Best Organic Oatmeal

 

Nothing beats a healthy bowl of oatmeal in the morning. Oatmeal has, for a long time, been a staple breakfast meal in America and Europe. Today, oatmeal is an ingredient in almost every other breakfast cereal you pick. The meal is nutritious and delicious.

While organic oats and conventional oats give you the same nutrients, organic oats are safer for your body and to the environment seeing that there are no chemicals in the production process. The oats go through a short production process that leaves the grains whole and very nutritious. With so many types of oats, how do you pick the best organic oatmeal?

 

What is the Healthiest Oatmeal?

 

Are you looking for a healthy oatmeal option? With so many options on the market, it might be a daunting task choosing the best especially if you have never bought oatmeal before. For starters, you need to understand the different types of oatmeal.

When you see whole oats on the market, it means they have all the three main parts of an oat seed; the endosperm, germ, and bran. From the endosperm, you get proteins and starch. The cereal germ is rich in vitamins while the bran is rich in fiber. Some of the types of oats on the market include:

• Oat Groats: Groats are the most nutritious types of oats as they contain the endosperm, cereal germ, and bran. These cannot be offered as instant-breakfast options as they require soaking before cooking. The grains remain chewy even after cooking.
• Instant Oats: Instant oats are very common. All you need is to take the oats and dip them in hot water or hot milk and you are good to go. These types are easy to make but they are more processed than other types. As such, you may not get the whole grain. The oatmeal comes pre-cooked and dried so it only takes you less than a minute to prepare. Again, most of these oats have flavors and sweeteners.
• Rolled oats: Rolled oats are among the most common and can be used in so many home recipes. The grains are exposed to steam and then pressed using steel rollers. The rolling process makes the oats thin to reduce cooking time and create a smooth texture.
• Steel-Cut Oats: Unlike rolled grains, the steel-cut grains are cut into small pieces to increase surface area. The steel-cut oats take longer to cook and you can use them in so many recipes at home.
• Oat Bran: True to its name, this is an oat grain without the cereal germ and the endosperm. These are very nutritious and provide a lot of fiber. If you need a meal that gives you satiety without giving you fat and starch, this might be the best organic oatmeal for you.

Which among the various types above if the healthiest for you? There is no oat that is not healthy; maybe some have more nutrients than others but all oats are nutritious. Oat Groats are the healthiest because they come as a pure form of oats. The option is the least processed which means it has the most nutrients and no chemicals. Bran is also very nutritious. Instant Oats are the least nutritious yet the most convenient.

 

Are Organic Oats Good For You?

 

Oats are very healthy. Organic oats do not have chemicals and they are processed less to give you the full benefits of whole grains. By taking organic oats, you get the following benefits:

 

Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

With cases of heart disease on the rise in the U.S. and all over the world, a bowl of oatmeal might be all you need. Oats are rich in fiber. One of these fibers is beta-glucan which reduced bad cholesterol in your body and increases good cholesterol. Beta-glucan works to remove bad cholesterol from your system in the form of cholesterol-rich bile. With less bad cholesterol, your blood circulates smoothly; you reduce the risk of artery inflammation, heart attacks and even stroke.

 

Control Blood Sugar

The beta-glucan fibers still help manage blood sugar levels for those who have diabetes. The oats not only help reduce blood sugar levels for patients of Diabetes Type 2 but also increase insulin sensitivity.

 

Reduce Constipation

Naturally, oats have a lot of fibers. If you experience constipation occasionally, you can try oatmeal. Fibers help facilitate bowel movements so you can have a good digestive system.

 

Lose Weight and Reduce Risk of Cancer

The only way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you consume every day. You can do that by taking a low-calorie diet, such as oats, and exercising more. Oats are filling thanks to the high fiber content and they also have a great balance of macros to help you lose weight.

Oats have important phytochemicals that will help you fight cancer. These phytochemicals are known to reduce the risk of hormone-related cancer such as prostate and breast cancer.

 

What is the Difference Between Regular Oatmeal and Organic Oatmeal?

 

For oatmeal to be considered certified organic, the oats should grow in organic fields where pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers are involved. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Kosher allow organic farmers to use some pesticides of plant origin or pure chemicals such as sulfur and copper. Most farmers use crop rotation, natural pest-control methods, and green manure fertilizers.

Regular oatmeal exposes you to chemicals such as pesticides and inorganic fertilizers. These oats, unlike the organic oats, might be genetically modified, GMO. With the strict standards followed in producing organic oats, you can expect the price to be a little higher than that of normal oats. Nevertheless, the advantages of better health that come with organic oats are worth the little increase in price.

Both oats are available as cereals, granola, energy bars, and in baked goods.

 

What to Look When Shopping for the Best Organic Oatmeal

 

• Whole Grains: If you do not need an instant breakfast or packed meal to use on-the-go, whole grains are the best. Oat groats are the best organic oatmeal but options such as rolled, steel-cut, bran and instant oats are still great.
• Fiber Content: Naturally, oats are rich in fiber. However, if the oats are over-processed, the fiber content may reduce. When shopping, go for organic oatmeal with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving. The fiber helps your digestive system and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
• Sugar: While sugar makes the oatmeal sweet, sugar is less healthy. Most oatmeal products come with cane sugar, honey, berries, and cinnamon. You can choose unsweetened oatmeal and add the berries and honey from home.
• Ensure No Sodium: Sodium enhances the flavor of the oatmeal and also preserves the products. Ensure that the oatmeal you choose contains zero sodium or has less than 200 milligrams of sodium. Ig taken in large volumes, sodium increases the risk of high blood pressure which opens you up to other heart conditions.

 

Product Reviews

 

1. Bob’s Red Mill Instant Rolled Oats – Best Whole Grain Oatmeal

Features

• 100 percent whole grain
• Vegan/Vegetarian
• Certified Kosher

 

• This instant oatmeal from Bob’s Red Mill contains natural rolled oats and organic cinnamon sweetened with natural can sugar. Np flavoring or artificial sweeteners you might find in conventional oatmeal.
• It is ideal if you are looking for organic, certified Kosher, and vegetarian oatmeal. Every ingredient is naturally grown and harvested in hygienic conditions.
• Bob’s Red Mill ensures that no fungicides, pesticides, or any other chemicals. The company guarantees that the ingredients are not genetically engineered.
• The Bob’s Red Mill Instant Rolled Oats offers three grams of protein and fiber per serving. Besides, it offers almost zero sodium and fat. It is 100 percent whole grain to give you all the benefits of full grains. You can prepare the meal in two minutes or less.

Pros

• No flavorings and artificial sweeteners
• Minimal processing to offer whole-grain oats
• No chemicals in the processing process
• Takes only two minutes to be ready

 

Cons

 

• The cooked oat might feel like a soft pudding if the water is not hot enough

 

2.      McCann’s Irish Oatmeal – Best for Users with Digestive Problems

Features

• Has soluble and insoluble fiber
• Steel cut whole 100 percent whole grains
• Non-GMO
• McCann promises quality and purity ion every can of oatmeal they produce. The company has operated in Ireland for more than 150 years producing oatmeal and serving millions of people.
• The oats in every can are naturally grown in Ireland with no chemicals. They are then processed lightly in hygienic conditions. You will, therefore, get the wholesomeness of grains.
• The oatmeal contains insoluble fiber which makes it a great choice for anyone with digestive health issues. It also contains soluble fiber that is low in cholesterol and saturated fiber to reduce the risk of heart disease.
• The meal contains less sodium which protects your heart health. With each can, you get 100 percent whole grains steel cut into small pieces for easy preparation. McCann promises that the oats are not genetically manufactured.

 

Pros

• Steel cut into small pieces to make them delectable
• Naturally grown oats in Irish fields
• Insoluble for good digestive health
• Zero sodium in the formula

 

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• The cans are weak and dent easily

 

3.      Nature’s Path Original Instant Oats – Best Rolled Oats

Features

Ø  Rolled oats

Ø  USDA certified organic

Ø  Vegan

·         The Nature’s Path Original Instant Oats comes as a package of 6 boxes of oatmeal, each box containing 1.7 ounces of oatmeal.

·         The package features organic whole-grain rolled oats that are chewy with a creamy texture. All the ingredients are organic for your safety. Better yet, you can serve it hot or cold with preparation taking less than five minutes.

·         The U.S Department of Agriculture has certified this as an organic product. Nature’s Path promises that the oats are non-GMO. The company lightly processes the oats following sustainable processes.

·         With every pack, you get 50 grams of whole grains and 8 grams of protein per serving. Each serving has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

·         Nature’s Path follows sustainable food processing methods to save the environment.

Pros

·         No artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives

·         Sustainable packaging

·         100 percent whole grain oats

·         USDA certified organic meal

Cons

·         Flavor not so good

·         The oats are slow to take in water during preparation

4.      Great River Organic Milling, Oatmeal – Best Steel Cut Oats

Features

Ø  100 Percent whole-grain

Ø  5g of fiber per serving

Ø  Certified organic

 

• The Great River Organic Milling, Oatmeal is one of the best cut oatmeal making it delectable. Great River cuts the groats into small pieces making them easy to prepare and very delectable. The meal has a natural nutty flavor but with a thick texture.
• Oats in this package are farmed naturally in Ireland. The steel cut oats might take longer to cook but the flavor is worth the wait.
• Each package contains no chemicals. The whole grains provide 5 grams of fiber for good digestive health, enough plant-based protein, and iron.
• The package is certified organic and KOSHER approved. It is made from organic grains and the company promises that everything is non-GMO. You can store the steel cut oats in the pantry but if you buy in bulk, you need to refrigerate them.

 

Pros

• KOSHER approved and certified organic
• No chemicals
• Oats naturally farmed in Ireland
• Steel cut oats have great taste

 

Cons

• Takes relatively longer to cook
• Requires refrigeration if you buy in bulk

 

5.      Kauffman’s Fruit Farm Bulk Non-GMO Organic Rolled Oats – Best Rolled Oats for Home Baking

Features

• Rolled oats
• NonGMO
• Kilned whole groats

 

• The Kauffman’s Fruit Farm oats are rolled oats made from kilned whole groats. The groats are lightly processed in steam and then flaked. These oats are certified organic – from the growing to the processing.
• These oat flakes are best when hot. Kauffman promises that the oats are nonGMO and comes loaded with healthy nutrients including fiber, protein, and iron.
• Oregon Tilth has certified the oatmeal as purely organic.
• Kauffman Fruit Farm packages the oatmeal in random weights allowing you to get as much as you need. You can use these U.S.A grown and processed oats in home baking thanks to their flaked nature. Better yet, you only need a few minutes to prepare the oatmeal.

 

Pros

• Made from kilned whole grain groats
• Certified organic by Oregon Tilth
• Chemical-free and non-GMO
• Vegan option

 

Cons

• Oatmeal can be soft when cooked
• Relatively expensive

 

6.      Royal Lee Organics Gluten-Free Oat Groats – Best Whole Oat Groats

Features

Ø  Whole grain oat groats

Ø  Gluten-free

Ø  High-pressure sealed packaging

·         The Royal Lee Organics Gluten-Free Oat Groats are have not been rolled or cut so you get the entire grain as it is from the farm. This way, you can grind the oats into flour or cook them as east them as a rice substitute.

·         You can use the oat flour in so many recipes, and it is even better than you can select the coarseness of the flour you want. It takes longer to prepare a meal but the flavor is worth the wait.

·         It is USDA organic certified, gluten-free, non-GMO and the grains come in high-pressure sealed packages.

• The package has no sodium or sugars making it very healthy. Each serving gives you 5 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein.

 

Pros

 

• Sodium and sugar free
• Highly nutritious for every serving
• Organic certified
• Can be used in so many recipes

 

Cons

• Plastic packaging is not so sustainable
• The oats might be broken in some packages

 

7.      Quaker Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – Best Oatmeal for making Oatmeal Cookies

Features

• Sodium free
• Natural oats flavor
• Rolled oats

 

• You will get four bags of oats in this package of rolled oats. That oats are ideal for making overnight oats, breakfast oatmeal, and oatmeal cookies among so many other recipes. It comes in 24-ounce resealable bags allowing you to store then in your pantry.
• Comes as sodium free wholegrain oats that you can consume with the flavor you need. Quaker recommends consuming the oats with honey, cinnamon, and fresh, or dried fruits.
• It has a neutral flavor letting you enjoy the natural flavor of whole grain oats.
• USDA certified organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free.

 

Pros

 

• Sodium-free to protect your hear
• Neutral flavor with no sweeteners and artificial colors and flavors
• Can be used in so many recipes
• Resealable bag lets you store the oatmeal in your pantry

 

Cons

• The flavor might require
• Packaging not so sustainable

 

8.      Flahavan’s Irish Steel Cut Oatmeal – Best Oatmeal to Experience Natural Taste of Oats

Features

Ø  Non-GMO

Ø  Barra oat variety

Ø  Sodium-free

·         Flahavan is a family-owned oatmeal business that has operated in Ireland for a very long time. The oats they sell are grown and processed in Ireland following strict organic farming guidelines.

·         The company promises there are no chemicals in the oatmeal, no flavoring, no artificial sweeteners, and the product is non-GMO.

·         Each package of Kosher certified organic. The oat variety used in making this oatmeal is called Barra, it is a distinctive variety with a sweet flavor.

·         This steel cut oatmeal is healthier and can be used in so many recipes.

Pros

·         Highly nutritious with a distinctive oat variety

·         Certified organic

·         No artificial flavors and sweeteners

·         Delectable and easy to prepare

Cons

·         Relatively pricey

·         Cans weak and my dent during shipping

9.      Earnest Eats Gluten-Free Superfood Oatmeal – Best Instant Breakfast Option

Features

Ø  Instant breakfast

Ø  Oats, quinoa, and amaranth

Ø  All-natural superfoods ingredients

·         If you need the best organic oatmeal for instant breakfast, the Earnest Eats oatmeal might be a great option for you. The meal comes with oats, quinoa, and amaranth. It is an ideal meal if you need a better flavor and not the natural flavor of oats.

·         Comes pre-cooked and all you need to do is add hot water and you are good to go. Some of the superfoods that make this oatmeal great include cocoa, natural nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and cashews.

·         Great flavor from fruits, nuts, and seeds considered as superfoods. All the ingredients are natural and processed in a factory that observes high standards of hygiene.

·         The non-GMO formula is organic certified. It offers you 8 grams protein and 7 grams of fiber.

Pros

·         A blend of so many superfoods besides oats

·         All-natural ingredients

·         Great taste and flavor

·         Take a minute to prepare

Cons

·         So many ingredients mask the natural flavor of oats

·         Less quantities of oats

10.  Modern Oats Apple Walnut Oatmeal – Most Flavorful Instant Oatmeal

Features

• Single-serving cup
• Fruit and nuts flavor
• Apples and walnuts included

 

• If you need nutrient-packed rolled oatmeal, the Apple Walnut Oatmeal from Modern Oats might be an excellent choice for you.
• The meal is a blend of rolled oats, apples, and walnuts to give you a great flavor and a horde of nutrients.
• The formula is non-genetically modified, and certified organic.
• Great taste from a blend of superfruits, nuts, and seeds with cane sugar sweetening.
• Packed in single-serving cuts for a quick and healthy breakfast on-the-road – the meal is pre-cooked, and all you have to do is add hot water, let the water absorb, and start eating.

 

Pros

• Instant breakfast with minimal preparation needed
• Great flavor with superfruits in its formula
• Walnuts and apples add to the nutrients from oats
• Non-genetically modified

 

Cons

• Natural taste and flavor of oats masked
• Not ideal if you do not want sugar

 

Conclusion

 

You do not have to try out all the oatmeal products on the lost above. You can pick a few that stand out and try them out. The best organic oatmeal comes in a packaging that gives you’re the exact quantity you need. Of the ten products above, the Bob’s Red Mill Instant Rolled Oats stands out more according to my review. It is not only affordably priced but also instant rolled oats, which makes it a great breakfast option. In a minute, you will be eating your breakfast. It is a vegan option that comes with all the necessary certifications for an organic product. Try it out today.