Oatmeal, once a much overlooked cast member of the free hotel breakfast, has re-emerged as a trendy whole grain option for health conscious consumers. While sales of cold cereal have declined in the past year, sales of hot cereal have grown by 4%, and their growth isn’t stopping at the breakfast table. 

 

“One thing that I’m really excited about is introducing the public to savory oatmeal,” explains Sam Stephens, owner of trendy Greenwich Village oatmeal bar OatMeals, which opened in June 2012 in New York City. (Yes, we said oatmeal bar – it’s a whole restaurant based on cool oatmeal choices and add-ins!) Stephens has no shortage of takers. One of the most buzzworthy menu items at OatMeals is the Canadian bowl, a surprising blend of cinnamon roasted apples, sharp cheddar cheese, bacon, maple syrup, and sea salt. According to Stephens, it’s “really popular because it’s savory and sweet at the same time. It’s a good segue oatmeal.” 

 

For those willing to dive headfirst into savory oatmeal, the possibilities are endless. Popular recipe sites such as Food52, The Kitchn, and Epicurious feature oats as a vehicle for any number of ingredients, including soft cooked eggs and fresh herbs, olive oil and peas, sweet potato and avocado, and even sriracha sauce. Much like in an Italian risotto or an Asian congee, this creamy grain sets the perfect backdrop for all kinds of healthy vegetables. But unlike the refined white rice that is often used in savory porridges, oatmeal offers all the health benefits of whole grains, including a decreased risk of chronic disease and better weight maintenance.

 

Many recent oatmeal enthusiasts get introduced to the wonderful world of porridge through an interest in nutrition. “A lot of people just thought that oatmeal was this boring, mushy yuckiness, but so many people these days are so concerned about healthy eating,” says Stephens. “You just can’t get around it. People just really want whole grains.” 

 

Couldn’t have said it better myself!

 

All oats (whether old fashioned, steel cut, quick cooking, or instant) are whole grain, as the bran and germ aren’t removed during processing. Looking to make your own savory oatmeal? Try our Oatmeal Risotto with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil, or our Three Pepper Oat Pilaf recipes. (Kelly)