We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day (those who eat it have more energy and a healthier diet overall), but there are some mornings when 15 extra minutes of sleep trumps any toast related intentions. While there’s always stopping for breakfast on the way to work, fast food options are less than healthy and surprisingly expensive. Breakfast sandwiches start to add up!
Recently I’ve found the solution to the breakfast problem. Its name is instant oatmeal and (poor thing) it lives in my office.
I leave 3 or 4 individual serving size packets of oatmeal in my desk drawer at all times, and now I never have to worry about breakfast. I already have a mug in my cubicle, so with a little water and two minutes in the microwave, breakfast is served. The first few minutes of work improve dramatically when I have a steaming mug of apple cinnamon oatmeal in front of me.
Of course, not all instant oatmeal is created equal. Since I’ve made my discovery, I’ve tried at least five different brands. For me, flavoring is key—but there are those who prefer their oatmeal less sugary.
The classic, Quaker Oatmeal, has proved quite reliable. The taste is good, and they have plain, maple, cinnamon, peach, strawberries and cream, and apple cinnamon flavors. There’s even a variety pack for those suffering from indecision, and on some packets, helpful facts about things like dinosaurs.
Store brand oatmeal (Key Food for me) is substantially cheaper. I ate Key Food’s maple flavored instant oatmeal quite happily for a month, but when they suddenly stopped stocking my favorite flavor, I moved on. I did notice that the taste wasn’t quite as good as Quaker, but if your favorite flavor is available, the price is right.
Trade Joe’s carries McCann’s Irish Oatmeal (excellent) and their own store brand. I bought a box of their maple oatmeal, toted as extra healthy, and was disappointed. The oatmeal is somehow infused with extra vitamins, protein, iron, and fiber. While this seems like good news, the flavor doesn’t stand up. I only ate ten of my twelve packets before moving on to another brand. There’s a decidedly chalky, gritty taste to this oatmeal, and it left my mouth feeling dry. It’s also not nearly as sweet. However, if you’re the type that adds protein powder and vitamins to your smoothies, this could be the oatmeal for you.
One day I splurged on BearNaked berry oatmeal. The real, dehydrated blueberries and strawberries were a nice addition, but for the price, it’s not worth it. The expanding berries also made me thinking of camping trips with my parents, which are fun but not exactly known for their culinary delights. Buy your own fresh fruit and throw it on your oatmeal instead.
Note that large canisters of oatmeal are cheaper than individual packets—and you can always measure out individual portions into sandwich bags to throw into a purse or take to work. Bonus points for picking up a 35-cent banana from a fruit stand and tossing some slices into your mug. The fruit gets all warm and gooey and vaguely reminicient of bananas foster.
With instant oatmeal, there’s no excuse for starting the day hungry, no matter where you are or how little time you have.
March 5, 2007 at 10:14 pm |
quaker has a banana bread oatmeal that is easily the best thing i’ve learned about since starting law school. sad but true.
March 14, 2007 at 8:05 pm |
sadly, my new york grocery story must be too small to stock banana bread oatmeal. but it sounds amazing!
March 14, 2007 at 8:30 pm |
oooh, my key foods has banana bread oatmeal. but i have to get it in the bakery favorites variety pack. sooooooooooooo good. it also has cinnamon roll and apple crisp. easily the best variety pack on the block i would wager.
ps, we are all nerds for loving oatmeal so much.
March 16, 2007 at 4:13 pm |
ok, if we’re going to talk about oatmeal nerdiness, let me admit to buying a measuring cup and keeping it in my desk drawer at work. it’s just for measuring out that 2/3 cup of water for my oatmeal–i had one too many disasterous microwave overflows without it.