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Dani Spies is a Certified Health and Nutrition Counselor, Fitness Trainer and Mom who is passionate about finding simple ways to make real, whole, nutrtious foods a part of an everyday kitchen. More about Dani »

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Steel Cut vs. Rolled Oats

I'm a visual person.  I tend to understand things better when I see them.  So I thought it might be helpful to actually show you the visual difference between Steel Cut and Rolled Oats.  As you can see, the rolled oats (on the left) look more like flakes and the steel cut oats (on the right) look more like kernels.
 
Like I mentioned before, that's because Rolled Oats are more processed whereas the Steel Cut Oats are less processed and closer to their original, whole form. Calorie for calorie there is no nutritional difference, but the extra steps in the processing of rolled oats does diminish some of the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) that oats have to offer (things like Magnesium and Selenium).
 
Again, either choice makes for an exceptionally d'lishes and nutritious breakfast!!

If you're looking for a yummy way to eat your Oats, check out my "Pear Cobbler" Oatmeal.
 
 

Comments

Krista :

I haven't used steel cut oats before but am planning on trying them soon.
Can you use steel cut oats to replace rolled oats in recipes? I make my own granola and have several bread recipes that include rolled oats. Would steel cut work?

posted on February 29, 2008 7:18 PM

Dani :

Krista - As far as know, you can't use steel cut oats for for baking. They take much longer to cook than rolled oats and would not cook through in time. When you buy them you will see how different they are in their raw state, they are like little, hard pebbles.
If anyone out there has baked with them, we'd love to hear your secrets.

posted on March 1, 2008 9:07 AM

Krista :

Thanks Dani,
Yes, once I bought them I realized I could have answered my own question! I think I'll be keeping both on hand - thanks for taking the time to answer my question.

posted on March 2, 2008 9:13 AM

Brooke :

Hi,
I too am looking for steel cut oat recipes.
Bread in particular.

Thanks.
Brooke

posted on March 18, 2008 6:14 AM

Dani :

Brooke - Like I mentioned before, steel cut oats don't really work when it comes to baking. You are better off sticking to rolled oats.

posted on March 20, 2008 10:13 AM

Kevin :

Before using steel cut oats in a recipe, you might soak them in water for 30 min or so before incorporating them into your recipe.

posted on April 17, 2008 8:29 AM

Dani :

Kevin - great tips...thanks!

posted on April 19, 2008 3:07 PM

Benjamin :

Thanks, been trying out steel cut oats for breakfast after reading about their benefits. Wasn't sure whether to go with Rolled Oats or Steel cut oats; wanted the one with the most nutritional value.

The thing is that I notice with 4 tablespoons of steel cut oat would make one serving for me but I need almost double of rolled oats so wouldn't that mean consuming more nutrients and fiber?

posted on July 30, 2010 7:50 AM

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