Best Rolled Oat Substitutes for Baking, Granola, and Breakfast
The best substitute for rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) is Quick Oats at a 1:1 ratio. It works best for oatmeal, baking, smoothies. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Quick Oats
1:1
More finely cut rolled oats that cook in 1-2 minutes. Work in most baking recipes but produce a softer texture.
What are the other substitutes for rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)?
Steel-Cut Oats
1:1 (not for baking)
Chewier and heartier. Only substitutes for porridge, not baking. Takes 25-30 minutes to cook.
Oat Flour
3/4 cup per 1 cup oats
Ground oats that work in baking. Use slightly less as flour is denser. Good for pancakes and muffins.
Coconut Flakes (unsweetened)
1:1
Grain-free alternative that provides similar texture in granola and baking. Different flavor profile.
Quinoa Flakes
1:1
Rolled quinoa that cooks and behaves similarly to rolled oats. Higher in protein and gluten-free.
What should you know before substituting rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)?
Do not substitute steel-cut oats in baking recipes that call for rolled oats; they won't soften enough. Pulse rolled oats briefly in a food processor to make oat flour for baking. For chewier cookies, use old-fashioned rolled oats; for softer cookies, use quick oats.
How do you substitute rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) in a recipe?
Whole oat groats that have been steamed and rolled flat into flakes. Rolled oats cook quickly (about 5 minutes) into a creamy porridge and are essential in baking for cookies, granola, muffins, and overnight oats.
The best substitute for rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Quick Oats (1:1), which works well for oatmeal, baking, smoothies.
If you need a different option, Steel-Cut Oats (1:1 (not for baking)) is another reliable choice. Chewier and heartier. Only substitutes for porridge, not baking. Takes 25-30 minutes to cook.
When substituting rolled oats (old-fashioned oats), consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats in cookies?
Yes, quick oats can replace rolled oats in cookies at a 1:1 ratio. Cookies made with quick oats will be slightly softer and less chewy since quick oats are more finely cut. For the classic chewy oatmeal cookie texture, old-fashioned rolled oats are preferred.
Can I substitute steel-cut oats for rolled oats in baking?
No, steel-cut oats should not be used in baking recipes designed for rolled oats. They are too hard and won't soften enough during baking. Steel-cut oats only substitute well for porridge and hot cereal applications.
What is the difference between rolled oats and quick oats?
Both are made from oat groats that have been steamed and flattened. Rolled oats (old-fashioned) are thicker and chewier, while quick oats are cut into smaller pieces before rolling, making them thinner and faster to cook. Nutritionally, they are nearly identical.