Key Highlights
- Both oats and rice are popular worldwide.
- Instant oats and white rice both are processed to make them easier to cook and eat.
- Instant oats are theoretically healthier than white rice.
Grains have been an important part of our diet for tens of thousands of years. [1]
Oats and rice are two of the most popular grains in the world.
But many people want to know the differences.
So, let’s discuss the difference between instant oats and white rice.
Table of Contents
Instant Oats
Instant oats are the most processed version of rolled oats. [2]
After steaming and rolling, they are pre-cooked, dried, and then chopped into smaller pieces to make instant oats. [2]
They cook more quickly than steel-cut or rolled oats, and sometimes be gummy or mushy after cooking.
Although instant oats are a processed version of rolled or steel-cut oats, they can be a good source of fiber in our diet. [3]
Summary: Instant oats are processed oats, which provide vitamins, minerals, and fibers to our diet.
White Rice
White rice is also a processed version of brown rice. [4]
To make white rice, the bran (outer layer) and germ (nutrient-rich core) were removed. [4]
Although the nutritious part is removed, white rice can be a good source of carbohydrate, if you plan your diet right. [5]
Also, white rice is more easily available and easier to digest than brown rice.
Summary: White rice is a processed rice, which contribute the majority of carbohydrates for most people.
Instant Oats vs White Rice
Most people prefer instant oats than white rice due to its less carbohydrate content.
Yes.
This is right.
Let me explain.
Instant oats contain more vitamins, minerals, and fiber than white rice. [6]
Also, carbohydrate content is higher in white rice than instant oats. [6]
So, if you look from a nutrition point of view, instant oats are healthier than white rice.
But in practical, we can’t compare them directly.
Because, we eat rice with so many dishes like mix veg, chicken dish or curry.
Yes, we also eat oats with so many foods like nuts, fruits, eggs etc.
So, practically there is no comparison between them.
But yes, in theory, instant oats wins.
Summary: In reality, there is no comparison. Because we eat both white rice and instant oats in variety of ways by combining with different foods.
The Final Word
Instant oats vs white rice is a doubt of many people.
But why compare?
We can add both these delicious and nutritious food in our diet.
Just plan your diet the right way to get complete nutrition while enjoying your meal.
FAQs
Some frequently asked question related to this topic.
Is it good to replace rice with oatmeal?
Yes. Oatmeal contain more vitamins, minerals, and fiber than white rice.
Which is better, oats or rice?
In theory, oats are healthier than white rice, because instant oats contain more nutrients than white rice.
Which is cheaper rice or oatmeal?
White rice is cheaper than instant oats. But brown rice is little expensive than instant oats.
Instant Oats vs White Rice — Which is a better option for diabetic patients?
For diabetic patients, oats is always a good choice. But if you eat rice with vegetables, then go for rice.
Instant Oats vs White Rice — Which one is easier to cook?
Both are easy to cook. However, white rice takes more time to cook than instant oats.
Instant Oats vs White Rice — Which is a better for babies?
For babies, white rice is a better choice, because it is considered easy on the little stomach.
Instant Oats vs White Rice — Which is a good for pregnancy?
During pregnancy, you can choose both.
References
This article is written by a certified nutritionist and verified by scientific evidence. ☑️
We rely on reputed and specialized media sites, academic research institutions,
peer-reviewed studies, government agencies, and medical associations to source information. 📰
We avoid using tertiary references. Know more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. 🧐
- PubMed: Mozambican grass seed consumption during the Middle Stone Age. Accessed 12 October 2021.
- QuakerOats: The Difference Between Steel Cut, Old Fashioned, Quick Cook and Instant Oats. Accessed 12 October 2021.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source. Accessed 12 October 2021.
- MedicalNewsToday: Is brown rice or white rice better for health? Accessed 12 October 2021.
- VeryWellFit: The Reason Athletes Eat White Rice Instead of Brown. Accessed 12 October 2021.
- SouperSage: Oats vs. White Rice. Accessed 12 October 2021.
