What Are Rolled Oats
Learn everything you need to know about rolled oats, from what are rolled oats to the health benefits and everything in between.
Published: June 17, 2023 · Modified: February 8, 2024 by Jennifer Ryan
Table of Contents
Oat groats that have been steamed and flattened are known as rolled oats or old-fashioned oats. These oats have a softer texture and milder flavor compared to steel-cut oats, as they have undergone partial cooking. Additionally, they take less time to prepare. Rolled oats look like flat, irregularly round, slightly textured discs. Rolled oats are oats that have been steamed and flattened into flakes. They are one of the most popular types of oats and are commonly used to make oatmeal. They can also be used to make granola, muesli, cookies, and other baked goods. Rolled oats are a good source of dietary fiber, protein, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals. They are also low in fat and contain next to no cholesterol or sodium.
Who Created Rolled Oats
Let me tell you about Ferdinand Schumacher, the oatmeal wizard from Germany! He brought with him a special technique for processing and grinding oats that was totally revolutionary. And get this, he’s probably the genius who came up with pre-cooked rolled oats! Why? Because people were getting impatient and wanted their oats cooked faster. So, Ferdinand put on his thinking cap and came up with a solution that would make breakfast time a breeze. Thanks to him, we can now enjoy a warm bowl of oatmeal without having to wait forever for it to cook. Hats off to you, Ferdinand!
How To Use Rolled Oats
Did you know that regular rolled oats can be eaten without any further cooking? Yes, you heard it right you can eat raw oats! All you need to do is soak them in water-based liquid like milk or plant-based dairy substitutes for 1-6 hours. The soaking duration depends on the shape, and size, of the oats. Soaking the oats and making flavorful overnight oats for breakfast is one of my favorite ways to use oats.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can cook whole oat groats as breakfast cereal. They take a bit longer to cook than other forms of oats, but they’re totally worth the wait. Rolled oats are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of yummy treats like granola, muesli, oatcakes, flapjacks and granola bars. So go ahead and get creative with your old fashioned oats, and enjoy a healthy and delicious meal!
What Types Of Oats Are There
let’s talk more about the different types of oats out there!
- Rolled oats: First up, we have good old fashioned rolled oats, these are the classic, reliable oats that have been around for ages. They have a mild flavor and a softer texture than steel-cut oats, and they take much less time to make since they’ve been partially cooked.
- Steel cut oats: Then there are steel-cut oats, which are the closest to the original, unprocessed oat groat, with a heartier texture and nuttier flavor than rolled or quick oats. Though they take a bit longer to cook, the extra time is worth it for the deliciousness you’ll get in the end. Just 15-30 minutes and you’ll have a warm bowl of oaty goodness!
- Quick oats: If you’re feeling extra fancy, there are even quick-cooking oats and instant oats. Quick oats are the perfect choice for busy mornings when you don’t have time to make a hot breakfast. They’re rolled even thinner than old-fashioned oats, so they cook up in just a few minutes and have a mild flavor and soft, mushy texture. So go ahead, sleep in an extra five minutes, you’ll still have time for a tasty breakfast with quick oats!
- Organic oats: Organic rolled oats are little nuggets of goodness that are grown without any artificial pesticides, fertilizers, or chemicals, making them a natural and pure source of energy. You can also get organic quick oats and instant oats too.
- Stoned ground oats: But wait, there’s more! Did you know there are also Scottish oats and Irish oats? Stoned ground oats are oats that have been ground in a stone mill, which is a traditional method of grinding grains. This process helps to preserve the natural oils and nutrients in the oats, resulting in a tasty and nutritious breakfast cereal. Plus, the stone-ground oats have a unique texture and flavor that you won’t find in other oat products.
What's the difference between rolled oats and steal cut oats?
Have you ever wondered about the difference between rolled oats and steel cut oats? Well, let me tell you, it’s a tale of two textures! Rolled oats have been flattened and steamed, creating a creamy and smooth consistency perfect for your morning bowl of oatmeal. On the other hand, steel cut oats have been chopped into small pieces using actual steel blades, and are very close to the original, unprocessed oat groat, creating a heartier and chewy texture. So, it all depends on whether you prefer your oats smooth and creamy or thick and chunky.
Nutritional Value And Health Benefits Of Rolled Oats
Oats are like a superhero in the world of grains? They’re packed with all sorts of important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that make them super nutritious food. Plus, they’re higher in fiber and protein compared to other grains, so they’ll keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer.
Let’s start with the nutritional information of a 40g serving of rolled oats.
- Calories: 142
- Protein: 4.9g
- Fat: 1.7g
- Carbohydrates: 24.7g
- Of which is sugars: 0.3g
- Fiber: 4.2g
- Salt: <0.01g
Oatmeal is a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with essential vitamins and minerals like manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, copper, biotin, and vitamin B1 (thiamine). So, get your morning off to a great start with a delicious bowl of oatmeal.
Oatmeal doesn’t have to be just a boring bowl of mush, it can be used in so many delicious recipes. By adding oatmeal to your daily diet, you can potentially lower your risk of getting sick, keep your gut happy and healthy and keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer. So, why not spice up your breakfast routine with a bowl of oatmeal and let it work its magic on your body? Your taste buds and tummy will thank you. Here’s 10 healthy and delicious porridge ideas to get you started!
Incorporating Oats into Your Diet
Here are a few breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas that are a little different.
- Overnight Oats – soak oats in milk or yogurt overnight, and top with your favorite fruits and nuts.
- Oats Smoothie – combine oats, milk/yogurt, banana, and honey for a protein-packed breakfast smoothie.
- Baked Oatmeal – mix oats, blueberries, chopped walnuts, almond milk, and spices to create a delicious breakfast dish.
- Oats Porridge – add oats, cinnamon, chia seeds, honey, almond milk, and almond butter for a hearty morning meal.
- Oat Pancakes – combines oats, bananas, eggs, baking powder, and almond milk for a healthy breakfast.
- Oat Bites – mix oats, almond flour, cranberries, peanut butter, and chocolate chips for tasty energy bites.
- Flourless Oat Cookies – blend oats, banana, almond butter, and honey to create a healthy cookie.
- Oat Bran Bowls – mix oat bran cereal and almond milk and top with almonds, blueberries, and honey.
- Oat Loaf – combine oats, yogurt, honey, almond milk, and spices and bake in an oven for delicious bread.
- Oat Fritters – Combine oats with other ingredients like eggs and grated vegetables for a delicious snack.
- Granola – Toast oats with honey, sugar, and other nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for a crunchy granola topping.
- Oat-Crusted Chicken – Use oats and spices to coat the chicken before baking for a delicious and nutritious meal.
- Oat-Filled Muffins – Add oats to a basic muffin recipe for added texture and nutrition.