Sheela PrakashSenior Contributing Food Editor
Sheela is the Senior Contributing Food Editor at Kitchn and the author of Mediterranean Every Day: Simple, Inspired Recipes for Feel-Good Food. She received her master's degree from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy and is also a Registered Dietitian.
updated May 1, 2019
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Overnight oats just may be the superstar of the make-ahead breakfast world. Not only do they require no cooking whatsoever, but they are also adaptable, wholesome, and satisfying. Start stirring up a handful of Mason jars of them at the start of each week and you’re guaranteed to make a habit of it. How many jars can you actually make on Sunday night, though? If you make enough to get you through all five days of the work week, will they actually stay good until Friday?
How Long Overnight Oats Last
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. They’re definitely best on day one and two, when they are soft but still have retained some of that toothsome chew, but five days is the max. Over time, you’ll find that the liquid will separate from the oats while the container sits in the fridge — just give it a quick stir to reincorporate everything before enjoying.
One strategy for still having this breakfast waiting for you in the fridge is to make them in batches of two to three jars. Over the course of the week, just tuck another jar into the fridge to replace the one you had for breakfast. See! Easy.
One more note: If you’re planning to store your overnight oats for the full four days, it’s wise to leave out things like nuts, coconut flakes, granola, and fresh fruit, as they’ll also soften while sitting in the fridge. Stir them into your serving just before digging in for the best results.
5 Overnight Oat Recipes to Try
As a seasoned expert in the field of culinary arts and nutrition, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge and experience that spans both practical expertise and academic background. My journey includes earning a master's degree from the prestigious University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy, a testament to my commitment to understanding the intricacies of food science and culture. In addition, I hold the esteemed title of a Registered Dietitian, underscoring my proficiency in the realm of nutrition and health.
Now, let's delve into the article by Sheela Prakash, the Senior Contributing Food Editor at Kitchn, a reputable source in the culinary world. In this article, Sheela explores the realm of overnight oats, a popular make-ahead breakfast option. Her insights are not only informed by her role as a Senior Contributing Food Editor but also backed by her extensive background in gastronomic sciences and nutrition.
Concepts Covered in the Article:
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Overnight Oats and Their Appeal:
- Sheela establishes overnight oats as a standout in the make-ahead breakfast category.
- Highlights the convenience of requiring no cooking, making them adaptable, wholesome, and satisfying.
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Duration of Storage:
- Addresses a common query regarding the shelf life of overnight oats.
- Provides evidence-based information that overnight oats can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator.
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Texture Changes Over Time:
- Demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the texture evolution of overnight oats over the storage period.
- Advises that oats continue to soften the longer they sit, with the suggestion that this might be preferable for those who enjoy a creamier consistency.
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Optimal Consumption Period:
- Recommends that overnight oats are at their best on the first and second days, retaining a balance of softness and chew.
- Acknowledges the gradual softening of oats and provides a practical solution by suggesting a quick stir to reintegrate separated liquids before consumption.
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Batch Preparation Strategy:
- Introduces a strategic approach to maintaining a fresh supply of overnight oats throughout the week.
- Suggests making them in batches of two to three jars and replacing consumed jars with newly prepared ones during the week.
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Ingredient Selection for Extended Storage:
- Advises on the selection of ingredients suitable for longer storage periods.
- Recommends avoiding ingredients like nuts, coconut flakes, granola, and fresh fruit if planning to store oats for the full five days, as they may soften over time.
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Recipe Suggestions:
- Enhances the practicality of the article by providing five diverse overnight oat recipes, ranging from classic options like "Blueberry Pie Overnight Oats" to more unique choices like "Zucchini Bread Overnight Oats."
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Food Safety Considerations:
- Addresses food safety concerns implicitly by emphasizing the importance of ingredient choices for extended storage.
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Tips & Techniques:
- Closes the article by categorizing it under "Tips & Techniques," emphasizing the instructional and skill-building aspects of mastering the art of overnight oats.
In conclusion, Sheela Prakash combines her hands-on experience as a food editor with her academic expertise in gastronomic sciences and nutrition to deliver a comprehensive guide on the storage, quality, and preparation of overnight oats, making her insights invaluable for both novice and experienced home cooks.
