The debate over using milk or water for oatmeal is quite an interesting discussion you’ll often see on the internet. While some people claim that water makes oatmeal creamy, others argue that it is creamier when taken with milk.
Whichever the case, it’s pretty much a matter of preference. Most importantly, ensure that your choice of how to take your oatmeal is nourishing. Also, it must suit your dietary needs, following any restrictions too.
In this article, we will examine the benefits of using milk for oatmeal as well as that of water, what you should consider before making your choice, and more.
Why is milk better than water for oatmeal?
Oatmeal has a bland taste, so using only water makes it flavorless and less enjoyable. Adding milk to your oatmeal gives it a nice and rich flavor.
It also adds an extra amount of essential protein, calcium, and vitamin to your food.
Since children use up energy more while running around, these nutrients as well as the added calories from milk give them the needed boost for their daily activities.
Additionally, if you love your oatmeal chewy, then you want to use milk instead of water. You can use almond milk if you are mindful of the calories or soy milk if you want extra protein in your diet.
Why is water better than milk for oatmeal?
Cooking oatmeal with water makes it creamier. Also, preparing oatmeal with water instead of milk helps with weight loss.
Although consuming milk with oatmeal adds extra protein, calcium, and vitamins, it also increases the calories compared to just water. This can amount to weight gain if you eat it frequently.
So, if you don’t need the calories, simply settle for water. Moreso, milk could get contaminated, and it will ruin your meal if it gets into your food.
Also, cooking oatmeal in milk is rigorous as it requires that you keep stirring to ensure that it doesn’t curdle and burn. On the other, boiling oatmeal in water doesn’t require too much effort.
You simply have to boil your water, add your oatmeal, stir, and allow it to cook for fifteen minutes. Individuals who are lactose intolerant cannot eat oatmeal that is prepared with milk.
Apart from that, water is more easily accessible than milk. And you can save your milk for baking or other reasons.
To make your oatmeal more enjoyable, you can add some nuts, seeds, and fruits which wouldn’t increase the calories.
Water or milk for oatmeal: which is good for weight loss?
Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and antioxidants. It is low in calories and fat and helps with weight loss.
If you’re trying to lose weight, you should cook your oatmeal with water instead of milk. Milk makes oatmeal more nutritious with additional protein and vitamins but it adds more calories and sugar to your food.
Foods that contain more calories and sugar makes you gain weight. 100 grams of plain oats has 68 calories and 1.4 grams of total fat while 100 grams of whole milk contains 61 calories and 3.25% fat.
Taking them together would result in a calorie and fat increase and a sugar spike. Hence, oatmeal cooked with water is your best bet for losing weight.
You can also add nuts, seeds, and fruits to make it heartier and to provide extra protein, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.
But if you must use milk, go for plant-based alternatives such as oat milk, almond milk, or non-fat milk. These varieties are low in fat and calories.
Additionally, choose steel-cut oats, plain instant oatmeal, and old-fashioned oats as several other brands of oatmeal are highly processed and packed with additives and added sugar and fats which causes weight gain.
Water or milk for oatmeal: which is more nutritious?
Water is just water. It doesn’t add any form of nutrient to food. Milk on the other hand is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs.
That said, oatmeal with milk is more nutritional than those made with water. The milk boosts the nutritional value of the oatmeal and enriches its flavor.
However, be aware that milk also increases the calories in your food, so you want to be careful of the amount of milk you use. Better still, you can choose healthy milk alternatives.
Can you use both water and milk for oatmeal?
Yes. You can use both water and milk to prepare your oatmeal. You can simply boil the oatmeal with water and add milk when it is done. You may also boil a half cup of milk and water each together with the oats.
Whichever way you choose to cook it is fine. Just ensure to stir it frequently if you’re using milk so it does burn. You may boil it in water till it’s almost done then add a little milk near the end and stir.
Once it’s ready, turn off the heat and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes before you serve. Furthermore, you can add your choice of toppings and sweeteners and enjoy.
How to make oatmeal with water
- Cooking oatmeal with water is easy. The golden rule is to use twice as much water as your oatmeal. Cook one cup of oatmeal in 2 cups of water
- Once the water comes to a boil, add your oatmeal and cook over medium heat for a few more
- Once it absorbs the water fully and becomes creamy, it is done.
- Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes before you add the fruits and other toppings. Bananas and raisins are perfect options
How to make oatmeal with milk
- Measure a cup of your favorite milk into a bowl (twice as much as the oats)
- Place it on the stovetop and boil it at high heat
- Get your oats and pour them into the boiling milk
- Set the heat to medium and keep stirring until they come together perfectly.
- Instant oatmeal should cook in one minute, while rolled-out or old-fashioned oats may take 5 minutes, and steel-cut for 20 minutes
- Stir the oatmeal at intervals of one minute to keep it from burning
- You can taste a little to ensure it is done
- Afterward, put off the stove and take down the pot of oats bowl. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes before you serve
- If you’re making your oatmeal in a microwave, put the milk and oatmeal in a bowl and place them in the microwave
- On high heat, instant oats will be ready in 1 minute, rolled oats in 3 minutes, and steel-cut in 5 minutes
- Afterward, bring it out and stir with a spoon so it mixes evenly. Wait for it to cool for a few minutes before you eat it
FAQs
What is the oatmeal-to-water ratio?
Use twice as much water as your oatmeal. For instance, two cups of oatmeal would require four cups of water.
What happens if you use water instead of milk for oatmeal?
The oatmeal will be creamier but less flavorful.
Does oatmeal taste better with milk?
Yes. Milk enriches the oatmeal flavor and makes it more delicious.
Conclusion
Whether you use milk or water for oatmeal, ensure it’s nutritious. But, if you are concerned about your calorie intake, go for water.
On the other hand, milk is the best option for a rich and filling bowl of oatmeal. Also, kids should eat oatmeal with milk because they need the extra protein, calcium, vitamin D, and calories contained in milk.
I hope this article was helpful. Thanks for reading.
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