Oat flakes

Oat flakes are whole oats that have been dehulled, steamed, and rolled flat. This process makes them easier to cook and digest, and gives them their characteristic texture. Oats are a cereal grain grown widely across the UK and other temperate regions.

Oat flakes are primarily used as a source of carbohydrates and fibre in breakfast cereals, particularly porridge and muesli. They are also a popular ingredient in baked goods like biscuits, cookies, and flapjacks, where they contribute texture and a slightly nutty flavour. Their ability to absorb liquid also makes them useful in some savoury dishes.

Oat flakes are a whole grain and a good source of dietary fibre, including beta-glucans, which are associated with maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels. The NHS recommends including whole grains like oats in a balanced diet. Oat flakes are not considered a food additive and do not have an E-number. Regulatory bodies like EFSA have evaluated the health claims associated with beta-glucans from oats, and these claims are permitted when specific amounts are consumed.