Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats) Rolled oats are steamed and flattened, making them quick to cook. They are perfect for oatmeal, overnight oats, and granola. Their texture makes them ideal for baking cookies, muffins, and energy bars.
Steel-Cut Oats (Irish Oats) Steel-cut oats are chopped whole oat groats. They have a chewy texture and take longer to cook compared to rolled oats. They're ideal for making hearty, creamy oatmeal or adding to soups and stews for extra thickness.
Instant Oat Instant oats are pre-cooked and then dried, making them the fastest cooking type. They’re great for quick breakfasts, especially when you’re in a rush. Just add hot water or milk for a quick, creamy oatmeal.
Quick Oat Quick oats are thinner and smaller than rolled oats, making them cook faster. They are perfect for oatmeal, baking, and smoothies. You can also use them as a binder for meatloafs or veggie burgers.
Oat Groat Oat groats are the whole, unprocessed oat kernels. They are very hearty and take the longest to cook. You can use oat groats in salads, grain bowls, or as a substitute for rice or quinoa.
Scottish Oat Scottish oats are stone-ground oats, resulting in a finer texture than steel-cut oats. They cook quickly and create a smoother, creamier consistency. They’re perfect for a smooth bowl of porridge or in baking.
Oat Bran Oat bran is the outer layer of the oat kernel, packed with fiber. It’s commonly used in baking to boost fiber content or can be added to smoothies or yogurt. It’s also great for making oat bran muffins or cereal.