Steel Cut Oats with Chia Seeds and Vanilla

Woolworths Steel Cut Oats with Chia Seeds and Vanilla

  • Meal
  • Checked
  • Grade B
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The short answer

Steel Cut Oats with Chia Seeds and Vanilla by Woolworths has 122 kcal, 20 g carbs, 3.4 g protein and 3.4 g fat per serving (1 serving (180g)).

Calories122kcal
Carbs20g
Protein3.4g
Fat3.4g
About it

Woolworths Steel Cut Oats with Chia Seeds and Vanilla is a ready-cooked, wholegrain option designed for convenience. With 20g of carbohydrates per serving (180g), it's a moderate source of energy, suitable for endurance athletes seeking a pre-training snack. The inclusion of chia seeds adds fiber, which can aid in sustained energy release, although the fiber content (8.6g per serving) might be too high for some during intense sessions. Vanilla extract provides a subtle flavor without excessive sugars, keeping the glycemic impact low. This product is best consumed as a breakfast or snack before moderate training sessions, offering a balance of carbs and fiber to fuel your workout without causing rapid blood sugar spikes.

  • Moderate carbohydrate source
  • High fiber for sustained energy
  • Low sugar content

On the label per serving, 1 serving (180g)

Energy509 kJ
Calories122 kcal
Carbs20.0 g
Sugar1.8 g
Fibre8.6 g
Protein3.4 g
Fat3.4 g
Saturated fat0.5 g
Cholesterol2 mg
Sodium115 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density11.1%Carbs as a share of the food's weight: how hard it is on the gut at pace.
Glucose to fructose—Glucose with fructose lifts how much carb the gut can take in an hour.
Sodium per 100 kcal95 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density2.8 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour3How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileWith 20g of carbs and 1.8g of sugar per serving, the glycemic impact is low, providing a steady energy release without rapid blood sugar spikes.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

Woolworths Steel Cut Oats with Chia Seeds and Vanilla is a convenient option for moderate pre-workout fueling or post-exercise recovery. However, its high fiber content makes it unsuitable for consumption during intense sessions. Athletes should consider pairing it with additional protein for optimal recovery.

Who it is for

This product is ideal for endurance athletes who require a moderate carbohydrate source before training. It's particularly suitable for those engaging in moderate-intensity workouts or as a recovery meal post-exercise. Athletes sensitive to high fiber intake during intense sessions should be cautious.

Best sessions

Best suited for moderate-intensity sessions like easy runs or recovery rides. Not ideal for high-intensity intervals due to high fiber content.

Pros
  • Convenient pre-cooked format for quick preparation
  • Moderate carb content suitable for pre-training
  • High fiber content aids in sustained energy release
  • Low sugar content minimizes blood sugar spikes
Cons
  • High fiber may cause GI distress during intense workouts
  • Low sodium content for electrolyte replacement
  • Not suitable for during-race fueling
Watch out for
  • High fiber content may cause bloating
  • Potential for dental erosion due to carbohydrate content

Fuelling science in short

During a session

Not recommended during workouts due to high fiber content and solid form, which can slow gastric emptying.

Glycaemic profile

With 20g of carbs and 1.8g of sugar per serving, the glycemic impact is low, providing a steady energy release without rapid blood sugar spikes.

Electrolytes

Contains 115mg of sodium per serving, insufficient for replacing sweat losses during endurance activities, which typically require 300-600mg/hr.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
20 g
Hourly capacity
60

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for
  • BeforeCAUTION
  • DuringDO NOT USE
  • AfterUSE
  • Carb loadCAUTION
  • Every dayUSE

Pre-race use is cautious due to high fiber potentially causing GI distress. During-race use is not recommended as the solid form and fiber content are unsuitable. For recovery, it provides moderate carbs but should be paired with protein for optimal muscle repair. Suitable for everyday training as a moderate carb source.

CAUTION: Consume 1-2 hours before race start. High fiber may cause GI distress if consumed too close to race time.

Pair it with
  • Pair with a protein shake for enhanced recovery
  • Combine with a banana for additional carbs pre-run
  • Add nuts for increased healthy fats and satiety

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: B — Supported by nutritional analysis and general dietary guidelines but lacks specific endurance-focused studies.

In a carb load

Steel Cut Oats with Chia Seeds and Vanilla has a carb density of 11g per 100g, categorizing it as low carb density. A 180g serving provides 20g of carbs, contributing modestly to a daily target of 600-840g for carb loading. The high fiber content may limit intake due to satiety, making it less practical for large-scale carb loading without causing GI discomfort. Athletes would need multiple servings to meet carb targets, which is impractical due to volume and fiber content.

Digestion and absorption

The digestion of steel cut oats begins with mastication, aiding carbohydrate breakdown. Gastric emptying is moderate due to fiber, delaying glucose absorption. In the small intestine, glucose is absorbed via SGLT1 transporters, while any fructose would use GLUT5. The high fiber content slows digestion, potentially causing bloating if consumed in large quantities. Insulin response is moderate, aligning with the low glycemic load.

Recovery

This product provides 20g of carbohydrates per serving, aiding glycogen resynthesis post-exercise. However, the protein content is only 3.4g per serving, insufficient for muscle protein synthesis, which requires ~20g of protein. Pairing with a protein-rich food is recommended for effective recovery. The fiber content may aid in satiety but does not directly contribute to recovery.

Downsides

The high fiber content can lead to GI distress if consumed in large quantities or without prior gut training. The low glycemic load may not provide immediate energy, delaying recovery if not paired with faster-acting carbs. There is a risk of dental erosion due to prolonged carbohydrate exposure, especially if consumed frequently without oral hygiene.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use within 90 minutes of race start if unaccustomed to high fiber intake.
  • Avoid during high-intensity sessions due to potential GI distress from fiber.
  • Not suitable for athletes with celiac disease unless certified gluten-free.
Clinical risks
  • High fiber content may cause bloating and discomfort during exercise.
  • Low sodium content is insufficient for replacing sweat-induced losses.
  • Prolonged carbohydrate exposure may increase dental erosion risk.
  • Insufficient protein content for effective post-exercise muscle repair.

Questions about Steel Cut Oats with Chia Seeds and Vanilla

How many carbs are in Steel Cut Oats with Chia Seeds and Vanilla by Woolworths?

20 g of carbs per serving (1 serving (180g)), with 122 kcal and 3.4 g protein.

When should I consume this product?

Consume as a pre-training snack 1-2 hours before exercise or as part of a recovery meal post-workout.

Is this suitable for during-race consumption?

No, the high fiber content and solid form make it unsuitable for mid-race fueling.

Can I use this for carb loading?

Caution is advised due to high fiber content, which may cause satiety and limit carb intake.

Are there any allergens?

No specific allergens are stated, but always check packaging for updates.

How does it behave in hot weather?

Stable in hot weather but may require refrigeration post-opening to maintain freshness.

Is gut training necessary?

Yes, athletes should train their gut to handle high fiber content to avoid GI distress during exercise.

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