Top Instant Oatmeal Brands Available at Target and Walmart, According to Survey

When choosing instant oatmeal, one brand has emerged as the clear favorite among a recent survey of consumers. This popular product can easily be found at major retailers like Target and Walmart.

A writer conducted a taste test involving ten different brands of maple brown sugar instant oatmeal. Following the cooking instructions carefully and using only boiling water, the writer aimed to identify the best options in the realm of this convenient breakfast food, as reported by Parade magazine.

Survey Highlights

The findings of the survey present a ranked order of the top instant oatmeal brands:

1. Better Oats Steel Cut Quick Cooking Oatmeal with Flax Seeds Maple & Brown Sugar Flavor

2. Kodiak Protein-Packed Instant Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal

3. Nature’s Path Gluten-Free Instant Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

4. McCann’s Instant Maple & Brown Sugar Irish Oatmeal

5. Quaker Maple & Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal

6. Whole Foods 365 Organic Maple & Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal

7. Trader Joe’s Maple & Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal

8. Bob’s Red Mill Naturally Flavored Brown Sugar & Maple Instant Oatmeal

9. Good & Gather (Target) Maple Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal

10. Great Value (Walmart) Maple Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal

Leading the pack is the Better Oats brand, which enjoys availability in popular stores including Target and Walmart.

According to the magazine, Better Oats ranked as the number one instant oatmeal option. The review praises its texture, noting that the steel-cut oats remain chewy, providing a mouthfeel akin to traditional oatmeal rather than quick oats. The described maple flavor is genuine, rather than being a subpar imitation of syrup.

Flavor and Quality Assessment

Parade highlighted the unique qualities of the Better Oats oatmeal. The subtle hint of molasses adds a depth of flavor that enhances its natural taste profile. While the product does take slightly longer to steep compared to others, the review advises that it is worth the wait for those who can afford the extra minutes.

In addition, retailers like Target and Walmart produce their own line of instant oatmeal products. At Target, Good & Gather represents their private label, while Walmart offers the Great Value brand.

Consumer Reactions

The survey included a comparison of various brands, drawing mixed reactions from tasters. The Great Value version received the most criticism, earning the position of the biggest disappointment among the ten brands surveyed. It ultimately placed last in the rankings.

Just above that was Good & Gather, which was described as “not bad” but also “not great either.” This suggests that while it may serve its purpose, it doesn’t stand out among competitors.

A Walmart spokesperson emphasized the diverse selection available in their stores, mentioning their commitment to providing both national and private brand options at affordable prices for customers.

Brand Presence in Major Retailers

The Better Oats brand is owned by Minnesota-based Post Consumer Brands. Both Better Oats and Target did not respond immediately to requests for comments regarding the survey, leading some to speculate about the potential impacts of such surveys on brand reputation.

Consumer satisfaction remains a top priority, which these evaluations continue to reflect. With numerous oatmeal brands competing for market share, feedback from taste tests may influence shopper decisions at stores like Target and Walmart.

A Closer Look at the Rankings

As instant oatmeal continues to be a go-to breakfast for many, it is crucial for consumers to be informed about the best purchasing options. Brands like Better Oats illustrate the effectiveness of quality ingredients and appealing flavors in creating a product that resonates with consumers.

As the oatmeal landscape evolves, shoppers are encouraged to explore the various offerings available at their local stores. This knowledge leads to more informed choices at breakfast time.

In summary, while the survey identified top brands available at major retailers, the ongoing development of instant oatmeal products promises exciting options for consumers aiming for a quick yet delicious start to their day.