3 Easy Overnight Oats Recipes (gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free) | Liezl Jayne (2024)

FAQs

What is the formula for overnight oats? ›

Mix equal parts old-fashioned oats (rolled oats, that is, not quick-cooking-they'll get too mushy) and water along with a pinch of salt in a jar, cover and refrigerate overnight and up to 3 days. For one serving, we recommend using: 1/2 cup oats. 1/2 cup water (or milk or nondairy milk)

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

No, yogurt adds a creamy texture but it isn't mandatory. You can use nut butter, banana, applesauce, or coconut milk instead. Can I make overnight oats without chia seeds? Chia seeds add a nice thick and creamy texture.

Chia seeds thicken the mixture as it sits, and they offer a healthy dose of fiber and omega-3 fats. Store these oats in individual airtight containers (like a mason jar) for an easy breakfast on the go.

But, anything from whole to skim milk works, or a non-dairy option like soy milk, almond milk, or another option that you prefer. Here you can see (on the right) the more soupy-liquid version is the overnight oats before they have soaked overnight. The mug on the left is the overnight oats after two nights of soaking.

Chia seeds.

These absorb liquid and help thicken the overnight oats. Chia seeds are also a source of healthy fats and high in fibre, with 5g of fibre per tablespoon. Nutritionally, both black and white chia seeds are the same, so either option works.

Overnight oats can be a healthy option if made with nutritious ingredients. They are a good source of fiber and protein, and can be made with a variety of healthy ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and seeds. However, if they are made with added sugars or unhealthy ingredients, they can be unhealthy.

When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

Oats have a low glycemic index, meaning they cause a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar levels compared to refined carbohydrates. This slow release of glucose into the bloodstream helps prevent spikes in blood sugar, promoting stable glycemic control.

This means soaking them to allow enzymes to help break down and neutralize the phytic acid. We can use an acid to do this, this can be in the form of whey, kefir or yogurt. Or if you can't handle dairy then lemon or apple cider vinegar will do the same thing. By soaking your oats you neutralize the phytic acid.

Why do you put yogurt in overnight oats? ›

Yogurt: Greek yogurt lends richness, flavor, and lots of protein to help you take on the day.

When soaked overnight, the starch in the oats is naturally broken down, allowing more nutrients to be absorbed by the oats. This causes the oatmeal to swell up and absorb the liquid through every pore, making it a healthy and filling breakfast meal on its own.

Drinking it in the afternoon may help prevent you from overeating later in the day, and drinking it in the evening could help reduce your appetite before bed. However, if you're hungry and haven't eaten in a while, consider refueling your body with a nutrient-dense meal rather than filling up with chia seed water.

Not only are overnight oats the heavier option in terms of texture, they are also richer in nutrients. Although chia seeds provide healthy protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, whole-grain oats are a heartier source of vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy antioxidants, and are generally considered more filling.

The intensity of heat while cooking is the contributing factor, lower the heat better the nutrient availability. When you soak the oats overnight, it's almost like you're cooking them, but the process is much longer and slower, and it's done without heat. Hence, it is more nutrient rich than cooked version.

What's the Best Ratio for Overnight Oats? Making overnight oats is actually as easy as memorizing a simple ratio: Use equal parts old-fashioned rolled oats and milk, plus half as much yogurt. For example, the recipe below calls for 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 2 cups milk, and 1 cup yogurt.

The only ratio you need to remember when making overnight oats is 1:1. You'll soak one part rolled oats with one part liquid overnight. Use less liquid if you want thicker oatmeal, more if you like it runny. You can use water or any type of milk (like almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, etc.)

Use 1 tsp at first to see how your baby tolerates it, or follow your doctor's instructions. You might add more oatmeal if your doctor says it's okay. The maximum amount of oatmeal that you can add to a bottle is 1 tsp (2 g) of oatmeal per 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of formula.

You can make the over night oats with baby's usual milk (breast milk or first infant formula) or cow's milk if baby is over 6's months. Soft fruit such as banana can be mashed with the porridge oats. Hard fruits such as apple can be softened by steaming or simmering them until soft.