A method of producing a ready to eat oatmeal product for consumption in a container of a desired size. A mixture of acid, salt, fruit juice concentrate, sweetener and water are added to a processing receptacle and heated and agitated at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time period. A selected amount of thick cut oats and the heated and agitated mixture are added to the container. The container is then sealed, pasteurized and cooled to ambient temperature. A fruit may be added to the container before it is sealed. A flavor and/or plant sterol may be added to the processing receptacle before the mixture is heated and agitated.