Is Eating Raw Oats Safe?

After harvesting, oats go through a few processing stages before being sold in the cereal section. Registered dietitian Lauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LD, of Charleston, said, "During the processing process, raw oats are often pre-cleaned, hulled, and made safe for immediate consumption." 

Davis further notes that bacteria are removed from even little processed oats, such as steel-cut oats, throughout the processing process. 

Following these processing stages, eating raw oats is generally safe, according to both nutritionists. Thus, you may safely consume oats straight from the canister or include them into non-cooking dishes like homemade oat milk or no-bake peanut butter chocolate cookies.

How to Make Overnight Oats and Raw Oats

Make a tasty and nutritious pot of overnight oats for a well-rounded grab-and-go breakfast. Just fill a mason jar with equal parts oats and liquid (like milk), shake or stir, store in the refrigerator, and eat the following morning. You can make a few jars at a time to enjoy throughout the week, adding any fruits or flavorings you prefer. To further stimulate your palate, mix & match the toppings! Do you want something salty? Check out our recipe for Sriracha, Egg, and Avocado Overnight Oats. Do you have a sweet tooth? Check out our recipes for dessert-inspired overnight oats, such as Brownie Batter, Almond Joy, and Banana Cream Pie.

Balls of Energy

Make poppable energy balls out of oats, almonds, and dried fruits in a single bowl or food processor. Energy balls are a quick, high-nutrient snack that is high in fiber, protein, and good fats. When you're craving something sweet after dinner, bite into them or pack them in your lunchbox. Roll up our S'mores Energy Balls, Apple Pie Energy Balls, and Sticky Bun-Inspired Energy Balls. 

 No-Cook Brownies or Cookies

Is it too hot to use the oven? Brownies and cookies that are baked without baking can be created using raw oats. They are held together and given an additional boost of fiber by the oats. Prepare our Vegan No-bake vegan date brownies, no-bake peanut butter cookies, or no-bake cookies.

Muesli Muesli is a cold cereal composed of rolled oats, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, and other grains such as wheat flakes or bran. You can eat it by covering it with milk or try soaking it in yogurt for the entire night. Try our recipe for Bircher Muesli, which has received five stars.

 Drinks

Add oats to your smoothie to change it up! They contribute additional fiber and a thick, creamy texture that may prolong feelings of fullness. Try making our Cherry-Berry Oatmeal Smoothie or Blueberry & Spinach Smoothie, two of our oat-rich smoothie recipes.

Most Common Questions 

Which is better, raw or cooked oats? 

Some people may find that cooked oats are easier to digest since cooking breaks down the starch in them. That being said, there is no better or worse method to eat oats. Whether you eat them raw or cooked is a matter of personal preference.  

 Do oats need to be soaked? 

Oats soaked in water can have a softer texture, become creamier, be easier to digest, and cook more quickly. Soaking is not required, though. Oats can be eaten either way, depending on your taste and preferred texture.

The Final Word

Dietitians concur that after post-harvest processing, raw oats are usually safe to eat. Oats are a wholesome whole grain that you can use in a variety of ways in your diet, from savory dishes to mouthwatering desserts. Discover the countless uses for raw or cooked oats.