Do oats come from wheat?

If you’re like us, you constantly wonder where your food comes from. For example, that package of oatmeal that you had for breakfast.

Oats are almost as popular as rice around the world, but many of us have no idea how they are grown, processed, or where they come from. A common question, especially with the rise in gluten intolerance, is:

Do oats come from wheat? No, oats do not come from wheat, but they are a distant relative. It actually comes from the Avena sativa plant, which is a type of cereal grain. Raw oats are also gluten free like wheat.

To keep you calm, in this article we will explain what exactly oats are, where they come from and how they are different from or similar to wheat.

Adding oats to your day has many benefits, and the more you know, the more you’ll like it.

Where do the oats come from?

Oats are the seed of the Avena Sativa plant, which is a type of grass grown specifically for the cereal seed. Oat fields look very much like wheat or even barley fields.

When the plant is mature and ready for harvest, the seeds are collected, protected by an outer shell. Within this shell is the bran and germ (the seed itself), and below those layers is the oats.

The hull is essentially inedible and is removed from all types of oats that are sold commercially. Whole-grain oats, including steel-cut and traditional rolled oats, include the bran and germ.

Different types of oats cook or flatten to different degrees, depending on the final cooking time. However, many types of oatmeal have the outer layers removed.

What is the difference between oats and wheat?

As already stated, oats come from a type of grass known as a cereal grain. Wheat is also a type of cereal grain grass, but they are different species.

There are many different varieties of wheat, which is a type of grass that releases a seed similar to that of oats. The most common variety is from the Triticum family, specifically Triticum Aestivum, or soft wheat.

Oats are also gluten free, unlike wheat. Oats have a protein called oats that is related to wheat gluten, but not the same. Also, it’s only a minor protein in oats.

Raw oats are generally considered safe for people with a gluten intolerance or sensitivity. If you have a severe allergy, it’s always crucial to check the packaging of the specific product you buy.

Oats may be naturally gluten-free, but that doesn’t mean they’re processed or packaged in a gluten-free facility.

Our favorite brand of oats, including certified gluten-free, is Bob’s Red Mill. Their steel cut oats are perfect for a quick breakfast made in a handy oatmeal pot.

oats benefits

When you think of oatmeal, you probably picture one of the most time-honored hot breakfasts of all time: oatmeal, or as some say, porridge.

Although oats make a hearty breakfast, they are quickly becoming popular as a substitute for other whole grains in a wider variety of recipes.

If you avoid rice or wheat, oats can be part of your lunch or dinner just as easily as breakfast. And oatmeal is good for more than just filling your stomach.

If you have ever shopped for skin, hair, or beauty products, you may have come across products that contain oats or oat milk among their ingredients, as oats strengthen and hydrate the skin.

The nutritional content of oats

There are many benefits to praise when it comes to oats, but we’ll start with the protein and fiber content, which is high in both cases.

Both protein and fiber are known to help you feel fuller for longer. This can help reduce your daily caloric intake and curb hunger pangs between meals.

It’s not hard to see why so many people count on oats to help them reach their weight goals.

The fiber in oats is also beneficial for balancing cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and improving digestion.

Oats also have a variety of vitamins and minerals that work together to keep your body in optimal health.

Oats and wheat are pretty similar in their nutritional profile, but oats come out on top in almost every way, with the one exception being slightly higher in total calories.

However, this is offset by the significant improvement in fiber content, healthy fats, and protein.

Both cereals are good sources of B vitamins, although oats have a slightly higher concentration of all of the more difficult to obtain through food.

Wheat has more B2 and B6, but these are more available in food, making it easier to reach the recommended daily intake.

Bottom Line: Are Oats and Wheat the Same?

Oats do not come from wheat, and they are not the same.

Oats are most commonly eaten as a whole grain, while wheat is often milled into flour to make wheat products.

One of the biggest current concerns about wheat consumption is the presence of gluten.

Oats are naturally gluten-free, as are products made from them, such as oat milk and rolled oats, although of course they must be produced in a certified gluten-free facility to be completely safe. .

Nutritionally speaking, oats and wheat are similar, although oats tend to have a beneficial advantage over wheat. They are higher in protein, fat and fiber, and more vitamins and minerals to help keep you healthy.

Related questions

Now that we’ve answered your most important questions, we invite you to read some of our responses to a few related questions below.

Is oat milk gluten free?

Oat milk is made primarily from raw oats, which, as just explained, are naturally gluten-free. Again, that doesn’t guarantee that all oat milk is gluten-free.

Different manufacturers will include different additives and flavorings, which may not be ideal for those intolerant to gluten.

The facility and machinery must also be certified gluten-free so that the product is truly safe for anyone with a severe allergy.

The most delicious certified gluten-free oat milk is from Oatly. It is so perfectly balanced that it is designed for baristas to use as an alternative to milk in coffee.

What does oats look like?

The oat plant, Avena sativa, is a tall grass stalk that grows in fields similar to wheat. As it matures, it creates fronds of feathery seeds, also similar to what you’d expect wheat to have.

When first harvested, oats still have their hulls intact, which is a somewhat papered protection. Inside, the individual grains look similar to rice in a toasty yellow color, with pointy ends.

Oats that you buy in a store have been crushed, cut, or rolled. Rolled oats and steel cut oats are tiny pieces of oats, which can be irregular to the point of being partially pulverized, depending on the type of oats.

The rolled oats have been flattened into small whitish discs. The thickness of the oats depends on the type of oats you buy, with instant oats being the finest.

Does oats contain protein?

Oats are high in protein and are often considered a good plant-based source of protein, making them especially popular with vegans and vegetarians.

Oats are higher in protein than most other grains, providing nearly 17 grams of protein in a 100-gram serving.

Those 17 grams may reflect up to 35% of the recommended daily value for protein for some people, depending on individual variables.

The main type of protein found in oats is very similar to that of legumes. It is not considered a complete protein, but it has a more varied amino acid profile than any other grain.

Does wheat germ go bad?

Wheat germ can go bad and rancid if not stored properly.

The most important factor in preserving wheat germ is protecting it against humidity and temperature fluctuations that can create condensation around the germ.

To save which germ, transfer it to a glass or steel jar with hermetic closure. You can use an airtight bag if you prefer, but something sturdier will help prolong the life of your wheat germ.

Once it’s in an airtight container, store it in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, or in your fridge. It should last up to 1 year.

You can also freeze wheat germ to extend its shelf life even further.