cashews, apples, blackberries and peaches to remain low FODMAP)

Instructions

1. Heat small saucepan over medium heat and add 1 tbsp coconut oil. Add rinsed and drained quinoa to the pan, stirring frequently to lightly toast.
2. Add almond milk, cinnamon, salt and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn't stick to pan.
3. Once quinoa absorbs liquid, turn off heat and transfer to bowl.
4. Add mint, berries, pumpkin seeds and chocolate and stir to combine and melt. Microwave to melt if necessary.

Notes

This recipe was developing using low FODMAP ingredients but the recipe itself has not been tested for its FODMAP content

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 2
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 490 Total Fat: 21g Saturated Fat: 8g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 11g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 119mg Carbohydrates: 69g Net Carbohydrates: 0g Fiber: 9g Sugar: 28g Sugar Alcohols: 0g Protein: 12g

Looking for more sweet vegan recipes?

You may also like my sweet potato vegan cookie dough or chocolate coconut cream pudding. 

For a savory vegan option, try my vegan buddha bowl or sheetpan roasted maple rosemary veggies. 

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Update: This recipe was one of the winners of the Nestlé Health Science recipe contest!

Have you tried quinoa for breakfast before?

Mint and chocolate or peanut butter and chocolate?