Are Muesli and Oats the Same Thing?

By: Bob's Red Mill | March 23 2018
Are muesli and oats the same thing? This is a question we hear often at Bob’s Red Mill and we know, there has certainly been some confusion surrounding the difference between muesli and oats for quite some time. But the truth is, these two delightful culinary items you might find in your pantry or the aisles of the grocery store are indeed very different. So let’s dive in!

Muesli vs. Oats

Muesli was originally invented by a Swiss nutritionist and is an uncooked mixture that contains fruits, nuts, seeds, and grains. Commonly, it comes filled with rolled grains and can be eaten hot, cold (with milk or yogurt), or by itself. It can also be cooked on the stove top to create a hot muesli breakfast or added to an abundant amount of baked goods for a nutritious edge. Muesli is high fiber and filled with whole grains to give you energy. The nuts provide protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and the fruit offers everything from potassium, to fiber, to vitamin E, C, and B12. These days, you can find muesli in everything from pancakes, to breads, to cookies. At Bob’s Red Mill, we’re big fans of muesli. That’s why we’ve produced a whole bunch of muesli products. So whatever it is you’re looking for, chances are — we have it! Bob’s Red Mill Muesli Products Oats, on the other hand (though they are indeed a component of traditional muesli) are not muesli itself. Oats are a typeof cereal grain that are grown for their seed. Commonly, you’ll find oats in cereal, oatmeal, and baked goods. Like muesli, they can be an incredibly beneficial part of your diet. In fact, oats are said to be one of the healthiest grains on earth. They’re gluten-free, whole grain, and a source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. At Bob’s Red Mill, we offer a variety of oat products, depending on what suits your dietary needs. Bob's Red Mill Oats Products Though both muesli and oats are two different things in the food world, integrating them into your recipes and your routine will prove to be nutritious — and tasty, too. Let’s take a look at how to utilize both muesli and oats in everything from loaves of bread to pans of apple crisps.

Muesli Recipes

Dairy Free Muesli Loaf

This Dairy-Free Muesli Loaf is made with our Old Country Style Muesli, pumpkin seeds, water, Psyllium Fiber Powder, Chia Seed, coconut oil, maple syrup, and sea salt. The psyllium fiber powder (made from the outer husks of the seed of the psyllium plant that have been ground to a super-fine texture) is mixed with the chia seeds and water until thick. Meanwhile, in another bowl, the muesli and pumpkin seeds are combined, then added to the water mixture alongside coconut oil and maple syrup. The loaf takes 60 minutes to bake but once it’s done — it’s breakfast bliss. Slice it up and serve it with jam, butter, or a dollop of almond butter.  

Gluten Free Muesli Bread

This Gluten Free Muesli Bread is a sweet bread that combines our nutritious Gluten Free Muesli with Gluten Free Oat Flour, dried cranberries, cider vinegar, eggs, tapioca flour and more. If you’d like, you can even add raisins or other dried fruit (like blueberries or pineapple) and nuts, too, for some added healthy fats. One loaf makes about 16 servings, so we suggest doubling the recipe and having your friends over for a late afternoon spring tea party outdoors. Toast each piece individually with a light spread of butter or coconut oil for a true indulgence.

Apple Muesli Sandwiches

These Apple Muesli Sandwiches are so much fun to make for lunch or snacks on the go. They’re created using just three ingredients — sweet apples (like Fuji, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp), sunflower seed butter, and Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Muesli. Try making them with your little ones by enlisting their help in spreading the sunflower seed butter onto the apple slices after you’ve cored and sliced them. Sprinkle with muesli, top with an additional apple slice, and you have a sandwich fit for any occasion. If you care to get a little creative, alternate the sandwiches with nut butters (like cashew, peanut, and almond butter). If we may say, topping the nut butter with mini chocolate chips isn’t such a bad idea, either.

Chocolate Chip Muesli Cookies

If you’ve ever been told you can’t have cookies for breakfast or a healthy snack, now is your time to put up a food fight. These Chocolate Chip Muesli Cookies are made with egg, Old Country Style Muesli, brown sugar, salt, whole wheat flour, vanilla extract, unsalted butter, baking soda, and chocolate chips. The muesli adds a unique addition to jazz up this traditional treat and make it acceptable at any time of the day (or night).

Muesli Blondie Bites

Blondies are a delightfully classic dessert and when combined with muesli in this recipe for Muesli Blondie Bites, they instantly become a nutritious breakfast, snack, after-lunch treat, dessert, and anything else in between. These little bites are made with butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, almond milk, Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour, Flaxseed Meal, baking powder, and Old Country Style Muesli. A word to the wise in the world of baker's — you might want to make a double batch.

Oats Recipes

Savory Oatmeal with Baked Eggs

Often, when we think of oatmeal, we think of blueberries, blackberries, brown sugar, honey, and creamy milk. However, savory oatmeal packs quite the breakfast punch, too. This Savory Oatmeal with Baked Eggs is hearty and made with Steel Cut Oats, green onions, garlic cloves, broth (like chicken or vegetable), eggs, salt, and pepper. The mixture of the eggs and the steel cut oats in combination with the broth make for a fantastic breakfast when you’re craving something on the protein-dense, nutritious, and savory side to kickstart your morning. If you’d like, add some raw greens like a handful of spinach, arugula, or kale.

Vegan Cashew and Coconut Granola

This recipe for Vegan Cashew and Coconut Granola is so naturally tasty. It’s made with Regular Rolled Oats, cashew pieces, Vanilla Protein Powder Nutritional Booster, coconut oil, coconut flakes, dried apricots, agave syrup, premium shelled sunflower seeds, cocoa nibs, molasses and sea salt. It’s easy to make and produces a delicious granola packed full of nutrients. Enjoy it over yogurt, with your favorite milk, or just on its own. The choice is yours.

Oatmeal Cookie Smoothie

Rolled oats might not at first seem like the most likely ingredient for a smoothie. But trust us when we say — they’re an incredible addition. Don’t let the name of this Oatmeal Cookie Smoothie recipe fool you. It may taste just as good as a traditional oatmeal cookie, but this smoothie is filled with healthy ingredients like Chai Protein Powder Nutritional Booster, pitted dates, Regular Rolled Oats, milk, and vanilla extract. The oats add a unique texture to this high-protein smoothie, making it the perfect choice to reach for when you’re craving a quick and easy meal on-the-go.

Best-Ever Healthy Apple Crisp

In addition to breakfast meals of all sorts, oats can also be used to create healthy fruit crisps with wholesome ingredients. This dairy free, gluten free Best-Ever Healthy Apple Crisp is made with Regular Rolled Oats, Almond Flour, chopped almonds, ground cinnamon, salt, melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and granny smith apples. It’s free of refined sugar and once baked, it comes out crisp and loaded with the sweet flavors of cinnamon and maple. If you’d like to change it up, try experimenting with other fruits like peaches or different kinds of nuts like walnuts and pecans. Whichever way you go, serve it warm and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for one of the most delightful treats around.

Naturally Sweetened Berry Vanilla Granola Bars

These Naturally Sweetened Berry Vanilla Granola Bars are free of refined sugar and made with coconut oil — plus, they’re homemade, wholesome and so simple to whip up when you consider the sugar-filled store-bought alternative. In addition to coconut oil, they’re created using honey, maple syrup, vanilla extract, Gluten Free Rolled Oats, shredded coconut, sliced almonds, Vanilla Protein Powder Nutritional Booster, ground cinnamon, salt, and dried blueberries (or berries of your choice). Get the kids to help you with this one as you mix the oats and spread them across the baking sheet. After cooling, slice them into squares and enjoy. They’re great served room temperature or cold. And keep in mind, you can get creative with any addition you’d like, from sunflower seeds to chocolate chips. Although muesli and oats are indeed different products, they both share many similarities when it comes to how you can utilize them in your own cooking and baking experience. However you choose to do so, we wish you luck and food-filled wonder ahead! May it be packed full with the wholesome benefits of both muesli and oats alike. Note: Eating raw oats is generally safe, but may cause digestive issues or increase the risk of foodborne illness.

4 Comments

  1. vicki jones
    How much fiber?
    Reply
    1. Sarena Shasteen
      Hi Vicki, did you want to know the fiber on our oats or muesli?
      Reply
  2. julia
    Which rolled oats selection is ideal for making home-made muesli? I prefer muesli that can be be eaten immediately with milk. I don't need gluten-free products. Thank you!
    Reply
    1. Whitney Barnes
      Whitney Barnes
      Hi Julia - Regular Rolled Oats are perfect! Thick Rolled Oats would be a little too chewy and Quick Cooking Oats are partially stone ground with very small pieces.
      Reply

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