Oat is a species of cereal grain grown for its seed. While oats are suitable for human consumption as oatmeal and rolled oats, one of the most common uses is as livestock feed.

Nutritional information

Oats provide diverse essential nutrients, such as proteins, B vitamins, dietary minerals and carbohydrates.

Direct uses and industrial application

Oats are mainly consumed rolled or crushed into oatmeal, as well as ground into fine flour or for making oat milk. Oatmeal is mainly turned into porridge but can also be used in oatcakes, oatmeal cookies and oat bread. They are very commonly used as an ingredient in muesli and granola.

Market overview and production

Oats are best grown in temperate weather, they have a lower summer heat requirement and greater tolerance for rain. Oats are an annual plant and can be planted either in autumn or in the spring.

In 2019 global production of oats was 23 million tonnes, Russia being the first producer, followed by Canada. Other important producers were Poland, Finland, Australia and the United Kingdom.