Steel-cut oats, rolled oats, and quick oats differ by the amount of processing they undergo. Each can be part of a nutritious diet.
A hot bowl of oats might come to mind when thinking of a healthy, hearty breakfast.
Several types are available, including rolled oats, steel-cut oats, and quick-cooking oats, which differ in their nutrient profile and processing methods.
This article explains the key differences between these varieties so that you can decide which one is most appropriate for your diet and lifestyle.
Steel-cut, rolled, and quick oats start out as oat groats, which are oat kernels that have had tough outer shells removed.
Oat groats 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
Steel-cut oats are most closely related to the original, unprocessed oat groat. They are whole oat groats that have been chopped into smaller pieces by 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 ranging from 15–30 minutes.
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, as they have been partially cooked, take much less time to make than steel-cut oats.
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 and have a mild flavor and soft, mushy texture.
Oats are rich in fiber and protein plus packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Additionally, oats are naturally gluten-free. However, 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, or
- Calories: 152
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Carbs: 27 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Thiamin: 15% of the
Daily Value (DV)Trusted Source - Iron: 9% of the DV
- Magnesium: 13% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 13% of the DV
- Zinc: 13% of the DV
- Copper: 18% of the DV
- Selenium: 21% of the DV
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 effectively lowers both LDL (bad) and total cholesterol, which may help keep your heart healthy.
One study of 80 people with high cholesterol found that consuming 70 g of oats for 28 days reduced total cholesterol by 8% and LDL (bad) cholesterol by 11%.
Additionally, oats have been shown to aid weight loss and stabilize blood sugar levels.
The beta-glucan in oats helps slow digestion, increasing the sense of fullness and a more gradual spike in blood sugar.
The variety of oats on the market can make it difficult to determine the healthiest option.
The chart below compares the nutritional differences between a 1.4-ounce (oz) or 40-g serving of
| Rolled oats | Steel-cut oats | Quick oats | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 150 | 150 | 150 |
| Carbs | 27 g | 27 g | 27 g |
| Protein | 5 g | 5 g | 5 g |
| Fat | 3 g | 2.5 g | 3 g |
| Fiber | 4 g | 4 g | 4 g |
| Sugar | 0 g | 1 g | 1 g |
As you can see, the variations between these three oat varieties are slight. However, there may be some distinctions between steel-cut, rolled, and quick oats.
Quick oats have a higher glycemic index
Steel-cut and rolled oats may have a lower glycemic index than quick oats.
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 or rolled oats may be the best choice to support better blood sugar management.
However, quick oats can also be included in a balanced diet by pairing them with toppings high in protein or fat, such as nuts or seeds, to support blood sugar management.
All three types of oatmeal are highly nutritious and can be part of a well-rounded diet. However, the most important thing is to choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and preferences.
For example, the chewy texture and nutty flavor of steel-cut oats may be delicious to some but too hearty for others.
Meanwhile, rolled and quick oats have a milder taste and cook down to a creamy, smooth consistency.
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.
No matter what type of oat you choose, opting for plain, unsweetened oats instead of flavored packaged varieties can help limit your added sugar intake.
Too much added sugar can contribute to several conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
For this reason, consider adding your own toppings — such as fresh fruit, nuts, or seeds — to unsweetened oats to keep added sugar to a minimum.
Although oats are most commonly consumed at breakfast, they can also be a healthy carbohydrate choice at lunch and dinner.
Here are some ideas about how to make oats a part of your day:
Oats are a fiber-rich grain that has been linked to a number of health benefits.
Although rolled and steel-cut oats have a lower glycemic index, quick oats have a similar nutrition profile.
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.
