We Tried 76 Instant Oatmeal Cups—These Are the Best

There are few things quite as satisfying as a warm bowl of oatmeal to start the day. It’s comforting without being heavy, and the options for toppings are endless. Oatmeal can even swing savory, making it a great option for those that don’t like a sweet breakfast. Even the texture of oatmeal can vary greatly depending on personal preference: More liquid (either milk or water) can make it soupy and mushy; less liquid can yield denser oatmeal. There’s even baked oatmeal which is great for a crowd, a brunch, or to keep in the fridge and scoop out on busy weekday mornings.

But preparing a bowl of nourishing oatmeal for breakfast can take some effort. So with the rise of instant oatmeal cups, we simply had to put them to the test. Oatmeal cups are super convenient: They stash well in the pantry for mornings on the go, in the car, or even at your desk, and they’re portable, too.

The best part is that there is no microwave needed. Just hot water and a couple of minutes can make a great travel meal. Gone are the days of oatmeal overflowing in the break room microwave as it cooks. With these oatmeal cups, there's no more cleaning up or cursing the stuck-on bits.

And oatmeal isn't just for breakfast, either, since these cups also make a great snack. Plus, we kept an eye on the sugar quantities to prevent any sugar highs and crashes. Our picks surprised us with interesting flavor combinations, add-ons that kept us fuller longer, and good-for-you ingredients. Just peel back the cover, add hot water to the fill line, give it a stir and wait a few minutes for the oats to soak up the water. That’s it—your comforting oatmeal is ready.