Instant Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal is a quick-cooking breakfast cereal made from pre-cooked, rolled, or steel-cut oats that are dried and often flavored. It typically includes oats, sugar, salt, and various flavorings like cinnamon, brown sugar, or fruit pieces, and is a staple in many Western countries, especially the United States and Canada.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Instant oatmeal is primarily a high-carbohydrate food, providing a good source of soluble fiber (beta-glucan), along with some protein and minimal fat. A typical serving (about 1 packet or 1/2 cup dry) contains roughly 150-200 calories, along with added sugars and sodium.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
| Iron | 10 mg |
| Potassium | 120 mg |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Phosphorus | 100 mg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
| Zinc | 2 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.3 mg |
| Folate | 100 mcg |
Per 1 packet (43 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
What makes instant oatmeal unique is its convenience and cultural role as a 'fast food' breakfast, representing a modern adaptation of a traditional whole grain. Nutritionally, the beta-glucan fiber in oats is celebrated for its potential to support heart health by helping manage cholesterol levels.
