SaurabhRolled oats and old-fashioned oats are the same things with different names. That means there are no differences between something the same and we can’t compare them.
But I can tell you something more about rolled old-fashioned oats. What are they, how they are made, how they are used, compare them with the other types of oats, and find out what type of oats to use as their substitute. Because who doesn’t like a bowl of creamy, delicious oatmeal.
To choose the right type of oats you have to know something more about them. So, let’s start with oats, a cereal grain that grows best in wet and cold climates.
First, the oats are cleaned, then graded and dehulled. After the kilning process of drying, they are cut, rolled, or ground and prepared for use as oatmeal, flakes, or flour.
Oats have essential nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, protein, fiber, and antioxidants which can help you with health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels. They can also lower the risk of autoimmune and heart diseases.
Oats are cereal grains that don’t have gluten but can be contaminated by other grains that have gluten during the making process. So, if you are allergic to gluten, it is best to read the content on the package to be sure the oats are gluten-free.
You can find oats in 8 forms including whole oat groats, steel-cut oats-Irish oats, Scottish oats, rolled-old fashioned oats, quick oats, instant oats, oat bran, and oat flour.
Let’s learn more about each type of oats.
Different types of oats
The following type of oats have different textures, flavors, and cooking times but which one you will pick depends only on your taste.
1. Whole oat groats
Whole oat groats are oat grains with a removed hull. They have a nutty flavor and hard, chewy texture therefore they need to be soaked before cooking.
They can be also grounded into smaller pieces or oat flour. Whole oat groats need the longest time to cook from all other types of oats (30-45 minutes) and work well in various salads, stews, porridges, stuffing’s, soups, and pilafs.
2. Steel-cut oats-Irish oats
Steel-cut oats-Irish oats are cut into smaller pieces to reduce the cooking time. They have a similar nutty flavor to whole oat groats and a chewy texture.
Steel-cut oats need from 20-30 minutes to cook and they are used to make oatmeal or added to rice dishes and meatloaf.
3. Scottish oats
Scottish oats are not cut with steel blades like steel-cut oats. They are stone-ground into smaller pieces of different sizes and have a shorter cooking time of 10 minutes.
Scottish oats are usually used to make oatmeal with a creamy texture but they are also used in baked goods like oatcakes, bread, pancakes, and cereal bars.
4. Rolled-old fashioned oats
Rolled-old-fashioned oats are one of the most popular types of oats. They are made when whole oat groats are steamed, rolled, and lightly toasted to stabilize so they can cook faster and stay fresh longer. You can find rolled oats with different thicknesses.
Depending on their thickness they need 5-10 minutes to cook and have a mild flavor and soft texture. Rolled oats are used in oatmeal, muffins, oatcakes, cookies, pancakes, and muesli.
5. Quick oats
Quick oats are processed more than rolled oats to reduce their cooking time. They are steamed longer and rolled thinner than rolled oats.
So, they have a creamy, less chewy texture and shorter cooking time than rolled oats. You can cook quick oats for about 1-3 minutes to cook oatmeal or use them in pancakes, smoothies, granola, and baked goods.
6. Instant oats
Instant oats are usually confused with quick oats, but they are not the same thing.
They are milled finer and rolled thinner than quick oats. There are also some brands of instant oats that are precooked to decrease their cooking time and with added flavorings, sugar and skim milk powder.
Just add hot milk or water to a bowl of instant oats and they are ready to eat. When you are buying instant oats make sure that they don’t have other ingredients and additives except for the oats. You can use instant oats in muffins, cookies, granola bars, and other baked goods.
7. Oat Bran
Oat Bran is the outer layer of the oat grain that is removed during the production process. You can use it on its own. Or add it to cereals, baked goods, and smoothies. It will increase the fiber content and give your meal a nice nutty flavor.
Although it has a good nutritional content oat bran should be used in smaller amounts because it can alter the texture of your final product.
8. Oat flour
Oat flour is made from finely ground whole oats. It is used in baked goods, stews, soups, and many other sweet and savory recipes.
You can make oat flour at home if you have a blender and steel-cut or rolled oats. Blend 1 cup of oats until you get flour with a fine texture. Sift the flour to remove bigger pieces, then blend again. Store the oat flour in an airtight container and use it when needed.
Are Old-Fashioned Oats Same As Rolled Oats?
Old-fashioned oats are the same as rolled oats.
They are very nutritious and good for your health. One cup of rolled oats contains 6gr protein, 4gr fiber, 3 gr fat, and 150 calories. However, they also have vitamin B1, zinc, magnesium, iron, selenium, copper, manganese, and phosphorus.
You can use them to make oatmeal and top it with your favorite fruits, nuts, or seeds. But rolled oats also work well in muffins, cookies, oatcakes, and pancakes. They are gluten-free and suitable for people allergic to gluten.
Are Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats The Same As Large Flake Oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are the same as large flake oats.
You can find old-fashioned oats in the stores labeled as rolled oats or large flake oats. But you should know that they are the same type of oats.
Therefore, if your recipe calls for old-fashioned or large flake oats and all you have is rolled oats you can use them because they are the same thing with different names.
Can I Substitute Old-Fashioned Oats For Rolled Oats In Baking?
You can substitute old-fashioned oats for rolled oats in baking because they are the same type of oats with different names. However, if you don’t have any of them you can use other types of oats as a substitute for rolled oats in baking.
Quick oats are more processed than rolled oats and will give you a softer, creamy texture. You can use them as a substitute for rolled oats in baking in a 1:1 ratio. Additionally, add more liquid because quick oats absorb more liquid than rolled oats.
You will get soft baked goods with a beautiful nutty flavor and creamier texture. Note that when you are using other types of oats that are more processed you will get a different texture, flavor, and you may also have to adjust the amount of the other ingredients and the cooking time.
Final Words
Oats are one of the healthiest foods and a good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. If you want to use them in your diet, you can find different recipes in which oats are one of the ingredients.
You only have to choose the type of oats you like the most and prepare them to get the best of them. If you want to use oats in your baked goods rolled oats and quick oats will offer the best results.
What type of oats is your favorite? How are you preparing them? Share your recipes in the comment section below!
