It’s a bit surprising, isn’t it? Despite being the largest dining group in the UK, with 17 million millennials making up nearly a quarter of the population, more than 35% of 16-24-year-olds have no idea what an oatcake is!
If you’re in that group, or if you’re already an oatcake aficionado and just want to know more, here’s a quick guide to this Scottish staple.
What is an Oatcake?
An oatcake is a flatbread similar to a cracker or biscuit, made from wholegrain oats. With a nutty, wholesome flavour, oatcakes come in various textures, depending on whether the oats are ground or not.
Oatcakes have been a key part of the Scottish diet since before Roman times, and probably much earlier.
Back in the day, Scottish clans relied on oats as the only grain tough enough to survive the brutal Highlands weather.
When travelling, soldiers reportedly carried a sack of oatmeal and a metal plate to cook oatcakes over an open fire. The result was a simple but effective sustenance for their journeys.
Why Are Oatcakes So Good for You?
Oatcakes aren’t just a delicious snack, they’re packed with health benefits too:
- Filling, low-cost, and versatile: Oatcakes make a great, hearty base for any topping.
- Rich in dietary fibre: Oatcakes are loaded with both soluble and insoluble fibre, making them excellent for digestive health. Nutritionist Cassandra Barns says, “The oats in oatcakes provide gentle fibre, which not only helps us stay regular but also ‘feeds’ the friendly bacteria in the gut.”
- Natural source of slow-release energy: Wholegrain oats take longer to digest, giving you sustained energy and helping you avoid those dreaded afternoon energy slumps.
- Heart health benefits: Oatcakes contain beta-glucans, a type of soluble fibre proven to lower cholesterol as part of a balanced diet. They also help reduce blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
How Do You Eat Oatcakes?
Oatcakes are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savoury, there’s an oatcake pairing for every mood:
- Sweet cravings? Try banana and chocolate spread, or peanut butter and banana for a gym-ready protein boost.
- Savoury ideas? Pair oatcakes with smoked salmon and cream cheese, cheese and pickle, or cucumber and hummus. You can even add them to a cheeseboard for a delightful crunch.
Oatcakes really are a blank canvas, waiting for your favourite toppings to shine. Whether you need a quick snack or a filling treat, they’ve got you covered.
So, why not give them a try and see what all the fuss is about?