We’ve got those Old Fashioned Oats sitting in the pantry. You know, the ones that never seem to end? Sometimes, we just want to shake things up and try something different.
Whether you’re baking a batch of cookies or whipping up a comforting bowl of porridge, oats can get a little predictable.
That’s why we’ve rounded up six awesome substitutes to make your recipes more exciting. Ready to discover some new flavors and textures?
Let’s get right into it and find out which substitutes will give your dishes a fresh twist!

6 Easy Substitutes for Old Fashioned Oats
As much as we love good ol’ fashioned oats, sometimes it’s nice to switch things up. So here are six substitutes that will give your recipes a new burst of flavor and texture:
1 – Quinoa Flakes
Crunchy and nutty, quinoa flakes are a true delight. We swapped our oats for quinoa flakes in our morning porridge. The result? A rich and nutty flavor with a unique texture that’s both light and satisfying.
Perfect for gluten-free folks, quinoa flakes bring a new twist to your recipes. We’ve used them in cookies, and they added a delightful crispness we never got with oats. Just like oats, you can use them in a one-to-one ratio.
2 – Steel Cut Oats
Steel cut oats are chunkier than your regular rolled oats. They’ve got this incredible, chewy texture that feels way more satisfying. When we use them in our porridge, they make it extra hearty.
If you’re all about that nutty, toasty flavor, steel-cut oats deliver that in spades. They aren’t mushy, providing the perfect bite. We love how they add a more robust texture to cookies too.
You need to cook them longer, but it’s worth it. Their flavor is richer, more complex. If you’ve got the time, give steel cut oats a try.
3 – Barley Flakes
Barley flakes have a chewy texture that’s a nice change from the usual oats. They bring a subtle sweetness and a mild flavor to dishes. We’ve tried them in our morning porridge and loved the slightly nutty taste. They hold up well in cookies, adding a satisfying chewiness.
Barley flakes provide a fantastic texture and flavor. They work in a one-to-one ratio, just like oats. They’re an excellent option for a different twist in your recipes. Give barley flakes a go next time you need a change.
4 – Kamut Flakes
Kamut flakes have a rich, buttery flavor we didn’t expect. They surprised us with their smooth texture. Kamut flakes will make your breakfast stand out. They are great in cookies too, adding a pleasant crunch.
They also offer a different taste that’s almost sweet. We love swapping them for oats in a one-to-one ratio. Compared to oats, kamut has that extra something.
We tried them in our porridge and were amazed by the full, satisfying taste. Kamut flakes are truly a versatile substitute for oats.
5 – Rye Flakes
Rye flakes bring a deep, earthy flavor that’s quite distinctive. They add a lovely chewiness, making them a gutsier substitute.
We tried rye flakes in our morning porridge and enjoyed the robust taste. They work just as well in cookies, with a one-to-one ratio.
Rye flakes give your dishes a hearty, slightly sweet touch. We loved the way they transformed our usual recipes into something richer.
6 – Amaranth Flakes
Amaranth flakes seriously surprised us with their slightly sweet taste and wonderful crunch.
They stood out when we used them as an oat substitute in our morning porridge. The texture was light but filling.
In cookies, they added a crispy texture that we loved. They make every bite special.
For those on a gluten-free diet, amaranth flakes are a great choice. Use a one-to-one ratio just like oats.
We’ve tried amaranth in everything from breakfast to baking, and they’ve consistently delivered a delightful experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, quinoa flakes provide a similar texture, though they cook faster and have a nuttier taste.
Steel-cut oats have a chewier texture and take longer to cook, so they may not work as well in quick recipes.
Barley flakes soak well overnight and provide a similar creamy consistency to old-fashioned oats.
Yes, but rye flakes have a slightly earthier taste, so you may need to adjust the sweetness in the recipe.
Amaranth flakes cook quickly and have a finer texture, making them better suited for porridge than granola.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.