What are the ingredients in Quaker blueberry strawberry oatmeal?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

With a history stretching back to 1877, Quaker is a long-standing producer of quality oat products. When it comes to their popular Instant Quaker blueberry strawberry oatmeal, the core ingredient list is surprisingly short and straightforward, centered on wholesome whole grain oats.

Quick Summary

This article details the ingredients list for Quaker's instant blueberry strawberry oatmeal, exploring core components like whole grain oats, dried fruit, sugar, and natural flavor. It contrasts this with the 'Fruit & Cream' varieties, which contain milk derivatives.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: Quaker blueberry strawberry instant oatmeal primarily contains whole grain oats, sugar, dried blueberries, dried strawberries, natural flavor, and salt.
Dairy-Free: Unlike the 'Fruit & Cream' versions, this specific flavor does not list milk ingredients, making it a dairy-free option.
No Artificial Additives: The product is made with natural flavors and contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, or added colors.
Whole Grain Base: The primary ingredient is 100% whole grain oats, offering significant fiber and energy for breakfast.
Flavor vs. Cream: The standard blueberry strawberry offers a clean fruit and oat flavor, while the 'Fruit & Cream' variants include additional dried cream, nonfat dry milk, and preservatives for a richer texture.
Simple Preparation: Its instant format allows for quick and easy preparation by simply adding hot water or milk.

Core Ingredients in Quaker Blueberry Strawberry Oatmeal

For those wondering what are the ingredients in Quaker blueberry strawberry oatmeal, the list is concise and focuses on straightforward components. Unlike the 'cream' versions of their fruit-flavored instant oats, the standard Quaker blueberry strawberry flavor is free of milk ingredients, making it a viable option for many dairy-free diets. A typical packet contains just a handful of ingredients:

Whole Grain Oats: The primary ingredient, offering a hearty base and the central nutritional benefit of 100% whole grains. Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber, which is important for digestive health, and provide sustained energy to start your day.
Sugar: A key sweetener that provides the desired taste profile. It’s important to note that the amount of sugar can vary slightly between different Quaker products and market regions, but it is a consistent component in the instant flavored varieties.
Dried Blueberries: These small, shriveled blueberries provide the fruity, tart flavor that is characteristic of the product. Using dried fruit allows for a longer shelf life and a concentrated flavor boost.
Dried Strawberries: Similar to the blueberries, these dried strawberries contribute a sweet-tart note and the red coloring to the oatmeal.
Natural Flavor: This ingredient is a proprietary blend used to enhance and round out the fruit and oat flavors. Quaker specifies that their blueberry strawberry product is made with 'other natural flavors' and contains 'no artificial flavors'.
Salt: Included to balance the sweetness of the sugar and dried fruit, salt helps to bring out the overall flavor of the oatmeal.

Quaker's Commitment to Quality Oats

Quaker has a longstanding reputation built on its dedication to oat quality. The company states that it only uses oats that meet strict quality standards. This commitment means that each bowl starts with a base of 100% whole grain oats, regardless of the flavor chosen, ensuring a consistent and hearty foundation for your breakfast.

Nutritional Information and Product Integrity

According to nutritional information available for the Quaker Blueberry Strawberry Instant Oatmeal, each packet provides a good source of fiber and is rich in whole grains. Quaker specifically points out that their product contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, or added colors, which aligns with modern consumer preferences for cleaner labels. The preparation is also simple, typically requiring just hot water or milk, making it a quick and convenient breakfast option.

Comparison: Standard vs. "Fruit & Cream" Varieties

Understanding the subtle differences between Quaker's product lines is key for specific dietary needs or flavor preferences. The standard Blueberry Strawberry Instant Oatmeal is a simpler, dairy-free formulation, while the individual "Fruit & Cream" varieties contain additional ingredients for a richer, creamier texture and taste.

Ingredient Comparison Table


Ingredient	Blueberry Strawberry Instant Oatmeal	"Fruit & Cream" Varieties (e.g., Blueberries & Cream)	Key Difference
Whole Grain Oats	YES	YES	Present in both.
Sugar	YES	YES	Present in both.
Dried Fruit	Dried blueberries and strawberries	Dried blueberries (or other single fruit)	Specific fruit differs.
Cream/Milk Ingredients	NO (Dairy-free)	YES (Dried cream, nonfat dry milk)	Dairy added for creaminess.
Natural Flavor	YES	YES	Present in both, but flavor profile varies.
Salt	YES	YES (often with Sea Salt)	Present in both.
Preservatives	NO	YES (Tocopherols)	Tocopherols used to preserve freshness in cream variants.
Added Color	NO	YES (Vegetable juice concentrate for color)	Used in cream versions for visual appeal.

Potential Health and Dietary Considerations

While the standard Blueberry Strawberry oatmeal is a relatively simple product, it's important for consumers to consider their dietary needs. Those with dairy allergies should specifically seek out the standard version, as the "Fruit & Cream" offerings do contain milk ingredients. The product also contains added sugar, which should be factored into daily sugar intake. For individuals monitoring sugar levels, opting for plain oats and adding your own fresh fruit can be a healthier alternative.

How Ingredients Impact Flavor and Texture

The dried berries in Quaker's instant oatmeal rehydrate during preparation, softening to release their fruity taste. The natural flavor additives enhance this taste, providing a consistent and recognizable flavor profile. The salt plays a crucial role in preventing the flavor from being one-dimensionally sweet, creating a more balanced and satisfying taste. The fine milling of the instant oats, as opposed to heartier rolled oats, also contributes to the quick cooking time and smoother texture of the final product.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ingredients in Quaker blueberry strawberry oatmeal are whole grain oats, sugar, dried blueberries, dried strawberries, natural flavor, and salt. The product is formulated to be a quick, convenient, and flavorful breakfast option. It is free of artificial preservatives, flavors, and added colors, and does not contain dairy ingredients, distinguishing it from the company's "Fruit & Cream" varieties. Understanding this simple ingredient list can help consumers make informed dietary choices and appreciate the quality of the product. For more detailed nutritional breakdowns, it's always recommended to consult the product's packaging or Quaker's official website.

Visit Quaker Oats' official website for more product information

Understanding the Simple Recipe

Here is a list of the ingredients and their roles in creating the final product:

Oats: The foundation of the recipe, providing whole grains and fiber.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to enhance the flavor.
Dried Blueberries: Contributes a concentrated tart fruit flavor.
Dried Strawberries: Adds a concentrated sweet fruit flavor.
Natural Flavor: Balances and perfects the overall taste profile.
Salt: Enhances and deepens the flavors, preventing a flat taste.

This simple composition allows for quick preparation while still delivering a satisfying and fruity oatmeal experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

The standard Quaker blueberry strawberry instant oatmeal does not contain dairy ingredients. However, the 'Blueberries & Cream' and 'Strawberries & Cream' varieties, sold separately and in variety packs, do contain milk ingredients like dried cream and nonfat dry milk.

'Natural flavor' is a proprietary blend used by Quaker to enhance the taste of the oatmeal. In the blueberry strawberry flavor, it helps to perfect and balance the fruit flavors from the dried berries.

This oatmeal is made with 100% whole grain oats and is a good source of fiber. However, it does contain added sugar, so it should be consumed as part of a balanced diet. For those monitoring sugar intake, it’s best to compare it against other options.

Yes, the product contains real dried blueberries and dried strawberries. These are dehydrated to extend shelf life and are rehydrated when hot water or milk is added during preparation.

The main difference is the ingredients used to achieve the 'cream' flavor. The 'Blueberries & Cream' flavor contains dried cream, nonfat dry milk, and tocopherols for freshness, all of which are absent in the dairy-free blueberry strawberry version.

No, the Quaker blueberry strawberry instant oatmeal is specifically noted to contain no artificial preservatives, flavors, or added colors.

The sugar content in a packet is moderate compared to some cereals, providing 8 grams of total sugars, with 7 grams being added sugars. For those who prefer less sugar, plain instant oats offer an alternative.