We Tried 10 Instant Oatmeals and You Can Buy the Winner at Walmart

Oatmeal is a cozy and nutritious way to start your day. The hearty bowl of whole grains is full of vitamins and minerals and also contains beta-glucan, a type of fiber with prebiotic effects that can also help lower bad cholesterol. But our favorite thing about oatmeal is the customization. You can jazz up your breakfast with nuts, berries, a spoonful of peanut butter or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to make your oatmeal all your own.

And if you're short on time, instant oatmeal can help you get a filling breakfast fast. The quick and easy packets are convenient, but they're not all the same. Some are thick and hearty, some are so sweet they might as well be dessert, and others are just...not great. To find the best of the best, we taste-tested 10 different brands of maple brown sugar instant oatmeal to find out the best instant oatmeal to add to your morning routine.

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How We Tested These Oatmeals

To keep things consistent, I used boiling water only—no microwave, no milk—and followed each brand's exact cooking instructions. I looked at texture, flavor, sweetness, and overall satisfaction because, let's be real, instant oatmeal needs to be both convenient and actually enjoyable.

To make sure I was comparing apples to apples (or maple to maple) I went with maple brown sugar flavor across the board for all of the brands. From what I could find near me, that seemed to be the most common flavor and it's also a relatively basic flavor that I felt would appeal to a wide range of breakfast eaters.

Related: The British Way to Make Oatmeal 10x Better

Why You Should Trust Me

I've spent years breaking down flavors as a national cookbook judge and food writer—whether it's testing recipes, analyzing craft beer, or deep-diving into nonalcoholic beverages. But when it comes to oatmeal, the "best" one depends on your preferences. Do you like it thick and chewy or smooth and creamy? Mildly sweet or brown sugar-forward? Packed with protein or just simple and classic?

This ranking is based on my oatmeal preference, so consider this your oatmeal roadmap. I'll walk you through each one so you can pick the best fit for your morning routine.

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What to Look For When You're Shopping For Instant Oatmeal

If you're staring at the oatmeal aisle trying to make a decision, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Texture is everything. Some oatmeals are creamy, thick, and satisfying, while others turn into watery mush fast. Look for oats that hold their shape but don't feel undercooked.

• Real maple flavor is hard to find. Some brands use real maple syrup, but others just pile on brown sugar or artificial flavoring. If you want that deep, maple taste, check the ingredients list.

• Sweetness levels vary. Some oatmeals are subtly sweet, while others taste like pure syrup in a bowl. If you like a milder flavor, go for brands with less than 8 grams of sugar per serving.

• Whole grains and protein can make a difference. If you want something more filling, look for oatmeals with extra protein, flax, or steel-cut oats for better texture and staying power.

Alright—let's get into the rankings.

Related: The Best Way To Make Oatmeal, According to Ina Garten

10 Popular Instant Oatmeals, Ranked Worst to Best

10. Great Value (Walmart) Maple Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal

Thin, starchy, and weirdly salty.

This one was the biggest letdown. The oats turned into a watery, starchy paste and the color was a muddy brown—not appetizing at all. The flavor? Mostly salt with a hint of artificial maple. Even for a budget pick, there are better choices. I'd suggest skipping this one.

Related: 8 Best Fast Food Oatmeals, According to Registered Dietitians

9. Good & Gather (Target) Maple Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal

Fine, but forgettable.

This oatmeal is pale and a little loose, and while the oats stay intact, the texture leans more watery than creamy. The flavor is mostly sweet with a light molasses note, but it lacks any real maple depth. It's not bad, but it's not great either—there are better budget-friendly options out there.

8. Bob's Red Mill Naturally Flavored Brown Sugar & Maple Instant Oatmeal

Great texture, but where's the flavor?

Bob's Red Mill does whole grains really well, and the chewy, hearty texture here proves it. But the maple brown sugar flavor? It's almost nonexistent. If you like oatmeal that tastes like, well, oats, this might work for you—but if you actually want maple flavor, you'll need to add it yourself.

Related: I'm a Food Editor—Here's How I Make The Perfect Bowl of Oatmeal Every Morning

7. Trader Joe's Maple & Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal

Totally fine, totally unmemorable.

This one is right in the middle of the pack—not bad, but not exciting either. The oats hold their shape well and don't turn to mush, which is a plus. But the flavor is pretty generic—sweet but lacking any standout maple or brown sugar notes. If you're already at Trader Joe's, it's a fine choice, but you won't be thinking about it after the last bite.

6. Whole Foods 365 Organic Maple & Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal

Clean, simple, lightly sweetened.

If you like your oatmeal less sweet and more straightforward, this one is a solid pick. The texture is smooth but not overly thick, and the flavor is mild with no artificial aftertaste. The maple and brown sugar notes are subtle, so if you prefer a stronger flavor, this might not hit the mark. This option is great for those who want a cleaner, organic option.

Related: Here's What Happens to Your Body if You Eat Oatmeal Every Day

5. Quaker Maple & Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal

A nostalgic classic that still holds up.

This is instant oatmeal as you remember it—smooth, slightly thinner, but still comforting. The brown sugar flavor is stronger than the maple, and while it's on the sweeter side, it doesn't feel overwhelmingly sweet. It's not the best on the list, but if you grew up on Quaker, you won't be disappointed.

Related: The 7 Best Greek Yogurts, According to Dietitians

4. McCann's Instant Maple & Brown Sugar Irish Oatmeal

Oat-forward with a naturally nutty taste.

McCann's is known for high-quality oats, and they're the star here. The chewier texture makes it feel closer to a homemade bowl of oatmeal, and the oats themselves have a slight nuttiness that sets this option apart. The maple flavor is subtle, so if you want something less sweet and more oat-focused, this is a great pick.

Related: The Classic Irish Comfort Food You Need to Know About

3. Nature's Path Gluten-Free Instant Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

Thick, hearty, and satisfying.

This is the stick-to-your-ribs oatmeal—thick, dense and creamy. The oats absorb water well, and you won't get any weird mushy or grainy texture here. The flavor starts off strong but fades pretty quickly. Still, if you want a thick, hearty bowl, this is one of the best.

2. Kodiak Protein-Packed Instant Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal

Filling, chewy, and balanced.

If you want instant oatmeal that actually keeps you full, this is the one. With 12g of protein per serving, it's thicker, chewier and more substantial than most on the list. The maple brown sugar flavor is balanced—not too sweet, not too artificial—though the maple itself doesn't stand out as much as I'd hoped.

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1. Better Oats Steel Cut Quick Cooking Oatmeal with Flax Seeds Maple & Brown Sugar Flavor

The clear winner is the real maple taste and texture.

This is hands-down the best instant oatmeal on the list. The steel-cut oats stay chewy, giving it a texture that actually feels like real oatmeal instead of quick oats. The maple flavor is legit—not just brown sugar pretending to be maple. There's even a hint of molasses-like depth that makes it taste more natural. The flax seeds add a little texture boost but don't overwhelm the oats. It takes a little longer to steep, but if you have the time, this is the one to get. This brand is available at many Walmart and Target locations, so it's also easy to find, which is always a bonus.

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