Taste Test: The Best Oatmeals
Best Plain Stovetop
Country Choice Organic Oven Toasted Steel Cut Oats ($3.99 for 30 oz.)
Worth Its Wait
Make this super-creamy porridge on weekends (it has to simmer for 30 minutes). Unlike other brands, the oats have a toasty, nutty depth of flavor.
Best Flavored
Rachael Ray Oat-Tastically Good Instant Hot Cereal ($3.59 for 8 packets)
Just Sweet Enough ...
We know what you're thinking -- we stacked the deck -- but this oatmeal carried the category in our blind tasting! Sweet, but rich with hearty whole grains, it's a treat without too much sugar.
Best Plain Quick-Cooking
Farm to Table Organic Pure Oat Oatmeal ($7.99 for 18.5 oz.)
Creamy and Crunchy
Quick-cooking oatmeal can be mushy, but not this one, which packs creamy and crunchy textures into every bite. It's a tad pricey, but worth the upgrade
Best Extra Health Boost
BetterOats Oat Revolution Steel Cut Oats with Flax ($3.49 10 pouches.)
Sweet, Salty and Oh-So Good for You
This lightly salted blend is bulked up with antioxidant-rich flaxseeds, which adds pops of savory flavor and crunch.
Best Frozen
Good Food Made Simple Steel Cut Oatmeal: Fruit & Berry ($2.99 for 2 portions.)
No Thawing Necessary
This decadent freezer-aisle oatmeal, sweetened with four kinds of dried berries and Vermont maple syrup, is as delish as it is easy. Just microwave and dig in!