As a child your mother might have told you to “eat your oatmeal!” You might not have listened then, but perhaps you’re listening now - especially since oatmeal has undergone a Renaissance and emerged as the new chic fast breakfast food. In Canada, that means you can get your whole-grain fix at two-on-every-corner coffee shops like Starbucks and Tim Horton's.
After the low-carb craze fizzled, people accepted grains again. Whole grains, including oatmeal, have re-established themselves as wholesome and healthy. The health benefits of eating oatmeal are no joke – oatmeal can lower your cholesterol, add more fibre to your diet and curb the urge to snack by keeping you full longer than, say, cold sugary cereal.
While breakfast restaurants (think Denny's) have been offering oatmeal for health-conscious diners for some time, the trend has reached the new heights: Tim Horton’s is now offering hot oatmeal too.
How to Get Hot Oatmeal On the Go
A recent TV advertisement depicted a woman trying to drive her car and eat oatmeal at the same time. Then, instead, she reached for an oatmeal breakfast bar. But breakfast bars are typically still high in sugar and low in nutrition. While the bars are still around, a bowl of hot, fresh, customized oatmeal will probably hit the spot a bit better.
Fast food outlets have taken different approaches to getting people their oatmeal in the same amount of time as their coffee. Tim Horton’s slow-cooks oatmeal in their giant soup pots, while Starbucks and McDonald’s (in the U.S.) simply use instant oatmeal packages.
While it’s easy to “cook” instant oatmeal at home in less than a minute, there’s still a market for those who would rather pick up breakfast with their coffee or who don’t want to stock the gamut of toppings available outside the home.
Fast Food Hot Oatmeal Topping Options
Depending on where you get your oatmeal, you can choose from a veritable buffet of toppings:
- Fresh fruit (kiwi, banana, berries)
- Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins)
- Brown sugar or organic evaporated cane juice
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
- Peanut butter
- Milk or soy milk
Apparently some upscale eateries will even create for you a breakfast crème brulée by caramelizing the sugar on top with a food torch. Oatmeal has humble origins, but so do other favourite foods. Gourmet oatmeal – why not?
Cost of Buying Oatmeal Out
The cost of oatmeal at fast-food restaurants is usually between $2 and $4; a little bit less than the typical breakfast sandwich or wrap. However, oatmeal is much cheaper to eat at home. For takeaway oatmeal from your own kitchen, try making it with hot water (instant oatmeal) or in the microwave (quick or rolled oats) in a porcelain or ceramic container. Corningware brand makes single-serving sized containers with vented lids and handles that work well. Top the oatmeal while it’s hot, then plunk on the lid to avoid spilling on your way to work.
Why is oatmeal gaining popularity? Perhaps consumers are looking for something other than a ham-and-egg sandwich in the morning. Something a bit healthier. We all know oatmeal is good for us – but now we can look cool eating it too.
Join the Conversation