You Can’t Go Wrong
flatened grains; cook in 5-10 minutes; firm texture
Thin grains; cook in 1 minute; smooth texture
Chopped grains; cook in 20-30 minutes; chewy texture
Thin and finely chopped grains; microwave in minutes; soft texture
Before we break down the difference between your four options, lets start with what they have in common. First of all, theyre all good for you. 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. All oats begin as groats, or kernels of grain that are later processed into different varieties. The variations in processing determine the type of oat that results.
So whats the difference between the four most popular types of oats? Heres a crib sheet…
Old Fashioned: Also called rolled oats, old fashioned oats are flat and flakey. 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.
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. Also called Irish oatmeal, steel-cut oatmeal is chewier than rolled or instant.
Quick Cook: If you want stove-cooked oats but are in a hurry, these oats, which cook in one minute, are a great option. They can also be microwaved.
Instant Great for mornings when you need a quick bite, individually packed instant oats are a thinner, more finely chopped version of rolled oats. They microwave in minutes, and have a soft texture.
Choosing your oat is largely about the texture you prefer and the cooking time youre willing to dedicate. The good news? All are healthy options. Win, win.
Overnight Oats – Any difference between Rolled Oats vs Instant Oats??
FAQ
Are old-fashioned oats the same as overnight?
What’s the difference between overnight oats and cooked oats?
Can you use regular oats for overnight oats?
Are overnight oats just rolled oats?
What are old fashioned oats?
Old-fashioned oats are mixed with milk and yogurt for a portable, make-ahead breakfast that’s cool, creamy, and subtly sweet. Did you make this? We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Are oats gluten free?
Pure, uncontaminated oats are gluten-free. To consider this, the product must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten overall. So, oats without a gluten-free label are not considered safe for those who have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant.
What are overnight oats?
Overnight oats are uncooked oats that you soak overnight in the refrigerator in a container of yogurt, milk or another liquid. While oatmeal is meant to be eaten hot, overnight oats are cool and creamy. Like oatmeal, overnight oats can be made with different flavor profiles by switching up its soaking liquid and what you mix into it.
What is the difference between overnight oats and traditional oatmeal?
The key differences between overnight oats and traditional oatmeal are the type of oats used and the amount of time it takes from start to finish: Oats: Oatmeal can be made with instant, steel cut, or old-fashioned rolled oats, and each will cook for different lengths of time and require different liquid-to-oat ratios.