The 10 Most Unwholesome Instant Oatmeals Found in Supermarkets
Mornings can feel like a whirlwind, can’t they? Between scrambling to get ready for work, wrangling the kids, and taking the dog for a brisk walk, preparing a wholesome breakfast sometimes feels like an exercise in futility. Most of us want to kickstart our day with something nutritious, and many people instinctively reach for instant oatmeal as a seemingly healthy choice. But hold your horses! Many brands pack more sugar and artificial ingredients than you’d expect—almost rivaling your favorite guilty pleasures.
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According to the American Heart Association, men should limit their daily intake of added sugar to no more than 9 teaspoons (that’s about 36 grams or 150 calories), while women should cap it at 6 teaspoons (25 grams or roughly 100 calories). Shockingly, some instant oatmeal packets can have half of that quota in just one serving!
So, before you confidently pour yourself what you think is a healthy bowl of oats, it’s time to scrutinize that nutrition label. To clear up the confusion, we’ve compiled a list of ten of the unhealthiest instant oatmeal brands lurking on grocery shelves, ranked from bad to downright alarming.
O Organics Instant Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal
Calories: 150
Fat: 2g (Saturated fat: 0g)
Sodium: 170mg
Carbs: 31g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 12g)
Protein: 4g
Though there are worse alternatives out there, O Organics Instant Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal presents a disappointing start to your day. With 12 grams of added sugar and a meager 3 grams of fiber, you’re bound to feel hungry shortly after finishing your bowl, which can lead to that all-too-familiar craving for unhealthy snacks before noon!
Signature Select Brown Sugar Oatmeal
Calories: 160
Fat: 2g (Saturated fat: 0g)
Sodium: 260mg
Carbs: 32g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 12g)
Protein: 4g
Meticulously marketed as having “no artificial flavors,” Signature Select Brown Sugar Oatmeal falls short. While it may seem harmless, the ingredient list reveals calcium carbonate—yes, the same stuff found in chalk! Not exactly what you’d want in your breakfast bowl.
Quaker Raisins & Spice Instant Oats
Calories: 150
Fat: 2g (Saturated fat: 0g)
Sodium: 210mg
Carbs: 32g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 14g)
Protein: 4g
While Quaker Raisins & Spice Instant Oats might tempt you with its sweet aroma, don’t be fooled: with only 3 grams of fiber and 14 grams of sugar, it simply doesn’t offer the sustenance you need to get through the morning.
Nature’s Path Organic Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Calories: 210
Fat: 2.5g (Saturated fat: 0g)
Sodium: 100mg
Carbs: 40g (Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 14g)
Protein: 5g
Don’t let the label fool you—just because it’s organic, it doesn’t translate into health. One packet delivers a staggering 14 grams of sugar, setting you on the wrong track for a healthy day.
Stonewall Kitchen Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal
Calories: 190
Fat: 2.5g (Saturated fat: 0g)
Sodium: 125mg
Carbs: 38g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 14g)
Protein: 5g
At first glance, you might think Stonewall Kitchen Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal is a prime choice. But delve deeper, and you’ll uncover that even a modest serving of ⅓ of the dry mix harbors a whopping 14 grams of sugar, proving that looks can be deceiving!
Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal – Summer Berry
Calories: 240
Fat: 1g (Saturated fat: 0g)
Sodium: 240mg
Carbs: 50g (Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 14g)
Protein: 8g
Boasting a burst of fruity flavor, Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal – Summer Berry offers a pleasant taste but hides a sugar spike with 14 grams lurking within. Too much of the sweet stuff can send your energy levels crashing later in the day!
Share Good Foods Blueberry Cobbler Oatmeal
Calories: 300
Fat: 3.5g (Saturated fat: .5g)
Sodium: 280mg
Carbs: 51g (Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 18g)
Protein: 9g
If you’re yearning for dessert for breakfast, look no further than Share Good Foods Blueberry Cobbler Oatmeal. While it might taste delicious, it carries the sugar content akin to your favorite dessert, not to mention the excess calories and sodium!
McCann’s® Vanilla Honey Microwaveable Cup
Calories: 200
Fat: 1g (Saturated fat: 0g)
Sodium: 240mg
Carbs: 44g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 17g)
Protein: 4g
Described as “high-quality Irish oats,” the McCann’s® Vanilla Honey Microwaveable Cup sure sounds appealing. However, with 17 grams of sugar and more sodium than you’d want for breakfast, it’s far from a wholesome morning choice.
Modern Oats Apple Walnut Oatmeal
Calories: 310
Fat: 7g (Saturated fat: 1g)
Sodium: 0mg
Carbs: 52g (Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 17g)
Protein: 9g
While Modern Oats Apple Walnut Oatmeal does combine healthy ingredients, it falls precipitously short in the balance department, featuring a concerning amount of sugar and calories.
Quaker Real Medleys Apple Walnut Oatmeal Cup
Calories: 290
Fat: 7g (Saturated fat: 1g)
Sodium: 250mg
Carbs: 54g (Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 22g)
Protein: 6g
Claiming the top spot on our list is the Quaker Real Medleys Apple Walnut Oatmeal Cup. This breakfast option resembles dessert more than a nourishing morning meal! While it contains the wholesome flavors of apples and walnuts, it also packs a staggering 22 grams of sugar, making it more about sweetness than health. Revisit your morning choices, and you may find these options leave much to be desired.
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