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What are quick oats?

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When it comes to steadfast healthy breakfast options, quick oats are a morning time routine for countless individuals. Furthermore, quick oats have found their way from porridges to baking recipes and beyond.

Quick oats aren’t cooked, but rather steamed before rolling so that they don’t crack. Similar to the process of making rolled oats, however, the oat groats are rolled much thinner than old-fashion or regular rolled oats.

Quick oats have a variety of applications, and also make a tasty porridge-style cereal. Lets further discuss what quick oats are and how they are used in both baking and cooking.

What are quick cooking oats?

Quick cooking oats are oats that have been steamed and rolled extremely thin. As a result, the oats have a tendency to break apart slightly and give the appearance of being coarsely chopped.

The small pieces reduce the overall surface area and speeds up cooking time. They have the exact same flavor as regular rolled oats, however, the texture and consistency of the finished products defers slightly.

A cooked porridge is thinner and creamier because of the finer finish of the grain. This differs greatly from the chewiness that steel cut oats deliver to any preparation.

What are quick oats?

What is the difference between quick oats and regular?

Both quick oats and rolled oats are oat groats that have been steamed and then rolled. This process increases surface area of the groat, which intern reduces the cooking time.

The difference between quick oats and regular oats is the thickness of the rolling. Quick oats are rolled much thinner than old-fashioned oats and often appear as if they have been coarsely chopped. Rolled oats take between 10-15 minutes to prepare, while quick cooking oats only cook for 3-5 minutes.

Because they are rolled so thin, the oats tend to break slightly which gives them the coarse chopped appearance.  Each type of oat is very distinguishable, and must be used appropriately for the desired finished product.

Can you substitute regular oats for quick oats?

In general, regular oats can be substituted for quick oats in many recipes. This exchange doesn’t alter the taste, but will change up the finished texture.

Rolled oats give a chewy texture and nutty flavor, while quick oats provide a finer mouth feel. As a result, both regular oats and quick oats can be used interchangeably in many recipes.

Furthermore, consider substituting either rolled or quick cooking oats for up to one-third of the oat flour in most baking recipes. This will increase chewiness and add texture within the baked good.

Are quick oats the same as one minute oats?

No, quick oats are not the same as one-minute oats or instant oatmeal. There is a huge difference between steel cut, rolled, quick and instant oats.

Quick oats have been steamed and then rolled extremely thin. They have not been cooked, but rather steamed. This process reduces the time required for cooking.

Instant oats have been fully cooked and then dehydrated. As a result, they only require the addition of liquid to be consumed as a porridge style meal. Instant oats don’t require further cooking, so the liquid can be either hot or cold.

Are quick oats healthy?

quick oats nutrition information

The dietary benefit of oats is unwavering. They offer protein, soluble and insoluble fiber, and also essential vitamins.

In addition to being gluten-free, oats offer antioxidants that enhance the body’s immune system. Furthermore, the high fiber content may help to reduce LDL cholesterol within the body and provide a feeling of being full for much longer.

The noteworthy difference between steel cut, rolled and quick oats is how the body processes the grain. The size of the oat flake is the primary difference, leading to the digestion, absorption and metabolizing of the carbohydrates. Quick oats are much smaller in size, which leads to a faster rise in blood glucose and insulin levels.

Are quick cooking oats good for you? The answer is an emphatic yes! No matter how the oats are processed, they still provide the same protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Can you eat quick oats raw?

To start with, rolled oats have been steamed prior to the rolling process. Therefore, they have been partially cooked and are not fully raw.

Although cook oatmeal is the standard preparation, many people have found success with eating quick oats raw in the form of overnight oats. Soaking oats for 12-16 hours dilutes the anti-nutrient phytic acid, and also helps to aid the digestion of the grain.

Explore the variety of overnight oats recipes that we feature here at Simply Oatmeal. We provide a wide range of overnight oatmeal flavors and combinations that you are guaranteed to love!

Are instant oats bad for you?

Oats are definitely healthy eats and all around goodness. Needless to say, instant oatmeal often gets a bad wrap because of the lackluster preparation that is required.

A bowl of oatmeal packs a hearty dose of protein, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. The soluble fiber may help to reduce bad cholesterol, and the antioxidants help boost the body’s immune system.

Although instant oats are the most processed form, there are still plentiful benefits to your overall wellbeing. However, some people encounter digestion issues related to consuming oats.

The side effects of oats have been studied and symptoms have been compared to gluten intolerance. If you are experiencing similar circumstances, then investigate the possibility of an allergy to oats.

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Maggie

Friday 4th of February 2022

Can I eat oats if I have to follow a Low Fibre diet?

bushywah

Saturday 14th of May 2022

@Maggie, it's best to consult a nutritionist or the doctor who advised the low fibre diet. Joshua is undoubtedly a great chef, but not a nutritionist. ;) As he says, it may depend on total fibre in your diet. I suspect you will be advised against oats, but why not ask someone in real life whose job it is to give diet/nutrition advice?

Joshua

Friday 4th of February 2022

I guess that really depends on how low is low fiber, and do you consume fiber anywhere else in your diet. If you dont not eat fiber in any other foods, then it might be ok for you to have a little bit of oats without overdoing it. However, it's important to recognize that oats do contain both insoluble and soluble fiber. I recommend that you contact a nutritionist to discuss your specific case and what will work best for you.