Oats substitutes
Oats substitutes — 4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Quinoa
Same amount as the oats
Complete protein grain.
The best substitutes for oats are quinoa, barley, or buckwheat, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- You'll taste it
- Best for —
- breakfast bowls
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of oats | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quinoabreakfast bowls | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 2 | Barleybreakfast bowls | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 3 | Buckwheatbreakfast bowls | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Ricebreakfast bowls | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Quinoa
different taste and texture
Complete protein grain.
- Best for
- breakfast bowls, baking, grain salads, protein-rich meals
Higher protein content, cooks faster.
Barley
different taste and texture
Similar whole grain with chewy texture.
- Best for
- breakfast bowls, soups, grain salads, side dishes
Takes longer to cook, chewier texture.
Buckwheat
different taste and texture
Gluten-free grain with nutty flavor.
- Best for
- breakfast bowls, baking, grain salads, gluten-free recipes
Gluten-free, nutty flavor.
Rice
different taste and texture
Different grain but similar cooking properties.
- Best for
- breakfast bowls, grain salads, side dishes, general cooking
Different texture, similar cooking method.
Questions
3 questionsWhat's the difference between rolled oats and steel-cut oats?
Rolled oats are flattened and cook faster, while steel-cut oats are whole oat groats cut into pieces and take longer to cook but have a chewier texture.
Can I use oats in baking?
Yes, oats work great in baking for cookies, muffins, and bread. They add texture and can be ground into flour.
Are oats gluten-free?
Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they're often processed in facilities that handle gluten, so look for certified gluten-free oats if you have celiac disease.
Tips for substituting oats
4 tips- Rolled oats cook faster than steel-cut oats
- Oats absorb liquid as they cook, so adjust liquid accordingly
- Toast oats before cooking for nuttier flavor
- Oats are naturally gluten-free but check for cross-contamination