What is the Best Brand of Oats to Buy? A Complete Guide

November 18, 2025 •

4 min read

Oats are a versatile whole grain packed with essential nutrients like fiber, protein, and antioxidants. Figuring out what is the best brand of oats to buy, however, depends entirely on your personal taste, budget, and cooking time preferences.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the different types of oats and reviews top brands like Bob's Red Mill, Quaker, and McCann's. Compare factors such as texture, processing, nutritional profile, and cost to select the perfect oats for your needs.

Key Points

Consider Your Purpose: The 'best' oat depends on whether you're making a quick breakfast, baking cookies, or want a hearty, chewy porridge.
Choose by Texture: Steel-cut oats offer a chewy texture, rolled oats are creamier, and instant oats are the softest.
For Premium Quality, Pick Bob's Red Mill: This brand is consistently praised for superior texture and excellent organic and gluten-free options.
For Budget & Convenience, Choose Quaker: The most widely available and affordable option, perfect for quick, reliable meals.
Prioritize Organic for Peace of Mind: Organic oats are grown without synthetic pesticides, offering a cleaner product compared to conventional farming methods.
Read Labels for Additives: Avoid pre-flavored instant oat packets, which often contain excessive sugar and salt. Stick to plain, whole-grain oats.

Understanding the Different Types of Oats

Before determining the best brand, it's crucial to understand the main types of oats available, as their processing directly impacts cooking time, texture, and flavor.

Steel-Cut Oats

Also known as Irish or pinhead oats, these are oat groats (the hulled kernels) that have been cut into two or three pieces with steel blades.

Processing: Least processed type.
Cooking: Take the longest to cook, typically 20–30 minutes.
Texture: Chewy, with a hearty, nutty flavor.
Best for: Savory dishes, risottos, or hearty breakfast porridge.

Rolled Oats

Also called old-fashioned oats, these are oat groats that have been steamed and then rolled into flat flakes.

Processing: More processed than steel-cut, but still whole grain.
Cooking: Cook relatively quickly, in about 5–10 minutes.
Texture: Softer and creamier than steel-cut, but still hold their shape.
Best for: Oatmeal, granola, cookies, and baked goods.

Quick or Instant Oats

These are pre-cooked, dried, rolled, and pressed into thinner flakes than rolled oats.

Processing: Most processed type of oat.
Cooking: Cook almost instantly with hot water or in the microwave.
Texture: Soft and mushy; do not hold their shape well.
Best for: Quick morning meals when time is a priority. Be aware of flavored packets with added sugars.

Leading Brands of Oats and How They Compare

While many brands produce a range of oat types, some have built a reputation for specific qualities. Below is a comparison of top brands based on extensive testing and consumer feedback.

Bob's Red Mill

Reputation: Highly regarded for texture and quality, with a wide variety of oat types, including organic and gluten-free options.
Best For: Those prioritizing premium quality and hearty texture. Their Extra Thick Rolled Oats and Organic Steel-Cut Oats are top-rated.
Gluten-Free: Known for rigorous cross-contamination testing and dedicated gluten-free facilities.

Quaker Oats

Reputation: A household name known for its convenience and accessibility. Offers a full range from Old Fashioned to Quick 1-Minute oats.
Best For: Everyday, reliable oatmeal and quick cooking. Their plain, unflavored varieties are a solid, affordable choice.
Cost: Generally more budget-friendly than specialty brands.

McCann's Imported Irish Oatmeal

Reputation: Famous for its steel-cut oats, which have a distinctive, earthy flavor.
Best For: Steel-cut purists who love a robust, chewy texture and a nutty taste.
Availability: Can be pricier and less widely available than mainstream brands.

Kodiak Cakes

Reputation: Known for its protein-enhanced products, including classic rolled oats.
Best For: Fitness enthusiasts or anyone looking for a more protein-rich start to their day.

Organic vs. Conventional Oats: What's the Difference?

When shopping for oats, you will encounter both conventional and certified organic options. While the core nutritional values of the oat kernel are the same, the difference lies in the farming practices.

Organic Oats are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. For those concerned about chemical exposure, like glyphosate, organic is the safest bet.

Conventional Oats are grown using standard farming methods, which may involve the use of weed sprays and pesticides. While testing is often done to ensure residue is within safe limits, organic processing avoids this completely.

Choosing the Right Oat for Your Recipe

Different types of oats perform better in certain applications. Here’s a quick guide:

For Classic Oatmeal: Rolled oats provide a classic creamy but textured porridge, while steel-cut oats give a heartier, chewier result. Instant oats are for when speed is the only priority.
For Baking: Rolled oats are the standard choice for cookies, muffins, and granola, as they hold their shape and provide good texture.
For Overnight Oats: Rolled oats are ideal, as they absorb the liquid overnight to create a creamy, thick consistency. Steel-cut oats are too tough for this method.
For Adding to Smoothies: Instant oats or oat flour will blend most smoothly, ensuring no chunks are left behind.

Comparison Table: Top Oat Brands


Brand	Best For	Oat Type(s)	Key Features	Cook Time	Notes
Bob's Red Mill	Premium texture, gluten-free	Steel-Cut, Extra Thick Rolled	Organic, excellent texture, gluten-free facilities	5-30 min (depends on type)	Slightly more expensive, but worth it for quality
Quaker	Convenience, affordability	Old Fashioned, Quick 1-Minute	Widely available, classic brand	1-5 min (depends on type)	Easy to find, reliable quality
McCann's	Chewy steel-cut texture	Steel-Cut	Authentic Irish taste, hearty texture	20-30 min	Can be harder to find, higher price
Kodiak Cakes	Extra protein	Rolled Oats	Added protein for satiety	5 min	Fills you up longer, good for fitness goals
Now Real Food	Organic baking	Old Fashioned Rolled	Top-rated for oatmeal cookies	5-10 min	Best for texture in baked goods

Conclusion: Which Brand is Best?

Ultimately, what is the best brand of oats to buy comes down to your priorities. For those who value a rich, chewy texture and are willing to pay more for organic or certified gluten-free options, Bob's Red Mill is a standout choice. If speed and affordability are your main drivers, Quaker Oats provides reliable, easy-to-find options. For the hearty, nutty flavor of true Irish porridge, McCann's is the definitive winner. The best advice is to consider how you plan to use your oats and select the type and brand that best suits that purpose and your personal taste. Don't be afraid to experiment to find your personal favorite!

For more in-depth nutritional comparisons between oat varieties, consult reliable resources like the health publication Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both steel-cut and rolled oats are 100% whole grain and highly nutritious. Steel-cut oats may have a slightly lower glycemic index due to their minimal processing, which leads to a slower release of energy. However, the nutritional differences are not significant, and both are excellent choices.

Oats are naturally gluten-free, but contamination with wheat, barley, or rye can occur during farming or processing. Certified gluten-free oats, like those from Bob's Red Mill, are processed in dedicated facilities to prevent cross-contamination and are safe for those with celiac disease.

For faster cooking, you can soak steel-cut oats in water overnight, which will reduce the cooking time significantly in the morning. Using a pressure cooker or instant pot is another time-saving method.

While you can use quick oats for some baking, recipes often call for rolled oats because they maintain their shape better. Quick oats can result in a softer, less textured final product.

The taste difference between organic and conventional oats is generally minimal and not noticeable to most people. The primary distinction is in the farming process, not the flavor.

To ensure the healthiest option, choose plain, unsweetened instant oats. Always check the ingredient list to avoid packets with high levels of added sugar, salt, or artificial flavors.

When choosing a brand, consider the type of oat you need, your budget, and whether you prefer organic or certified gluten-free options. Checking reviews and ingredient sourcing can also help ensure you get a high-quality product.