Nutritious, hearty and 100% Australian grown, our organic steel cut oats are sourced from Four Leaf Milling – a long-established family-run mill located in the Gilbert Valley, South Australia. These oats are a wholesome pantry staple, ideal for slow breakfasts, hearty savoury dishes, or homemade muesli blends.

About the Mill

Four Leaf Milling is a family-run business based in Tarlee, South Australia, in the fertile Gilbert Valley. With the original farm founded by Gavin Dunn in 1969 (and the mill a decade and a bit later in 1983), Four Leaf Milling has been a pioneer of organic grain processing in Australia. The mill sources grain from its own certified biodynamic farm and other organic growers, producing high-quality rolled oats, flours, meals and cereals using traditional slow-speed methods that preserve nutrition, flavour, and integrity.

Learn more about the mill → Meet the Grower

What Are Steel Cut Oats?

Steel cut oats (also called Irish oats or pinhead oats) are made by cutting whole oat groats into coarse pieces using a steel blade. Unlike rolled oats, they are not flattened, so they retain more texture and take longer to cook. The result is a chewy, nutty-flavoured oat that holds its shape beautifully and is ideal for slow-cooked porridges or grain salads.

Because they’re cut rather than rolled, steel cut oats digest more slowly  and therefore have a lower glycaemic index, helping to keep you feeling full for longer.

Culinary Uses

Steel cut oats are perfect for:

• Traditional slow-cooked porridge with milk or water

• Make-ahead overnight oats (soak in boiling water then chill)

• Use in savoury dishes like oat risotto, grain bowls or veggie burgers

• Toasted and added to granola mixes for extra crunch

To cook:

Use 1 part oats to 3 parts water or milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and creamy. 

Why We Love It

• Grown and milled on site in South Australia

• Certified organic and processed using low-intervention methods

• Full-bodied oat flavour with no additives or preservatives

• Excellent source of fibre, protein, and complex carbohydrates

• Ideal for slow breakfasts or hearty grain-based cooking

FAQs

Are steel cut oats gluten free?

No. Beyond the problematic nature of oats and their gluten status and digestibility  — which we discuss in this blog post — Four Leaf’s oats are grown and processed in facilities that handle wheat, rye, and barley. We don’t recommend them for coeliacs or people with severe gluten intolerance. 

How do steel cut oats differ from rolled oats?

Steel cut oats are whole oat groats chopped into pieces, giving them a firmer texture and slower cooking time. Rolled oats are steamed and flattened, making them quicker to cook and softer when prepared.

Are these steel cut oats Australian grown?

Yes. They are grown, processed, and packed by Four Leaf Milling on their certified organic farm in Tarlee, South Australia.

Are these steel cut oats stabilised?

They are. This is to preserve texture and nutrition while extending shelf life by reducing the activity of the enzyme lipase. Lipase metabolises fats and can cause rancidity in oats. 

What is the best way to store steel cut oats?

Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Due to their stabilisation, these oats have a long shelf life (18 months from packaging), but for peak freshness, store them away from heat and strong odours. The big issue will be keeping pantry pests out. At the Sovereign Foods warehouse we store everything below 12ºC to ensure bugs don't move through their lifecycle. We discuss managing pantry pests in greater detail, here

Are steel cut oats good for you?

Absolutely. They’re high in dietary fibre, provide slow-burning energy, and are a natural source of protein and essential minerals.