What is the Difference Between Gluten Free Rolled Oats, and Gluten Free Steel Cut Oats? - Eating Gluten Free (2024)

No matter what season it is, oatmeal is a great breakfast option. It is delicious, hearty, satisfying, and highly nutritious. A hot bowl of oatmeal or some cool overnight oats eaten early in the morning can keep you full until lunchtime.

Do you love oats, but worry about gluten in them? Things are now looking up for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease as they can have oats without worrying about gluten from cross-contamination. While oats are naturally gluten free, the way they are processed and packaged can cause trouble.

What are Gluten-Free Rolled Oats?

Today, gluten-free rolled oats are easily available at most supermarkets. Oats are naturally gluten-free, however it is in the harvesting and manufacturing process that oats can become contaminated with gluten from other products made in the facility.

To ensure that oats are completely gluten free, farmers harvest with gluten free equipment and then manufacturers package their products with care in a separate dedicated facility.

For those who are keeping a strict gluten-free diet, you should very carefully read the label of any oats before you consume them. Oats have a high instance of cross-contamination because of the facilities that they are packaged in.

We also encourage you to look for purity protocol oats because then you can trace the oats from the source to ensure they are gluten free. All our oats are packed in a dedicated GF facility and tested to 5 parts per million for cross-contamination.

All the oats we sell are purity protocol gluten free oats. You can shop the wide variety of oats here and don’t forget you get FREE shipping on all orders $25+ automatically at checkout.

Including Oats in Your Diet

Gluten-freerolled oats are the perfect way to add fiber to your diet. If you aren’t accustomed to including oats and oatmeal in your diet, below we will explain the differences between oat varieties and how you can include them in your meals beyond just breakfast.

What are Rolled Oats?

Rolled oats are often referred to as old-fashioned or whole oats. These have an irregular flat oval shape. Processing begins with steaming the oat grain. Steaming the oat groats makes them soft. They are then run through a set of rollers that flattens them.

These rolled oats cook faster than steel-cut oats. Rolled oats can also absorb more liquid and hold onto their shape when cooking. Aside from oatmeal, they are commonly used in baked goods, muffins, cookies, granola and, granola bars.

What is the Difference Between Gluten Free Rolled Oats, and Gluten Free Steel Cut Oats? - Eating Gluten Free (1)

Instant oats are also used by many people in place of rolled oats. However, it is important when following a recipe to use the type of oats indicated or the final dish won’t have the same kind of texture.

What are Steel-Cut Oats?

Steel-cut oats are also known as Scottish oats or Irish oats. This oat type is usually processed by chopping the whole oat groat. It is cut into two or three pieces and not rolled. Steel-cut oats lookquite similar to rice which has been cut into small pieces.

Steel-cut oats can take twice as long to cook as rolled oats and usually have a chewy texture. Cooking does not change the shape of steel-cut oats. Steel-cut oats are most commonly used for porridge, but some recipes call for using them in meatloaf or to give added texture to stuffing.

What is the Difference Between Gluten Free Rolled Oats, and Gluten Free Steel Cut Oats? - Eating Gluten Free (2)

The primary difference between steel-cut oats rolled oats, and gluten-free rolled oats are related to how the oat groat is actually processed. The difference is usually quite insignificant in terms of micronutrients.

If you love oats, be sure to buy oats that are high-quality and manufactured in a facility that guarantees a process that is free of cross-contamination.

The Eating Gluten Free online shop offers gluten-free rolled oats, steel cut oats, and quick oats all packaged by our co-packer and are guaranteed to be gluten-free. Visit our shop to stock up on these and some of your other favorite gluten-free long term food storage products.

As a nutrition and gluten-free food enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the field, I want to emphasize the importance of making informed choices when it comes to incorporating oats into a gluten-free diet. The article touches upon various concepts related to oats, gluten, and their processing, and I'll break down the key points to provide a comprehensive understanding.

  1. Gluten in Oats:

    • Oats are naturally gluten-free, making them an excellent option for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
    • However, the potential for gluten contamination arises during the harvesting and manufacturing process.
  2. Gluten-Free Rolled Oats:

    • Gluten-free rolled oats are readily available in most supermarkets.
    • The key lies in ensuring that oats are harvested using gluten-free equipment and packaged in dedicated facilities to prevent cross-contamination.
    • It is crucial for those on a strict gluten-free diet to carefully read labels and look for purity protocol oats, which are traced from the source to guarantee gluten-free status.
  3. Including Oats in Your Diet:

    • Gluten-free rolled oats are an excellent source of fiber, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
    • The article encourages the inclusion of oats beyond breakfast, highlighting their versatility in various dishes.
  4. Types of Oats:

    • Rolled Oats:

      • Also known as old-fashioned or whole oats.
      • Processed by steaming the oat grain and then flattening them with rollers.
      • Cook faster than steel-cut oats, absorb more liquid, and maintain their shape.
      • Commonly used in baked goods, muffins, cookies, granola, and granola bars.
    • Steel-Cut Oats:

      • Also known as Scottish or Irish oats.
      • Processed by chopping the whole oat groat into two or three pieces without rolling.
      • Have a chewy texture and take longer to cook compared to rolled oats.
      • Often used for porridge, and in some recipes for added texture in dishes like meatloaf and stuffing.
    • Instant Oats:

      • Mentioned briefly, as they are an alternative to rolled oats, but emphasis is placed on using the correct type of oats for specific recipes to achieve the desired texture.
  5. Quality and Manufacturing:

    • Emphasis on purchasing high-quality oats manufactured in facilities that guarantee a gluten-free process without cross-contamination.

In summary, the article provides valuable insights into the gluten-free nature of oats, the importance of processing methods, and the versatility of oats in various dishes. For individuals seeking gluten-free options, it's crucial to be vigilant about the sourcing, processing, and labeling of oats to ensure a safe and healthy dietary choice.

What is the Difference Between Gluten Free Rolled Oats, and Gluten Free Steel Cut Oats? - Eating Gluten Free (2024)
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