5 Overnight Oats Mistakes and How to Fix Them (2024)

Overnight oats have taken the breakfast world by storm, and for good reason. They're an easy and nutritious way to start your day, and they can be customized to fit your taste preferences. But despite their simplicity, there are a few common mistakes people make when making overnight oats. In this post, we'll go over the top 5 mistakes and how to avoid them so that you can enjoy a delicious and healthy breakfast every morning.

Mistake #1: Using Instant Oatmeal

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One of the biggest mistakes people make when making overnight oats is using instant oatmeal instead of rolled oats. While instant oatmeal may seem like a convenient option, it won't give you the same texture and flavor that rolled oats will. Rolled oats are heartier and hold up better when soaked overnight, resulting in a creamier and more satisfying breakfast. (BTW our Goodness Bowls are perfect for overnight oats)

Mistake #2: Not Adding Enough Liquid

Another mistake people make is not adding enough liquid to their overnight oats. If you don't add enough liquid, your oats will be dry and clumpy in the morning, making them less enjoyable to eat. Make sure to add enough milk or yogurt to fully cover your oats and give them a creamy consistency.

Mistake #3: Skipping the Sweetener

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While overnight oats are a healthy breakfast option, they can taste bland if you don't add any sweetener. Some people skip the sweetener altogether, thinking that the fruit they add will be enough. However, a little bit of honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar can go a long way in making your oats more enjoyable.

Mistake #4: Overcomplicating the Recipe

One of the great things about overnight oats is how easy they are to make. However, some people overcomplicate the recipe by adding too many ingredients or using a complicated method. Keep it simple and stick to a few key ingredients, like oats, milk or yogurt, fruit, and a sweetener. That way, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy breakfast without feeling overwhelmed.

Mistake #5: Not Letting the Oats Soak Long Enough

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Lastly, not letting your oats soak long enough can be a big mistake. Overnight oats are meant to be soaked for at least 6-8 hours, but some people don't wait that long and end up with crunchy, uncooked oats. To avoid this, make sure to prepare your oats the night before and let them soak in the fridge while you sleep.

Overnight oats are a delicious and healthy breakfast option, but there are a few common mistakes people make when making them. By avoiding these mistakes and following a simple overnight recipe, you can enjoy a creamy and satisfying breakfast every morning. So, go ahead and give overnight oats a try - your taste buds and your body will thank you!

Mistake #6: Not Topping your Oats with our Granola & Nut Butter

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Oh my goodness, you simply cannot imagine the sheer delight that you're missing out on if you haven't tried topping your oatmeal with Amazin' Graze granolas! Trust me when I say that it's a game-changer. The crispy, crunchy texture of the granolas is just the thing to give your morning meal a burst of energy and excitement. And if you really want to take your oatmeal to the next level, why not add a dollop of our rich, creamy nut butter to thicken it up and make it a more filling meal? It's such a simple yet satisfying way to start your day with a smile on your face!

A delicious and healthy breakfast can be made using overnight oats. But it's crucial to be aware of the mistakes that can be made when preparing overnight oats. You can guarantee that your oats will always come out perfect by staying away from these common mistakes.

5 Overnight Oats Mistakes and How to Fix Them (2024)

FAQs

5 Overnight Oats Mistakes and How to Fix Them? ›

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."

What should you not put in overnight oats? ›

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."

Why are my overnight oats not working? ›

If you don't add enough liquid, your oats will be dry and clumpy in the morning, making them less enjoyable to eat. Make sure to add enough milk or yogurt to fully cover your oats and give them a creamy consistency.

What is the secret to overnight oats? ›

Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

How to fix runny overnight oats? ›

Again, if you don't want it as watery, you can add more oats to it. Add, like, another quarter cup of oats.

Can you make overnight oats wrong? ›

Using the wrong oat-to-milk ratio: If you don't add enough milk, some of the oats will soak up all of the liquid before the rest of the oats can absorb any, creating an uneven texture. Some oats will be very soft while others might still be chewy.

What are the disadvantages of overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats usually contain more calories than traditional oats, which is not ideal for individuals following a low-calorie diet or looking to cut back on calorie-rich foods. Note: Eating raw oats is generally safe, but may cause digestive issues or increase the risk of foodborne illness.

What happens when you eat overnight oats every morning? ›

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.

What is the ratio of liquid to oats for overnight oats? ›

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.)

What makes overnight oats better? ›

Resistant starch is high in oats. 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.

How do I make my overnight oats taste better? ›

One of my favorite ways to make oatmeal taste good without adding any sugar is to add a super ripe mashed banana to the bowl before adding the oats and milk. It makes it nice and sweet and creamy! I also love adding berries to oatmeal (if they are frozen, add them before cooking, otherwise, add them after it's cooked.

Do you stir overnight oats before putting in the fridge? ›

In a large glass jar, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup or honey, chia seeds, vanilla cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir well to make sure all the ingredients are combined. Cover with a lid and place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator and stir.

Why add salt to overnight oats? ›

As much as oats love maple syrup and brown sugar, they also love (and need) salt. Just like any other food, overnight oats needs to be seasoned properly and will frankly taste like cardboard without that pinch of salt, regardless of how much syrup you drizzle on.

Why did my overnight oats not work? ›

If you do not add the correct amount of milk (or the liquid of your choice), your overnight oats are not going to turn out properly. Adding too little milk will prevent the oats from expanding enough. This will leave them tasting too crunchy and uncooked.

What not to mix with oatmeal? ›

Whatever you do, steer clear of the worst offenders: dried fruit with added sugars, like Craisins or dried pineapple. "These are almost always made with added sugar, if not also an artificial sweetener, says Pennsylvania-based RD Gina Consalvo. "Always choose a fresh fruit instead." Need hard proof?

Why do my overnight oats taste bad? ›

The Kitchn notes that overnight oats have to be seasoned and flavored properly or they will taste bland.

Why should we not eat oats at night? ›

There is no particular time to eat oats. You can consume the oats at lunch and dinner too. This cereal, however, is consumed in breakfast mostly. It contains fiber, magnesium, complex carbohydrates, etc, which help in keeping your tummy full for a longer time, thus, reducing overeating.

What happens to your body when you eat overnight oats? ›

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.

Why do overnight oats go bad? ›

Overnight oats will begin to deteriorate after the 2nd or 3rd day in the fridge, mostly due to the other ingredients added to the batch; and, they usually lose their texture and go bad after the fourth day. Make sure that you're storing them in an airtight container in the fridge.

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