The real difference is in how, and how much they are processed. Steel-cut oats have been in the spotlight lately, but are they actually healthier than traditional rolled oats? From that whole oat groat, the sorting begins. Due to the thickness, cooking time is extended to 15-20 minutes. They're usually prepared for breakfast by simmering one part oats in four parts of water for 20 to 30 minutes, until they reach the individual cook's desired texture.For those who dislike the thick and sticky texture of porridge made from rolled oats, steel-cut oats are a revelation. A lot of baby books recommend old-fashioned rolled oats, but I wanted to find out for myself. Rolled oats are steamed, pressed flat, steamed again, then roasted. Quick oats are rolled oats that have been chopped into smaller pieces for even faster cooking. Steel-cut oats are whole, raw oats cut into halves or quarters, giving … Old-fashioned oats, instant, rolled, steel-cut, quick, müesli, ground, steamed, Scottish, Irish?What do they all mean? Steel cut have a chewier texture, as opposed to quick oats, which have a creamier texture. Instant oats are thinner than rolled oats and they are pre-cooked and dried. When made into porridge, it is chewy, nutty and has a different creaminess to rolled oat porridge. Quick-cooking oats have far less taste and texture to remark on, because they’re designed for the convenience of their cooking time, rather than flavor. She’s host of the food podcast Small Bites and founder of the food blog A Couple Cooks. Because they’re bigger pieces, your body takes longer to digest them. Here are some of our favorite ways to start the day: Sonja Overhiser is author of Pretty Simple Cooking, named one of the best healthy cookbooks of 2018. They're produced by chopping the whole oat groat into pieces, rather than rolling it flat (hello, rolled oats). Can you substitute them? They will not have as much texture as the rolled oats or steel-cut but will cook more quickly. Canada is the largest producer and exporter of oats. Want to cook steel cut or rolled oats? This means the oils are stabilized, and the oats stay fresh longer. Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are whole grain oats that are flattened by steel rollers to make it faster to cook. I want the healthiest. This creates finely-ground oats with a texture coarser than flour. Old Fashioned: Also called rolled oats, old fashioned oats are flat and flakey. Take the last of the pile of oat groats you removed from the stalk, steam them, and roll them as thin as possible — thinner than the rolled oats — before they dry. Steel-cut oats are oat groats that have been cut into two or three pieces, for a relatively unprocessed product. Rolled oats cook faster than steel-cut oats. Nutritionally, steel cut oats and rolled oats are the same. Oats are great because they are packed with thiamine, iron, antioxidants, and lots of soluble fiber. Subscribe for free weekly recipes & more! Although old-fashioned oats may have 1g of sugar and 20 extra calories in a 1/4 cup serving compared to steel cut oats, that isn't really a difference. Whole oats are the uncut, unsteamed, unrolled oat groat. Steel cut vs rolled oats: what’s the difference? Alex Overhiser is an acclaimed food photographer and author based in Indianapolis. However, they’re known as quick-cooking oats for a reason: they can be made in about a minute, making them a convenient breakfast or snack. My side-by-side comparison of the nutritional labels between steel-cut and rolled oats doesn't show as significant of a difference as the article implies. Steel-cut oats have a much chewier texture. Steel cut oats look like a whole oat cut … But hey, both steel-cut and rolled oats are a whole grain with a solid amount of grams of protein per half-cup serving. In many cases, whole oats are cut with steel cutters -- into two or three pieces -- to make steel-cut oats. While the nutritional value looks pretty similar, from grams of protein to grams of carbs, one key fact is that steel-cut oats are less processed, since they are never flattened by heat or pressure. And, if one knows the difference between steel cut vs rolled oats, then it becomes more fruitful. Both have similar nutrition profiles and are part of a healthy diet! Either way, the oat is steamed to soften the grain, so it can then be pressed between steel rollers to flatten it. What do they all mean? This process stabilizes the healthy oils in the oats, so they stay fresh longer, and helps the oats cook faster, by creating a greater surface area. Steel Cut oats? One major difference between the two is actually in the texture and taste: steel-cut oats tend to have a chewier texture and nuttier flavor than rolled. And we’ve got some insider information for you: The only difference is their processing. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The main difference between the two processes is that Steel Cut Oats are least processed while the Old Fashioned Oats must undergo steaming and rolling. Oatmeal (rolled oats) Oatmeal can refer to the product of cooking oats. A potential health benefit of steel cut oats is that since they are processed the most minimally, they may have a lower glycemic index (GI) and be digested more slowly. Because they’re in smaller pieces, instant oats lose some of the fiber that old-fashioned oats offer. Between people looking to get the most out of their oatmeal, there’s a hot debate about which type of oatmeal is best. These powerhouse whole grains are two ways to process the same ingredient, and both are part of a healthy diet. Like steel cut, they have a nutty texture which some people really like. Learn how your comment data is processed. This is how we get rolled oats, otherwise known as old-fashioned oats. The texture is thicker, not mushy, and the oats contain a heartier flavor. The differences are all in the processing: No! Eating & Cooking Food › Steel Cut vs Rolled Oats. Oats today are used in a wide variety of ways, from that piping hot bowl of whole grain oatmeal to cereals and granola bars, to baked goods, puddings, and porridge. This is because while oats themselves are gluten-free, they’re often processed in facilities that also process gluten, and contamination can occur. What’s the Difference: Steel Cut vs Rolled vs Instant Oats? They do take a bit longer to cook, especially compared to instant oats, and they can’t be made in the microwave, so they require boiling and stirring every couple minutes. The variety of oats helps everyone to choose the best of all the products. Steel cut oats are the texture of a grain like rice or barley, so they require much more cooking than rolled oats. Drying can lower the antioxidant content of oats. They also take longer to prepare, with average cooking times varying 15–30 minutes. The cooking time for steel-cut oats is 20 to 40 minutes, compared to 10 minutes for rolled oats and 45 to 60 minutes for oat groats. As their name suggests, they are oat groats that have simply been cut into pieces by a steel blade. Even though Steel Cut Oats and Old Fashioned Oat… From that whole oat groat, the sorting begins. These two types of oats can almost be considered two different foods when it comes to substitutions. A Self Esteem Brands® company. They are typically harder and thicker than rolled and instant oats, and therefore take longer to cook, with an average cooking time of … Steel Cut Oats: If you cut groats into two or three pieces with a sharp metal blade, you get steel cut oats. The oat kernel grows up inside a tough husk or “hull” which is later shucked. The main difference between steel-cut oats and quick oats lies in the processing. Featured from the TODAY Show to Bon Appetit, Alex is author of Pretty Simple Cooking, named one of the best vegetarian cookbooks by Epicurious. Steel-cut oats take a bit more time to digest, taking longer to convert to sugar. It's easy to become overwhelmed by all the oatmeal choices out there, especially not knowing whether steel cut or rolled oats are healthier and make a better bowl. But speaking of convenience, you’ll want to watch out for packets of quick-cooking or instant oatmeal, which can have as much sugar as some breakfast cereals! I am embarrassed to admit before kids I didn’t know the difference between steel cut oats and rolled oats. They take longer to cook than rolled oats, and their texture is a bit chewier. Quick oats are cut into more pieces, rolled thinner, and steamed longer. But hey, you matter too. Some groats are flattened/rolled into flakes and steamed. However, there are some differences in texture between steel cut vs. rolled oats. Rolled Oats (AKA Old Fashioned Oats) These oats are often also referred to as 'rolled oats'. Traditional steel cut oats take 30 to 45 minutes to cook on the stovetop only. This makes them somewhat similar to steel-cut oats, except that Scottish oats are ground, rather than cut. Quick oats are cut into more pieces, rolled thinner, and steamed longer. You can give them a try and see what you like. As they are made from unprocessed, whole grains, whole oats have a round, slightly bulbous texture. In other words, carbohydrates get converted to simple sugar quickly. Steel-cut oats are less processed than old fashion rolled oats and have a lower Glycemix Index. The oats still contain the same nutrients but lose their natural texture and nutty flavor like steel cut oats. Steel oats vs rolled oats. Here’s a breakdown. Rolled oats, meanwhile, are steel cut oats that have been steamed and rolled flat. Sleep or Exercise: Which Is More Important? The differences between instant oats and rolled oats and steel-cut oats are insignificant in terms of micronutrients. Rolled or old-fashioned oats are made by steaming and rolling oat groats for faster cooking. Not only do you feel fuller longer, your glycemic index will thank you. Featured on the Today Show and Washington Post. I want the healthiest. They are pre-cooked, dried, and then rolled and pressed slightly thinner than rolled oats. What about steel-cut oats? For further queries, you can contact us, and we would love to answer the questions appropriately. Rolled Oats? When old-fashioned oats are cut into smaller pieces, that’s where we get instant oats, also known as quick-cooking oats. Quick-cooking oats have far less taste and texture to remark on, because they’re designed for the convenience of their cooking time, rather than flavor. Because steel cut oats are less processed than rolled, they require longer cooking time. And if steel-cut oats aren’t for you, rolled oats are still a fantastic, nutrition-packed choice. All types of oats start as oat groats. Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are whole grain oats that are flattened by steel rollers to make it faster to cook. Rolled oats (old-fashioned), are the oat groats steamed and rolled into flakes. Beta-glucan is found in the cell walls of plants, like oats and barley. Not many foods can move mountains like oats can! Steel-cut oats are less processed than rolled oats. Steel cut oats have a coarser, chewier texture and nuttier flavor than rolled or quick oats. That steel blade is how steel-cut oats get their name! 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. While the oats are virtually the same thing, there are a few key differences. What’s the Difference: in form? But the major difference is that the carbohydrates present in instant oats have a slightly higher glycemic index. But if this type of oats sounds like something you’d like to try, you can find them at most U.S. grocery stores. Rolled oats’ creamy soft texture after being cooked makes them equally as suitable for oatmeal as they are for baking. They cook quicker than oat groats, because water can more easily penetrate the smaller pieces. OK, are steel-cut oats really worth it? The amount of liquid you use to cook them are also different. This also means that those instant oats you buy (if they don’t have added sugar) are just as healthy as normal rolled oats and steel-cut oats, they just cook faster. They might become rather mushy when … But speaking of convenience, you’ll want to watch out for packets of quick-cooking or instant oatmeal, which can have as much sugar as some breakfast cereals!What about steel-cut oats? When people think of oatmeal, this is the kind they usually mean. On A Couple Cooks, you will find healthy vegetarian, vegan, and whole food recipes. Steel cut vs rolled oats : The manufacturing of both the oats is done differently along with that steel-cut oats are divided into two halves with the help of steel blades on the other side; rolled oats are old oats that have a small quantity of bran in it. Is one healthier? And both reduce – and actually remove – bad cholesterol from your heart. Thanks." Takes half an hour to cook. the kernels that are processed into different types of oats. Oats are naturally gluten-free. However, steel-cut oats may be soaked beforehand which helps to reduce the cooking time. This prevents your body from dreaded sugar spikes (and crashes). While the nutritional value looks pretty similar, from grams of protein to grams of carbs, one key fact is that steel-cut oats are less processed, since they are never flattened by heat or pressure. Steel-cut oats are left raw, while rolled oats are squeezed through rollers and steamed. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Pretty cool, right? So even though all different types of oatmeal are made from whole grain oats, the difference is in how they’re processed. But is there a clear winner between the two? Although they are smaller they take longer to cook than instant or rolled oats. Irish oatmeal is considered the primary type of oats in the United Kingdom, but it’s less common here in the U.S., which is why we’re focusing on steel-cut, quick-cooking and old-fashioned oats. Especially if you’re feeding it to kids. © Anytime Fitness LLC 2020. The main difference that acts as a tiebreaker to this debate is the fact that steel cut oats are lower on the Glycemic Index scale. Short answer: Some are milled differently, while others are exactly the same but called different names. Steel-cut oats are oat groats that have been cut into two or three pieces, for a relatively unprocessed product. We’re Sonja and Alex Overhiser, the recipe developers and cookbook authors behind this website. A few more things to consider: Bottom line: There’s not a clear winner between steel cut vs rolled oats. When old-fashioned oats are cut into smaller pieces, that’s where we get instant oats, also known as quick-cooking oats. So what is the difference between steel-cut, Scottish, Irish, rolled, quick-cooking, old-fashioned, and instant oats? Just be wary of all of the sugar added to quick-cooking oatmeal packets. Steel cut oats, sometimes called Scottish or Irish oats, are the least processed form of oat grains. Thanks to beta-glucan and other complex carbs found in oats, they can stabilize our blood sugar levels and slow digestion, to make us feel more full. The Cut. Before you get wrapped up in the hype, know that either are a fantastic breakfast option, and both come from the same starting point. Steel Cut Oats May Have A Higher Fiber Content. Oats Comparison. As their name implies, these oats are created when a full oat groat (the large grain) is sliced into pieces with steel. Since many of our recipes feature this heart-healthy super grain, let’s break down all of our oat options. Ever been following a recipe, only to stumble across ‘rolled oats’ or ‘steel cut oats’ and have no idea how they’re any different from the instant oats in your pantry? Oats are almost equal in nutrition no matter how they are processed, and so rolled oats and steel-cut oats have the same fat content, carbohydrate count, fiber, protein, calcium and iron. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You’ll find that there are very few major differences between steel-cut oats and rolled. Old-fashioned oats, instant, rolled, steel-cut, quick, müesli, ground, steamed, Scottish, Irish? Sometimes called Irish oats or Scottish oats, steel-cut oats aren't rolled. The main difference between steel-cut oats and quick oats lies in the processing. Answered by Dr. Michael Roman: Very: Little difference. The main difference between rolled oats and steel-cut oats is the cut and the process which they go through from farm to table. Shutterstock. Though processed, rolled oats are still a whole grain. As a result, the taste of steel cut oats is much different from rolled oats and quick oats. Plus, eating oatmeal is good for your health. Rolled Oats. Steel cut oats will take the longest to cook out as they are the least processed. But if this type of oats sounds like something you’d like to try, you can find them at most U.S. grocery stores. Rice cereal? Quick Oats: These oats have been cut into small pieces before they are flattened make them even faster to cook then rolled oats. They're usually prepared for breakfast by simmering one part oats in four parts of water for 20 to 30 minutes, until they reach the individual cook's desired texture.For those who dislike the thick and sticky texture of porridge made from rolled oats, steel-cut oats are a revelation. Beyond hot cereal, steel-cut oats are good candidates for cooking in stews and soups -- they … Featured from the TODAY Show to Bon Appetit, Sonja seeks to inspire adventurous eating to make the world a better place one bite at a time. Steel Cut Oats are groats, which are the inner part of the oat without the hull, which have then been chopped up into smaller pieces. Winner: Rolled Oats. Serving Size – Typically, a serving is 1/4 cup for steel cut oats, which are more dense than rolled oats, which have a 1/2 cup serving size. Rolled Oats or Oat Flakes. That processing difference is what gives the different types of oatmeal different textures. Rolled oats win this one! Known in their whole form as “groats,” both have been separated from their hard outer “hull” to become oats. The real differences between steel cut and rolled oats are in how you cook them, their taste and texture. Here’s the basic nutrition facts for 1 cup of cooked steel cut oats vs 1 cup rolled oats: Data sources: Old Fashioned Oats nutrition, Steel cut oats nutrition. Here’s what you need to know. You might have also heard of Scottish oats, also known as Irish oatmeal. Thus, instant oats contain lower antioxidant content comparatively. 4.Rolled oats are also called old-fashioned oats because it is the most commonly consumed oatmeal and has been eaten by people since early times. We get this question often. Before we dive into the difference between rolled oats vs quick oats vs steel cut oats let's go over a few of the health benefits of ALL types of oats: May Help Prevent Cardiovascular Disease Oats may help to lower cholesterol , specifically LDL levels (the bad cholesterol) on an average of 3-16% but doesn’t impact your HDL (the good cholesterol) so it's a win-win. People, Purpose, Profits, Play® Oats are a grain from the cereal family; their cousins are barley and wheat. Rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, are created when oat groats are steamed and then rolled into flakes. Steel blades cut the groats into smaller pieces, thus the name. We say taste them for yourself! What's the difference between regular (rolled) and steel cut oats? That brings us to the final entry in the steel cut oats vs. rolled oats vs. instant oats comparison. Look – Rolled oats look like a big flake, like the oat was rolled flat lengthwise. Baby oatmeal? Now we are going to discuss the difference between steel cut vs rolled oats. Steel cut vs rolled oats: what’s the difference? Leslie Beck, a registered dietician, discussed the nutritional benefits of oats in her book Foods That Fight Disease. Steel cut oats do not contain more nutrients than rolled oats; their benefit comes from their taste and texture. Steel-cut oats are not rolled at all but instead chopped into coarse nubs using sharp steel blades. To cook a regular serving Steel Cut will take about 15 to 40 minutes while the Old Fashioned Oats will only take 5 to 10 minutes to cook. The recipes have been well tested and will work for you and your family every time! Steel Cut Oats. That processing difference is what gives the different types of oatmeal different textures.You might have also heard of Scottish oats, also known as Irish oatmeal. When made into porridge, it is chewy, nutty and has a different creaminess to rolled oat porridge. "What is the difference between steel cut oats and the Old Fashioned type oatmeal ? If you have type two diabetes, then you may want to go the extra mile – and take the extra cooking time – for steel-cut.But hey, both steel-cut and rolled oats are a whole grain with a solid amount of grams of protein per half-cup serving. Rolled oats can be made with the whole oat groat or using steel cut oats. This gives it a rice-like appearance. Next, let’s review the nutritional differences between steel cut and rolled oats. Oatmeal is a classic breakfast food for a reason: its a hot, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that is infinitely customizable. But if you have Celiac disease or are gluten-free for a similar reason, we’d definitely recommend ordering gluten-free oats! Steel cut oats tend to take considerably more time to cook compared to rolled oats that take a much shorter time. Rolled oats are also known as oat flakes, old fashioned oats or large flake oats.They are the most common form of oatmeal. They have more texture and chewiness than quick-cook or rolled oats , too. Steel Cut Oats will take two times of the amount of time cooking the Old Fashioned Oats. The difference lies in the amount of processing they endure. Steel-cut oats are made when, you guessed it, the oat groats are cut through two or three times with a steel blade. He’s host of the food podcast Small Bites and founder of the recipe website A Couple Cooks. Steel cut oats can take up to 30 minutes while rolled oats can take as few as five minutes, all depending on the method of cooking. They are all loaded with nutritional value-oats are full of protein, and their fiber has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.But beyond that, each type of oat, whether quick-cook, old-fashioned rolled, or steel-cut, has its own characteristics. Steel-cut oats are an excellent soluble fiber to add to the diet that also acts as a prebiotic food. Cooking Time for Steel cut and Rolled Oats. . Oats are most commonly grown in North America. Aside from the cooking time, there is little nutritional difference. Due to being the least processed of the three oat varieties, steel cut oats may have the most available fiber. Canada is the difference between steel-cut oats have a distinct nutty flavor they require longer cooking time of 5-8... 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