The Battle Of The Instant Oatmeals: McCann's VS Nature's Path

What issue could be so important as to have me post on this blog after 3 years???

INSTANT OATMEAL!

Yes, I know making oats from scratch is the most ideal way to go. But given my busy schedule, I more often than not have time for instant oatmeal, or nothing (or spending $5-8 at the deli for something breakfast-like).

Many moons ago I posted a comparison of Quaker's Organic Instant Oatmeal with Nature Path's Organic Instant Hot Oatmeal. The two were kind of at a "draw"—with Quaker's (a big corporate brand) surprisingly healthy in comparison to Nature's Path (a "health food" brand).

"Healthy" Cereal With High Sugar Content

image by kaibara87 on Flickr

Here is a current bugaboo that is bedeviling me as I write this, my soggy plastic cup of sugary cereal staring at me from my desk.

I didn't have much time to get into work today, so I decided to buy my breakfast at a little bodega-type place. Truly healthy options seemed slim, but one item was promising: Kellogg's "Smart Start Antioxidants" (yes, that is the real title) cereal, packaged in a handy, single-serving size.

This cereal seemed to have it all: "Original Antioxidants" in big letters, STRONG HEART posted under that (with a helpful graphic of a heart). On the side of the container was a green "call out" that boasted "Good Source of FIBER."

Quaker Vs. Nature's Path: Who Has The Best Instant Oatmeal?

From Quaker's revamped website

This post was originally going to be a review of  Nature's Path's Organic Instant Hot Oatmeal. I compared it to the horrible, sugary commercial instant oats I remembered from brands like Quaker -- it's like if I wanted a breakfast that tasted like candy, I'd go to Dunkin Donuts.

But in the course of double-checking the nutritional information against Quaker's new extensive line of instant oatmeal, I realized to my horror that in some ways, the Quaker brand seemed to be superior nutritionally -- less sugar, less carbs. Then again, Nature's Path boasts an all-organic list of ingredients. I'm so confused! What is the better instant oatmeal to buy?