The Ultimate Comparison of Oatmeal vs Buckwheat

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Buckwheat and Oats are two delicious grains often found at the breakfast table. Oatmeal, known for its creamy texture, and buckwheat, an ancient grain with a unique flavor, both offer distinct qualities for a satisfying morning meal. This post will explore their unique attributes, culinary uses, and nutritional benefits. I'll provide tips on how to prepare each of them, as well as some of my favorite ways to use them. Whether you're a fan of the familiar or eager to try something new, join us in discovering the perfect, healthy breakfast to kickstart your day.

Before we get into their differences, here's a quick recap on each grain.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a "pseudocereal" meaning it behaves like a grain in recipes, but is actually a seed. This ancient grain/seed is believed to have originally been cultivated in Southeast Asia around 6000 years ago but is now grown and consumed all over the world. It's usually found in salads but can also be eaten as a cereal grain for breakfast.

Buckwheat is consumed in two different ways: in its whole kernel form, known as buckwheat groats, or ground up into buckwheat flour.

Buckwheat's claim to fame is that it is gluten-free, making it a great option for people eating a gluten-free diet.

Oats

Oats are a breakfast favorite worldwide. Known for their creamy texture and mild flavor, oats are a powerhouse of extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals. From classic breakfast porridge to granola bars and baked goods, oats' adaptability in various dishes makes them a go-to ingredient for both taste and nutrition. Oats come in many different forms, some of the most common are:

Oat groats are the whole, mostly unprocessed oat grain. It is thicker and chewier than any other type of oat.
Steel-cut oats are oat groats cut into pieces by steel blades. They cook faster than oat groats, but they still have a chewier texture.
Old-fashioned aka rolled oats are oat groats that have been steamed and flattened. They cook significantly faster and are a lot creamier when prepared.
Quick oats are rolled oats broken into smaller pieces to cook even faster. They are also very creamy.
Oat flour is also becoming more popular. It's oat groats that have been ground down into a fine powder.

Now that we know a little bit of background on each grain, let's take a closer look and compare the two.

🕵️‍♂️ Appearance

a pile of uncooked buckwheat grains with the label "buckwheat" next to them.

a pile of uncooked steel cut oats on a wooden table.

If there were an award for the cutest grain, it would surely go to buckwheat. It's often described as triangle-shaped, grain-like seeds, but I think it looks like a lovely little heart.

Size-wise, buckwheat is larger than quinoa but smaller than barley. It is a beautiful golden brown color.

Steel-cut oats are the oat variety that looks the most similar to buckwheat. Oats are a lot lighter in color than buckwheat.

Cooked buckwheat takes on a soft and tender texture with a slightly chewy consistency. Cooked buckwheat holds its form and remains individual grains, unlike some varieties of oats. Quick oats and rolled oats become soft and mushy when cooked, while steel-cut oats and oat groats behave more like buckwheat groats.

🥄Taste

Buckwheat has a unique flavor. People often say it has a nutty or earthy flavor. It has a very versatile flavor and is mild enough that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Buckwheat kernels can be used for breakfast as buckwheat porridge and are delicious with fresh fruit and nuts. It is also great as a side dish and in soup.

Buckwheat flour has a distinctive and robust flavor that is earthy, nutty, and slightly bitter. The taste is more intense compared to the whole buckwheat groats. When used in baking or cooking, buckwheat flour can contribute a rich and hearty flavor to dishes. Some people enjoy the earthy taste of buckwheat flour, while others may find it an acquired taste. It is commonly used in pancakes, noodles, and a variety of baked goods, especially as one of the most popular gluten-free flours.

Oatmeal also has a nutty flavor, but is a bit more subtle. It's also a very versatile flavor that pairs well with so many different ingredients. It's most commonly used as a breakfast cereal grain.

💪 Nutrition

You might be wondering whether oats or buckwheat are healthier. That is a hard question to answer because they both are whole-grain foods and have a lot of health benefits. They should both be consumed as part of a balanced, healthy diet. Here are a few of the nutritional benefits of each:

Buckwheat: Buckwheat is notably rich in several vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, iron, folate, magnesium, and other essential amino acids. Buckwheat seeds are also an important source of plant-based protein with 13 grams of protein per 100 grams. They are also high in fiber and low in fat.
Oats: Oats are celebrated for their dietary fiber content that helps lower cholesterol levels and promotes heart health by reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It's also great for your digestive system and gut health. They're also high in manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin B.

Neither oats nor buckwheat naturally contain any sugar, but you'll often see breakfast recipes loaded with added sweeteners! So watch how much brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or dried fruit you add to your morning bowl of oatmeal or buckwheat. You can easily make both grains unhealthy with the number of things you mix in.

Here are both of their full nutrition labels:

The nutrition label for buckwheat. — Oats

Gluten Content

Buckwheat is a gluten-free seed. This makes it a great substitution for people who have celiac disease or are avoiding gluten for any other reason. Buckwheat flour often makes a great substitution for traditional wheat flour because it doesn't contain gluten.

Oatmeal also does not naturally contain gluten. However, it is often processed in facilities that work on other types of grains that contain gluten. The possibility of cross-contamination is very high. If you have a gluten intolerance you should look for certified gluten-free oatmeal.

Glycemic Index Score

Generally, oatmeal has a moderate to low glycemic index, typically ranging from around 42 to 55, depending on the specific variety and cooking method. The GI of buckwheat ranges between 45 to 55 varying based on the specific type of preparation.

Overall, buckwheat and oatmeal are both considered a good choice for blood sugar control due to their moderate glycemic index and high fiber content, which slow down digestion and help prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

However, individual responses can vary, and it's important to consider overall dietary patterns and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

⏲️ Cook Time

Buckwheat takes just a bit longer to cook than most types of oats, except for oat groats. Here is a rundown of how long it takes to cook each ingredient with different cooking methods.

Buckwheat cook times:

Instant Pot: 25 minutes
Stovetop: 20 minutes
Rice cooker: 15 minutes

Oatmeal cook times:

Instant Pot: Rolled Oats-20 mins, Steel-Cut Oats-20 mins, Oat Groats-40 mins
Stove Top: Rolled Oats-10 mins, Steel-Cut Oats- 15 mins, Oat Groats-1 hour
Microwave: Rolled Oats-5 mins, Steel-cut Oats-15 mins

💰 Cost

Buckwheat is significantly more expensive than oatmeal, both online and in grocery stores.

In December 2023 in WA State, at my local grocery store, I could purchase Buckwheat for $2.78 per pound and oatmeal for just .79 cents per pound (all the different varieties cost this amount). That is a difference of $1.99 per pound!

Those are the prices I would pay if I got the ingredients from the bulk bins at my grocery store. If I purchased them online, one lb of buckwheat is $9.49 on Amazon, and an 18 oz container of old-fashioned oatmeal oatmeal costs $2.49.

That's why I love shopping in the bulk bins! It saves you a ton of money. I hope you have access to them where you live.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying orders at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Incredible Bulks.

📖 Recipes

As mentioned before, buckwheat has many culinary uses. It can be used in breakfast foods, grain salads, soups, or as a flour in baked goods. Buckwheat flour is most often used to make Soba Noodles, a traditional type of Japanese noodle. Here are some of my favorite recipes from around the internet:

The different forms of oatmeal are usually consumed as cereal grains or added to baked goods. Here are some of my favorite oat recipes around the web:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is buckwheat or oatmeal better?

The choice between buckwheat and oats comes down to many things.

Nutrition: Both are healthy in different ways, though buckwheat contains more fiber, and less fat than oatmeal. While they are both naturally gluten-free, oats are often processed in facilities that process wheat leading to potential cross-contamination.

Taste and Texture: Oatmeal has a much milder and more versatile flavor than buckwheat. Here in the US, it is a much more preferred flavor.

Cooking time: Oatmeal cooks faster than buckwheat.

Cost: oatmeal is cheaper to purchase than buckwheat.

Ultimately, the choice between buckwheat and oats comes down to personal preference, dietary restrictions, and how each fits into your overall nutritional needs. Both can be part of a healthy and balanced diet, providing valuable nutrients and versatility in the kitchen.

Can you substitute buckwheat with oats, and vice versa?

Short answer: yes

Long answer: Buckwheat and Oats do have a similar texture, but a different flavor. If you are ok with how that flavor will affect your overall dish, then they can be substituted for one another. Buckwheat and Oats do have different cooking times, so take that into account.

It's always a good idea to experiment in small batches to see how the substitution affects the dish before making it in larger quantities. Additionally, keep in mind that the success of the substitution may vary depending on the specific recipe and your personal taste preferences.