Oat rings are a type of cereal made from rolled oats. Oats are high in fiber and a variety of dietary minerals, and oat rings can be an excellent addition to the diet when prepared with minimal added ingredients. Oat rings are sold in a variety of markets, made by a variety of companies and with a variety of added ingredients. You should read their labels carefully to see how added ingredients have influenced their nutritional value.
This cereal is typically made with oat flour, which is ground from whole oats and retains the fiber and nutrient-rich germ as well as the endosperm. The oat flour is combined with water to make a slurry that can be poured into ring molds and baked, resulting in a crisp, mildly flavored cereal that can be eaten plain or with milk and other ingredients like fresh fruit. Cheerios, a popular breakfast cereal, is one example of oat rings.
Many cereal companies make oat rings to capitalize on the high nutritional value of oats. Unfortunately, many of these cereals include additives that aren’t so healthy. As a result, it’s critical to look for ingredients like added sugars, corn syrup, and other sweeteners that may make the cereal taste better but drastically reduce its nutritional value. Plain oat rings, made only with oats and water and possibly fortified with additional nutrients, are the healthiest option.
Oat rings have a simple flavor that can be enhanced by adding things like sliced fresh fruit or different milks. Plain oat rings are recommended by many health organizations because they can be beneficial when eaten as part of a balanced diet. Companies may actively endorse specific products by allowing cereal manufacturers to use their logos on packaging, but this does not always mean the cereal is healthy: always read the nutritional label!
Oat rings are relatively stable because they have been cooked and thoroughly dried. Because oat rings can go stale once their packages are opened, it’s best to keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry location. Because this cereal is so popular, it rarely lasts long, so the risk of stale cereal is minimal.