What’s the Difference Between Rolled Oats and Steel-Cut Oats?

Amidst the rising concerns about healthy eating and maintaining optimum weight, Oats have gained maximum attention. They are healthy yet filling, and when one thinks of a quick, easy-to-make breakfast option, a bowl of oats is surely going to be on the top of that list.

And when you think of a healthy and filling breakfast, the first choice to come to mind is the mighty oatmeal. Easy to cook and scrumptious, there is no other grain that gives you that wholesome feeling better than a piping hot bowl of oats topped off with some roasted nuts or fresh fruits and vegetables.

Apart from being filling, Oats consist of fiber-rich carbs that are low in fat and high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Oats are also high in antioxidants and save your body from potentially harmful illnesses and keep your body healthy.

There are several types of oats that you can choose from, including rolled, steel-cut, and quick-cooking oats, and they slightly differ in their nutrient profile and processing methods. All oats start out as oat groats and are then processed in different ways to produce steel-cut or rolled oats.

In this article, we will try to understand the difference between rolled oats and steel-cut oats and their benefits.

Rolled oats:

Rolled oats are known as traditional oats because they go through the traditional process of steaming and flattening.

Rolled oats have a softer texture, less crunch, and mild flavor since they have been partially cooked.

A bowl of rolled oats makes for a great and quick breakfast snack since it takes 5-7 minutes to prepare. They can also be used to add a healthier twist to your favourite baked goods like cookies, cakes, muffins, and bread.

Rolled oats are rich in carbs and low in sugar which makes them an ideal choice for a breakfast meal because they will help you feel full for longer while not adding to your weight.

Steel-Cut oats:

Steel-Cut Oats are also called “Irish oatmeal” and as the name suggests the oat groats are chopped into pieces with large steel blades.

Steel-cut oats are the closest to the unprocessed, original oat groats. They are not finely chopped/cut and have a coarser texture as compared to rolled oats or quick-cooking oats.

They are chewier and have a nuttier texture in comparison to other forms of oats available, and take longer to prepare, with an average cooking time of 20-30 minutes.

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

Steel-cut oats may have a lower glycemic index which makes them the ideal choice for people looking to keep their blood sugar in check.

You can soak steel-cut oats beforehand to reduce the cooking time when preparing a dish with steel-cut oats.

All types of oats are highly nutritious and excellent sources of fibre, plant-based protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The best oatmeal to choose is the one that fits your lifestyle. Eating healthy does not have to be an elaborate, time-consuming process. A bowl of oats (sweet or spicy) is very easy to prepare and comes in handy, especially when you are running short of time every day before work. Now that you know more about both Rolled oats and steel-cut oats, pick the oats of your choice and make the healthier switch today!