Review: Jamba Juice - Blueberry & Blackberry Steel Cut Oatmeal

Jamba Juice's Blueberry & Blackberry Steel Cut Oatmeal features organic steel-cut oatmeal slow cooked with soymilk and then topped with a blueberry and blackberry compote and an optional brown sugar crumble when you order. It's a bit costlier than McDonald's or Starbucks at $2.95 but offers something different for the price and the cup is filled almost to the brim.

While McDonald's and Starbucks take advantage of instant oatmeal, Jamba actually slow cooks their steel cut (bigger and not rolled flat) every morning. It's a nice touch that makes you feel like you're getting more value for your money (i.e. they're not just pouring hot water on your instant oatmeal for you).

It looks a little better when you stir it up but not by much.

It's definitely a thick and hearty oatmeal; like something that coats your stomach. There's more of an oat flavor than you get with rolled oats; it reminds me a bit of that nutty brown rice taste. I liked the oatmeal itself more than the instant stuff at McDonald's or Starbucks.

Unfortunately, I didn't care for the blueberry and blackberry topping. It tasted like a liquid-y blueberry and blackberry jam. I would have rather they just put some fresh berries in for a fresh taste and different texture. It would certainly look better; it looks a bit like a cup of oil sludge when you open it. Definitely the ugliest oatmeal I've ever had. The topping just blended with the oatmeal and just wasn't very interesting.

In sum: great oatmeal, crap topping. Jamba also offer apple cinnamon, berry cherry, and fresh banana which might make for better toppings. I think I would love it with McDonald's oatmeal toppings.

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Nutritional Info - Jamba Juice Blueberry & Blackberry Steel Cut Oatmeal
Calories - 290 (from Fat - 35)
Fat - 3.5g (Saturated Fat - 1g)
Sodium - 30mg
Carbs - 58g (Sugar - 24g)
Protein - 8g