Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our company, products and more. If you don't find what you're looking for, check our product FAQ page. However, if you have questions not covered in our FAQs, please feel free to Contact Us.

Quaker FAQs

• When was the Quaker Oats Company founded?

  The Quaker Oats Company was officially formed in 1901 when several American grain pioneers came together to incorporate the now familiar name. These pioneers were Ferdinand Schumacher, John Stuart, George Douglas and Henry Parsons Crowell.



• Who is the man on the Quaker Oats box? Is it William Penn?

  The "Quaker man" is not an actual person. His image is that of a man dressed in the Quaker garb, chosen because the Quaker faith projected the values of honesty, integrity, purity and strength.



• When did you introduce Quick Quaker Oats?

  Quick Quaker Oats were first introduced in 1921 when the 20 minute cooking oats were processed to cook in 5 minutes. The processing of Quick Quaker Oats was refined again in the 1950's to produce what we now know as one-minute cooking oats.



• When did you start making Quaker Instant Oatmeal?

  Quaker Instant Oatmeal was introduced in 1966, as the "regular" flavor only.



• Do you donate product or sponsor events?

  Please understand that each year we are presented with hundreds of proposals to donate product or sponsor events, teams or individuals. As much as we would like to be able to say yes to each and every request, we cannot physically or financially be involved in all of them.



• When did you become part of PepsiCo?

  2001



• Do you give tours?

  For insurance, product, and human safety reasons, we do not have tours of our plants or headquarters for the public.



• What is the difference between Quaker® Old Fashioned Oatmeal, Quick Quaker®, Quaker® Steel Cut Oats and Instant Quaker® Oatmeal?

  Quaker^® Old Fashioned Oats are whole oats that are rolled to flatten them.

  Quick Quaker^® Oats are made the same way but are simply cut into slightly smaller pieces so they cook faster.

  Steel Cut Oats are whole oats that have not been rolled into flakes. Instead, they are cut approximately into thirds. Cooking time is 30 minutes and the texture is heartier than rolled oats. Steel Cut Oats are also known as Scotch Oats, Pinhead Oats (in Great Britain because they resemble the size and shape of the head of a large pin) and Irish Oats.

  Instant Quaker^® Oats use the exact same oats, only they are rolled a little bit thinner and cut finer so that they cook very quickly.

  All the types are equally nutritious because they supply all parts of the oat grain including the bran, endosperm and germ. It's the different size and shape of the oats that affects the cooking time and texture. Additionally, most/many varieties have some vitamins, minerals and flavoring ingredients added.



• My child has Chicken Pox and my doctor told me to give him an oatmeal bath. How do I do this?

  • • Place 2 cups of Quick or Old Fashioned Quaker Oats into one leg of a nylon stocking; close open end by tying a knot.
  • • Place stocking under faucet; turn water on to full force, using warm water at a comfortable temperature.
  • • When finished filling tub, "swirl" stocking back and forth through water 5 or 6 times.
  • • Lift stocking above water and wring to squeeze water and starch out of stocking.
  • • Discard stocking -- do NOT reuse.
  • • Soak in tub as recommended by physician or for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • • Gently pat dry. Use once or twice daily, or as directed by physician. INFANTS: Use 1/3 cup and follow instructions above. Soak infant (in infant bath tub) for 10 minutes or as directed by physician.


• How can I do an oatmeal facial? And how can I customize my facial?

  An oatmeal facial is very easy to do — all you really need is oats and water.

  Basic Oatmeal Facial:

  1/4 cup ground oats (about 1/2 cup Quick or Old Fashioned Quaker Oats, unground) 2 to 3 tablespoons water

  Mix ground oats and water until the mixture is a smooth, spreadable paste. You can add more oats or water as needed. Apply the oat paste to a clean face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 15 - 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water and follow with a rinse of cold water.

  You can customize your facial by adding any of the following "Mix-In" ingredients to the Basic Oatmeal Facial recipe. You can use one Mix-In or several — half the fun is the experimenting! Here are some helpful hints to help you customize your facial.

  • • Try adding from 1/2 teaspoon to one tablespoon when starting out. Generally, the more "liquidy" the Mix-In ingredient is, the less you use. Don't worry if the paste consistency doesn't turn out right. If the paste is too thin, just add some more oats. If it's too stiff, add some more water or more of your chosen Mix-In.
  • • When adding mashed fruit, start at about a tablespoon. Be sure to decrease the amount of water by about the same amount. Add more liquid or oats as needed, until you have the desired consistency.
  • • When we refer to a "teaspoon" or a "tablespoon," we mean measuring spoons used for baking, not those from your flatware set.
  • • If you are allergic to any of these foods we don't recommend putting them on your face.

  Skin type	Mix-In	Helpful Hints
  Dry	Avocado, mashed
  	Apricot, mashed	Don't use the apricot skin.
  	Banana, mashed
  	Peach, mashed	Don't use the peach skin.
  	Olive oil	Start out with 1/2 teaspoon.
  	Whole milk	Start out with 1/2 teaspoon.
  	Sour cream
  Oily Skin	Strawberry, mashed	One large one should do it!
  	Papaya, mashed
  	Tomato, mashed	You might want to remove the skin, seeds and pulpy center.Try to use just the "meat" of the tomato.
  	Honey	Warm slightly before using.
  	Egg white, beaten	Make sure the eggshell is clean and not cracked.
  	Cucumber juice	Or, try pureed cucumber.
  	Lemon juice	Easy does it, especially if your skin is raw or sunburned.
  	Vinegar
  	Non-fat, plain yogurt
  Exfoliating	Cornmeal	When applying and removing the mask, gently massage into the skin. Don't do this more than once a week.
  	Papaya
  	Plain yogurt	Use non-fat if you have oily skin.
  	Apricot
  	Cider vinegar



• When was Life® Cereal introduced?

  Life^® was introduced in 1961 and Cinnamon Life ^®was introduced in 1978.


• Are there peanuts in all varieties of Snack Bars? Why is there a peanut warning on the package?

  Snack bars that contain peanuts are clearly marked with a 'Contains peanuts' warning under the ingredient listing. Many of our snack bars have a 'May Contain Peanuts' or "may contain tree nuts" warning.

  Product made on production lines where we produce varieties that contain peanuts or tree nuts as an ingredient and those that do not contain these ingredients, the line is shut down and thoroughly cleaned. Due to the complexity of some of the equipment in some instances, it may be difficult to clean some areas completely. Trace amounts of peanuts or tree nuts may be left behind in these hard to reach areas. Because we realize the seriousness of food allergies and because we are concerned about the health of our consumers, we warn consumers about the possibility of trace amounts of peanuts or tree nuts where applicable. Quaker^® School Days Bars have neither a 'Contains peanuts' nor a 'May contain peanuts' warning.



• Which products help reduce cholesterol?

  Oatmeal and Barley, both have soluble fiber, are the only major grains that have been repeatedly been shown to help reduce cholesterol as a daily part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

  The daily goal is to eat a minimum of 3 grams of oat/barley soluble fiber each day.

  
  

  Product	Serving Size	Oat/Barley Soluble Fiber/Serving
  Old Fashioned Oats Quick One Minute/Crystal Wedding Oats	½ cup	2 grams
  Hot Oat Bran	½ cup	3 grams
  Multi Grain Hot Cereal	½ cup	1 gram
  Instant Quaker Oatmeal*	1 packet	1 gram
  Quaker Barley	¼ cup	2 grams
  Quaker Oatmeal To Go (all flavors)	1 bar	1 gram
  Quaker Oat Bran Cold Cereal	1-1/4 cup	2 grams
  Quaker Oat Squares Cold Cereal	1 cup	1 gram

  
  

  *Quaker Dino Egg, Raisin, Date & Walnut, Fruit and Cream, and Real Medleys Instant Oatmeal do not for the qualify for the cholesterol claim.



• Which Quaker® products are kosher-certified?

  Quaker^® products that are kosher-certified have the OU (pareve – no meat or dairy), OUD (Dairy) or OU-MEAT symbol on the package according to the kosher certificates for each ingredient. Look for those symbols on the package when purchasing.



• Which Quaker products are labeled as gluten free?

  All Quaker^® Large Rice Cakes are gluten free. Look for our gluten free labeling on the front of the bag.

  Here's additional background on some of our other products:

  While many varieties Popped rice snacks have no gluten containing grains as ingredients, we do not test these products and cannot claim they are gluten free.

  While Puffed Rice does not contain gluten ingredients, it is made on the same production line as Puffed Wheat. There is a statement on the Puffed Rice box "May contain traces of wheat."

  The oats we buy are handled and transported in bulk by our suppliers. Cross contact can occur if the oats are grown in fields or transported in vehicles that once contained other grains. Since the kernels of the other grains are similar in size, shape and color to the oat kernel, it is almost impossible to separate them.

  Although wheat, rye and barley are not part of the ingredients in Quaker Steel Cut, Quaker Old Fashioned, Quaker Quick Oats, Corn Bran Crunch, Grits and Cornmeal there is the possibility that they could contain trace amounts of these grains.  For these reasons, we've never claimed these products are gluten free.

  Barley naturally contains gluten and is a gluten source.



• What's the best way to store Quaker products?

  We recommend storing all grain-based products in a clean, cool and dry location.



• How do I prepare Quaker Quick or Old Fashioned Oats?

  • • Stovetop/Microwave

    Servings	Water for Quick	Water for Old Fashioned	Oats Quick or Old Fashioned	Salt (optional)
    1	1 cup	1 cup	1/2 cup	dash
    Heart Smart	1-1/2 cups	1-1/2 cups	3/4 cup	dash
    2	1-3/4 cups	1-3/4 cups	1 cup	1/8 tsp
    3	2-1/2 cups	2-1/2 cups	1-1/2 cups	1/4 tsp
    4	3-1/2 cups	3-1/4 cups	2 cups	1/4 tsp
    5	4-1/4 cups	4 cups	2-1/2 cups	1/4 tsp
    6	5 cups	4-2/3 cups	3 cups	1/4 tsp
    7	5-3/4 cups	5-1/3 cups	3-1/2 cups	1/2 tsp
    8	6-1/2 cups	6 cups	4 cups	1/2 tsp
    18 oz tube	10-1/2 cups	10 cups	6-1/2 cups (18 oz. tube)	1 tsp
    42 oz tube	28 cups (1 gal. + 3 qt.)	28 cups (1 gal. + 3 qt.)	15 cups (42 oz. tube)	2 tsp

  • • Crock Pot
  • If you want to use a crock pot, we advise you to try our directions for cooking Quaker Steel Cut Oats in a Crock Pot. We do not recommend cooking Quaker Quick and Old Fashioned Oats in a slow cooker as it will be overcooked, bland and paste-like.
  • • Double Boiler
  • Use the volume of water and oats listed in the direction on the box.
    1. 1. In a double boiler, heat water and salt until boiling.
    2. 2. Gradually stir in oats and cook, uncovered, until desired consistency.
       1. a. 3-5 minutes for Quick Oats
       2. b. About 10 minutes for Old Fashioned
    3. 3. Stir before serving.
  • NOTE: for best results, do not stir while cooking over a double boiler.
  • • Overnight Method (Old Fashioned only)
    1. 1. In a small saucepan or bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups boiling water, 1 cup Old Fashioned oats, 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional); stir.
    2. 2. Cover; let stand overnight (6-8 hours) either at room temperature or in refrigerator.
    3. 3. In saucepan, bring oats and water to boil over medium heat.
    4. 4. Cook for about 3 minutes or until desired consistency; stirring occasionally.
    5. 5. Stir before serving.
  • • Storing & Reheating Cooked Oats (Old Fashioned only)
    • o Storage – Cool oatmeal then divide evenly between microwave-safe containers. Cover tightly and refrigerate or freeze.
    • Try to use within 24 hours for best oatmeal quality.
    • o Reheat Refrigerated Oatmeal –
      • •Uncover and add 2 Tablespoons of water or milk. Place lid on top loosely.
      • •Microwave on MEDIUM (50% power) for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
      • •Stir well, breaking up oatmeal. Stir in additional 3 to 4 tablespoons of liquid as needed for desired consistency.
      • •Microwave in 30 second increments until hot. Stir well.
    • o Reheat Frozen Oatmeal
      • •Uncover frozen oatmeal and place lid on top loosely. Microwave on DEFROST (30% power) just until thawed – about 5 to 6 minutes.
      • •Stir well, breaking up oatmeal.
      • •Stir in additional liquid, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring well after each addition until desired consistency is achieved.


• How do I prepare Quaker Steel Cut Oats?

  • • Crock Pot Directions
    • • 8 cups water OR 4 cups water plus 4 cups skim milk
    • • 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
    • • 2 cups Quaker Steel Cut Oats, uncooked
      1. 1. Spray inside of 5-quart slow cooker with no-stick cooking spray.
      2. 2. Combine water (or water/milk), oats and salt in the slow cooker. Cover and turn heat setting to LOW.
      3. 3. Cook until oats are tender and porridge is creamy, 7-8 hours.
      4. 4. Stir well. Cool slightly then serve immediately
  • • Microwave Directions - When we developed the preparation instructions for this product, we found the microwave results were not appealing and offered little, if any, time savings.


• Can I eat Quaker's Natural Granola warm?

  Yes, you can prepare it in the microwave:

  Servings	1	2
  Amount of QNG	1/2 cup	1 cup
  Amount of Milk	1/4 cup	1/2 cup
  Cook Time	20 to 30 seconds*	40 to 50 seconds*

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Directions:

  1. 1. Combine cereal and milk in microwaveable bowl.
  2. 2. Microwave on HIGH according to chart.
  3. 3. Stir. Let stand until desired temperature.

  *For crunchier cereal, use less time. For softer texture, add more time.



• Where can I find coupons?

  To learn about our upcoming promotions, sign up for our e-newsletter and check out our Offers and Promotions section( http://www.quakeroats.com/about-quaker-oats/content/OffersAndPromotions.aspx)for delicious discounts, tasty coupons and special prizes. You also can join our Facebook community ( http://facebook.com/quaker), and check newspaper inserts regularly for deals.


• What does the "BEST BEFORE" code on my package mean?

  The "BEST BEFORE" code that appears on our packages indicates when the product should be used by for optimal freshness. Items beyond their recommended shelf life are safe to consume but may experience slight changes in flavor, color or nutritional value.


• How do I read the "BEST BEFORE" code?

  Our codes generally follow this format:

  MMM/DD/YY- followed by plant information Which indicates Month/Date/Year/Plant Info For example: JAN2312 L 203 Means we recommend using this product by January 23, 2012. Knowing additional plant information helps us identify important information about the manufacturing of the product, which helps us quickly address any issues that may arise.



• What about the code on individual packets of Quaker Snacks?

  Most Quaker Snack bars have a 6 or an 8 month recommended shelf life. While boxes of Quaker Snacks display the "Best Before" dates on the outer packaging, individual packets of Quaker Snacks generally display either a Best Before date or a code representing the manufacturing date.

  An example of a manufacturing code is: 12H10C.

  12 = 2012
  H = the production facility
  10 = 10th day of the month
  C = March

  Starting at the left side, the number 12 indicates the year the product was made, that is 2012.
  The first letter identifies our production facility.
  The next two numbers represent the day of the month, and the last letter signifies the month of the year with January = A, February = B, March = C and so forth.
  The last numbers or letters represent additional plant information.

  The manufacturing code referenced above indicates product made March 10, 2012.



• What's the best way to store Quaker products?

  We recommend storing all grain-based products in a clean, cool and dry location.