Good And Gather Oatmeal

Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing This Healthy and Delicious Breakfast Staple

As someone who starts nearly every morning with a warm, comforting bowl of oatmeal, I was excited when Target launched its new Good & Gather brand of food products. I was especially intrigued by their line of instant and old-fashioned oatmeal options, which come in a variety of enticing flavors.

Like many health-conscious individuals, I rely on oatmeal not just as a quick breakfast, but also as a nutritious and affordable addition to my diet. That’s why I wanted to test out Target’s store-brand oatmeal for myself and provide a helpful buying guide for others who may be interested in trying it.

In this comprehensive review, I’ll share my experiences purchasing and tasting the different Good & Gather Oatmeal varieties. I’ll cover everything from flavor options and nutritional information to ingredients, pricing, and how it compares with other popular oatmeal brands like Quaker and Trader Joe’s.

Whether you’re an oatmeal aficionado like me or just someone looking for an affordable and filling breakfast, read on to learn if Good & Gather’s oatmeal is right for you!

Flavor Options Available

One of the best aspects of Good & Gather Oatmeal is the wide range of flavors available. Their traditional Instant Oatmeal comes in fun varieties like Cinnamon Brown Sugar, Maple & Brown Sugar, and Apple Cinnamon. Each packet contains quick oats and flavoring, so all you need to do is add hot water and stir.

For those who prefer heartier old-fashioned oats, Good & Gather makes those too. Their Old-Fashioned Oats come in hearty flavors like Maple & Vanilla, Honey, and Chocolate Hazelnut. The oats have a pleasantly chewy texture and work well for overnight oats or stove-top cooking.

Additionally, Good & Gather offers seasonal limited-edition oatmeal flavors. Around the holidays, I spotted Gingerbread Cookie and Sugar Cookie oatmeal on shelves. Right now, they have a tasty Blueberry Pancake option that evokes images of warm, diner-style breakfasts.

The variety and uniqueness of flavors is one thing that sets Good & Gather Oatmeal apart from other store-brand options. No matter your taste preferences, you’re sure to find a flavor you love.

Gluten-Free Status

One question health-conscious shoppers may have is: is Good & Gather Oatmeal gluten-free? Thankfully, the answer is yes!

All varieties of Good & Gather Oatmeal, including the instant oatmeal packets and old-fashioned oats, are certified gluten-free. This makes Good & Gather a safe choice for anyone following a gluten-free diet due to celiac disease or gluten intolerance. It also means the oats were processed in a gluten-free facility to avoid cross-contamination.

It’s worth noting that oats are naturally gluten-free grains. However, some oat products contain traces of gluten due to being processed alongside wheat products. Thankfully, that’s not an issue with Good & Gather Oatmeal! Their clear gluten-free labeling provides peace of mind.

Where to Buy

As a store-brand, Good & Gather Oatmeal can only be purchased at Target stores or on the Target website. You won’t find it being sold at grocery stores like Kroger or Safeway.

The availability may be limited, but Target does make the oatmeal easy to find in stores. It can be found alongside other Good & Gather grocery products, typically in the breakfast aisle.

If you prefer online shopping, all flavors of Good & Gather Oatmeal can be found on Target.com as well. The site offers free order pick-up and delivery options to help get your oatmeal quickly and easily.

One thing I appreciate is that Target.com clearly lists ingredients, nutrition info, pricing, and more to help make informed buying choices. Overall, purchasing Good & Gather Oatmeal online or in-store at Target is super convenient.

Ingredients

When reviewing any new food product, I always carefully examine the ingredients list to see if anything raises red flags. With Good & Gather oatmeal, I was relieved to see mostly recognizable, natural ingredients.

The instant oatmeal packets contain quick oats along with cane sugar, natural flavors, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Meanwhile, the old-fashioned oats simply contain 100% whole grain rolled oats. This minimal processing is reassuring.

In the flavored varieties, you may spot ingredients like brown sugar, honey, molasses, or dried fruit. These provide additional flavor and nutrients but are still recognizable pantry items.

Compared to some brands that use artificial colors, preservatives, and excessive sweeteners, Good & Gather keeps it relatively simple. Their ingredient lists give me confidence in the quality and nutrition of their oats.

Nutrition & Calories

Whenever I buy packaged food, I’m also concerned with its nutritional value. I aim for options that deliver fiber, protein, and micronutrients instead of empty carbs and calories.

Thankfully, oatmeal is already a nutritious choice, full of energizing complex carbs, belly-filling fiber, and important vitamins and minerals. Just a 1/2 cup serving of Good & Gather Old-Fashioned Oats packs 4g of protein and 4g of fiber for only 150 calories. Their flavored instant oatmeal has similar robust nutrition stats.

Good & Gather oatmeal provides 6-8% of your daily value each of iron and B vitamins. It’s also a natural source of cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber. This makes it a satisfying and nutritious breakfast option.

Of course, nutrition stats can vary between flavors. For example, the Maple Brown Sugar variety contains more sugar than the Apple Cinnamon. But overall, I was pleased with the balanced macros and inclusion of beneficial vitamins and minerals.

No matter which you choose, Good & Gather Oatmeal makes for a healthy, energizing breakfast when paired with fruit, nuts, or milk.

Organic or Not?

One of the first things I looked for on the label was a USDA organic seal, but Good & Gather Oatmeal is not organic certified. The oats are conventional and non-GMO.

This doesn’t necessarily indicate that organic options are healthier or safer. But I know some consumers prefer organic when possible. In this case, you may have to opt for a pricier brand if organic certification is a priority.

That said, I appreciate that Target has pledged to remove all artificial flavors and synthetic colors from their Good & Gather line by the end of 2022. They’re making strides towards more natural, better-for-you products without always paying for expensive organic certifications.

So while not organic, Good & Gather oatmeal is still made with quality ingredients to provide nutritious and affordable options. But organic seekers may want to purchase nature-approved brands elsewhere.

Preparation Tips

One perk of Good & Gather Oatmeal is how quick and easy it is to prepare. There are a few simple steps to whip up a mouthwatering bowl:

For the instant oatmeal packets:

• Empty contents of packet into a microwave-safe bowl
• Add 1⁄2 cup of water or milk and stir briefly
• Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through
• Top with desired toppings like fruit, nuts, or maple syrup

For the old-fashioned oats:

• Combine 1⁄2 cup oats with 1 cup water or milk in a small saucepan
• Cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently
• Once thick and creamy, remove from heat and add mix-ins
• For overnight oats, simply combine oats and liquid and refrigerate overnight

I like to boost my oatmeal’s nutrition with additions like bananas, berries, peanut butter, chia seeds, or a sprinkle of granola. The options are endless!

Thanks to the quick cooking time, Good & Gather Oatmeal makes for an easy and filling breakfast, even on busy mornings. It satisfies without requiring much effort.

Allergen Considerations

Since oats are naturally gluten-free, Good & Gather’s Oatmeal is a safe option for anyone with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. It’s processed in a dedicated gluten-free facility as well.

For nut allergies, be sure to avoid the Chocolate Hazelnut and Apple Cinnamon Walnut varieties, as they contain nuts. All other flavors are nut-free but do contain oats, which are related to tree nuts.

Those with dairy allergies or vegans will want to use water or non-dairy milk when preparing their oats. All varieties are dairy-free, but some consumers add milk which negates that.

Overall, oatmeal is typically very allergy-friendly, and Good & Gather provides enough options to suit most dietary needs and restrictions. Just be sure to double check labels for potential allergens.

Online Purchasing Options

One convenient perk of Good & Gather products is that they’re available for online ordering and delivery via the Target website and mobile app.

You can browse all the Good & Gather Oatmeal selections, flavors, and nutritional information online to make an informed purchasing decision. Once you’ve chosen the varieties you want, simply click “Add to Cart” and checkout.

I like being able to toss a few boxes of oatmeal in each weekly order so I never run out. Target offers free Order Pickup if I need something faster. There’s also the option to have your oatmeal shipped along with the rest of your Target purchases.

The ability to buy pantry essentials like Good & Gather Oatmeal online makes sticking to my grocery budget and meal planning so much simpler. I never have to make an extra trip if I suddenly need more.

Pricing and Value

One of the best aspects of Target’s store-brand products is that they provide quality and nutrition at an affordable price point. This allows budget-focused shoppers like myself to purchase tasty, better-for-you items without breaking the bank.

Good & Gather Oatmeal costs just $3.29 for a box of 8 instant oatmeal packets. Meanwhile, their canisters of old-fashioned oats ring up at $2.69 for 42 oz, which provides about 14 half-cup servings.

Compared to name brands like Quaker, Good & Gather oatmeal is the clear value option. Quaker instant oatmeal runs almost $5 for the same 8-count box, nearly $2 pricier!

Considering the pleasant flavors, stellar nutrition, quality ingredients, and convenience, Good & Gather Oatmeal is very fairly priced. It makes enjoying a wholesome breakfast affordable.

Comparison to Other Brands

How does Good & Gather stack up against tried-and-true oatmeal stalwarts like Quaker or store-brands like Trader Joe’s? I compared across a few key factors:

• Flavor variety: Good & Gather offers the most flavors of any store-brand oatmeal I’ve seen. Everything from Apple Cinnamon to Chocolate Hazelnut to Gingerbread Cookie!
• Ingredients: All three brands use very similar simple oat-based ingredients. Good & Gather has fewer artificial additives.
• Nutrition: Nearly identical nutrition stats across all brands for calorie, fiber, and protein content.
• Price: Good & Gather comes in a full $2 less than the same box of Quaker oats. Trader Joe’s is just slightly cheaper.
• Convenience: On par ease of preparation. Both instant packets and old-fashioned jars available.

Overall, Good & Gather holds its own against more mainstream brands. The stellar variety of flavors, quality ingredients, and unbeatable price point make it stand out as my top choice.

Customer Reviews

Curious if others shared my positive experience with Good & Gather Oatmeal, I scanned reviews on Target’s website. I was pleased to see an overall 4 out of 5 star average rating.

Fans on Target.com raved about the yummy flavors and good value:

“This is the best instant oatmeal I’ve found flavor-wise. I love the variety pack.”

“Literally the only oatmeal I want to buy now. The flavors are amazing and they’re so affordable!”

“My family loves starting the day with Good & Gather oatmeal. Quick, easy, and delicious!”

The main complaints mentioned the oats having a mushy or gummy texture. But I didn’t experience this when following the package directions.

Based on overwhelmingly positive reactions from other Target shoppers, Good & Gather Oatmeal seems to be a hit across households. The flavors satisfy without breaking the bank.

Vegan Options

For those following a vegan or dairy-free diet, you’ll be happy to know that all varieties of Good & Gather Oatmeal are vegan-friendly.

The oats contain no dairy, eggs, or animal products of any kind. As long as you stick to preparing them with water, non-dairy milk, or other vegan toppings, they make a perfect plant-based breakfast.

Finding affordable, delicious vegan food can often be a challenge. So I love when mainstream brands offer quality options that cater to special diets. The wide selection of dairy-free Good & Gather Oatmeals makes it easy for vegans to enjoy this comforting classic.

Shelf Life and Storage

Unopened, all types of Good & Gather Oatmeal last for an impressively long time. The instant oatmeal packets boast a shelf life of 12-24 months. Meanwhile, the old-fashioned oats stay fresh for about a year in an unopened container.

Once opened, I recommend storing your oats in an airtight container to help preserve freshness. Prepared oatmeal should be eaten within 3-4 days.

The bottom line is that thanks to the naturally long-lasting whole oats, Good & Gather Oatmeal keeps well in your pantry. There’s no need to worry about oats expiring before you can enjoy them.

However, as with any food, it’s best to follow the “Best By” date on the package to ensure safety and quality. Properly stored oatmeal should last until that date, if not longer.

Added Sugars?

When scanning the ingredients lists of Good & Gather Oatmeal, I was pleased to see they didn’t load up their flavors with added sugars.

The instant oatmeal contains around 7-8g of sugar per packet. This comes from ingredients like brown sugar, molasses, dried fruit, and natural sugars from the oats themselves.

Meanwhile, the unsweetened old-fashioned oats have 0g added sugars. This allows you to control the amount of sweetness by adding your own toppers.

7-8g of sugar is reasonable compared to the 12-15g in sugary kids’ cereals. Of course, the Maple Brown Sugar will have more than the Apple Cinnamon. But Good & Gather uses just enough sweetness to create tasty flavors without going overboard.

Those watching their sugar intake can stick to the unsweetened or lightly sweetened options. Overall, I don’t feel Good & Gather overdoes it on added sugars.

Nutritional Information

Here is a quick overview of the approximate nutrition you’ll get in a 1 packet serving of Good & Gather Instant Oatmeal:

• Calories: 100-150
• Total Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 160-280mg
• Carbohydrates: 24-27g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Protein: 4g
• Vitamins and minerals: 8-10% DV

For Good & Gather Old-Fashioned Oats, a 1⁄2 cup serving provides:

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 0-5mg
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g

No matter which you choose, Good & Gather Oatmeal provides an excellent source of slow-digesting carbohydrates, belly-filling fiber, satisfying protein, and essential micronutrients. It will help start your day off right!

Where to Find Good & Gather Oatmeal

Wondering which specific Target location carries Good & Gather Oatmeal? The good news is you can likely find it at any Target store nationwide that sells groceries.

Availability may vary slightly by region. But in general, Good & Gather products have rolled out to over 1,700 Target stores across the 50 states.

You can check the Target website to see if your nearest Target carries groceries. If so, they will almost certainly have Good & Gather Oatmeal in stock.

You can also order online and utilize free store pickup or delivery. No matter where you live, you should have access to these affordable, quality oats.

Recipes and Uses

A final perk of Good & Gather Oatmeal is how endlessly versatile it is. Beyond a bowl of oatmeal, you can incorporate it into many different recipes:

• Use it to make homemade granola bars, cookies, muffins, or breads
• Fold into pancake, waffle, or crepe batters
• Make fruit crumbles, crisps, or cobblers with an oat topping
• Blend into smoothies or shakes for added nutrition
• Mix into yogurt bowls or overnight oats
• Use as a binding agent in veggie or meatloaf and burgers

The uses go on and on! So Good & Gather Oatmeal is not just an affordable breakfast. With some creativity, it can be used to make wholesome treats, main dishes, and more.

Packaging Info

You may be wondering – does Good & Gather package their oatmeal in plastic or paper? The good news is the oatmeal uses mostly paper-based packaging.

The old-fashioned oats come in a paperboard canister that can be recycled. The instant oatmeal packets use more lightweight paper that may not be accepted for recycling.

There is a thin plastic film around the instant oatmeal cartons. But it comprises a very small portion of the overall package.

I appreciate that Target opted for mostly paper packaging that has less environmental impact. While not perfect, it’s a step in the right direction for more sustainable, eco-friendly containers.

To Wrap Up…

After reviewing ingredients, nutrition, price, and more, here is my verdict on Good & Gather Oatmeal:

Good & Gather offers incredible variety, stellar nutrition, quality ingredients, and unbeatable value. The oatmeal makes for a satisfying, budget-friendly breakfast, and Target makes it easy to purchase online or in stores.

While not organic, Good & Gather oatmeal still meets my standards in terms of nutrition, taste, affordability, and convenience. I plan to purchase it regularly as my go-to oatmeal option.

For other health-minded, budget-conscious shoppers seeking a delicious nourishing breakfast, Good & Gather Oatmeal is a phenomenal pick. I highly recommend giving it a try – your taste buds and wallet will thank you!