Coach’s Oats Review!

So who’s ready for the weekend? I know I am! I’ll be back next week with what will hopefully be a recap of a fun weekend, but in the meantime, I wanted to give you guys an unofficial review of Coach’s Oats.

I mentioned in my last post that I won a giveaway on Facebook through Coach’s Oats page. Now, let me just tell you that I was beyond thrilled that I was one of their winners. #1, I never win anything. Like literally never. And #2, I was a winner of oats, aka one of my favorite foods. So yep, definitely happy to win that giveaway. Anyways, little did I know that they were going to be sending me a Hugh Jass bag of oats! I was surprised by that, but in a good way, of course. I was expecting some sample packets or something, so getting a giant package in the mail was awesome.

Before I get on with the review, I need to let you know that I was not in any way paid or compensated by Coach’s Oats to do this review–they actually didn’t even ask me to review them, they just sent them for free. This review is 100% my own opinion of the product.

When I first opened the bag, I thought something was wrong. Coach’s Oats don’t look like the typical thick rolled oats that I always buy; they’re kinda cracked and look a little like those pieces of popcorn shell that you get stuck in your teeth. I was skeptical at first, but I mixed some in with my usual oats and whipped up a serving of voluminous ‘overnight’ oats.

Coach's Oats/rolled oats topped with raisins and peanut flour paste.

So how did they taste? Honestly, they actually did taste a little nuttier than normal oats, just like the bag says! Also, despite their small appearance in the bag, they fluffed up really nicely. I like my oats super-thick and not watery at all, which is why I make them the voluminous way and then let them sit for a few hours to thicken up, and these definitely did that!

Apparently, they are similar to steel-cut oats (which I’ve never had) but cook much more quickly, just like quick and rolled oats. This is definitely good for people like me, who don’t have access to a stove or want to make a bowl of oats really quickly.

Next up, I tried them in a bowl of savory oats. Yes, savory. This was actually my first bowl of savory oats ever–I have such a sweet tooth that I normally have them topped with all sorts of sweet toppings (even for dinner!). But I’ve heard a lot of good things about savory oats, so I finally took the plunge. I made a bowl that I call Chipotle-inspired oats, because it’s similar to their naked burrito bowls, with oats instead of rice, but topped with grilled peppers, guacamole, plain Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream) and refried pinto beans.

Naked savory oats.

 

Chipotle oats topped with organic refried pinto beans, guacamole, a little plain Oikos, grilled pepper strips and crushed multigrain chips.

How did I like my first experience with savory oats? They were actually pretty good. My only complaint is that the oats themselves were pretty bland; when I make sweet oats, I add a packet of Truvia to sweeten them up, but obviously I wouldn’t do that with savory oats. Next time, I’d just add a pinch of salt to the oats before making them to really bring out their flavor. However, again, they did have a subtle nutty taste and I loved all the toppings I put on the oats. I’m already thinking of more combos, like curry-raisin or Mediterranean (with hummus and falafel)!

The nutritionals on Coach’s Oats are pretty stellar as well. They have 160 calories, 3 grams of fat (0.5 gram saturated), 4 grams of fiber, 0 grams of sugar and 6 grams of protein in 1/3 cup, which is about the same as 1/2 cup of rolled oats. However, these fluff up enough that I think 1/3 cup would be a decent serving size, especially with toppings.

Overall, these are a very good alternative to regular oats, or just a way to mix it up. I personally think I’ll use them mixed in with my usual rolled oats just to add in a different texture. I definitely recommend them if you’re an oats lover like me! And thanks again, Coach’s Oats!

Have you ever tried Coach’s Oats? What combination would you try in a bowl of savory oats?