What are the ingredients in Quaker bananas and cream oatmeal?

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

According to research from the USDA, oatmeal is a popular breakfast choice, offering a great source of whole grains. However, the ingredient list for instant flavored varieties like Quaker bananas and cream oatmeal differs significantly from plain oats, incorporating several additives for flavor and texture.

Quick Summary

The ingredient list for Quaker's instant bananas and cream oatmeal primarily includes whole grain oats, sugar, dried banana flakes, dried cream, and nonfat dry milk. Other components include natural flavors and a preservative.

Key Points

Core Components: Quaker bananas and cream oatmeal is built on a base of whole grain instant oats, sugar, and dried banana flakes.
Creamer System: The 'cream' flavor is derived from a powdered creamer system, which includes dried cream and nonfat dry milk for texture and taste.
Natural Flavorings: The product uses 'Natural Flavor' and added salt to enhance the overall taste, providing a consistent banana and cream profile.
Added Sugars: Unlike plain oats, the flavored instant variety contains a notable amount of added sugar, contributing to its sweetness.
Preservation: Tocopherols are included as a preservative to ensure the freshness and longevity of the ingredients.
Instant vs. Rolled: Instant oats are more processed than old-fashioned rolled oats, which contain only one ingredient and are naturally less sugary.

The Core Ingredients of Quaker Bananas and Cream Oatmeal

For many, a warm bowl of Quaker bananas and cream oatmeal is a quick and comforting start to the day. The convenience of instant oatmeal is undeniable, but it's important to understand what makes up that quick-cooking packet. The official ingredient list typically contains both staple items and added ingredients that contribute to its distinctive flavor, texture, and extended shelf life.

Primary Components

At its core, the oatmeal starts with a whole grain base, but it's the added elements that define its flavor profile. Based on product information, the main ingredients are:

Whole Grain Oats: The base of the cereal, providing fiber and energy. These are finely chopped for quicker cooking time compared to old-fashioned oats.
Sugar: A significant source of the product's sweetness. The flavored packets contain more added sugar than plain instant oatmeal.
Dried Banana Flakes: Dehydrated pieces of banana that provide the fruity taste and texture.
Salt: Used to enhance the overall flavor profile, balancing the sweetness.

Dairy and Flavor Additives

The 'cream' in the title refers to a powdered creamer system designed for stability and a creamy texture when rehydrated with hot water or milk. This is not fresh cream but a composite of powdered dairy products and other additives. Specifically, the list includes:

Dried Cream and Nonfat Dry Milk: These are powdered dairy products that give the oatmeal its creamy consistency and richness.
Natural Flavor: This additive is used to give the oatmeal a consistent and appealing banana taste, as the dried banana flakes alone might not be potent enough.
Tocopherols: This serves as a preservative to help maintain the freshness of the ingredients, particularly the fats, and prevent them from becoming rancid over time.

Breaking Down the Nutritional Profile

Understanding the nutritional content helps place the ingredient list in context. While instant oatmeal offers the benefits of whole grains, the added sugars and fats in flavored varieties can impact its overall health profile. A single serving of Quaker bananas and cream instant oatmeal generally contains:

Calories: Around 130-180 calories per packet.
Fat: Approximately 1.5-3g of total fat.
Sodium: The sodium content is higher than plain oats, often around 150-170mg.
Carbohydrates and Sugar: A typical packet contains 22-26g of total carbohydrates, with a notable amount of added sugar (often 7-12g), which is a key difference from plain oats.
Fiber: Each serving provides a modest amount of dietary fiber, typically around 2g.
Protein: A packet contains about 3-5g of protein, which can be increased by preparing it with milk or adding protein powder.

Instant Oatmeal vs. Traditional Oatmeal

The distinction between quick-cooking instant oatmeal and traditional old-fashioned rolled oats is crucial for understanding the product's composition. Traditional rolled oats contain only one ingredient: whole grain rolled oats. The instant variety undergoes more processing to speed up cooking time and has added ingredients for flavor and convenience.

Comparison Table: Instant Bananas & Cream vs. Old Fashioned Oats


Feature	Instant Bananas & Cream Oatmeal	Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
Processing	More processed (finely chopped)	Less processed (flattened flakes)
Ingredient List	Multiple additives: sugar, dried cream, flavorings, preservatives	Single ingredient: 100% whole grain rolled oats
Added Sugar	High added sugar content (e.g., 7-12g)	No added sugar
Cooking Time	90 seconds in a microwave	5-10 minutes on the stove
Convenience	Individually packaged, very fast preparation	Requires measuring and more prep time
Flavor	Pre-flavored with banana and cream	Unflavored, can be customized

Healthier Alternatives and Customizations

For those who enjoy the flavor of bananas and cream but want to avoid the added sugars and processed ingredients, several healthier options exist. You can create a similar taste profile at home with whole, less-processed ingredients.

Here is a simple list of ingredients for a DIY alternative:

100% whole grain rolled or steel-cut oats
Fresh banana slices or mashed banana
Milk of your choice (dairy, almond, oat, etc.)
A natural sweetener like a touch of maple syrup or honey (optional)
A sprinkle of cinnamon or vanilla extract

By preparing your oatmeal this way, you gain full control over the sugar content and can benefit from the fiber and nutrients in a whole, fresh banana. This method also allows you to adjust the texture and creaminess to your personal preference without relying on powdered additives.

Conclusion

While a warm bowl of Quaker bananas and cream oatmeal is a convenient and tasty breakfast, the full ingredients list goes beyond just oats and fruit. It includes added sugars, powdered milk products for creaminess, natural flavors, and preservatives to ensure freshness. For those mindful of sugar intake or seeking a less processed option, understanding the difference between instant and traditional oats is key. Fortunately, recreating a healthier, customizable version with fresh ingredients is a simple and rewarding alternative.

For more information on Quaker's products and ingredients, you can visit their official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary ingredients are whole grain oats, sugar, dried banana flakes, dried cream, nonfat dry milk, natural flavors, salt, and tocopherols to preserve freshness.

The creaminess in Quaker's instant oatmeal is derived from a powdered mix, which includes dried cream and nonfat dry milk, rather than fresh cream.

While it contains whole grains, the high level of added sugar in the bananas and cream variety makes it less healthy than plain, unflavored oatmeal. Choosing a less sugary option or making a homemade version is often healthier.

Instant oats are more finely chopped and pre-cooked to speed up preparation time compared to regular rolled oats. This also means they tend to have a softer texture.

No. The ingredients vary depending on the flavor. While all start with whole grain oats, the additives like flavorings, sugars, and coloring agents differ between varieties.

Tocopherols are a preservative added to the oatmeal to prevent fats from going rancid and to help maintain the product's freshness.

Yes, you can make a healthier homemade version using whole grain rolled oats, fresh banana slices, and milk, allowing you to control the sugar and fat content.

The label specifies 'Natural Flavor' is used in the bananas and cream flavor, distinguishing it from products that might contain artificial versions.