Recently I've substituted steel cut oats for our cereal of choice after years of eating rolled oats (both regular and quick cook). I've tried McCanns and Country Choice, and since there are many reviews already posted, I'll slant mine based on Taste (mouth), Flavor (nose), Preparation, and Value.
I rate Taste (nutty and chewy) and Flavor (pleasant aroma) a dead heat (5*). I also looked at the Nutrition Labels of McCanns, Country Choice, and Quaker's rolled oats, both regular and instant. List included calories, total fats, carbs, fiber, and protein and all were virtually identical from a nutritional standpoint
Preparation. I've cooked all types of oatmeal via stove top but have not used the microwave. However, for the steel cut oats I also used a rice cooker, a Zojirushi model that had the capability for making porridge (this is the setting you want to use for steel cut oats), and this model had a timer that could be set in advance to finish cooking at a predetermined time. Although use of the rice cooker still requires a passage of time, actual cooking is automatic, whereas using the stovetop required at least 25-30 minutes of simmering and close supervision to prevent scorching. (Of course, rolled oats takes less time.)
Value: McCann's oats comes in a very attractive and elegant metal container (28 oz) and stresses the fact that it's Irish in origin whereas Country Choice comes in a cardboard container(30 oz) similar to the rolled oats type and boasts the fact that it is home grown (Minnesota) and is certified "organic." It should be noted that McCann also packages its steel cut oats in a cardboard box (16 oz). If you make your purchase via Amazon (current prices) and disregard the shipping expense, the per ounce cost is: McCann's 28 oz container cost 20.6 cents, McCann's 16 oz container cost 19.13 cents, and Country Choice cost 11.27 cents.
Since my personal evaluation finds both products even in Taste and Flavor, and both have similar cooking methodologies, my FIVE STAR choice is for the home grown, organic certified Country Choice which is also a big budget saver.
I love irish oats. This style of oats is simply the best bowl of cereal period. I eat at least one bowl everyday. That said, all steel cut oats are NOT the same. As many people know, there is no comparison to the taste of Mccann's Irish oats. Why are they better? Honestly, I don't know. Maybe because they're Irish. Anyway, I have previously tried other types of steel cut oats and quite honestly, they were no comparison. Well one day recently, when I was shopping and realized that I was out of Mccann's, I found that my grocery store was out. Right next to the spot was this brand of oats. I had tried the Country Choice Rolled Oat and Multigrain cereals, and they are both great. So I figured I'd give it a try. They are very, very good. These are as close to Mccann's as you can get. Since they are about half the price of Mccann's, I figure i will switch between these two. In summary, these are a great choice if you can't get Mccann's or if you prefer a cheaper breakfast.
Buy Country Choice Organic Oven Toasted Steel Cut Oats, 30-Ounce Canisters (Pack of 6) Now
These oats are a staple for breakfast at my house. I completely agree with the other reviews and wanted to add one small detail regarding cooking the oats. These are not instant oats. They take some time to prepare so don't expect a quick breakfast with this product. The benefit to cooking the oats for 30 minutes is that the long cooking time actually expands the oats to approximately four times their volume. One cup of oats expands to four servings of hot delicious ready-for-brown sugar and cinnamon goodness!! Also, these oats are by far the best deal when you take a look at the serving size and cost per ounce.
Read Best Reviews of Country Choice Organic Oven Toasted Steel Cut Oats, 30-Ounce Canisters (Pack of 6) Here
Thanks to a tip from a friend we recently bought a Zojirushi rice cooker which also has a "Porridge" setting. Wow, are these oats ever delicious when cooked that way. We will never go back to rolled oats and it is terrific to have such an easy way to make them perfectly. As much as I love this product, I don't love Amazon's price. I just bought two 30 oz containers of this exact product at our local Trader Joe's for only $2.29 each.
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The Country Choice brand is domestically produced and certified organic by Oregon Tilth and is significantly less expensive than the imported brands as a bonus.
These oats are of such high quality that I admit to sometimes eating them uncooked with milk and a few raisins or dried tart cherries. (Yes, it gives the old jaws a bit of a workout.)
I also eat these steel cut oats for dessert by preparing them just like rice pudding: oats, water, raisins, milk, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in that order of quantity, cooked slowly according to the directions on the label but not overcooked, to retain chewiness. To make it even better, I top it with sour cream or whipped cream when serving. Delicious and absolutely outrageously rich in healthy fiber: 4g per 1/4 cup of dry oats.
The quality is superb; always very fresh, fairly uniform, free of foreign objects with a very pure oat taste.
I also like that the paper container takes less toll on the environment to manufacture and ship than a metal container and is also easily recycled.
Highly recommended.
I am disappointed that these contain high fructose corn syrup and also because they do not count toward a fruit serving, even though they state they are made with real fruit. However, they aren't exactly junk food since they are made with real fruit and whole grains. Definitely not the healthiest option though.
