Steel Cut Oats vs. Quick Rolled Oats

We are quite the oatmeal family. Upon opening our cupboard for breakfast options, I realize we have the oatmeal spectrum down pat. Steel cut oats, old fashioned rolled oats, and even the instant oatmeal.  Oatmeal, in any of these forms is a healthy breakfast option. The soluble fiber in oatmeal, in conjunction with a low fat diet, can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Despite all the variations, the truth of the matter is that the oats are the same - just cut differently.

So, preference has to distract 'which is best' for you.  If you want the most health-bang for your buck, you should do the steel cut oatmeal. It's also a better value, as one container of steel cut oats is 30oz in weight. The same container of old fashioned rolled oats is only 18 ounces. Rolled oats look like a big flake, like the oat was rolled flat lengthwise - therefore they are more airy when packed, and you get less of them. Steel cut oats look like a whole oat cut in half, and are more compact when packaged.

Steel cut oats have  a chewier texture, and slightly nutty flavor. Quick oats are a little blander, and benefit from a little something added to them such as fruit, cinnamon, honey or a little maple syrup.

Usually, it takes 30-40 minutes to cook traditional steel-cut oats, but consumers can find instant options that take only five minutes of prep time. The only downside to instant oats, is that most versions are 'sugared and flavored'. Although they are tasty, and kids like them, they do have 12-15 grams of sugar per pack. You'll also pay a premium for the individually bagged version. An average box only contains 9.87 ounces of product!

Opt for the 'cook in a pot' kind, and you'll save money and your health.