Oatmeal is one of the most popular breakfast foods in the world. It’s easy to make, it’s cheap, and it’s packed with healthy carbs that will keep you energised all morning long.
But do vegans eat oatmeal?? The answer is absolutely YES!
Keep on reading to learn why oatmeal makes a great breakfast and the ingredients you should look for to ensure it’s vegan-friendly—and don’t forget to try the three delicious vegan oatmeal brands included at the end of this article.
So, What is Oatmeal? & The 4 Different Types You Should Know About
Oatmeal has been a go-to breakfast staple for centuries.It is made by boiling oat groats and then grinding them into a powder-like substance.
Here are four different types of oatmeal that you should know about:
1) Quick-cooking oats: This kind of oatmeal is the most processed and has been rolled flat and steamed. It cooks in a few minutes, making it an ideal option for busy mornings. They’re also great for use in baked goods such as muffins or cookies because they absorb liquid quickly and evenly. You can even use them as a substitute for flour in some recipes!
2) Old-fashioned oats: Old-fashioned oatmeal takes longer to cook than quick-cooking oats because they come in larger flakes which is what makes them more filling. They have a more hearty texture and are generally considered better for your health than their quicker counterparts.
3) Steel-cut oats: This variety takes longer to cook than other kinds because it has been chopped into pieces rather than rolled or crushed into flakes. It’s a good source of fibre and protein, so it’ll give you energy for hours! If you’re looking for something truly hearty and filling, steel-cut oats are your best bet. You’ll be full until lunchtime!
4) Instant oatmeal: This type of oatmeal is already cooked, so all you have to do is add hot water and wait for it to soften up. It’s easy and convenient—but not as nutritious as other varieties because it contains less fibre and protein.
Why ALL Vegans Should Eat Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a vegan’s best friend. It can be served hot, cold, sweet, savory—you name it! And did you know that just one bowl of oatmeal has more than double the amount of protein as an egg?
But high protein isn’t all it has to offer!
If you’re not eating red meat, oatmeal is also a great source of iron. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which is associated with fatigue and weakness. It can also be linked to learning disabilities in children and cognitive impairment in adults. If you’re not getting enough iron from your diet, eating more oats will help solve the problem.
Oatmeal is also high in fibre, which helps keep your digestive system running smoothly and your blood sugar levels stable. They have a high glycemic index, which means they’ll release glucose slowly into your bloodstream instead of flooding it right away like other carbs do. This makes them a great choice for breakfast when you have a lot of things on your plate that require focus and attention.
They’re also high in magnesium, which helps keep your blood pressure at bay—and that’s great news if you’re looking to avoid heart disease, stroke, and other conditions.
Plus, oats contain a type of antioxidant called avenanthramides, which some research suggests can help protect against certain cancers.
And on top of all that? Oats are just plain delicious!
What Non-Vegan Ingredients In Oatmeal To Look Out For
Luckily, most types of oatmeal are vegan—as long as you use water or non-dairy milk, you’ll be good to go! If you’re eating instant oatmeal, however, especially flavored varieties, there are a few things you should watch out for.
First things first: if you’re eating oatmeal in a restaurant and the menu doesn’t specifically say that the oatmeal is vegan, ask your server! Oats are often combined with dairy milk or butter, so make sure you’re getting the real deal.
If you’re making your own oatmeal at home, check the label—milk or milk derivatives such as whey powder can be added to commercial oats. If you want to avoid these ingredients altogether, look for brands that advertise themselves as vegan.
Honey (which comes from bees), non-vegan sugar (which can be processed using bone char), and butter are other common sources of animal products in oatmeal—but don’t worry! There are plenty of products out there that don’t contain any of these ingredients—and they taste just as good! Just make sure to always check before tucking in!
The 3 Best Vegan Instant Oatmeal Brands (UK Edition)
Moma
Moma’s mission is to provide delicious free-from foods for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply want something different from your usual cereal or flakes, Moma has something for you. Their porridge comes in a variety of flavours including almond butter and salted caramel—yum!
The Great British Porridge Company
Give your breakfast a boost with The Great British Porridge Company! Their porridges are vegan, refined sugar-free, and made with all natural ingredients. They have many tasty flavours including blueberry and banana which is an ideal choice for families and fruit fans.
Naturya
What if you could take your morning meal to the next level? Add a little bit of extra something to make sure you’re getting the nutrition and energy you need to start your day off right?
With naturya’s overnight oats, that’s exactly what you’ll get. With ingredients like organic cacao powder and maca powder, these instant oats are packed with all kinds of good things that will keep you feeling great all day long. These tasty oats can be soaked overnight, or you can make them instantly for a creamy and delicious breakfast or snack!
So the final word on ‘Do Vegans Eat Oatmeal?’
Yes, and they should!
Oatmeal is nutritious and delicious as well as being one of the most versatile foods on the planet, and it can be enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike.
Now go ahead and have some fun with this awesome breakfast food!
If you found this article useful and have any more questions like this, check out our section on vegan food– the do’s and dont’s!
