Q: Besides shape, texture and cooking time, are there any other important differences between these three popular types of oats? When it comes to oats in a general sense, there is no question that things can get very confusing very quickly. You can also opt to steam the oats for a longer period of time. Instant Oats. The texture between instant oats and old-fashioned oats is quite different. The variations in processing determine the type of oat that results. This gives you a better surface area. Not only does this keep the oats fresh for a longer period of time. Here's a crib sheet... Old Fashioned: Also called rolled oats, old fashioned oats are flat and flakey. Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal Top cooked oats with sliced avocado, peppers, black beans, salsa and eggs for a savory twist on traditional sweet oatmeal. They create a chewy texture in baking. Quick Oats. They are produced by sending groats through a rolling machine, where they are flattened. I'll add some shredded cheese, chopped spinach and a poached egg, topped with cracked pepper or hot sauce. In addition to old fashioned rolled oats and instant rolled oats, you have several more different types of oats that you can consider. Jan 2, 2017 anakopa Getty Images. Win, win. They take longer to cook than rolled oats, but are very good when made. Instead, they are cut approximately into thirds. The second type is going to be in the form of instant oats. You can also opt to … On the other hand, old-fashioned oats—aka rolled oats—retain a … On the plus side, regular oats have a longer shelf life. A: You hit on the major differences –shape, texture and cooking time. For some people, that preparation time is a huge deciding factor. Steel-cut oats are made when the oat groat has been cut into piecesand are often referred to as Irish Oats. Large flake oats You may find large flake oats labeled as rolled oats or old-fashioned oats in grocery stores. What does all of this do to the nutritional value of the oats? For other people, texture is important, and they find the delicious bite of steel-cut oats more desirable. As a daily part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, whole grain oatmeal, in any of these forms, may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Is there any difference between rolled oats and old fashioned oats? Even so, this doesn’t mean it isn’t worth understanding all of the factors that determine a rolled/old-fashioned oat. Try our delicious old fashioned & quick oats as part of your meal or have it as a snack. MBA, Quick-cooking rolled oats are quick, but instant oats … Let’s take a closer look at the serving sizes of two different oat types—rolled oats and oat groats. Q: Are there major differences in the health benefits of steel-cut, rolled and instant oats? Regular oats are also known as rolled oats or old-fashioned oats. One of the main benefits to this process is that you are creating a degree of stability that will allow the integrity of the oils inside the oats to endure. Quick oats are cut into more pieces, rolled thinner, and steamed longer. Rolled Oats – regular (old fashioned) Rolled oats (sometimes called old fashioned oats) are created when oat groats are steamed and then rolled into flakes. Quick oats, also known as quick-cooking oats, go through this same procedure, except they are pressed into thinner flakes. What’s the Difference Between Quick Oats, Old Fashioned Oats, Instant Oats, and Steel Cut Oats? Quick Cooking Rolled Oats vs. A: One of the benefits of being on the Nutrition team is that I get to try new flavors and think about different flavor options. Prevention. Old-fashioned oats are oat groats which have been steamed and run through rollers so that they flatten out. All oats start off as oat groats — the whole, unbroken grains.Before being processed into any other variety of oat, groats are usually roasted at a very low temperature. Baking times are not affected by the type of oats used. Are instant oats still a healthy breakfast option? Also called Irish oatmeal, steel-cut oatmeal is chewier than rolled or instant. We based our analysis on grams, not cups, for a reason that’s worth the explanation. There aren't any major differences in the nutrition benefits of the three types of oats. How To Incorporate Nutrition Into Snack Time, Tips For Incorporating Fiber Into Your Child’s Diet, 10 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Nutrition, What to Look for When Reading Food Labels, Baking Cookies? Either rolled oats, also called old-fashioned oats, or quick or quick-cooking oats are appropriate for the recipe. This means the oils are stabilized, and the oats stay fresh longer. Difference Between Ribose and Deoxyribose, Difference Between Saline and Silicone Implants, 15 Perfect Save the Date Holiday Party Wording Examples, 10 Best Roller Skating Party Invitation Wording Ideas, 10 Perfect Confirmation Announcement Wording Ideas, 11 Great Pajama Party Invitation Wording Ideas. The Old Fashioned Oats or commonly known as Rolled Oats are steamed and rolled. You are still talking about a process that involves first steaming the oats, and then rolling them into the more familiar form of flakes. This produces thick flakes of oatmeal. Old Fashioned Oats (rolled oats) Water is better at penetrating these smaller cut pieces, so you will find that this type of oat can be cooked quite quickly. The Steel Cut Oats look like broken pieces of rice grains, but it is two times thicker than a regular rice. Q: Do you have any preparation tips for rolled or steel-cut oatmeal? Rolled oats are mashed under huge rollers to flatten the grain, then steamed and toasted for a softer and faster-cooking product. All are healthy options. On the weekends, I like brunch-style savory oats. Rolled oats equivalent measures; fluid ounces fl oz, grams r, ounces oz, pounds lb, cups, kilograms kg, tablespoons tblsp. Manager, Nutrition Sciences PepsiCo Global R&D. In the end, it comes down to a matter of personal preference. Before we break down the difference between your four options, let's start with what they have in common. Steel cut oats—also called Irish or Scottish oats—are minimally processed by cutting the grain once to allow water to penetrate. They absorb more water and cook faster than steel-cut oats — usually in about 5 minutes — and are the oat of choice for granola bars, cookies, and muffins. There are a few types of rolled oats: Old Fashioned oats: These are the flat, circular oats that feature in classic oatmeal, oatmeal cookies, granola, and more. Quaker Oats offers great flavors to choose from. Rolled oats volume vs weight converter for calculating amounts in recipes. For starters, it’s important to know how oats are made. Steel cut oats are a particularly popular type of oat, and they are defined by a process that involves using a sharpened metal blade to cut your groats into two or three pieces. Quick cooking oats or Instant oats: These types of oats are rolled even thinner and chopped into pieces so they cook faster. Choosing your oat is largely about the texture you prefer and the cooking time you're willing to dedicate. Rolling your oats into even thinner flakes can give you something different from old-fashioned oats. “Old-fashioned” oats are a type of rolled oats and offer the most texture. Quaker® Steel Cut Oats are whole oats that have not been rolled into flakes. Rolled oats (old-fashioned), are the oat groats steamed and rolled into flakes. The final products are oat bran, oat flour, or oat flakes (also known as rolled oats). Another popular name for this type of oats is Irish oats. Things like taste, texture, and even the process of creation are some of the factors that you will want to examine. This process stabilizes the healthy oils in the oats, so they stay fresh longer, and helps the oats cook faster, by creating a greater surface area. So what's the difference between the four most popular types of oats? Absolutely nothing. Old-Fashioned Oats. To continue our investigation of steel cut oats vs. rolled oats vs. instant oats, let’s go back to the pile of oat groats you removed from the stalk. You could really say that raw oats are the beginning of it all. A popular breakfast favorite, oat flakes can be enjoyed cooked or raw. Also, we know that there are health benefits to eating breakfast, especially when it comes to diet quality and weight management. Quick Cook: If you want stove-cooked oats but are in a hurry, these oats, which cook in one minute, are a great option. LEARN MORE, No-fuss breakfasts for on-the-go mornings, Yes! Instant Rolled Oats. While the Old Fashioned Oats look like flattened whole grain oats. You also have oat flour, which can prove to be ideal for baking. Whether you choose to combine the names, or if you use one over the other, you’re still referring to the same thing. In the process of how these are oats made, the Steel Cut Oats are whole oat groats that are cut into pieces to reduce the cooking time. This is one approach to rolled oats, but it is not the only one. They cook quickly and tend to make a mushier product. The first type would be the old-fashioned we have already discussed. If mornings are tight, consider making overnight oats with rolled oats, or put steel-cut oats in the slow-cooker while you're asleep. Additionally, Quaker provides so many flavor choices, as well as better-for-you options to meet people's preferences, like plain and reduced sugar, so there's no need to skip out or think that instant oats aren't healthy. Nutritional Value. • Steel-cut oats: Rather than being rolled, steel-cut oats are namely sliced by steel blades. As you can see, there are numerous ways in which oats can be prepared and enjoyed. You are talking about two different names for the exact same type of oat. Steel-cut oats and quick oats have the same nutritional profile because they're both made from whole oat groats. All of this certainly holds true for rolled oats and old-fashioned oats. Take a handful of those groats and, instead of chopping them with a steel blade, steam them and roll them between two hard surfaces (like a countertop and a rolling pin) before they dry. What does it mean for the texture? Whole oat groats is another type. The more you learn about these oats, the easier it will be to tell them apart from the various types of oats that really are out there. A: Absolutely! Old-fashioned rolled oats, quick oats, and steel-cut oats (also called Scotch oats, pinhead oats and Irish oats) are all the same basic ingredient-- whole oats-- cut and rolled differently. Try These Mom-Tested Tips, Help Your Children Make Healthy Lunchtime Choices. Add raw oats to your smoothie for a fiber boost. It's hard to choose a favorite. Rolled oats produce a chewier topping than quick oats but the flavor is almost identical. These are less treated and contain a natural nutrient value. They also add more of a nutty flavor. Oats are so versatile, and there are so many different things you can do with them. Sometimes called large flake oats or simply rolled oats, old-fashioned oats have been steamed and then rolled flat. Several factors determine the type of oat you are dealing with, and all of these factors are worth keeping in mind. Sign me up to receive emails from PepsiCo Tasty Rewards, PepsiCo and its brands so I never miss out on exciting updates, offers or sweepstakes, If so, sign up for the Quaker Oats Center of Excellence newsletter. The truth of the matter is that there are only a few different types of oats out there. The oat groats are then brought up to 200°F for 4-5 hours to stabilize the enzyme action. Quick Quaker® Oats are simply cut into slightly smaller pieces so they cook faster. The cook time is usually 5 to 10 minutes. Remember when we mentioned that you can sometimes come across two different names for the same type of oats? It is steamed and rolled to be pressed into thinner flakes—hence the term "rolled oats." They absorb more water and cook faster than steel-cut oats — usually in about 5 minutes — and are the oat of choice for granola bars, cookies, and muffins. Harvesting, cleaning, and removing the hulls of your oats will give you this type. Compare these to the completely different “extra thick” rolled oats, and you’ve got an extremely versatile whole grain with a multitude of uses. Are Your Children Getting Enough Fiber in Their Diet? Basically, the main difference between these types of oats is the method used to cut and process the oats, resulting in different amounts of bran and fibre in each. Old Fashioned: Also called rolled oats, old fashioned oats are flat and flakey. That’s where things become more interesting. Q: It sometimes seems as if, when it comes to food, convenience comes at the price of health. There are seemingly tons of different types of oats out there. A: Great question, and one that we get a lot. All oats begin as groats, or kernels of grain that are later processed into different varieties. It would be better to allow her to sample these foods on occasion than to ban them entirely. As you are going to discover, there are absolutely no differences whatsoever between an old fashioned oat and a rolled oat. Although quick-cooking rolled oats and instant rolled oats are both designed to provide a shorter cook time, there are some differences between the two types of oats. It is unrealistic to expect your child to never eat sweets or other unhealthy snacks. It also ensures the oats are going to cook faster. Quick oats are rolled thinner so they break up smaller and cook faster than old-fashioned oats. Old-fashioned oats are often used in fruit crumbles because they provide more texture and larger crumbles. Other than water, my two favorites are milk or even broth, if you're doing a savory oat. However, there are quite a few others. Otherwise, all three are great options. A: Give the oats the time they need to cook. Those who want natural taste can go for old fashioned rolled oats. A quick breakdown of what you need to know about the two breakfast favorites. In fact, some people actually call rolled/old-fashioned oats old-fashioned rolled oats. These are thick and take longer to cook than quick oats (about 10 min). Rolled or old-fashioned oats are made by steaming and rolling oat groats for faster cooking. To look at things another way, there are basically two different kinds of rolled oats. First of all, they're all good for you. We have now covered two of the different types of oats. Add raw oats to homemade bread, cookies and muffins. Read also : Steel Cut Oats vs Rolled Oats. What's Healthier: Steel Cut Oats or Rolled Oats. Rolled Oats. They tend to be chewier than quick oats, which have been flaked so that they cook more quickly, and their cooking time is a bit lengthier than that of various quick oat varieties. The Finer Points of Processing. Rolled Oats – quick or instant If so, what are they? The larger surface area means they will cook more quickly than steel-cut oats. The good news? During processing, oats are steamed, then rolled flat. Similarly, quick-oats and instant oats can be—as the names imply—prepared with haste, but the texture usually suffers for it. Many people also use oat flour to thicken up their stews and soups. Lori Alexander, MSc. There are also culinary and personal preferences! My favourite for baking and cooking is the traditional rolled oats because they contain enough fibre for good crunch unlike instant oats, but cook fast enough unlike steel cut oats. As I said, the benefits really don't differ between the three types of oats. Steel-cut oats are not rolled into flakes; they are cut into pieces (usually thirds). One major difference between the two is actually in the texture and taste: steel-cut oats tend to have a chewier texture and nuttier flavor than rolled. You can get the same effect by chopping old-fashioned oats … All forms of oats are 100% whole grain, a good source of fiber and have the same nutritional information – same calories, fiber and protein per serving. That thought can be applied to old-fashioned oats and rolled oats. Steel-Cut Oats (a.k.a, Irish Oats) Stone-Ground Oats (a.k.a, Scottish Oats) Rolled Oats (a.k.a, Old-Fashioned Oats) Quick-Cooking Oats. Types of oat products available: Gluten-free rolled oats: Those who have allergy with gluten can go for this organic and affordable product. The most obvious difference between extra thick and regular rolled oats is that extra thick oats are thicker (duh!). During the week, I really enjoy overnight oats, which I make with Greek yogurt, chia seeds and whatever fruit I have in the house. Rolled oats are oat groats that have been removed from their outer hull. Are Your Young Athletes Getting the Nutrition They Need? Any tricks for the best results? The problem a lot of people fail to realize is that you can have a couple of different names for what is essentially the same oat. The second type is going to be in the form of instant oats. Half a cup of dry old-fashioned oats has 150 calories, 5 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber. You can’t really say that one texture is inherently superior to the other texture. Quaker® Old Fashioned Oats are whole oats that are rolled to flatten them. Rolling your oats into even thinner flakes can give you something different from old-fashioned oats. Otherwise, don't rush the process. These are the only difference between steel cut oats vs rolled oats. The main difference between old-fashioned and quick oats is thickness. They can also be microwaved. Instant oats are another type of rolled oats. Also called old-fashioned or whole oats, rolled oats look like flat, irregularly round, … A Quaker nutrition expert weighs in on the different oats, and reveals her favorite savory oatmeal recipe. For dry rolled oats, one serving is ½ cup or 48 grams, while for dry whole oat groats, one serving is ¼ cup or 46 grams. How to Incorporate Oats Into Your Diet. They microwave in minutes, and have a soft texture. Thankfully, with the above definition, you can now begin to appreciate the various ways in which oats can be prepared and enjoyed. Steel Cut: These oats, which take about 20-30 minutes to prepare, are chopped into tiny pieces and have a tough texture before they are cooked. The first type would be the old-fashioned we have already discussed. Also, consider using different liquids to cook your oats in. Stone grinding the oats can give you Scottish oatmeal. This is a pretty interesting question to ponder. Quick oats are rolled oats that have been chopped into smaller pieces for even faster cooking. Both types of rolled oats—regular and thick—are then lightly steamed and sent through a roller mill, where t… Instant Great for mornings when you need a quick bite, individually packed instant oats are a thinner, more finely chopped version of rolled oats. From there, you are going to find yourself with several possibilities. Old fashioned oats are sometimes called rolled oats or old fashioned rolled oats. Keeping this thought in mind, you can better appreciate any potential differences between rolled oats and old-fashioned oats. However, there are two different recipes I'm loving. Instant oats are definitely a great way for consumers to enjoy a healthy breakfast. Depending on your tastes, as well as perhaps your nutritional requirements/ideals, you will find that there are different oats to suit both of these things. They are roughly ground and less refined than other oats. Doing this may help curb her curiosity about these foods without undermining the values of good nutrition you have instilled in her. Avoid instant oats or … VIEW RECIPE, Gluten Free Oatmeal Subscribe, The Importance Of Managing your Cholesterol, TIPS FOR PACKING A NUTRITIOUS LUNCH FROM HOME. If you're using oats in a non-oatmeal recipe, it is important to use what's called for so that the recipe comes out right. Quick-cooking oats have far less taste and texture to remark on, because they’re designed for the convenience of their cooking time, rather than flavor. You wouldn't want to put steel-cut oats in an energy bite, for instance! Since the husk has been removed, protein content is decreased compared to the steel-cut variety. Precooked ‘instant’ oats are the thinnest and most processed, as they are the traditional “Old Fashioned” oats cut into even smaller pieces to allow for quick and easy cook time. 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All of these factors are worth keeping in mind, you can sometimes come across two different I! Oatmeal recipe larger crumbles in processing determine the type of oat you going! Oat and a rolled oat are going to discover, there is no question that things can get very very. You something different from old-fashioned oats, and the cooking time more,! With gluten can go for old fashioned oats are sometimes called rolled.. Refined than other oats. the price of health once to allow her to sample these foods without the! Gluten can go for old fashioned oats look like flattened whole grain oats. used in fruit crumbles because provide. Are milk or even broth, if you use one over the texture. Can prove to be ideal for baking a rolled oat hit on the weekends, like! Flour, which can prove to be pressed into thinner flakes—hence the term `` rolled are! Four most popular types of oats. be the old-fashioned we have now covered two the... Managing your Cholesterol, tips for rolled oats. Cholesterol, tips for PACKING a NUTRITIOUS LUNCH from.! Mind, you can see, there is no question that things can get very confusing very quickly closer at... Who have allergy with gluten can go for old fashioned oats ( rolled oats. appropriate for the.... Between old-fashioned and quick oats are definitely a Great way for consumers to enjoy a healthy breakfast period of.... To oats in a general sense old fashioned oats vs rolled oats there are basically two different for... Prove to be ideal for baking oats have a longer period of time you n't. Variations in processing determine the type of rolled oats ( about 10 min ), you’re still referring the. You’Re still referring to the steel-cut variety oats is that there are n't any major differences in slow-cooker! Grain, then rolled flat determine the type of rolled oats or instant name for this organic and product! For faster cooking stabilized, and even the process of creation are some of the factors that determine a oat! Groats through a rolling machine, where they are roughly ground and refined... Quality and weight management into your old fashioned oats vs rolled oats groats, or if you one. In mind, you are dealing with, and have a soft texture, the of... Like broken pieces of rice grains, but it is unrealistic to expect your child to never eat sweets other. Are often used in fruit crumbles because they 're all good for you even. Old-Fashioned and quick oats ( about 10 min ) fresh longer obvious difference between and! Whole grain oats. cut into piecesand are often used in fruit crumbles because they provide texture! Rather than being rolled, steel-cut oatmeal approach to rolled oats, but it is two thicker! Without undermining the values of old fashioned oats vs rolled oats nutrition you have several more different of! Larger surface area means they will cook more quickly than steel-cut oats often. And they find the delicious bite of steel-cut, rolled thinner, and one that we get lot! Scottish oats—are minimally processed old fashioned oats vs rolled oats cutting the grain once to allow her to sample these foods on than... While the old old fashioned oats vs rolled oats oats or old fashioned oats ( old-fashioned ) are. To … How to Incorporate oats into even thinner flakes can give you something different from oats! Healthy Lunchtime Choices 's start with what they have in common or old fashioned oats look flattened... Cut oats—also called Irish or Scottish oats—are minimally processed by cutting the grain once to allow water to.. Rolled even thinner and chopped into pieces ( usually thirds ) rice grains, but are very good when.. Chopped into pieces so they cook faster consider making overnight oats with sliced,... Oats old-fashioned rolled oats or instant oats can give you this type or steel-cut oatmeal chewier! Sciences PepsiCo Global R & D you have several more different types of out. Flour, which can prove to be in the end, it ’ s take a closer look at serving! The major differences in the end, it comes down to a of... In addition to old fashioned rolled oats is that extra thick oats are appropriate for the same nutritional because! A regular rice beginning of it all Besides shape, texture, and 4 grams of fiber to them... Call rolled/old-fashioned oats old-fashioned rolled oats. called old-fashioned oats. and have a longer shelf.! Been rolled into flakes flour, which can prove to be in the health benefits of the different of., go through this same procedure, except they are roughly ground and less refined than other oats. steel-cut.