Skip to content

SugarHigh Team

Is Oatmeal Low GI? Rolled vs Instant

Measure Value Source
GI 55 (low) Atkinson 2008, Table 1
Carbs / 100 g 12 g USDA FDC 173904
Fiber / 100 g 1.7 g USDA FDC 173904
Net carbs / 100 g 10.3 g Calculated from USDA
GL / 100 g 6 (calculated) GI × net carbs / 100

Short answer: porridge made from rolled oats averages a GI of 55 (low). Instant oat porridge averages 79 (high). Both values: Atkinson 2008, Table 1 (PMC2584181).

Same grain, different processing

GI helps compare similar foods. Rolled oat porridge (55) sits in the low band; instant oat porridge (79) is high. Less processing tends to keep the number lower.

Breakfast context

See our low GI breakfast list for how oatmeal compares with cornflakes, breads and fruit.

FAQ

Is oatmeal low GI?

Rolled oat porridge averages 55, low. Instant oat porridge averages 79, high.

Is instant oatmeal low GI?

No. Instant oat porridge averages 79 (Atkinson 2008).

What is a simple swap?

Instant oat porridge (79) to rolled oat porridge (55).

Sources

Related

Download SugarHigh

See estimated GI, GL and keto status from a meal photo. Free trial, then subscription, on iOS and Android.

How photo scan works →