Quick-cooking oats, instant oats, oat flakes, or quick oats, are oat kernels that have been complete cooked with steam, and are then dried and rolled flat. They are therefore ready-to-eat, requiring only rehydration in hot water for a minute or two. Quick oats are distinct from rolled oats, which are only partially cooked, and require additional heat to be completely cooked.
Quick-cooking oats are sometimes marketed as instant oats, often in individual serving packets. These often have additional ingredients, including sweeteners and dehydrated fruits.