Instant oats are alternatively referred to as quick oats. They are one of the most processed oat varieties compared to the other available oatmeal types.
Instant oats have three unique features. For example, oat groats are pre-cut, pre-cooked, and dehydrated, then rolled and pressed into flakes for a finer and thinner texture that cook extra quick.
Due to the tiny fragments and thinner texture, instant oats cook quicker than any other oat varieties. Instant oats are are so easy to eat, they can be “cooked” by simply adding boiling hot milk or water.
To be more precise, instant oats are a thinner and finely chopped variant of old-fashioned rolled oats. Note, instant oats easily cook in the microwave thanks to the thin and soft texture, hence why instant oats are a great choice for quick morning breakfasts and yummy midday energy boosting snacks.
Are instant oats healthy?
In the previous sections, you have already revealed that instant oats are easy to cook and they are a perfect breakfast option. Even though instant oats are a bit more processed, you are probably wondering if they are healthy to eat?
Oats offer exceptional nutritional attributes, this includes instant oatmeal as well. Oats are a source of plant based compounds such as dietary fiber, healthy fats and muscle building protein.
The fiber rich food helps your appetite stay full for extended periods of time. The satiated feeling promotes weight loss by reducing unnecessary cravings throughout the day.
Instant Oats Nutrition
Oats are considered to be one of the healthiest grains and instant oats are no exception. Incorporate the benefits of oats into your diet routine and savor the plant based source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Each serving of instants oats contain vitamins and minerals that are essential to a balanced diet. For instance, instant oats contain phosphorus, manganese, copper, magnesium, zinc, folate, and iron.
Instant oats are gluten-free, and also enhance the immune response of your body. In addition, instant quick oats reduce bad cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, and promotes heart health.
Are instant oats bad for you?
Of course, not! Instant oats are a healthy addition to any balanced diet. Just like other types of oatmeal, instant oats feature a hearty combination of plant based protein, essential vitamins, and cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber.
Oat variants are really good for your health and they supply a wealth of nutrition benefits. However, some prepackaged instant oat versions may come with added flavors, colors, and sugar content.
So, instant oats without these extra elements added should be good for your health, there is no doubt about it. Note, you can serve instant oatmeal to any member of your family, including babies and grown adults.
Follow the tasty recipe ideas to deliver a great taste and add balance to your diet regime!
Can instant oats be eaten raw?
Instant oats have been cut into tiny fragments, cooked and the flattened into thin flakes, therefore they can be eaten raw. Nevertheless, it’s still recommended to soak them in either milk, water, or juice before consumption.
Since instant oatmeals have a thin and delicate texture that has already been pre-cooked and fully processed, they do not require much cooking time.
So if you do not have enough time to cook, you can soak instant oatmeal for a few minutes and then consume. Soaking is the preferred method when eating raw instant oatmeal.
What is the difference between oatmeal and instant oats?
Regular oats or old-fashioned oats are steamed, rolled into flakes and then dried. Whereas, instant oats are actually pre-cooked and pre-processed.
Plus, the texture of instant oatmeal is even thinner than regular rolled oats. As a result, instant oats require much less cooking time than classic oats.
However, it’s important to note that the nutritional profiles of these two oat variations are almost identical, with no major differences to note.
Is instant oatmeal as good for you as regular oatmeal? The only signifiant problem is that prepackaged instant oats often come with added sugars and flavorings that are blended into the mixture.
Since instant oatmeals are more processed than classic oats, they may contain lesser protein content (just because of the extra processing).
Also note, the texture of instant oatmeal is kind of powdery and that’s why they often turn a bit mushy. The consistency after you cook or soak them is perfect to blend into your favorite drink or smoothie.
Are instant oats the same as rolled oats?
Instant oats are not exactly similar to rolled oats, rather these are two different oat variants that follow alike processing techniques. The main difference is that instant oats are fully cooked, while regular oats a partially steamed before proceeding to the rolling process.
Of course, both of these versions are healthy and offer you plenty of nutrition benefits. However, they have some noticeable differences in terms of processing, cook time and palatable texture.
Rolled oats have a round, flat, and disc-like texture. They undergo some processing where the whole oat grains are initially steamed in order to make them soft and supple. Once they have become slightly soft and pliable, these oats are rolled and pressed so that they flatten into an oval-shaped saucer.
Now, speaking of instant oatmeals, they are even more processed than rolled oats. Their texture is even thinner and finer when compared to rolled oats. Due to this texture, instant oats will require much less cooking time than rolled oats. Also, the texture of the final dish tends to become soft and mushy.
Can I substitute instant oats for quick oats?
Quick-cooking oats and instant oats do not have any significant difference. Both of these oat variants are interchangeable because they are designed to make the preparation and cooking time as little as possible.
Specifically, if you do not have adequate time to assemble a complex breakfast, but you still want something delicious and quick, you can definitely use these types of oats.
So, it safe to substitute instant oats for quick oats. Their preparation, cook time, taste, health benefits, and nutritional values are alike.
What are instant oats in a recipe?
How do you eat instant oats? Instant oats can be eaten as a porridge style oatmeal. You can easily prepare instant oatmeal by adding nuts, dried fruit, cinnamon powder, and milk/water/juice in a large bowl.
Once the prepared ground oats are hydrated and ready to heat, you can put the mixture inside a microwave and cook on high temperature for roughly two minutes.
By that time, the texture of oats will become even softer and tender, and the consistency will thicken into a hearty porridge. For a better taste, you can add a bit of honey and maple syrup as a topping.
So, you can now serve instant oatmeal on any breakfast table, or as a midday snack and healthy baked good at any time of day.
How To Cook Instant Oats
As per your preference, please feel free to play around with other instant oatmeal recipes. For instance, you can add quick-cooking instant oatmeal, peanut flour, mini chocolate chips, and almond milk and microwave the mixture for 2-3 minutes. And, it will be ready to eat!
Instant oats can also be added into many cooked, baked or no bake recipes such as balls, bars, pancakes, muffins and cookies.
So, what are you waiting for? Instant oatmeal is protein-rich, fiber-packed, low in sugar, super delicious, and can be ready to eat in less than three minutes.
Instant oats are a perfect on-the-go breakfast for all, and you can use the ground oatmeal in a variety of recipes. Please feel free to add instant oats to your favorite cooked recipes that are part of an overall balanced diet.
