Out of Oats, one case
Quick oats substitute for fast-cooking oats
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Rolled oats
Same amount as the oats
The best quick oats substitutes are rolled oats (1:1), quinoa flakes (1:1), or instant oats (1:1). Rolled oats need 2-3 extra minutes cooking time, while quinoa flakes cook in the same time.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- breakfast
One casethe full oats card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of oats |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rolled oatsbreakfast | Same amountWorks |
| 2 | Quinoa flakesbreakfast | Same amount |
| 3 | Instant oatsbreakfast | Same amount |
| 4 | Steel-cut oatsbreakfast porridge | Same amount |
| 5 | Rice cerealbreakfast | Same amount |
Rolled oats
identical taste and texture
Traditional rolled oats that cook slightly longer
- Best for
- breakfast, baking, granola, smoothies, energy bars
Same nutrition and flavor, needs 2-3 extra minutes cooking time.
Quinoa flakes
slightly nutty, different from oats
Flattened quinoa with similar cooking time and texture
- Best for
- breakfast, baking, granola, smoothies, gluten-free recipes
- Texture
- similar to quick oats
Higher protein content, gluten-free, cooks in 2-3 minutes.
Instant oats
identical taste · softer, more processed
Pre-cooked oats that cook even faster than quick oats
- Best for
- breakfast, instant meals, smoothies, energy bars
Cooks in 1-2 minutes, may have different texture.
Steel-cut oats
nuttier, more intense
Whole oat groats that take much longer to cook
- Best for
- breakfast porridge, pilafs, stir-fries, meal prep
- Texture
- chewier, more substantial
Takes 20-30 minutes to cook, chewier texture, nuttier flavor.
Rice cereal
neutral, mild
Puffed rice cereal for lighter texture
- Best for
- breakfast, granola, crisps, no-bake treats
- Texture
- lighter, crispier
Lighter texture, gluten-free, cooks instantly.
How it behaves in this recipe
Quick oats are pre-cooked and rolled thinner than regular rolled oats, making them cook faster. When substituting, consider cooking time and texture. Quinoa flakes are the best alternative with similar cooking time.
Tips for substituting oats
6 tips- Rolled oats need 2-3 extra minutes cooking time compared to quick oats
- Quinoa flakes cook in the same time as quick oats - good substitute
- Steel-cut oats need 20-30 minutes, so plan ahead for cooking time
- Instant oats cook fastest but may have softer texture
- For overnight oats, quick oats and quinoa flakes work best
- Toasting any substitute before cooking enhances flavor
Notes on oats
- Use buckwheat flakes for gluten-free option with nutty flavor
- Try millet flakes for lighter texture and similar cooking time
- Consider amaranth flakes for higher protein content
- Use brown rice flakes for neutral flavor and similar cooking method
- Try triticale flakes for a wheat-rye hybrid with chewy texture
Questions
5 questionsCan I substitute rolled oats for quick oats?
Yes, rolled oats can substitute for quick oats with a 1:1 ratio. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
What's the difference between quick oats and rolled oats?
Quick oats are pre-cooked and rolled thinner, so they cook in 2-3 minutes. Rolled oats are thicker and need 5-7 minutes to cook.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of quick oats?
Steel-cut oats can substitute for quick oats but need 20-30 minutes cooking time instead of 2-3 minutes. They also have a chewier texture.
Are quinoa flakes a good substitute for quick oats?
Yes, quinoa flakes are an excellent substitute with the same cooking time as quick oats. They're gluten-free and higher in protein.
Can I use instant oats instead of quick oats?
Instant oats can substitute for quick oats and cook even faster (1-2 minutes), but they may have a softer, more processed texture.