The chemical composition and pasting characteristics of 14 commercially available oat flakes (8 domestic and 6 of foreign origin, 4 instant type and 10 normal, 4 ecological and 10 traditional) were investigated. The chemical composition depended on flakes origin. So called “ecological” flakes were characterized by substantially higher content of starch and lipids than in flakes from traditionally cultivated oats. Instant flakes were characterized by lower pasting temperature than regular ones. Also maximum paste viscosity depended on flakes production method – it was higher for instant flakes. Pastes resistance towards high temperature and shear force action was higher for instant flakes.