5 Reasons to Try Overnight Oats (2024)

The popularity of overnight oats is on the rise. Everyone knows oatmeal is a nutritious dish to add to your diet, but overnight oats hold a special appeal and may offer even more benefits than their cooked counterpart. If you are tired of regular oatmeal and are hunting for a make-ahead breakfast that's both delicious and nutritious, overnight oats may be your perfect solution. Plus, a basic oat recipe offers endless possibilities when it comes to toppings and add-ins. From nut butter and dried fruit to cinnamon and brown sugar, you'll never get tired of eating the same breakfast ever again!

Oats are loaded with good-for-you nutrients like fiber, protein, magnesium, potassium, and omega 3 fatty acids, among other things. Plus, oats don’t contain added sugar if you read the labels and avoid certain instant varieties. They also can be eaten different ways, making them one versatile power food. Whether topped with peanut butter, banana and maple syrup or fresh fruit, vanilla and cinnamon, there are endless creative ways to enjoy oats as a satisfying breakfast.

Whether you like your old fashioned oats topped with peanut butter and greek yogurt or slivered almonds and chocolate chips, there are many ways to enjoy both cold and cooked oats. Read on to learn how to make simple overnight oats and find out its many benefits!

Highlights

Here are our top 5 favorite benefits of overnight oats:

  • Better Digestion
  • Helps You Feel Fuller, Longer
  • Versatile & Endlessly Customizable
  • Time and Money Saver
  • Delicious Taste

But before we explore these benefits further, let’s talk about the basic components of overnight oats.

What Are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are raw oats that have been soaked overnight in liquid: popular choices include almond milk, hemp milk, coconut milk or Greek yogurt. While old fashioned oats are the most common type to use, you can also use steel cut oats, quick oats, or whatever else you have on hand. The oats absorb the liquid during the night, softening them in the same way cooking them softens them, except without the work! You can soak pretty much any variety of oats, although quick cook or rolled oats are often preferred because they absorb the liquid faster than, say, steel cut oats. Thinking about making some for a quick and easy breakfast? Here are five reasons you should try overnight oats this week.

Here Are Five Reasons You Should Try Overnight Oats This Week

1. Overnight Oats Have Increased Digestibility

5 Reasons to Try Overnight Oats (1)

When you soak oats overnight, it’s almost like you’re cooking them, but the process is much longer and slower, and it’s done without heat. This may make them easier to digest compared to oats that have been cooked. Even oats that are gluten free aren’t always easy to digest, but overnight oats are a game changer for many.

2. Overnight Oats Contain Increased Resistant Starch

5 Reasons to Try Overnight Oats (2)

Resistant starch is found in all foods that contain starch. RS is a natural carb and helps to improve digestion, aid in weight loss, increase feelings of fullness and decrease insulin spikes associated with eating hot starchy foods.

3. Overnight Oats Are Versatile

5 Reasons to Try Overnight Oats (3)

Not only are overnight oats quick and easy to make, they are extremely versatile. You can experiment and brainstorm endless variations and stir-ins, which helps to keep things interesting and make breakfast on the go fun and satisfying. All you need to make overnight oats are your oats of choice (we recommend our Organic Quick Cooking Rolled Oats, but Old Fashioned Oats will also work great in this recipe), your liquid, and a sweetener.

You can use almond milk, Greek yogurt, coconut milk, hemp milk, soy milk, oat milk or even regular cow's milk if you want. Sweeteners can be anything from honey or stevia to maple syrup and more, depending on your preference. Then you can add things like chia seeds, flaxseed, coconut flakes, nuts and nut butters, fresh fruit, cinnamon, dried fruit, berries and even cacao nibs, protein powder or maca powder to your oat mixture. Coconut oil can be a great addition as well and add some energy-giving fats.

4. Overnight Oats Are Time and Money Savers

5 Reasons to Try Overnight Oats (4)

Ingredients for overnight oats aren’t super expensive, and because they are so filling, you may eat less throughout your day. This makes them ideal for those on a budget. Plus, prepping your oats recipe before bed probably takes less than 5 minutes, and when you wake up in the morning, they are ready to rock! No cooking, no mess, no fuss. You can prep all your add-ins the night before as well and have them ready to stir in, or bag them up to take with you. Yum and done!

5. Overnight Oats Are Delicious

5 Reasons to Try Overnight Oats (5)

Have we mentioned how tasty overnight oats are? It’s like dessert in a jar, only good for you and is a full meal in itself. And the best part is, a basic overnight oats recipe can be completely customized to suit your preferences. From dried fruit and shredded coconut to almond slices and cocoa powder, the flavor combos are truly endless! You can even save it for later and really eat it like it’s dessert. We promise we won’t tell a soul.

How to Make Easy Overnight Oats Yourself

Try this easy overnight oats recipe to kick off your breakfast the right way, and then experiment with different ingredients, flavors and textures once you’ve got the process down. This recipe uses our Vanilla Protein Powder Nutritional Booster, which gives this overnight oatmeal recipe an added boost of nutrients, and our gluten free rolled oats, which makes it ideal for those intolerant to gluten.

This overnight oat recipe also uses almond butter for extra flavor and creaminess, which places this recipe squarely in our top faves. Almond butter? Bananas? Chia seeds? Seriously, these overnight oats are amazing! Try them and see for yourself.

How to Get Creative With Your Overnight Oatmeal

Just remember, this overnight oatmeal recipe should serve as a base to help you get started. Once you've mastered this part, don't be scared to get creative with the ingredients you put in your healthy overnight oats! When it comes to fruit, mashed banana, strawberry slices or blueberry jelly are all great ingredients that add a burst of flavor to your oats recipe. To make your oats more creamy and decadent, consider topping with your favorite nut butter or yogurt. Finally, try adding an element of texture. Some creative toppings we like to use include shredded coconut, hemp seeds or slivered almonds. Before taking your first bite, add in maple syrup, honey or your favorite natural sweetener to take your overnight oatmeal to the next level.

Now that you know how to make healthy overnight oats, it’s time to get started! As you can see, overnight oats are the perfect morning pick-me-up to get your day started on the right foot. With just a little preparation and a touch of creativity, you’ll be able to whip up these tasty little cups in no time at all.

5 Reasons to Try Overnight Oats (2024)

FAQs

What is the benefit of overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.

What are 5 health benefits of consuming oats daily? ›

Oatmeal Benefits
  • Lowers blood sugar levels.
  • Provides antioxidants.
  • Promotes healthy bacteria in your gut.
  • Helps you to feel full to manage your weight.
  • Eases constipation.
  • Relieves skin itching and irritation.
  • Lowers your chance of colon cancer.
Nov 22, 2022

Is eating overnight oats everyday healthy? ›

Overnight oats are perfectly safe to be eaten every day. You may even eat them every morning if you like. However, some say that they feel oats give them digestive issues; overnight oats are not unsafe for those without medical conditions that affect digestion.

Why are overnight oats better than instant? ›

Regular Oats:

Like instant oats, they come in a powder-like form, but are a lot thicker than their instant oatmeal counterpart. As a result, overnight oats made with regular oats will have a chunkier consistency than quick oats, and will have a lot more nutrients because of the minimal amount of processing.

Which is healthier oatmeal or overnight oats? ›

Another thing is the fact that as opposed to the cooked oatmeals since overnight oatmeals are not boiled they retain more nutrients. Overnight oatmeals also incorporate raw oats unlike cooked oatmeals, which use instant oats and therefore making it relatively more nutritious.

Are overnight oats good for gut health? ›

It can act as a prebiotic by supporting the growth of probiotics (beneficial bacteria) in the gut. - Among whole grains, oats have high levels of soluble and insoluble fibres, both of which contribute to gut health. They are also an excellent source of prebiotics!

What will happen if you start eating oats every day? ›

Benefits include lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, protection against skin irritation, and reduced constipation. In addition, they are very filling and have many properties that should make them a food helpful for weight loss. At the end of the day, oats are among the nutrient-dense foods you can eat.

Is oats good for your skin? ›

Ground oatmeal can work as an exfoliant, sloughing away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. People may also use oatmeal for cleansing, moisturizing, and reducing inflammation. Doctors typically recommend that people use colloidal oatmeal for their skin.

Are oats a Superfood? ›

Oats are considered one of the natural superfoods, which are nutrient-rich foods seen as beneficial to your health. Some other examples of superfoods are blueberries, salmon and broccoli. Oats are a natural superfood because they are 100% whole grain with minimal processing, and contain vitamins, minerals and fibre.

How long should overnight oats sit? ›

How long do overnight oats need to sit? You can eat the oats after they have been sitting for 2 hours, BUT I recommend waiting 8 to 12 hours so the oats have time to soak up all of the milk. The longer you wait, the creamier they will be.

Is 1 cup of overnight oats too much? ›

One of many essential healthy oatmeal tips: Keep portion size in mind. One cup of cooked oatmeal is a healthy serving size, says Jessica Crandall Snyder, RDN, CDCES, the CEO of Vital RD in Centennial, Colorado.

Why put chia seeds in overnight oats? ›

Overnight Oats Recipe Ingredients

But after a little experimentation, I realized that adding chia seeds to overnight oats takes them to a whole new level. They give the oats a delicious thick and creamy texture, sort of like that of chia pudding. They also add protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

What is the best liquid for overnight oats? ›

Milk: milk is our preferred liquid to make overnight oats and very essential. You can use any kind of milk you want such as cows milk, almond milk , coconut milk, oat milk, etc.

Do you eat overnight oats cold? ›

Typically, overnight oats are eaten cold, which is perfect for the hotter months. Overnight oatmeal is no-cook and doesn't need to be heated, but you may find yourself wanting a warm breakfast instead. It makes it super convenient to heat overnight oats to avoid being rushed in the mornings.

How many hours is best for overnight oats? ›

You only need to let the oats soak and rest in the fridge for 2 hours. But, it's ideal if you soak it overnight…hence the name overnight oats! The next morning you have a ready-to-eat, delicious, creamy bowl or jar of “oatmeal.” The consistency is like a porridge or pudding.

Do overnight oats boost metabolism? ›

Overnight oats is a true power breakfast that provides plenty of strength and energy. This is because of its high natural protein and fiber content that stimulate metabolism.

Is it better to eat warm or cold oats? ›

The short answer is that there's no best way to eat oats. Overnight oats are, by definition, served cold in the morning. Overnight oats are oats that are soaked in a liquid overnight so that the oats can absorb the liquid - no heating up necessary.

Does overnight oats spike insulin? ›

The short answer? No! Adding oats to your diet can actually be an easy and effective way to help manage diabetes and blood sugar spikes. That's because oats contain many important nutrients that can help you stay healthy and manage your blood sugar levels.

Do overnight oats help with bloating? ›

It's not only quick and delicious, but it's chock-full of ingredients that can offer you a flatter, less-bloated tummy. The oats offer complex carbs that fill you up longer and take a while to digest, keeping hunger cravings at bay.

Should overnight oats be refrigerated? ›

We recommend storing overnight oats in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to five days. That means if you're meal-prepping on Sunday, you can make a work week's worth of overnight oats and not have to think about breakfast again until Saturday.

Are overnight oats good for your skin? ›

Overnight oats are said to contain zinc in them which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and helps in reducing the same. It is also known to kill the acne causing bacteria in your skin. Since they can easily soak up the excess oil in your skin, they leave your skin fresh and acne free.

What are the disadvantages of eating oats? ›

5 ways having too much oatmeal can backfire
  • 01/6​5 ways having too much oatmeal can backfire. ...
  • 02/6​It can increase your sugar intake. ...
  • 03/6​You are eating only oats. ...
  • 04/6​Can lead to malnutrition and muscle mass shedding. ...
  • 05/6​It can lead to bloating. ...
  • 06/6​Can backfire on your weight loss goals.
Jan 13, 2021

What is healthiest oatmeal? ›

Steel-cut oats, also called Irish oatmeal, are the whole oat kernel that has been cut into two or three pieces using steel disks. This type of oats contains the highest amount of fiber, as it is least processed. Steel-cut oats take a little longer to cook, and result in a creamy and chewy porridge.

Does oatmeal detox the body? ›

Oats help the body in replenishing those essential minerals and vitamins that are lost during a heavy drinking session. In addition to this, oats neutralize acid levels in the body, absorb harmful toxins and raise the blood sugar levels in the body.

What does oat do to your face? ›

It moisturizes, protects, exfoliates, and cleanses your skin. Oatmeal also helps boost collagen production, improves your skin complexion, and reduces skin inflammation. You can use it in your bath, use it to make a paste for a face mask, or use it as a gentle cleanser.

Is oatmeal good for wrinkles? ›

Oatmeal are loaded with anti-oxidants which will help combat cell damage. It will significantly help to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

Should I rinse off after oatmeal bath? ›

Following an oatmeal bath, it is best to rinse off the body with lukewarm water. Once this has been done, you can quickly dab yourself dry using a towel. Avoid rubbing yourself dry with a towel as the rubbing motion can cause friction and further irritation to the skin.

Who should not consume oats? ›

Many people with celiac disease are told to avoid eating oats because they might be contaminated with wheat, rye, or barley, which contain gluten. But in people who haven't had any symptoms for at least 6 months, eating moderate amounts of pure, non-contaminated oats seems to be safe.

Do oats make you bigger? ›

Oatmeal's effects on your weight largely depend on how it's prepared. While oatmeal with a lot of high calorie add-ons like peanut butter or chocolate chips may promote weight gain, oatmeal made with water, fruit, and minimal sugar is an excellent meal for those trying to lose weight.

Why do my overnight oats taste bitter? ›

Prior research with oats has shown that bitterness and associated off-flavours are linked to the accumulation of free fatty acids, their volatile oxidation products, and possibly amino acids and certain phenols.

What can I add to overnight oats? ›

Toppings + Mix-Ins
  1. Fresh Fruit - My favorite topping for Overnight Oats is fresh fruit! ...
  2. Dried Fruit - Of course, dried fruit (think apples, apricots, mango, raisins, dates, figs, peaches, pineapple, even goji berries) also works great. ...
  3. Nuts - Healthy nuts add a wonderful, crunchy texture to creamy oats.
Aug 21, 2022

How do you make overnight oats taste better? ›

In addition to tasting toppings, you can keep your overnight oats from tasting like a bland mess by adding a little extra flavoring. Try mixing vanilla extract into your oat mixture, or spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. (Check out the recipes below for some more fun spice add-ins.)

How much liquid do I put in overnight oats? ›

Freshly-mixed concrete. Make sure you have at least double the liquid per each serving of oats (so, 1 cup of milk to ½-cup of oats), increasing the amount if you want a soupier texture. We love the chewy, hearty texture of steel-cut oats, but they're too firm to use for overnight oats.

Can overnight oats cause bloating? ›

One cup of oats contains a little over 8 grams of fiber. "If you have a sensitive stomach, the fiber in the oatmeal may cause you to experience bloating and gas," says Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Why do overnight oats make me gassy? ›

Oatmeal contains insoluble fiber, which is the kind of dietary fiber that is not broken down or digested by your body. This type of fiber passes through your intestines without being absorbed, leading to increased flatulence.

Why can't you use water with oats overnight? ›

Can you make Overnight Oats with Water? Yes, you can soak oats in water overnight instead of milk. Soaking oats for a longer period of time makes them more easily digestible as well as taste better.

What happens if you don't soak chia? ›

However, if you eat dry chia seeds, without giving them any liquid to absorb before ingesting them, they'll absorb the water within your system and potentially cause a blockage.

What happens if you soak chia seeds for 24 hours? ›

Just like overnight oats, keeping chia seeds soaked in water or milk overnight can be a good way to fully germinate them and get rid of any sort of digestive inhibitors (which act as a protective layer).

How thick should overnight oats be? ›

The oatmeal should become thick and creamy as you stir. If it still seems more liquidy than you'd like, microwave for another 15 to 30 seconds, but be very watchful for foaming liquid. If the oats seem too stiff and thick, stir in splash of milk, water, or other liquid to loosen them up again.

Do overnight oats have to be in a glass jar? ›

But, do I have to put overnight oats in a jar? A glass jar is not the only option available for overnight oatmeal. Tupperware containers, plastic containers and a medium-sized bowl with plastic wrap also work well for soaking oats overnight.

What do overnight oats taste like? ›

What Do Overnight Oats Taste Like? Overnight oats taste a little different than regular oatmeal—for starters, they're cold. Cold oats might not seem like a comforting breakfast, but they're actually very refreshing in the warmer months. The soaked oats have a hearty flavor that pairs well with fresh fruit.

What are the benefits of overnight oats? ›

The Health Benefits of Overnight Oats
  • Aids in the prevention of heart disease. Oats include beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels by boosting the excretion of cholesterol-rich bile. ...
  • Aids in Weight Loss. ...
  • Immune System Booster. ...
  • Enhances Brain Function. ...
  • Helps Relieve Constipation.
Jun 20, 2022

Do you reheat overnight oats? ›

Warm it up: Overnight oats are typically served chilled. However, if you prefer warm oats, you can heat them in the microwave. Just use a microwave-safe jar and stir frequently while you're warming them up.

Are overnight oats hard to digest? ›

Overnight Oats Have Increased Digestibility

This may make them easier to digest compared to oats that have been cooked. Even oats that are gluten free aren't always easy to digest, but overnight oats are a game changer for many.

Is oats overnight good for weight loss? ›

Weight Loss Overnight Oats (Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast) Weight loss overnight oats are the best meal prep breakfast recipe. They're healthy, low calorie, easy to make, vegan, inexpensive, and so tasty! Did you know they're a great option if you want to slim down and lose weight, too?

Can I eat 3 day old overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator. The caveat is that they'll continue to soften the longer they sit — which might be a bonus if you like your oatmeal on the super-creamy side.

How many calories in a overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats are a great source of many nutrients. One prepared cup (240 ml) of the basic recipe made with 2% cow's milk and without the optional ingredients provides the following ( 1 ): Calories: 215 calories.

Are Overnight oats good to lose weight? ›

Oats over all are beneficial for all those who are looking to lose some extra weight. Overnight soaked oats are very high in their fibre content, which keeps your stomach filled for a longer period of time. It even helps in clearing out your digestive tract.

How long does it take for overnight oats to work? ›

The longer you let your oats soak in the liquid, the thicker they will be. We recommend at LEAST 2 hours, but overnight is optimal.

What is the difference between overnight oats and regular oats? ›

They are usually eaten as a sweet breakfast cereal dish that has a thick and gooey texture. Overnight oats are typically made from oats and milk, although many people like to add a sweetener, chia seeds and mix them with yogurt. The main difference between overnight oats and oatmeal is that the oats are not cooked.

Does oats help lose belly fat? ›

Oats for weight loss

Oats are super rich in fibre content, which helps you remain full and prevent overeating and binge-eating. Proteins keep blood sugar levels stable and prevent insulin spikes that may lead to fat storage. Oats are super low in calories, making them great for aiding weight loss.

What should a woman eat for breakfast to lose weight? ›

14 Healthy Breakfast Foods That Help You Lose Weight
  • Eggs. Rich in protein and a wealth of important vitamins and minerals, such as selenium and riboflavin, eggs are a true powerhouse of nutrition (1). ...
  • Wheat Germ. ...
  • Bananas. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Smoothies. ...
  • Berries. ...
  • Grapefruits. ...
  • Coffee.
Sep 3, 2018

Is oat good for flat tummy? ›

Everyone knows oatmeal is good for you. Did you know that it can also help with losing weight? You read that correctly, you can lose belly fat by eating oatmeal! Oats contain high levels of dietary fiber which is resistant to digestive enzymes, therefore your body does not process it as caloric intake.

Do you eat overnight oats warm or cold? ›

Typically, overnight oats are eaten cold, which is perfect for the hotter months. Overnight oatmeal is no-cook and doesn't need to be heated, but you may find yourself wanting a warm breakfast instead. It makes it super convenient to heat overnight oats to avoid being rushed in the mornings.

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