The Difference Between Quick and Old Fashioned Oats

Q: Is there a difference between Quick Oats and Old-Fashioned oats? 

A: Here’s exactly what Quaker has to say about that.

“Quaker Old Fashioned Oats are whole oat groats that are rolled to flatten them. They contain all parts of the oat grain including the bran, endosperm and germ portion. Quick Quaker Oats are made the same way but are simply cut into slightly smaller pieces so they cook faster.”

They go on to say…

“Instant Quaker Oats use the exact same oats, only they are rolled a little bit thinner and cut finer so that they cook very quickly. Additionally, they have some flavoring ingredients added.”

However, there is one other difference that they don’t mention, quick oats have a higher glycemic index than old-fashioned oats.  This is due to the fact that they are more readily digested and absorbed because of the smaller particle size (thus higher surface area). 

But in reality, most people should not worry about being this nit-picky.  If you’re eating oatmeal then you’re doing good - assuming you don’t add sugar, honey, and/or butter.

Yours in health,

Dr Clay