The best way to start your day is by having a healthy bowl of oats. When we were kids, our moms knew how to make oats healthy and fun to eat. Indeed mom’s magic.
But are the oats made by the Quaker company healthy? We shall find that out in this article.
Let’s dive into it!
Are Quaker Oats Healthy?
Many get dubious when they see companies making and manufacturing healthy meals, like oatmeal. They get concerned if there are any preservatives added or if the package has MSG.
Before jumping to a conclusion, we need to run an ingredient analysis to determine if Quaker Oats are healthy.
Ingredient Analysis:
Quaker Oats have a variety of flavors available in the market. The main ingredients they add are-
- Whole Grain Oats
- Salt
- Reduced Iron
- Calcium Carbonate
The original flavor does not have additives. On the other hand, some flavored ones contain tocopherols as an additive for preserving freshness in oats. They are safe for consumption.
We can see one flavored oats ingredients:
WHOLE GRAIN OATS, SUGAR, DRIED STRAWBERRIES, SALT, DRIED CREAM, NATURAL FLAVOR, NONFAT DRY MILK, SEA SALT, DRIED VEGETABLE JUICE CONCENTRATE (COLOR), TOCOPHEROLS
Quaker® Instant Oatmeal – Strawberries and Cream Ingredients
| S. No. | Criteria | Original Oats | Flavored Oats |
| 1. | Whole ingredients | Yes | Yes |
| 2. | Artificial ingredients | No | No |
| 3. | Level of Processing | High | High |
| 4. | Harmful ingredients | No | No |
| 5. | Carbs to Fibre Ratio | (4.5/1) | (11/1) |
| 6. | Glycemic index | Low (55) | Low (55) |
Nutritional Info Analysis:
| S. No. | Head | Nutritional Facts per Serving (28g) | Nutritional Facts per Pack (252g) |
| 1. | Calories | 100 | 900 |
| 2. | Fat | 2 g | 18 g |
| 3. | Sodium | 75 mg | 0.675 g |
| 4. | Carbohydrate | 70 g | 630 g |
| 5. | Dietary Fibre | 1 g | 9 g |
Hence, it is a calorie-moderate product. An adult male should consume between 2000 to 3000 Calories per day. Eating it in proper proportions can be beneficial.
Product Suitability:
Based on the above-detailed analysis, we can easily conclude for whom this product is suitable.
| S. No. | Suitable for | Original Oats | Flavored Oats |
| 1. | Vegans | Yes | Yes |
| 2. | Diabetes | Yes | Yes |
| 3. | Vegetarian | Yes | Yes |
| 4. | PBWF Diet | Yes | Yes |
| 5. | Keto | No | No |
| 6. | Gluten-Free | Yes | Yes |
It is rich in carbohydrates and unsuitable for a ketogenic diet.
Allergy Alert
Some flavored oats may contain:
- Nuts
- Milk (if the consumer is lactose intolerant)
Check before consuming.
Pros & Cons
Before concluding, let’s review the pros and cons of Quaker Oats to understand if they are healthy.
Pros:
- All natural ingredients are used.
- They have a low glycemic index and will not cause a sudden spike in your blood sugar levels.
- They are Trans Fat-Free and do not have any MSG.
Cons:
- Excessive consumption can lead to bloating, gas issues, and stomach.
- Too much consumption can also cause malnutrition, muscle mass shedding, nutritional palate limitation, and weight gain.
Verdict: Are Quaker Oats Healthy?
To summarize, yes, Quaker Oats are healthy and safe for consumption. It is a fiber-rich breakfast that adds the goodness of milk, fruits, nuts, and more. The best part is you can add your own fresh fruits to your bowl or also use the oats flour to prepare other delicious, healthy meals.
FAQs
1. If I need milk, how does it make it vegan?
Replace cow milk with soy milk or almond milk. Oats are great for vegans as you are not restricted to cow’s milk.
2. Can I eat Quaker Oats every day?
Though Quaker Oats are extremely healthy, we recommend bringing diversity to your breakfast and not consuming oats daily. You also need other vitamins and minerals in your body that come from other foods.
3. Are instant oats healthy?
Yes, oats in any form are healthy for you. Instant oats also give you the same nutrition as regular ones.
While understanding the health benefits of Quaker Oats, it’s also intriguing to explore if Pop-Tarts are considered healthy for a breakfast option.
