Whole food · Breakfast Cereals
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a classic, quick-cooking oatmeal made from whole-grain oats that soften into a creamy, hearty porridge with a mild, nutty sweetness. The organic, instant format delivers a warm, comforting texture in minutes, making it a go-to for a fast, fiber-rich breakfast. Its standout nutrition profile is the impressive 9.8g of fiber per 100g, which supports digestion and sustained energy.
Calorie split: 16% protein · 69% carbs · 15% fat
↓ Full nutritionPeople love it for its unparalleled convenience and neutral, wholesome flavor that acts as a perfect canvas for countless toppings. It's a cultural staple for quick, warm breakfasts, embodying comfort and simplicity in a bowl.
The instant processing can lead to a higher glycemic index than steel-cut oats, potentially causing faster blood sugar spikes. It is also a common allergen (contains oats, which may be processed with wheat). Counteract this by pairing it with protein (like nuts, seeds, or Greek yogurt) and healthy fats (nut butter, chia seeds) to slow digestion, and consider a smaller portion size.
Quaker Instant Oatmeal was first introduced in 1966, revolutionizing breakfast by turning a 20-minute cooking process into a 2-minute one.
| Water | 8.8 g |
| Energy | 367 kcal |
| Energy | 1536 kj |
| Protein | 16.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 6.3 g |
| Ash | 1.9 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 67.0 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 9.8 g |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 52.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 4.2 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 148 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 474 mg |
| Potassium, K | 350 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 4.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 3.1 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.73 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.14 mg |
| Niacin | 0.78 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.12 mg |
| Folate, total | 32.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 32.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.47 mg |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.1 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.0 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 2.3 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Estimated from Cereals ready-to-eat, POST, HONEY BUNCHES OF OATS, honey roasted — USDA does not publish this profile for Cereals.
| Tryptophan | 0.09 g |
| Threonine | 0.24 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.26 g |
| Leucine | 0.80 g |
| Lysine | 0.12 g |
| Methionine | 0.10 g |
| Cystine | 0.11 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.39 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.21 g |
| Valine | 0.34 g |
| Arginine | 0.24 g |
| Histidine | 0.18 g |
| Alanine | 0.46 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.48 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.9 g |
| Glycine | 0.27 g |
| Proline | 0.49 g |
| Serine | 0.38 g |
Is instant oatmeal as healthy as regular rolled oats?
Nutritionally, they are very similar in terms of fiber, protein, and calories. The main difference is texture and glycemic index; instant oats are pre-cooked and dried, leading to a softer texture and potentially faster digestion. Choosing plain, unflavored varieties like this one avoids added sugars.
How can I make it taste better without adding sugar?
Enhance flavor with spices like cinnamon or cardamom, a dash of vanilla extract, or savory toppings like a fried egg, avocado, or sautéed mushrooms. Stirring in a tablespoon of nut butter or mashed banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess.
Is it gluten-free?
While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed in facilities that handle wheat, leading to cross-contamination. For strict gluten-free needs, look for oats specifically certified as gluten-free.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.01 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.