For most outdoorsy people, oatmeal is nothing new. Except when it is. Picky Bars’ new performance oatmeal is not your typical, bland breakfast mush. Instead, the brand has taken their performance based, foodie approved approach to bars, and created a whole new segment of their business.
With the goal of creating a breakfast that was both athlete focused and delicious, Picky Bars partnered with Elyse Kopecky of Run Fast, Eat Slow fame. After perfecting the recipes, Picky Oats went the Kickstarter route for the first round of production and made their funding goal in just 10 hours. Now, they’re out on the market and available in three flavors.
Apple cinnamon is a popular oatmeal flavor, but Picky Oats kicks it up a notch by adding ginger and chia seed to the mix with How ‘Bout Dem Apples?
Game, Set, Matcha! is a mix of Matcha (Japanese green tea), goji berries, pepitas, and cardamom for a caffeinated kick to start your day. 
Last up is Can’t Beet Chocolate – a combination of beets, cacao, chia seeds, and almonds.
All three flavors are gluten, dairy, and soy free, USDA organic and non-GMO certified, vegan, and contain at least 10g of naturally occurring protein (not powder) per serving. To make, simply add hot water and steep for three minutes – which could make these a a popular choice with the bikepacking crowd as well.
Currently available in single serve pouches for $2.99 each, soon they will also be available in a four serving bag for $9.99. Available now through specialty outdoor, bike, and run retailers, grocers, and online.
The recipes sound good and tasty. The packaging looks ideal for shelf life and convenience.
But come on — anyone who thinks that oatmeal has to be “typical, bland breakfast mush” unless you buy a specialty product has no imagination or creativity in the kitchen. Making your own oatmeal that tastes good is not difficult.
Just make your own and save the packaging waste. This is especially true if you actually enjoy the outdoors, which is the irony of these single pack items marketed at outdoor enthusiasts/lovers