1. (G).O.A.T.

Your instagram feed may boast elaborate oats being unveiled from the refrigerator at 7.02am, but this grain has humble origins. Evidence suggests that we’ve been eating oats since the Bronze Age, as far back as 30,000 years ago. First it was vital fodder for animals and peasants. The Ancient Romans brought it to the UK, where the crop thrived in the cold, wet weather. In Scotland, oats became a vital player in their national cuisine (think oatcakes and haggis). And we have the American Cereal Company—now named Quaker Oats—to thank for making it a popular breakfast bran, as the first to introduce instant oats and flavored oats.

2. Gluten-free spirit

Not all oats are created the same, but they are all gluten-free. You’ve got your oat groat, which is the whole grain oat with just the husk removed. These take the longest to cook. Then there’s the steel-cut oat, which are oat groats cut into smaller pieces. Rolled oats, which are steamed and flattened, making them perfect for oatmeal or baking. And, of course, instant oats, which are pre-cooked and dried, so you can add water or milk and cook ‘em up in minutes. The only watchout is that oats are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat. So if you are gluten-sensitive, look for oats specifically labeled "gluten-free".

3. Cereal-ously good for your heart

Oats contain a high percentage of beta-glucan. Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber that is said to lower LDL (“bad cholesterol”) levels, which could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. A 2014 study determined that you need to consume at least 3g of beta glucan a day to benefit from its cholesterol-lowering properties. So if you’re keen to boost your heart health, you oat to make this your breakfast pr-oat-ocol… (did we take too far?)

4. Whole grain, whole gain

Actually, oats really are the overachievers of the grain world. Being rich in fiber supports healthy digestion and they are proven to improve the body’s insulin response, associated antidiabetic effects. These small but hearty heroes also contain essential amino acids (protein), B1 vitamins, minerals such as magnesium and zinc, and are a good source of antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties. 

5. An oatstanding start to the day

World’s most boring breakfast cereal? Think again! Whether you prefer them cold and soaked overnight or as a warm winter go-to, oats make the perfect vehicle for what we’re all really here for… toppings. We’re talking chocolate, cherries and chia seeds, or Greek yogurt, almond butter and berries. If you head to our recipe page, you’ll even find no-bake oat-based mocha cookies. The floor is yours to whip up something oat of this world.