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).

Chia Seeds Make The Jump From Novelty To Health Food

what chia is most commonly known for

I'm sure everybody knows about Chia Pets, those clay figurines that grow "hair" and "fur" in the form of plants. Now chia seeds themselves are becoming the latest health fad, being recognized for its fiber, protein and -- most importantly -- omega-3 fatty acid content.

Nature's Path's "Sunrise Crunchy Vanilla" Review

We are always on the lookout for more gluten-free goodies, and when we saw Nature's Path's new "Sunrise Crunchy Vanilla" cereal on sale we decided to check it out. What we got was a yummy -- and organic! -- breakfast treat that by all rights shouldn't taste so darn good.

Let's talk taste first. I love love love vanilla-flavored cereal, and Lord knows there's plenty to be found in the mainstream section of the cereal aisle. But while I desired a cereal with a sugary-vanilla taste -- I didn't actually want all that sugar! Too many cereal offerings feel more like de facto deserts packed in rectangle boxes. I still wanted to eat healthy. And, of course, there's the matter of added "flavors."

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?