We didn't expect the BA staff to be particularly excited about oatmeal. We tasted chocolate frosting last week and yellow cake mix the week before, so oatmeal sounded disappointing in comparison, right? Wrong. One person's comment: "Best taste test yet!"

Another thing that surprised us was the way flavors differed between the various brands of oatmeal, all of which we prepared with hot water. Some were naturally sweet (though none had any added sugar), some were earthy, and one was unpalatable. Ah, Mother Nature, she's unpredictable.

We tasted ten different brands of oatmeal. Most but not all of them were labeled "instant" or "quick-cooking," but they all took under five minutes to prepare. Let our picks for flavor and nutritionist Marissa Lippert's for health be your guide next time you are at the supermarket.

Our Favorites for Flavor

#1 Trader Joe's Rolled Oats

Nutrition: One Serving (1/2 cup uncooked/40g)=150 calories, 2.5g total fat, .5g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 27g total carbs, 4g dietary fiber, 1g sugars, 6g protein.

Ingredients: 100% Whole Grain Rolled Oats.

Cost: $3.99 at Trader Joe's in New York City.

Our assessment: "Lovely distinct oats"; "Looks better--more texture"; "Nutty, nice whole oats."


#2 Bob's Red Mill Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

Nutrition: One serving (1/2 cup dry/48g)=190 calories, 3.5g total fat, .5g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 32g total carbs, 5g dietary fiber, 1g sugars, 7g protein.

Ingredients: Organic Whole Grain Oats.

Cost: $2.69 at Fairway in New York City.

Our assessment: "So good!"; "Oats aren't as plump as I would like"; "Tastes a little salty"; "Nice chew"; "Saltier."


#3 Arrowhead Mills Plain Instant Oatmeal

Nutrition: One Serving (1 packet/28g)=110 calories, 2g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 19g total carbs, 2g dietary fiber, 0g sugars, 4g protein.

Ingredients: Organic Instant Oatmeal.

Cost: $4.19 at Fairway in New York City.

Our assessment: "Vaguely cinnamon-y"; "Tastes like the oatmeal I used to have for breakfast before school, something very familiar about it"; "Too gelatinous--not toothsome"; "Fruity back note."