bonnie_webBonnie: I reviewed Better Oats’ nine lines of oatmeal (yes, nine!) about a year ago in Supermarket Sampler, my syndicated column, and was overwhelmed by its introduction of an astonishing 34 new individual products! They’ve discontinued some of those products, but all 23 remaining oatmeal varieties contain 100 percent whole grain oats in some form, with the fruit-flavored ones including only the eponymous fruit, not colored apples imitating peaches or other fruits as in the Quaker competition. I found those and the other sweetened ones too sugary, as I 12796_PLO_RERaw_Bx_LR-frontlike my oatmeal plain.

Generally when I have time, I cook McCann’s Steel Cut Oats stovetop, then divide and freeze individual portions. But these days, who has time? I also like McCann’s Quick & Easy Steel Cut Oatmeal. But Better Oats is even more convenient and a tad more nutritional.

To prepare, just tear the top of a packet, emptying the contents into a microwave-safe bowl and use that pouch for measuring the water. Just stir and cook for 2 minutes. This Good ‘n Hearty variety contains whole grain oats plus ground flax seed, so it had added fiber and omega-3s. I also like the RAW Pure & Simple Bare variety. It is thicker than the Oat Revolution line, is organic and contains barley, wheat, quinoa and rye in addition to the oats.

BOTB BloggerBryan: Though it’s an oft-repeated adage, your day will really be much better if you eat breakfast. It’s by far the most important meal for growing kids, and remains the foundation of any healthy diet for adults. All that being said, just eating in the morning does not constitute “breakfast.” A donut is not breakfast, nor is just a cup of coffee. These foods can and will certainly be components of any breakfast, but cannot alone be its entirety.

Nutrition is what your body craves in the morning, fuel for the day. Need something sweet? Why not also have some nutritional value with your morning sugar rush? Maple & Brown Sugar, Apples & Cinnamon, Cinnamon & Spice, Peaches & Cream, Strawberries & Cream — these are just a few of the oatmeal flavors offered by Better Oats. There are even Cinnamon Roll and Dark Chocolate versions. You can trick yourself; it’s sweet but it’s actually good for you. Oatmeal! Yes, I yelled it. I’m a big fan, and though it may sound odd to be a big fan of instant oatmeal, it’s got to be one of the easiest healthy breakfasts you can find.

Better Oats boxes come with four or five single-serve packets inside. Mix with water and heat: You’ve got yourself a wholesome, delicious meal in seconds. Though there are honestly a thousand things I’d eat instead of instant oatmeal given the chance to sleep in and cook myself a Saturday brunch, there are few things I’d rather eat when I’m tired and waking up at my desk at 8:30 am on a Tuesday. One little packet of Good ‘n Hearty Apples & Cinnamon, for example, (I actually think two are a real meal, though one is a good snack size) contains 13 percent of your daily dietary fiber and 4 grams of protein, the building blocks of a good breakfast. Add a glass of OJ or some fresh fruit and you’re completely covering your food pyramid. When you’re in a fix for time and still want to eat healthy, there is nothing better than Better Oats. Enjoy!

Eric (2 sunglasses)Eric: I don’t know what can be written about oatmeal that hasn’t already been mentioned — of all the breakfast options, oatmeal truly is king. In short, oatmeal packs the ideal nutrition for your body. If it’s missing anything, it’s probably flavor — but with an added serving of fruit or natural sugar (maple syrup, agave, etc), one can easily “spice up” a naturally dull base.

What always bothered me about oatmeal was the process of making it; I’m not one to allocate sufficient time in the morning to be patient enough for my coffee to brew, let alone for my oatmeal to cook. Making regular oatmeal is a process and not something I want to think about at 6 am. Ease alone is why Better Oats Good ‘n Hearty Classic Oatmeal is a featured “best” item.  There is nothing simpler than the process they’ve created — and within a minute you can have a flavorful bowl of nutrition that will start your day in way that no other supplement can match. It seems almost like a no-brainer; the bowl is in your court….