
Often called ‘Irish’ or ‘Scottish’ oats, these oats are cut rather than rolled. Stone grinding produces pieces of oats of varying sizes. When looking at them, they resemble chopped up rice pieces rather than flattened oat grains.
Are steel-cut oats that much healthier than rolled oats?
Neither steel cut oats nor rolled oats are healthier than the other-they're almost identical in nutritional value. The only notable difference is that steel cut oats are slightly higher in soluble fiber, which can increase fullness; may lower cholesterol and control blood sugar; and helps regulate digestion, per the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health .
Are steel cut oats better than regular oatmeal?
Whole oats are slower to digest and have lower GI scores than quicker forms of oats. Steel-cut oats have a GI score of about 53, and rolled oats — of about 57. Steel-cut oats may take longer to digest, reducing spikes in blood sugar. Both oat types are better choices than other forms, such as instant oats, which have a GI of about 83.
Are steel cut oats the healthiest oatmeal?
Why are steel cut oats harmful to your health? Finally, steel cut oats are a high-protein grain, with 7 grams of protein every 1/4 cup dry oats meal. Steel-cut rolled oats are one of the healthiest grains you can consume since they are less processed and contain more fiber and density than their competitors.
How long does it take to cook steel cut oats?
Steel-cut oats typically take between 15-30 minutes to cook, depending on the brand and amount. You can reduce the cooking time by pre-soaking the oats in water the night before. How to cook steel-cut oats Besides taking a little more time, steel-cut oats are just as easy to cook as rolled oats.

Are rolled oats better than steel-cut oats?
Steel-cut oats have a GI score of about 53, and rolled oats — of about 57. Steel-cut oats may take longer to digest, reducing spikes in blood sugar. Both oat types are better choices than other forms, such as instant oats, which have a GI of about 83.
What are the 4 types of oats?
Whole Oat Groats. Steel Cut / Irish Oats. Scottish Oats. Rolled / Old-Fashioned Oats.
What is the healthiest type of oats?
Oat Groats Groats are considered the healthiest oatmeal because they go through very little processing. Because the grains are still whole, nutrients stay intact. Oat groats take longer to prepare than other types.
Is there another name for steel-cut oats?
Steel-cut oats (US), also called pinhead oats, coarse oatmeal (UK), or Irish oatmeal are groats (the inner kernel with the inedible hull removed) of whole oats which have been chopped into two or three pinhead-sized pieces (hence the names; "steel-cut" comes from the steel blades).
What type of oats is best?
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.
What are the disadvantages of eating oats?
Side Effects of Eating Too Much Oatmeal, According to ExpertsYou could significantly increase your sugar intake.You're limiting your nutritional palate.It can lead to malnutrition and muscle mass shedding.It can cause bloating.It can lead to weight gain.
Is eating oatmeal everyday good for you?
Oatmeal is a nutritious snack that offers numerous health benefits when eaten daily. Yes, it is good to eat oatmeal every day considering its nutritional profile and health benefits, including weight control and heart-healthy effect.
What is the best oatmeal to eat to lower cholesterol?
"Steel-cut oats, in particular, can help to lower cholesterol and are high in soluble fiber." According to a 2015 study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, whole-grain oats are known to be the best whole grain for lowering LDL cholesterol numbers.
Which oats is better for weight loss?
If you are particularly trying to shed kilos, steel-cut oats are better as they contain a high amount of fiber. The fiber content in it can keep you fuller for a longer time and control cravings for unhealthy food items. Eating fiber-rich food also improves the count of healthy gut bacteria.
Do steel-cut oats spike blood sugar?
Steel Cut oatmeal has a low glycemic index score because it is digested and absorbed slowly and does not raise your blood sugar quickly nor very high.
Are steel-cut oats difficult to digest?
Steel cut oats have a lower glycemic index than rolled oats It takes longer for our bodies to digest steel cut oats because they're thicker than rolled oats, making it harder for digestive enzymes in the body to reach the starch in steel cut oats.
Which Oatmeal is best for diabetics?
steel-cut oatsChoose old-fashioned or steel-cut oats. These choices contain a higher amount of soluble fiber, which helps better regulate blood sugar and are minimally processed to slow digestion.
What is difference between oats and oatmeal?
Oats refer to whole grain oats which are cylindrical in shape and are in raw and unprocessed form. They are often fed to livestock. Oatmeal is typically rolled oats and is cut thinly so that they can be cooked within a few minutes. They are mushier.
What's the difference between oats and rolled oats?
Rolled oats are pre-steamed and roasted then flattened with a roller and flaked while oats can be ground into flour or cut into different sizes to make the different types of oats.
What type of oats is Quaker oats?
Quaker® Old Fashioned Oats are whole oats that are rolled to flatten them. Quaker® Steel Cut Oats are whole oats that have not been rolled into flakes. Instead, they are cut approximately into thirds. Quick Quaker® Oats are simply cut into slightly smaller pieces so they cook faster.
Which oats are best for weight loss?
Oatmeal can help with weight loss because it contains soluble fiber, which can keep you feeling full. Steel-cut or rolled oats are the most nutritious and filling form of oatmeal to add to your diet. Avoid processed or instant oatmeal and don't add too much sugar to your oats for the most health benefits.
How to Make It
Combine oats, milk, water, salt, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Chef's Notes
We used whole milk in our recipe (2% milk will save you slightly on calories and fat). For dairy-free oatmeal, substitute your favorite nut milk.
Potential health benefits
Research indicates that eating steel cut oats regularly may contribute to a variety of health benefits, many of which are attributed to this grain’s unique nutrients.
How to cook steel cut oats
There are many ways to prepare steel cut oats, but the most popular choice is to eat them as a hot breakfast cereal or porridge.
The bottom line
Steel cut oats are a minimally processed oat product that takes longer to cook but retains slightly more nutrients than other oat varieties.
Are Steel Cut Oats the Same as Rolled Oats or Instant Oatmeal?
In the sense that all come from the same grain, yes. How they are processed, however, is different, which is why making a bowl of oatmeal with each of the different types of oats yields different results.
How to Cook Steel Cut Oats
For every 1 cup of steel cut oats, you’ll need 3 1/2 to 4 cups of liquid, depending upon how thick you’d like them to be (less liquid = thicker steel cut oatmeal).
How to Store Steel Cut Oats
Since steel cut oatmeal takes longer to make than I typically have time for on an average weekday morning, I like to make a double batch on weekends and store it for healthy breakfasts all week long.
How to Reheat Steel Cut Oats
Place the steel cut oatmeal in a microwave-safe bowl or in a saucepan. Add a good splash of milk or water. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring a few times throughout and adding more liquid as needed to keep it from drying out.
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Steel-Cut Oats
Also known as Irish oatmeal, steel-cut oats are most closely related to the original, unprocessed oat groat.
Rolled Oats
Rolled oats, or old-fashioned oats, are oat groats that have gone through a steaming and flattening process.
Quick Oats
Quick oats or quick-cooking oats are rolled oats that go through further processing to decrease cooking time.
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.
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 ( 9 ).
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.
Avoid Oatmeals That Are High in Sugar
No matter what type of oat you choose, it’s always best to choose plain, unsweetened oats.
Ask Keri: Steel cut oats vs. rolled oats: Which is the better choice for oatmeal?
Keri Says: Steel cut oats get a lot of praise, but don’t go throwing out those rolled oats so fast.
Rolled Oats
True to their name, in processing, rolled oats 9 are first steamed to prevent them from cracking or breaking before they’re rolled through mills to be flattened. This results in their famously known squashed, round textured appearance. Picture those little oats plopped on top of a muffin.
Steel Cut Oats
On the other (less processed) hand lies steel cut oats. The same groats used to make rolled oats are instead chopped into two or three pieces rather than flattened, resulting in steel cut oats’ small, pin-like appearance.
Steel Cut Oats vs. Rolled Oats: The Bottom Line
So while they differ in size, shape, mouth feel, and rate at which they digest, when comparing steel cut oats vs. rolled oats, their nutritional value ends up being the same.
What Are Oats?
Oats are considered a "whole grain" and are chock full of valuable nutrients and soluble fiber that are good for the body. For this reason, oats are a great way to increase your intake of dietary fiber. An oat kernel, also sometimes called an oat groat, is made up of three distinct parts: the bran, the germ, and the endosperm.
The Nutritional Value of Oats
All types of oats can be a significant contribution to a healthy diet, especially for people who may have heart concerns or that suffer from ailments like diabetes.
Types of Oats
There are different types of oats. Though their general makeup is very similar in terms of nutrition, the way they are processed and made ready for human consumption varies.
Steel Cut Oats Nutrition Facts
When it comes to nutritional value, metric by metric, steel cut oats are very similar to rolled oats and instant oats. The differences lie in the dietary fiber content of steel cut oats, as well as their density. The ratio of liquid steel cut oats is cooked with is higher than that of rolled oats, so the portion is larger.
Beta-glucan fiber
Whole oats are rich in fiber, which is essential for proper functioning of the digestive system and a person’s overall health.
Antioxidants
In addition to beta-glucans, oats are a good source of various antioxidants called phenols. They may help improve cell functioning in the body and reduce inflammation.
Weight management
Oats could play a role in maintaining a moderate weight. According to a 2017 review, one observational study found that participants who ate oatmeal had a reduced risk of obesity.
Low glycemic index (GI)
Whole oats are slower to digest and have lower GI scores than quicker forms of oats.
Lower blood sugar
A 2017 review notes that the beta-glucan fiber in oats is partially responsible for reducing blood glucose levels and the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
Gluten-free
Oats are naturally gluten free and may be an ideal substitute for many products containing gluten.
Weight management
Steel-cut oats can help a person feel full for longer, which could help them manage their weight. Steel-cut oats are a complete form of oats with little processing, which means they take longer to digest than quick or rolled oats.
