Scottish Rough Oatcakes (2024)

FAQs

Are Scottish rough oatcakes healthy? ›

Deliciously packed full of coarse, wholegrain oats, they're high in soluble and insoluble fibre. Not only that, but they are full of complex carbohydrates and rich in vitamins and minerals giving you a wholesome boost to help you get the most out of your day.

Oatcakes have been a staple of the Scottish diet since at least Roman times and probably long before. In the 14th century, Jean le Bel accompanied a French count to England and Scotland, and describes nuns making "little pancakes rather like communion wafers", and this is thought to describe the making of oatcakes.

Oatcakes are like a baked version of porridge. So when you don't have time to make porridge, when you are on the go, or if you're looking for something more filling than toast, try oatcakes for breakfast topped with banana or peanut butter for a speedy, nutritious and filling start to your day.

They are termed a low glycaemic index (GI) food which means they can help balance your blood sugar levels avoiding sudden highs and lows in glucose levels. This means they can be beneficial in helping glycaemic control in diabetics.

Lots of calories – there are about 80-100 calories in a slice of bread and about 40-50calroies in an oatcake. Also condiser that a bagel or croissant can have 3-4 times the number of calories than a single oatcake and have very little fibre.

There aren't any major differences in the nutrition benefits of the three types of oats. All forms of oats are 100% whole grain, a good source of fiber and have the same nutritional information – same calories, fiber and protein per serving.

Scottish Oatcakes are made with oats but the result isn't a traditional cake! This recipe can be mixed and baked in about 30 minutes. The result is a crisp and cracker-like Oatcake to be eaten with cheese, butter, jam or meat.

Porridge, or Oatmeal, is a dish that has existed in Scotland for over thousands of years. To make porridge, simply boil oatmeal, or rolled oats.

The oatcake is seen as a low-energy dense food, which means it has lower calorie content when compared to its serving size. This means that oatcakes may help you feel fuller on less calories, which when eaten as part of a controlled diet may help you control your weight.

Eating whole grain foods can significantly reduce blood pressure, according to scientists. The University of Aberdeen team said foods such as wholemeal cereal, porridge, bread and oatcakes could have major health benefits.

Are oatcakes good for the gut? ›

When it comes to gut health, oats are a bit of a hero. They're full of a special type of fibre known as beta-glucans, which nourish good gut bacteria. So if you're completely new to what makes for a healthy gut, this totally super superfood is a great place to start...

Freshly Baked Oatcakes

You can also grill them, or eat them cold. The North Staffordshire oatcake is a culinary delicacy that until recently, was almost entirely unknown outside of North Staffordshire, England.

Why? The oatcakes may look small, but they're packed with slow-digesting, low-GI carbs, guaranteed to keep you full for hours – miles better than bread. Meanwhile, the peanut butter gives you a great protein hit, which keeps your levels topped up and helps you to build muscle.

Throughout the day people are advised to snack on fruit, such as an apple, as well as two oatcakes and reduced fat soft cheese. This meal plan equates to seven portions of fruit and vegetables, four portions of starchy foods, two portions of protein and three portions of dairy.

Oatcakes are generally higher in fibre than rice cakes. By choosing them instead, you'll feel fuller for longer, benefit from a slower release of energy and embrace all the goodness of wholegrain oats.