Out of Rolled oats, one case
Rolled oats substitute: old-fashioned oats
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Quick oats
Same amount as the rolled oats
The best rolled oats substitutes are quick oats (1:1), steel-cut oats (1:1), quinoa flakes (1:1), or barley (1:1). Quick oats are the closest substitute, while steel-cut oats offer more chew and nutrition.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- breakfast
One casethe full oats card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of rolled oats |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quick oatsbreakfast | Same amountWorks |
| 2 | Steel-cut oatsbreakfast porridge | Same amount |
| 3 | Quinoa flakesbreakfast | Same amount |
| 4 | Barleybreakfast | Same amount |
| 5 | Ricebreakfast | Same amount |
Quick oats
identical taste and texture
Pre-cooked and rolled oats with identical texture and flavor
- Best for
- breakfast, baking, granola, smoothies, energy bars
Same nutrition and flavor, cooks 2-3 minutes faster.
Steel-cut oats
nuttier, more intense
Whole oat groats cut into pieces with chewier texture
- Best for
- breakfast porridge, pilafs, stir-fries, savory dishes
- Texture
- chewier, more substantial
Takes 20-30 minutes to cook, chewier texture, nuttier flavor.
Quinoa flakes
slightly nutty, different from oats
Flattened quinoa with similar texture and cooking properties
- Best for
- breakfast, baking, granola, smoothies, gluten-free recipes
- Texture
- similar to rolled oats
Higher protein content, gluten-free, cooks in 2-3 minutes.
Barley
nutty, slightly different
Whole grain with chewy texture and nutty flavor
- Best for
- breakfast, pilafs, soups, grain salads
- Texture
- chewier, more substantial
Takes 45-60 minutes to cook, chewier texture.
Rice
neutral, mild
Different grain but similar cooking method and texture
- Best for
- breakfast, grain salads, side dishes, general cooking
- Texture
- softer, less chewy
Different texture, similar cooking method, gluten-free.
How it behaves in this recipe
Rolled oats are the most versatile type of oats, used in everything from breakfast to baking. When substituting, consider cooking time and texture. Quick oats are the closest substitute, while steel-cut oats offer more nutrition and chew.
Tips for substituting rolled oats
6 tips- Quick oats cook in 2-3 minutes vs 5-7 minutes for rolled oats
- Steel-cut oats need 20-30 minutes cooking time and more liquid
- Quinoa flakes cook fastest - just 2-3 minutes
- Barley requires the longest cooking time - 45-60 minutes
- For overnight oats, quick oats work best as they absorb liquid faster
- Toasting any substitute before cooking enhances nutty flavor
Notes on rolled oats
- Use buckwheat groats for gluten-free option with nutty flavor
- Try millet for lighter texture and faster cooking
- Consider amaranth for higher protein content
- Use brown rice for neutral flavor and similar cooking method
- Try triticale for a wheat-rye hybrid with chewy texture
Questions
5 questionsCan I substitute quick oats for rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats can be substituted 1:1 for rolled oats in any recipe. They have the same nutrition and flavor, just cook slightly faster.
What's the difference between rolled oats and steel-cut oats?
Rolled oats are flattened and cook in 5-7 minutes, while steel-cut oats are whole groats cut into pieces that take 20-30 minutes to cook and have a chewier texture.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats in overnight oats?
Steel-cut oats work in overnight oats but need longer soaking time (8-12 hours) and may still be chewier than rolled oats. Quick oats are better for overnight oats.
Are quinoa flakes a good substitute for rolled oats?
Yes, quinoa flakes are an excellent substitute with 1:1 ratio. They're gluten-free, higher in protein, and cook in just 2-3 minutes.
Can I substitute barley for rolled oats?
Barley can substitute for rolled oats but requires much longer cooking time (45-60 minutes) and has a chewier texture. It's better for savory dishes than breakfast.