Yesterday, I discussed the health value of instant oatmeal and demonstrated how the plain and regular varieties are more nutritious than those that are flavored. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised by all the comments I received from readers who pointed out how easy it is to make the more nutritious old fashioned oats! I AGREE!!
Even when I am running late, I still have time to heat up some oats on the stove top. Within 5-7 minutes my oatmeal is poured in a glass container to travel with me to work!
However, I know there are still those people who need to keep something at work and the instant packets are most convenient. So I reviewed 3 of the most popular brands of instant flavored oatmeal, providing an overall rating from “okay” to “best,” and a breakdown of the specific type I would choose. Keep in mind that depending on the flavor, components like the ingredients, fiber, and sugar vary. Below is basically my rough estimate of what I would choose if I bought oatmeal from these companies. I hope you find this information useful and if there are any other brands you would like reviewed, just email me! I would love to help you out!
QUAKER INSTANT OATMEAL: Okay.
source- High Fiber Instant Oatmeal. I compared 3 different varieties of the Quaker Instant Oatmeal and settled on the High Fiber variety as my preferred choice, even in comparison to the Weight Control and Lower Sugar varieties. With 10 grams of fiber (8 grams of that is soluble) per serving, the High Fiber has more fiber than the Lower Sugar (3 grams of fiber) and the Weight Control (6 grams of fiber) varieties. While the Weight Control only had 1 gram of sugar, it also contains acesulfame K, which is an artificial sweetener on the CSPI’s list of ingredients that should be avoided. The Lower Sugar packets had 4-6 grams of sugars, compared to the High Fiber’s 7 grams of sugar, but I felt the additional grams of fiber outweighed the added sugars, especially in a society where people struggle to meet their fiber intake. The ingredient list of each brand contained natural and artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, and things like caramel color, which I was not very pleased with. Overall, it’s an okay choice.
BETTER OATS : Better.
source- Raw Pure and Simple. I had several readers ask me to evaluate the Better Oats brand of oatmeal. They had tons of different varieties and I reviewed Raw Pure and Simple, Oat Fit, Muffins, Oat Revolution, and Mom’s Best Naturals. One thing I found consistent on each of these boxes was the short ingredient list (a BIG plus), but every brand but the Raw Pure and Simple had between 12-13 grams of sugar per packet and only around 2-3 grams of fiber. The Oat Fit had 0 grams of sugar but artificial sweeteners were listed in the ingredient list and I would rather have sugar than artificial sweeteners. My ultimate pick for the Better Oats brand was the Organic, RAW Pure and Simple; with a simple ingredient list, 160 calories, 4 g of fiber, 9 g of sugar, 32 g of whole grains, and 200 mg of ALA fatty acids per serving. This appears to be a better pick than any of the Quaker brand.
KASHI Best.
source- Truly Vanilla and Honey Cinnamon Flavors. Although Kashi has the longest ingredient list, it is an ingredient list that I can read!! No artificial sweeteners or natural and artificial flavors were found here! With ~150 calories, 6-7 grams of sugar, 8-9 grams of protein, and 5-7 grams of fiber, the Kashi brand instant oatmeal packets are my top pick overall!! Go Kashi!
*I reviewed brands based on the nutrition facts panel and ingredient list. I have not sampled the taste of these brands of oatmeal. I tried to review Trader Joe’s brand of oats but could not find nutrition facts online.
Overall, I would still suggest opting for old fashioned or steel cut oats because YOU are in control of the ingredients and flavors. In my opinion, the best meals are those you can eat whatever you are craving. I love that when using old fashioned or steel-cut oats, no matter what I might be in the mood for, I can add it to my oats and get whatever flavor I want!! Banana bread? How about a mashed banana and some cinnamon? Pumpkin pie? Add some nutmeg, cinnamon, and pumpkin to the mix! What about PB and J? A dollop of peanut butter and some frozen berries does the trick! I can make a highly nutritious breakfast with WHOLE ingredients all for around 350-500 calories! I am left pleasantly satisfied for most of the morning! Can’t beat it!
Thanks so much for the review. Your blog is SO informative!!!
Oh I am so glad you did this! I eat the Better Oats brand and I wasn’t sure how it compared so thank you!
I think it’s great that although you are sort of anti the instant stuff you provide the best option for those going that route. My kids might like the Kashi, will give it a go.
I dislike the taste and texture of instant oats. But, I’m going on a trip soon (hotel stay) and I’m now thinking about bringing along those Kashi oats. I think I could make those in a hotel room with hot water (from the coffee maker most hotel rooms include). Thanks for the info.
Great review! I used to live off of Kashi products–cereal, oatmeal, granola bars, frozen meals–you name it, I had it in my kitchen! Then I found out my tummy troubles were related to wheat and I had to say goodbye to all things Kashi. So sad. I 100% agree that their oatmeal nutritional stats are awesome, however *why oh why* do they have to throw wheat into everything?! Major thumbs down. Like you said, plain oats are best!
I stay away from packaged oats- nothing can beat the kind I make myself
I love your review! I try to make my own, but sometimes let the snooze button get the best of me…and then I’m thankful for the Kashi pre-packaged kind in my pantry
i LOVE oatmeal! but not flavoured kinds. i currently have a bag of GF quick oats (plain) on the go and they’re delicious. of the ones you mention, i am only familiar with quakes.
i so agree – oats are quick to prep and eat, and it’s fun to add different toppings! my fave is any type of peanut butter.
thanks for sharing your reviews!
I used to do the packaged oats, but then once I learned more and realized what all was in them I went completely old fashioned and adding my own cinnamon to flavor it up a bit. So much better!
I’m glad you posted on this. My husband takes instant oatmeal all the time to work…looks like he’ll be getting the Kashi kind from now on.
I definitely love making my own oatmeal whenever possible. If I don’t have time to cook it–then I just eat it raw! Or course, overnight oats are always a great option as well!
I wish I liked boxed oatmeal! they are totally ok! and even yummy!!! but not something I would reach for if I had coffee and fruit handy. My fav breakfast item lately is 1/2 a cornbread muffin and some coffee and followed by a workout and then a fruit smoothie with protein =) it’s been doing me good for a few weeks now! <3
thanks for the review!!! i love hearing your opinions on things!!!!!!
Erin, I really appreciate the fact that you take time to share this information with us. I’m LOVING the ‘Is It Healthy?’ series. Thanks a bunch!
Sadly, such a breakfast would spike my husband’s blood sugar well over 190. As much as I enjoy my oatmeal, it is not on the “group” menu.
I didnt even know Kashi had some!
I prefer to make my own though in the end… but if im away i guess a packaged one wouldnt be too bad. thanks for the recommendations!
Oh bummer on the TJs. Thanks for your email yesterday on ideas too
thanks for your recommendations!!! I will definitely use this for future decisions on instant oatmeal!
I never thought of adding nut butter to my oatmeal – that sounds amazing!!! Thanks for the review ~ I will sticking to Kashi if I ever buy prepared oatmeal.
I love adding pb to my oatmeal. It rocks!
i LOVE making my own oats!! thanks for reviewing the Kashi! I have a few packets of it at home for emergencies! .. i also find that packets are WAY less filling– i guess I just make much more than whats in a packet!
I would MUCH prefer to make my own steel cut oats the night before and maybe make a few days worth of breakfasts at once…but that doesn’t always happen. BUT I love it with a touch of vanilla in it when it is cooking and some banana!
I rely on some instant oats when I have to. I even keep some in my drawer at work for emergencies.
It’s so much CHEAPER, too, to make your own. Those packaged ones are pricy! I am going to try an overnight oats recipe with steel cut oats. I hope it turns out well!!
I usually make my own oats with the regular kind, but I’ve never seen the Kashi ones before. If I had to choose a packaged version, I’d go for that one for sure!