Bob’s Red Mill Organic Steel Cut Oats

What it is. Bob’s Red Mill Organic Steel Cut Oats come in a 24 oz bag with one ingredient on the label: organic whole grain oats. The brand says the oats are “cut into neat little pieces on a steel burr mill” and that steel cut oats are also known as Irish or pinhead oats. The brand page shows Organic, Non-GMO, Kosher Pareve and Whole Grain marks.

Who it suits. Cooks who want a chewy, full-bodied hot cereal and have time to simmer it, or who use a slow cooker overnight, as the brand suggests. It also works in savory dishes; the brand lists risotto, pilaf and dumplings among its uses.

Label facts. Per 1/4 cup (44 g) dry serving, the brand’s Nutrition Facts panel lists 170 calories, 4 g fat (1 g saturated), 31 g total carbohydrate, 4 g dietary fiber, 1 g total sugars with 0 g added sugars, 4 g protein and 0 mg sodium. The bag holds about 15 servings.

What the brand says. Bob’s Red Mill says its steel cut oats won the 2009 Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship in Carrbridge, Scotland, and won it again in 2016. We did not find independent reviews to cite for this bag.

Pros. Single ingredient; no added sugars or sodium on the panel; organic.

Cons. Longer cook time than rolled oats; the brand does not recommend the microwave for regular steel cut oats.

Cautions. This bag carries no gluten-free claim. Bob’s Red Mill sells separate Gluten Free steel cut oats, and on its regular oats it notes processing in a facility that also contains wheat. The brand also says eating raw oats “may cause digestive issues or increase the risk of foodborne illness.” If you avoid gluten for a medical reason, ask your doctor first.

How this compares with rolled and quick oats: see our steel cut vs rolled vs quick oats guide.