When thinking of a healthy, hearty breakfast, a steaming hot bowl of oats might come to mind. This cereal grain is commonly rolled or crushed to make oatmeal or ground into a fine flour for use in baking. Oats are also used in dry pet food and as livestock feed to nourish animals like horses, cattle and sheep. They're a fiber-rich carb that's low in fat and high in protein, vitamins and minerals.

There are several types to choose from, including rolled, steel-cut and quick-cooking oats, and they differ in their nutrient profile and processing methods. This article explains the key differences between rolled, steel-cut and quick oats so that you can decide which one makes the most sense for your diet and lifestyle.

What Are Steel-Cut, Quick and Rolled Oats?

Oat groats are oat kernels that have had the hulls removed. The hulls are the tough outer shell that protects the seed of the oat plant. Steel-cut, rolled and quick oats all start out as oat groats. Oat groats intended for human consumption are exposed to heat and moisture to make them more shelf-stable. The oat groats are then processed in different ways to create either steel-cut, rolled or quick oats, all of which have distinct characteristics.

Steel-Cut Oats

Also known as Irish oatmeal, steel-cut oats are most closely related to the original, unprocessed oat groat. To produce steel-cut oats, the groats are chopped into pieces with large steel blades. Steel cut oats have a coarser, chewier texture and nuttier flavor than rolled or quick oats. They also take longer to prepare, with average cooking times varying 15-30 minutes. However, you can soak steel-cut oats beforehand to reduce the cooking time.

Rolled Oats

Rolled oats, or old-fashioned oats, are oat groats that have gone through a steaming and flattening process. They have a milder flavor and softer texture and take much less time to make than steel-cut oats, as they have been partially cooked. A bowl of rolled oats takes 2-5 minutes to prepare. Rolled oats can also be added to goods like cookies, cakes, muffins and bread.

Quick Oats

Quick oats or quick-cooking oats are rolled oats that go through further processing to decrease cooking time. They're partially cooked by steaming and then rolled even thinner than old-fashioned oats. They cook within a few minutes, have a mild flavor and soft, mushy texture. Quick oats are not the same as instant, packaged oats that sometimes contain other ingredients like skim milk powder, sugar and flavoring.

SUMMARY
Steel-cut oats have a chewy texture and nutty flavor, while rolled and instant oats are milder with a softer texture. Steel-cut oats are the least processed of the three.

Health Benefits of Oats

Oats have many health benefits.
These fiber-rich whole grains are a good source of protein and packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Plus, they are gluten-free, so they make a great choice for those with celiac disease or an intolerance to gluten.

While oats are naturally gluten-free, people with celiac disease should choose varieties that are certified gluten-free to avoid those that may have been contaminated with gluten during processing.

Just a half cup (40 grams) of dry, rolled oats contains:
Calories: 154
Protein: 6 grams
Fat: 3 grams
Carbs: 28 grams
Fiber: 4 grams
Thiamin (B1): 13% of the RDI
Iron: 10% of the RDI
Magnesium: 14% of the RDI
Phosphorus: 17% of the RDI
Zinc: 10% of the RDI
Copper: 8% of the RDI
Manganese: 74% of the RDI
Selenium: 17% of the RDI

Oats are also loaded with beneficial compounds, including antioxidants and beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber linked to health benefits.

For example, the beta-glucan found in oats is effective at lowering both bad LDL and total cholesterol, which may help keep your heart healthy.

A recent study in 80 people with high cholesterol found that consuming 70 grams of oats for 28 days led to an 8% reduction in total cholesterol and an 11% reduction in bad LDL cholesterol. Additionally, oats have been shown to aid weight loss and stabilize blood sugar levels.

The beta-glucan in oats helps slow digestion, leading to an increased sense of fullness and more gradual spike in blood sugar.

In a study of 298 people with type 2 diabetes, those who consumed 100 grams of oats per day experienced significant reductions in fasting and post-meal blood sugar, compared to those who did not consume oats.

Plus, the group that ate 100 grams of oats daily had a significantly greater decrease in body weight, which the researchers related to their high amount of beta-glucan.

SUMMARY
Oats are highly nutritious and have been associated with a number of health benefits. Eating them may help lower cholesterol, decrease blood sugar levels and help with weight loss.

Is One Type More Nutritious?

The variety of oats on the market can make it difficult for consumers to determine the healthiest option. The chart below compares the nutritional differences between 2 ounces (56 grams) of rolled, steel-cut and quick oats.

Rolled Oats Steel-Cut Oats Quick Oats Calories 212 208 208 Carbs 39 g 37 g 38 g Protein 7 g 9 g 8 g Fat 4 g 4 g 4 g Fiber 5 g 6 g 5 g Sugar 1 g 0 g 1 g As you can see, the variations between these three oat varieties are slight.

Furthermore, a proper study with statistical tests is needed to confirm these differences. That said, the data available indicates that there may be some distinctions between steel-cut, rolled and quick oats.

Steel Cut Oats May Be Higher in Fiber

Since steel-cut oats are the least processed of the three, they contain the most fiber but only by a small difference.

The fiber found in steel-cut oats is beneficial for digestive health, fueling the good bacteria in the intestines and promoting regular bowel movements.

However, it's important to note that all oats are an excellent source of fiber, and the variation in fiber content between steel-cut, rolled and quick oats is slight.



Steel-Cut Oats May Have a Lower Glycemic Index
Steel-cut oats may have a lower glycemic index than rolled or quick oats, meaning the body digests and absorbs them more slowly, leading to a slower rise in blood sugar.

Foods with a high glycemic index cause more rapid spikes in blood sugar, while foods lower on the glycemic index provide a slower release of energy and can help stabilize blood sugar.

For this reason, steel cut oats may be the best choice for those looking for better control of their blood sugar.

SUMMARY
Steel cuts oats are slightly higher in fiber than rolled and quick oats. They also have the lowest glycemic index of the three types of oats, potentially making them the best choice for blood sugar control.

Which Type Should You Choose?

Although steel-cut oats contain a bit more fiber and are lower on the glycemic index, don't discount rolled and quick oats.

All three types are highly nutritious and excellent sources of fiber, plant-based protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The most important thing is to choose an oatmeal that fits best with your lifestyle.

Find an Oatmeal That You Enjoy

When determining the best type of oatmeal to stock your pantry with, it's important to keep your personal preferences in mind. The chewy texture and nutty flavor of steel-cut oats may be delicious to some but too hearty for others.

 
Rolled and quick oats have a milder taste and cook down to a creamy, smooth consistency that some people prefer over steel-cut oats. And since steel-cut oats are the least processed, they take the most time to prepare, which could be a turn off for some people.

While rolled and quick oats can be prepared on the stovetop in a few minutes, steel-cut oats take up to 30 minutes to make. However, you can cook steel-cut oats ahead of time by placing them in a slow cooker, or adding them to a pot of boiling water and letting them sit overnight.

Also, rolled and quick oats can be incorporated directly into baked goods and even added to smoothies to increase the fiber content and add texture.

Avoid Oatmeals That Are High in Sugar

No matter what type of oat you choose, it's always best to choose plain, unsweetened oats.
Many packaged varieties have loads of added sugar, making them an unhealthy breakfast choice.
For example, one packet (43 grams) of instant maple and brown sugar oatmeal contains 13 grams of sugar. This equates to over four teaspoons of sugar.

Too much added sugar can negatively impact your health and lead to a number of conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and obesity. For this reason, it's best to add your own toppings and flavoring to unsweetened oats to keep added sugar to a minimum. Try a tasty combination of fresh berries and healthy fats, such as unsweetened coconut and chopped walnuts.

SUMMARY
Rolled, steel-cut and quick oats all provide a wealth of nutrition. Regardless of which type you choose, be sure to choose unsweetened varieties to avoid excess sugar.

How to Incorporate Oats Into Your Diet

You can add oats to your diet in many ways.
Although they are most commonly consumed at breakfast, they can be a healthy carb choice at lunch and dinner as well.

Here are some ideas about how to make oats a part of your day:

Add raw oats to your smoothie for a fiber boost.
Top cooked oats with sliced avocado, peppers, black beans, salsa and eggs for a savory twist on traditional sweet oatmeal.
Add raw oats to homemade bread, cookies and muffins.
Combine them with Greek yogurt and cinnamon to make overnight oats in the fridge.
Make a homemade granola by combining them with coconut oil, cinnamon, nuts and dried fruit, then baking at a low temperature.
Use them in place of breadcrumbs to coat fish or chicken.
Incorporate oats into your favorite pancake recipe.
Use them in place of rice when making risotto.
Top cooked oats with grilled vegetables, chicken and tahini for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Add them to soups to create creaminess without adding a lot of fat.
Mix oats with nut butter and dried fruit, form into balls and refrigerate for delicious, healthy energy bites.
Stuff peppers, tomatoes or zucchinis with a mix of oats, onion, egg and cheese and bake in the oven for a delicious snack.

SUMMARY
Oats are a versatile food that can be eaten at any time of day and added to both sweet and savory dishes.

The Bottom Line

Oats are a fiber-rich grain that has been linked to a number of health benefits.
Adding more oats to your diet may help keep your heart healthy, weight in check and blood sugar levels stable.

Although steel-cut oats have a lower glycemic index and slightly higher fiber content, rolled and quick oats have similar nutrition profiles.

However, packaged instant varieties can contain a lot of added sugar, so it's a good idea to choose plain, unsweetened oat varieties whenever possible. No matter what type of oat you choose, don't pigeonhole them as a breakfast food. They make an excellent choice at any time of day, including lunch and dinner