12 Best Oatmeal in 2023 [Tested and Reviewed]

McCann's Quick Cooking Rolled Oats are made exclusively with whole grain, non-GMO Irish oats.

Preparing this oatmeal is simple: just add water and microwave for two minutes. It's a stress-free option for busy mornings.

With 10 grams of dietary fiber per 100 grams, it offers more fiber than the average oatmeal, which typically contains nine grams. The nutrients in the oats are well-preserved, so even a small serving can provide health benefits. Plus, at only 350 calories, you can enjoy it guilt-free.

When served hot, the oatmeal's natural aroma and flavor shine. It's not overly grainy but lets you savor the pleasant roasted scent of the oats. The texture is soft and pleasantly creamy and has just the right chewiness.

The texture becomes softer and creamier when prepared as overnight oats. Though not a firm oatmeal, if you like this kind of texture, you'll enjoy this option.

This oatmeal is perfect for daily enjoyment, packed with dietary fiber. It's an excellent choice for those looking to support their diet or pursue health-conscious goals.

KIND's Apple Cinnamon Almond oatmeal is free from gluten and genetically modified ingredients. It also doesn't contain any artificial flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners.

Preparation is a breeze. Just add water or milk and stir for about two minutes, or pop it in the microwave. Since it doesn't require much effort, it's perfect for stress-free mornings. Plus, with 9.3 grams of dietary fiber per 100 grams, it's a great source of fiber, allowing you to reach your daily intake without overeating.

One of the appealing features of this product is how delicious it tastes served hot. The aroma of sweet cinnamon and apples combined with the roasted scent of the oats is delightfully appetizing, reminiscent of apple pie. The texture is enhanced by the crisp apples and almonds, which pair well with the chewy oatmeal.

When prepared as overnight oats, there’s a nice contrast between the harder texture of the sliced almonds and apple chunks and the softness of the oatmeal. Since the overall texture, even with milk, is a bit light and thin, it might not suit those who prefer a creamier texture. However, testers noted that it was as easy to eat as a typical breakfast cereal.

The only drawback is the higher calorie content. With 395 calories per 100 grams, it's one of the higher-calorie flavored options. Since it includes fruit and nuts and is very tasty, it's wise to be mindful of overeating.

This oatmeal is convenient, sweet, and delicious, making it a great choice for those who looking to incorporate oatmeal into their daily routine.

Quaker's Instant Oatmeal in the original flavor is made with 100% whole-grain oats. It's free from artificial preservatives, added colors, and artificial flavors.

With a generous 10.7 grams of dietary fiber per 100 grams, you can expect significant health benefits without having to consume a large quantity. Additionally, at 357 calories per 100 grams, you can enjoy it guilt-free.

Another appealing feature of this product is its incredibly short cooking time of 60 seconds. Just pour boiling water over the oatmeal and stir, and it's ready to eat. It's perfect for busy mornings or as a snack during break time.

When prepared as hot oatmeal, it has a toasty, nutty aroma, and the absence of any unnatural added flavors earned high praise. The texture is creamy, but each grain maintains a satisfying bite.

Preparing it as overnight oats increases the creaminess, with some of the testers mentioning that it was like eating thick cereal. The texture became almost liquid-like, earning only moderate ratings. It may be best eaten as a snack rather than a meal replacement.

This product is ideal for those looking for oatmeal that's easy to prepare and provides a solid intake of dietary fiber.

Quaker's Quick 1-Minute Oats are non-GMO project verified and made with 100% whole grain oats. They provide the perfect base to flavor with nuts, cinnamon, brown sugar, and more.

The preparation is as simple as pouring water over the oatmeal and microwaving it for one minute. This incredibly convenient option will appeal to those hoping to shorten their breakfast prep or snack time when they're busy. Additionally, with 10 grams of dietary fiber per 100 grams, it offers more fiber than average, so you can meet your daily needs just by eating the recommended amount.

As this oatmeal is plain, there are no unnatural aromas when prepared hot, and the rich, toasty scent typical of oats is subtle. It tends to absorb a lot of moisture, resulting in a nice creaminess and an enjoyably soft texture.

When prepared as overnight oats, the texture becomes quite creamy and runny. Although the thinner consistency makes it easy to eat, the light taste may leave you feeling unsatisfied if you're looking to replace a full meal.

Another point to note is that, at 375 calories per 100 grams, the calorie count is somewhat high for a non-flavored product. If you top it with syrup or fruit, it can easily become higher in calories than a typical breakfast cereal, so be mindful not to overeat.

This product is suitable for those looking for something that can be prepared effortlessly, even when busy, and is rich in dietary fiber.

Bakery On Main's Cranberry Apple Almond oatmeal cup is a delightful blend that includes cranberries, cinnamon, apples, and almonds. Certified gluten-free, it's promoted as a nutritious oatmeal option.

With 9.25 grams of fiber per 100 grams, this oatmeal contains more than the average, allowing you to enjoy the health benefits even with a smaller serving.

Preparation is quick and easy, requiring just two minutes in the microwave. Simply add water and heat up for a quick breakfast on busy mornings.

When enjoyed as hot oatmeal, the aroma is a pleasing mix of the toasty oats and the fruity sweetness of cranberries. The texture combines the crispness of the fruit with the plump, chewy oatmeal, providing a satisfying bite even in small quantities.

If you prefer overnight oats, the oatmeal becomes softer, and the milk it's soaked in creates a slightly thicker consistency. The chewiness also remains robust, offering a similar taste as when prepared as hot oatmeal.

One drawback is the higher calorie content of 388 calories per 100 grams due to the sweet flavoring. However, since the recommended serving size is 54 grams per cup, you don't have to be overly cautious about overindulging. If you're looking for a flavorful option that you can enjoy regularly, this product is highly recommended.

Bob's Red Mill's Gluten Free Brown Sugar Maple Oatmeal Cup stands out for its commitment to sustainability, omitting a lid on the cup as part of their SDGs initiative. This oatmeal features a blend of three types of oats: quick-cooking rolled oats, old-fashioned rolled oats, and stone-ground Scottish oatmeal.

This product impresses with a substantial 11.4 grams of dietary fiber per 100 grams, one of the highest amounts among the products we tested. Just one cup (61 grams) is enough to reap the health benefits. However, at 393 calories per 100 grams, those watching their calories should stick to the recommended serving size.

With a cooking time of just three minutes, this oatmeal is quick and convenient. Though it requires two rounds of microwaving, the overall process is fast and hassle-free.

When enjoyed as hot oatmeal, the smooth sweetness of maple syrup tantalizes the taste buds. The soft oats blend well with the syrup's smooth texture, and the crunch of the chia seeds adds a fun twist.

As overnight oats, the oatmeal becomes even softer, and the combination of chewy oats and firm chia seeds creates a delightful texture. The addition of milk makes the flavor milder and even easier to eat as a sweet snack.

This oatmeal is perfect for those who love a sweet, hot breakfast with a unique texture. It's a flavorful option that's also a healthy choice.

Quaker's Old Fashioned Rolled Oats are a wholesome breakfast option made entirely from organic whole-grain rolled oats. With no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, it's a natural and pure choice for your morning meal.

The standout feature of these oats is their low calorie content. At around 352 calories per 100 grams, you can enjoy them daily. The fiber content is slightly less than other rolled oats at 8.8 grams per 100 grams but still sufficient.

Preparing these oats is a breeze. Just add water and microwave for three minutes. While it might take slightly longer than instant or quick types, this is still convenient among rolled oats, and the wait time is hardly a hassle.

When served as hot oatmeal, the aroma is pleasantly natural, with a subtle toasty sweetness that's just right. The texture is a bit creamy, which might not suit those who prefer a crunchy cereal-like feel, but the chewiness of each grain adds a satisfying bite.

As overnight oats, these grains absorb the milk well, resulting in plump oats with a thick and creamy texture. The chewiness provides a satisfying eating experience, especially if you like your oatmeal on the softer side.

Quaker's Maple & Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal is made from 100% whole-grain oats. Each box contains approximately 4.5 pounds of oats, with 48 packets in a box.

The preparation is incredibly simple. Just pour hot water or microwave for one minute. It's perfect for those looking for oatmeal that can be prepared quickly and easily every day.

However, the sweet flavoring leads to a slightly high-calorie count of 372 per 100 grams, and the dietary fiber content is extremely low at 6.9 grams. The inclusion of additives like sugar and salt, along with the processing that cuts the fiber content, makes this product less suitable for those watching their diet.

When eaten as hot oatmeal, the rich, sweet aroma of maple syrup and brown sugar is prominent. While those who prefer the natural toasty flavor of oats might find it lacking, it's a great option for those seeking something sweet and delicious to enjoy regularly. The oatmeal is creamy, and the oats have a satisfying chewy texture.

As overnight oats, the sweetness seems slightly subdued. Although the texture is creamy, the individual grains retain some shape, and some testers likened the experience to eating a soft breakfast cereal. This unique texture received high praise.

Bob's Red Mill Organic Extra Thick Rolled Oats is a product that prides itself on its firm and chewy texture. It's also low in saturated fat and rich in fiber.

This oatmeal takes just three minutes to prepare, whether soaked in hot water or microwaved. While it takes a bit longer than instant or quick oats, it's relatively quick compared to other rolled oat products.

When prepared as hot oatmeal, it offers a firm and chewy texture with a bit of creaminess, allowing you to enjoy the texture of the individual oat grains. The aroma is pleasantly natural, with a hint of sweet nuttiness, but the lack of a toasty flavor made it feel somewhat bland and resulted in a moderate rating.

If you choose to make overnight oats, the aroma of the grains becomes more pronounced. However, compared to eating it hot, there was less thickness and creaminess, giving it a soup-like texture. Some tasters commented that it wasn’t satisfying or filling.

Additionally, the 8 grams of fiber per 100 grams is less than expected. While you might want to consume a bit more to compensate, be aware that the 393 calories per 100 grams is slightly above average, so you'll be adding extra calories, too.

Happy Belly, an Amazon own brand, makes their steel cut oatmeal with 100% whole grain oats and without any artificial flavors. It's recommended to store this product in a place with 45% to 55% humidity.

With 10 grams of fiber per 100 grams, it earned high marks in the fiber category. Although the 375 calories per 100 grams is slightly above average, the minimal processing of the oats means that less fiber is removed. This retains the potential health benefits, even with a smaller serving.

However, the minimal processing also means that it requires at least 6 minutes of microwaving, which is a drawback. It may not be the best option when you're in a hurry.

When prepared as hot oatmeal, the texture is firm, and the chewy individual grains provide a satisfying bite and are filling even in small quantities. On the other hand, the strong, unique grain aroma might not suit those unfamiliar with oatmeal. This led to a lower rating for taste.

Though steel cut oats are generally recommended for heated preparation and not for overnight oats, this product had a faint corn-like toasty aroma that some testers found appetizing. However, the crunchy texture without much creaminess made it harder to eat, resulting in a moderate rating.

McCann's Traditional Steel Cut Oats is a product made from 100% Irish whole-grain oats with no added sugars.

With 10 grams of fiber per 100 grams, you can reap the health benefits without having to consume a large quantity. Plus, at 350 calories, it's a guilt-free option too.

However, the need to simmer for about 30 minutes makes preparation a hassle. Constant stirring and heat monitoring on the stove are required, so it might not be the best choice for those looking for a quick daily option.

When prepared as hot oatmeal, the aroma is subtle with just a faint hint of toasty oats. On the other hand, the texture received high marks for its crisp, firm bite. Compared to the runny, creamy texture of instant or quick oats, this product is filling even in small quantities.

As for overnight oats, the texture was found to be hard and difficult to chew, leading to a lower rating. Testers felt like they were eating nuts soaked in milk, which was hard to enjoy. This product is best suited for preparation as hot oatmeal.

Quaker's Organic Steel Cut Oats are made exclusively from organic whole grain rolled oats, certified by the USDA. This product is promoted as an option low in saturated fats and cholesterol.

Containing 10 grams of fiber per 100 grams, this oatmeal allows you to easily meet your fiber intake goals. However, with 375 calories per 100 grams, it received a moderate rating in terms of calorie content.

One downside is the need to simmer for at least 25 minutes, which led to a lower rating. The constant stirring and heating required make it a time-consuming option that's not ideal for every day.

When cooked as hot oatmeal, the aroma is slightly sweet and toasty, which earned it high marks. The texture is nice and creamy, and the oats are firm and chewy.

On the other hand, when prepared as overnight oats, the texture was likened to finely crushed hard nuts, as the oats hardly absorbed any milk. The lack of creaminess and chewiness resulted in a lower rating. These steel cut oats are particularly firm compared to other brands, making them a poor choice for methods that don't involve heating.