The 7 Least Healthy Instant Oatmeals in Grocery Stores

There’s no doubt that oatmeal ranks among the healthiest foods available. This whole-grain breakfast staple is loaded with fiber, helping to keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day. Dietitians consistently recommend it for its unrivaled weight-loss benefits. Yet, caution is advised when choosing instant oatmeal. Despite being tasty and convenient, many instant oatmeals are loaded with sugar and artificial additives that are detrimental to health. Here are the 7 least healthy instant oatmeal options available at the grocery store.

Quaker Instant Oatmeal Dinosaur Eggs

Quaker Instant Oatmeal Dinosaur Eggs might appeal to young dinosaur fans, but it contains high levels of sugar and artificial flavorings and colorings. This charming meal provides “4 grams of whole grains per serving,” as stated on its website, but a single portion also contains 2 grams of saturated fat and 11 grams of added sugar.

Quaker Instant Oatmeal Fruit Flavors

I have a fondness for Quaker Instant Oatmeal Strawberries & Cream, Apples & Cinnamon, and especially Peaches & Cream. Yet, part of why these popular packets taste so good is due to their high sugar content, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives overshadowing the protein content. 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

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Great Value Instant Oatmeal Maple & Brown Sugar

Great Value Instant Oatmeal is basically Walmart’s generic version of Quaker Instant Oatmeal. While budget-friendly, this delicious and easy-to-make breakfast is also packed with sugars, preservatives, and additives.

Kellogg’s Special K Instant Oatmeal

You might remember Kellogg’s Special K as being one of the healthier cereal options of your youth. While the Kellogg’s Special K Instant Oatmeal is marketed as healthy, it also contains high sugar levels and minimal fiber.

Market Pantry Instant Oatmeal Variety Pack

Market Pantry Instant Oatmeal Variety Pack is Target’s in-house brand dupe of Quaker. It has similar flavors to the name brand but also the same artificial colors, flavors, and excess sugars.

Umpqua Oats Instant Oatmeal Cups

Umpqua Oats Instant Oatmeal Cups are made with Certified USDA Organic 100% Whole-Grain oats and no additives or preservatives. However, the healthier oatmeal is still high in calories (280) and has 11 grams of sugar.

Better Oats 100-Calorie Instant Oatmeal

Better Oats 100-Calorie Instant Oatmeal is a low-calorie option, but the branding does not mention that some of the ingredients, including artificial sweeteners like sucralose, aren’t that good for you. “The taste was awful. Im not really sure how they got it to be so bitter. There is a strong fake sugar aftertaste. There are other low sugar or no sugar oatmeals that are much better,” writes a Target shopper.