Frequently called old-fashioned oats, rolled oats, whether organic or conventionally grown, are kilned, whole-grain oats that have been steamed, rolled and cut into flakes. While both types of rolled oats are similar, if you are a health-conscious consumer, you should be aware of a few important differences between them.
Nutritional Facts
Organic and non-organic rolled oats have the same nutritional facts. They both contain equal amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants and are particularly high in B vitamins, phosphorus and iron. In 1 cup of cooked oats, there are approximately 150 calories, 6 g of protein and 4 g of fiber.
Cost
Price depends on your source; however, organic rolled oats are typically more expensive than regular rolled oats. For example, a family-operated farm in Idaho sells both types of rolled oats online, starting at $3.25 for 1 lb. of regular oats and $3.45 for 1 lb. of organic oats, at the time of publication.
Additives
Besides price, the difference between organic rolled oats and their conventional opponent is what is not found in organic oats; intense chemicals, additives or genetic modifications. Organically grown oats are produced using organic farming methods such as crop rotation, green manure fertilizers and natural pest control like predation, instead of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. In order to be labeled organic, rolled oats must meet the minimum standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Uses and Tips
Rolled oats are often cooked as a nutritious cereal and can be used to bake a variety of dishes such as breads, cookies, muffins, pancakes and granola. You can substitute rolled oats for rolled wheat, by volume, in any recipe, and use it in place of bread crumbs in a meatloaf or meat-patties. Rolled oats are best kept at 50 degrees Fahrenheit and stored off the floor, in a dry, well-ventilated area.
References
- United States Department of Agriculture; Household Commodity Fact Sheet; April 2009
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference; Cereals, Oats, Regular and Quick and Instant, Not Fortified, Dry; 2010
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food & Nutrition Service: USDA Commodity Food Fact Sheet for Schools & Child Nutrition Institutions; 2007
- More Than Alive; Bulk Herbs: Oats, Organic Regular Rolled
- Purcell Mountain Farms; Grains: Organic Rolled Oats
- USDA Study Team on Organic Farming, United States Department of Agriculture: Report and Recommendation on Organic Farming; July 1980
