Whole Rolled Oats are both very nutritious and incredibly sustainable! 

While it should come as no surprise that whole rolled oats are currently trending due to their plant-based protein content, they also feature a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals, like manganese, phosphorus, copper, biotin, vitamin B1, magnesium, chromium, iron, and zinc. They're also an excellent provider of both soluble and insoluble fiber. 

(If you are interested in rigorously technical details about the health benefits of oats, we recommend visiting the National Institute of Health's review on the subject). 

Oats are unquestionably a nutritional gem, but they also bring Sustainability to the table. Big time!

For farmers, oats play a pivotal role in sustainable crop rotation, serving as great examples of regenerative agriculture (Oats: Nutrition, Benefits, Downsides, & Uses (foodrevolution.org)). When integrated into crop rotations spanning multiple years, oats mitigate soil erosion and reduce the carbon footprint of farming operations. They capture nitrogen and act as natural weed-suppressing cover crops, reducing the need for synthetic herbicides. Their water-efficient nature allows them to draw moisture from the soil naturally, minimizing the need for irrigation. 

The sustainable benefits of oats continue into the milling process, which produces minimal waste and the byproducts can be used for feed and fiber. One of our vendors highlights that the landfill diversion rate for oat product at their facility is 99%! 
 
Oats offer a sustainable choice for consumers as well. They are grown throughout the US so you often have the option to buy them locally. Purchasing oats close to home minimizes emissions from distribution and supports your local economy. They are frequently sold in bulk, allowing shoppers to engage in #precycling and reduce their reliance on plastic packaging.  

Oats have an incredible shelf life, staying fresh in your pantry for 1-2 years. In certain instances, when stored with oxygen absorbers in airtight packaging, oats can maintain their freshness for decades. 
 
So, whether you're stocking up on oats or enjoying our Plant-Based Hearty Breakfast Scone, remember that you're not just nourishing yourself. You're supporting a sustainable and eco-friendly choice that benefits the planet, local communities, and future generations!