Review of 'Quaker' Instant Oatmeal (Raisins and Spice)

Quaker -- Instant Oatmeal (Raisins and Spice) (vegan)
Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Summary: I like this. There are lots of raisins; no skimping there. They could have been a bit juicier and plumper. It's only mildly sweet. I had this with water and a bit of soymilk and it was quite filling for just 1 package. However, the brand is ranks horribly overall, as it still uses BHT, various artificial ingredients, GMOs, trans fats and is part of PepsiCo, known for their anti-non-GMO campaigning.

Where to buy: most major grocery stores



Ingredients: WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED OATS, RAISINS, SUGAR, SALT, CALCIUM CARBONATE,  GUAR GUM, SPICES, NIACINAMIDE*, REDUCED IRON, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE*, RIBOFLAVIN*, THIAMIN MONONITRATE*, FOLIC ACID*.

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 packet
Calories: 150
Total fat: 2g
     Saturated fat: 0g
     Trans fat: 0g
     Polyunsaturated fat: .5g
     Monounsaturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 210mg
Potassium: 160mg
Total Carbohydrate: 32g
     Dietary fiber: 3g
     Insoluble fiber: 1g
     Sugars: 14g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 15%
Calcium: 10%
Iron: 20%

Full nutritional profile here.

The ingredients aren't bad at all in this specific flavour and the nutritional profile is quite good. For only 150 calories, it's low in fat and sodium, has a nice portion of protein and fiber, and vitamin A, calcium, and iron. Added with (soy)(rice)(almond) milk works very well. I still wouldn't recommend it based on the unimpressiveness of the brand and the poor quality of ingredients in some Quaker products.

Other 'Instant Oatmeal' flavours:

• Apples and Cinnamon (vegan)
• Chocolate Chip (vegan)
• Cinnamon and Spice (vegan)
• Cinnamon Roll (vegan)
• Dinosaur Eggs
• Fruit and Cream varieties
• Honey Bun (vegan)
• Maple and Brown Sugar (vegan)
• Original (vegan)
• Peaces and Cream
• Raisin, Date, and Walnut (vegan)
• Strawberries and Cream
• Apples and Cranberries (vegan)

Brand:

• Continues to include trans fats, artificial flavours, colouring, genetically modified ingredients despite branding itself as health conscious and progressive
• Goal: to reduce water and electricity consumption by 20% and fuel consumption by 25% by 2015 (Oats and the Environment)
• Since 1901
• Part of PepsiCo since 2001 (against GMO-labelling)