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Out of oats?

Oats substitutes

Oats is Whole grain cereal commonly used in breakfast and baking.

Use this

Quinoa

Use the same amount as the oats you are replacing

Taste and texture differBest for breakfast bowls

The best substitutes for oats are quinoa, barley, or buckwheat, depending on the use.

At a glance

Every oats substitute on one screen. Tap a name for detail.

Oats substitutes compared
#SubstituteInstead of oats, use
1QuinoaSame amount
2BarleySame amount
3BuckwheatSame amount
4RiceSame amount

Every oats substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

Substitutes for Oats with ratios

  1. 1. Quinoa

    Taste and texture differ

    Use the same amount

    Complete protein grain

    What changes
    Best for
    breakfast bowls, baking, grain salads, protein-rich meals

    Higher protein content, cooks faster

  2. 2. Barley

    Taste and texture differ

    Use the same amount

    Similar whole grain with chewy texture

    What changes
    Best for
    breakfast bowls, soups, grain salads, side dishes

    Takes longer to cook, chewier texture

  3. 3. Buckwheat

    Taste and texture differ

    Use the same amount

    Gluten-free grain with nutty flavor

    What changes
    Best for
    breakfast bowls, baking, grain salads, gluten-free recipes

    Gluten-free, nutty flavor

  4. 4. Rice

    Taste and texture differ

    Use the same amount

    Different grain but similar cooking properties

    What changes
    Best for
    breakfast bowls, grain salads, side dishes, general cooking

    Different texture, similar cooking method

Tips for substituting oats

  • 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

Questions about oats substitutes

What'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.

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