Quinoa vs. Oatmeal

Quinoa vs. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a popular breakfast food widely known for its health benefits. When combined with protein-rich ingredients like peanut butter, protein powder and flaxseed meal, oats are an excellent way to consume more protein during mealtime. That being so, oats are not the only way to incorporate essential nutrients like protein into your weekly menu. If you're looking to boost your intake of protein-rich foods, we suggest swapping the oats for quinoa. Quinoa is the perfect way to upgrade your daily breakfast and ensure that you're meeting protein requirements. Read on as we take a closer look at the nutritional differences between quinoa vs. oatmeal.

What Is Quinoa?

quinoa Though often described as a whole grain, quinoa is a pseudocereal. Botanically, pseudocereals do not match the definition of whole grains. However, they share many of the same qualities. Therefore, pseudocereals like quinoa can be cooked and eaten similarly to whole grains. The main difference is that whole grains originate from grass, whereas pseudocereals emanate from seeds. The Three Main Types of Quinoa

White Quinoa

White quinoa is the most common quinoa. It features a light nutty flavor and fluffy texture, making it an excellent rice substitute. Aside from using white quinoa as a rice alternative, it also makes a perfect base for grain-based salads and provides an added boost of protein.

Red Quinoa

Red quinoa is another type of quinoa that you'll typically find on grocery store shelves. It is slightly crunchier than white quinoa and has a deep red tint. You can use red quinoa to create various meals, including buddha bowls, salads and soups.

Black Quinoa

Black quinoa is not as common as the other two types. It has a crunchy texture and nutty flavor and is usually only found at specialty stores. You can use black quinoa in all the same ways that red and white quinoa are used.

What Is Oatmeal?

Now that you've studied the different types of quinoa, it's time to compare this pseudocereal with oats. Oatmeal is a popular breakfast food that consists of oats and a liquid like water or plant-based milk. Oatmeal is full of good-for-you vitamins and minerals and is one of the most nutritious breakfast meals.

The Three Main Types of Oats

Old fashioned rolled oats in burlap bag on wood table Take a moment to review the most popular types of oats below to determine which to use in your upcoming recipe.

Quick Cooking Rolled Oats

Quick Cooking Rolled Oats are oats rolled extra thin to help reduce cooking time. Cooked in just minutes, make your morning bowl of oatmeal in less time than it takes to brew a pot of coffee. Oats are an excellent option if looking for a quick and healthy meal.

Steel Cut Oats

We make our Bob's Red Mill Steel Cut Oats from kiln toasted whole grain oat groats. The groats are cut into small pieces on a steel burr mill to make a decadent full-bodied hot cereal that will satisfy your oatmeal cravings. A good source of soluble fiber, these oats also offer five grams of protein per serving.

Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

Gluten free and organic, Bob's Red Mill Old Fashioned Rolled Oats are made by rolling whole oat groats on steel rollers. As a result, they have a faster cooking time than steel cut oats, making creating a creamy bowl of warm oats easier than ever. Use these gluten free oats to make oatmeal, or add them to your favorite baked goods recipes.

Cooking Methods

Cooking Quinoa

Cooking quinoa to perfection is a simple process. The two most popular ways to cook quinoa include cooking it on the stovetop and cooking it in a multi cooker. No matter how you decide to cook it, we recommend using twice as much water as quinoa. Doing so will result in the perfect, fluffy quinoa every time.

Cooking Oatmeal

The type of oat you choose to create oatmeal will drastically affect the cooking time. Whole oats take the longest to cook since the oat bran protects them. Instant oats, however, are more processed and can be cooked in just a few minutes. The recipe you choose and your taste preferences will determine which type of oats you use when making meals. While quinoa requires a 1:2 ratio of liquid to grain when cooking, oats require a 1:4 ratio for a creamy result and a 1:3 ratio for a more rice-like finish. oatmeal

Benefits of Quinoa

If quinoa sounds like something you'd like to work into your diet, continue scrolling to learn more about its health benefits.

Quinoa Is Gluten Free

Quinoa is naturally gluten free and is an excellent substitute for gluten-containing grains like spelt, farro and durum wheat.

Quinoa Is Rich in Nutrients

Quinoa is a source of protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. This unique combination makes quinoa one of the few complete plant protein sources. But protein isn't the only nutrient that makes quinoa great for you. Quinoa also contains minerals like iron and magnesium, making it an excellent addition to any healthy diet.

Quinoa Is Good for Your Gut

Quinoa contains gut-loving fiber and antioxidants, which can aid digestion and boost overall gut health. For even easier digestion, quinoa can be soaked or sprouted.

Benefits of Oatmeal

Oatmeal has several benefits. Here are a few of the most widely recognized.

Oatmeal Is Nutritious

Oatmeal is an excellent meal to add to your weekly menu and is a source of healthy carbohydrates, fiber and high-quality protein. Oatmeal also contains a good balance of essential amino acids, used by the body to make proteins for various functions like breaking down food and repairing body tissue. blueberry bars

Oatmeal Is Versatile

Though oatmeal is usually enjoyed as a warm breakfast, you can eat it any time of the day. Oatmeal can be used to replace pilafs, added to smooths, or turned into savory dinner meals. The possibilities are endless!

Oatmeal Is Filling

Oatmeal is a source of complex carbohydratesa carb that digests more slowly. The slower digestion time of oatmeal helps increase feelings of fullness and provides long-lasting stable energy. So start your morning off right and enjoy a bowl of oatmeal to remain energized and alert on days when you need it most.

Quinoa Recipes

If you'd like to incorporate quinoa into your diet after reading about the benefits, choose from one of the recipes below.

Ensalada de Quinoa

Are you craving a salad that's a bit more filling than your usual bowl of greens? Try swapping those greens for quinoa. Red quinoa is an excellent base for all types of salad and tastes great when combined with seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs. Create a salad that your family will love and make this Ensalada de Quinoa. This dish is made with our Organic Red Quinoa, yellow corn kernels, lima beans, queso fresco, red onion and cilantro to create a citrus-infused flavor that will leave you full and satisfied.

Quinoa Sliders

Quinoa Sliders Are you looking for ways to make exciting game-day meals without ditching your diet? The next time you're on the hunt for a game-day snack, try out these Quinoa Sliders. These sliders are loaded with whole food nutrition and made with our Organic Quinoa Grain, eggs, bread crumbs and green onions. Easy to customize, these quinoa slides are ideal for accommodating all types of eaters. Make these sliders gluten free by swapping traditional bread crumbs for gluten free ones.

Oatmeal Recipes

Find all of the oatmeal inspiration you need and check out the recipes below.

Oatmeal Pancakes

Oatmeal isn't just for making porridge-like breakfast bowls. It can also help create some pretty delicious baked goods. Take these Oatmeal Pancakes, for example. In this recipe, Gluten Free Quick Cooking Rolled Oats and Gluten Free Oat Flour are combined with baking powder to create a fluffy and delicious pancake recipe sans gluten. Easy to customize and jam-packed with protein, it's an excellent option for gluten free individuals.

Cheesy Oatmeal

Cheesy Oatmeal If you're an oatmeal fanatic, chances are you already have a list of sweet oatmeal recipes to choose from. But every true oatmeal fan knows that it's the savory recipes that take this superfood to the next level. So the next time you're craving comfort food, make a bowl of this Cheesy Oatmeal. Creamy, cheesy and downright delicious, top this oatmeal off with caramelized onion, bacon, sauteed mushrooms and spinach for a healthy dinner different from your usual bowl of oats. Use this guide to decide whether quinoa or oats better suit your lifestyle and taste preferences. Whether you choose to create an oat-based breakfast or a savory quinoa dinner (or both), we're confident the result will be delicious. From the Bob's Red Mill family to yours, happy cooking!  
Bob's Red Mill
May 24 2022

Comments