You may have heard of oatmeal, but what exactly is hot cereal? Oatmeal is, in fact, a type of hot cereal, but did you know that there are many others?
We will discuss the nutritional benefits of both oatmeal and another type of hot cereal and which might be right for you.
Sections
Hot Cereal
There are many types of hot cereals other than oatmeal, such as grits, cornmeal mush, cream of wheat, cream of rice, and mixed grain hot cereals that contain quinoa, barley, buckwheat, or amaranth.
For the purpose of this article, we will look at the nutritional benefits of one brand of cream of wheat in order to compare its nutritional value to one brand of oatmeal and see which would be better for you and whether either will be suitable for vegans, and those on keto or gluten-free diets.
Cream of Wheat Original Stove Top Hot Cereal
Cream of Wheat Original is a classic hot cereal enjoyed by many Americans. It is an excellent breakfast cereal that is known to be both nutritious and filling.
It is generally eaten with added milk and sugar to enhance the flavor and improve the taste, but it is still a wholesome and healthy meal regardless of this.
Ingredients & nutrition facts
One serving of Cream of Wheat Original Stove Top Hot Cereal without adding milk contains:
- Calories: 110
- Total fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 100mg or 4% of Daily Value
- Total carbohydrates: 24g or 8% of Daily Value
- Dietary fiber: 1g or 4% of Daily Value
- Added sugar: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Calcium: 20% of Daily Value
- Iron: 50% of Daily Value
- Thiamin: 10% of Daily Value
- Riboflavin: 4% of Daily Value
- Niacin: 6% of Daily Value
- Folic acid: 10% of Daily Value
The ingredients used to make Cream of Wheat Original Stove Top Hot Cereal are:
- Wheat farina
- Calcium carbonate
- Defatted wheat germ
- Disodium phosphate
- Ferric orthophosphate
- Niacinamide
- Thiamine mononitrate
- Riboflavin
- Folic acid
Is it healthy?
Cream of Wheat Original Hot Cereal is healthy, as it does not contain any unhealthy ingredients or additives. It is usually eaten with milk and sugar, so consumers should be wary of how much sugar they decide to add to their hot cereal.
It is generally a filling meal that will satisfy most people until lunch and is known to be exceptionally easy on the gut.
It contains a lot of iron and vitamins and is frequently consumed by vegetarians and vegans because of this.
Is it gluten-free?
Unfortunately, this healthy hot cereal contains wheat, which means those with Celiac disease or a gluten intolerance will not be able to consume this breakfast cereal.
Is it vegan?
Yes, Cream of Wheat Original is vegan, as it does not contain any animal products and is, in fact, consumed by many vegans and vegetarians, owing to it being a great source of nutrition.
Is it keto?
This hot cereal is, unfortunately, not keto-friendly, as it contains a large amount of carbohydrates, which are not permitted on keto diets.
Protein & fiber content
While Cream of Wheat Original Hot Cereal is quite healthy, it does not contain much protein or fiber, so this will need to be consumed in your other meals throughout the day in order to maintain a balanced diet.
Oatmeal
Cooked oatmeal is one of the most popular types of breakfast cereal around, and it is definitely one of the most well-known.
Instant oatmeal or instant oats are extremely easy to prepare and are often quick cooking, which means you could have a hot, healthy breakfast in a couple of minutes. The most popular types of oats are steel-cut oats and rolled oats, which are often used to make oatmeal cookies.
We’ll look at one specific brand of oatmeal and compare its nutritional value to a cream of wheat product.
Quaker Quick 3-minute Steel Cut Oats
Quaker Steel Cut Oats is one of the most popular hot breakfast cereals around. This brand of oats is known to be extremely healthy, tasty, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients & nutrition facts
One serving of Quaker Steel Cut Oats contains:
- Total fat: 3g or 4% of Daily Value
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total carbohydrates: 31g or 11% of Daily Value
- Dietary fiber: 4g or 15% of Daily Value
- Added sugar: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg
- Calcium: 20mg or 0% of Daily Value
- Iron: 1.7mg or 8% of Daily Value
- Potassium: 170mg or 2% of Daily Value
- Thiamine: 0.2mg or 20% of Daily Value
- Phosphorus: 190mg or 15% Daily Value
- Magnesium: 40mg or 10% of Daily Value
The ingredients used to make Quaker Steel Cut Oats are:
- Whole grain steel cut oats
Is it healthy?
Quaker Steel Cut Oats oatmeal is healthy for you as it contains a lot of vitamins and minerals and does not contain any unhealthy ingredients or additives.
However, some instant oatmeals have a lot of added sugar and a higher glycemic index, which means it could spike the blood pressure of a diabetic person, so people with diabetes should be wary of instant oatmeal.
Is it gluten-free?
Quaker Steel Cut Oats oatmeal is not gluten-free, as the only ingredient it contains is wheat, which is where gluten is derived from.
Those with Celiac disease or a gluten intolerance should be wary of hot cereals, as not many are gluten-free.
Is it vegan?
This oatmeal is vegan, as it does not contain any animal products whatsoever.
Is it keto?
Oatmeal is known for containing large amounts of carbohydrates, so there are very few types of oatmeal that are keto-friendly, and Quaker Steel Cut Oats oatmeal is no different.
Protein & fiber content
Quaker Steel Cut Oats oatmeal and oatmeal, in general, are higher in fiber and protein than most other breakfast cereals, but you will need to include more fiber and protein in your other meals to ensure that you reach your recommended daily intake of both.
Final Thoughts
Oatmeal might be the most popular hot cereal and is often known to be very healthy; however, there are many other hot cereals out there that might taste just as good or be just as healthy, so it is definitely worth giving some a try.