Whenever I buy oats I go to buy oats I'm always left wondering if the higher price could result in a better product. I auspect it could be that a higher price just means an expensive cardboard box or a better position on the shelf.
I've checked for factors that I think might explain it such as origin and organic claims but that doesn't seem to explain either.
Can oats be different quality and how can I tell the difference. What effect does it have on what I prepare with it?
The Oats
The types of Oates I'm asking about are the varieties that are plain and not premixed with other ingredients. There are a number of forms I know of such as Rolled, quick and steel cut oats.
As for the uses, I mostly mix with boiling water for breakfast but occasionally use in cooking as well so If there is a difference for different uses then knowing about that would also be useful.
An example shelf
The above pricing ranges from $1.5 to $6 for what appears to be the same quantity of the same product. Note some of the products are mixed are not really oats they are mixes and not included in my question.
Best Answer
My experience is that for making porridge (various methods, sometimes soaked but not always) or granola, or for baking (flapjack/oat bars, crumble topping), all rolled oats are equivalent. I usually buy the cheapest (bottom shelf, boring packaging in UK supermarkets) but occasionally have to get more expensive ones.
One thing occurred to me that might possibly make a difference: some, such as Lidl's cheapest that I currently have, are packed in a paper bag. Many others, including the more expensive ones I've bought, have a plastic bag, possibly inside a box. If you're storing them for long periods in a humid place or exposed to strong odours, the paper may not be as good. Of course you could always put them in a sealed container when you get them home.