Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds (Meal-Prep Friendly) (2024)

  • Why do you put chia seeds in overnight oats?

    Chia seeds up the nutrition content in overnight oats. They're loaded with good-for-your-gut fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which help calm inflammation in your body and may protect you from chronic disease. They also add a nice protein boost to this recipe. Besides their nutritional qualities, chia seeds will help thicken the overnight oats, giving them a pudding-like consistency.

  • Oats are whole grains, and eating whole grains helps you feel full longer due to their fiber content (the protein in this recipe helps add to the feeling of fullness, too). There is also some evidence that beta-glucan, the soluble fiber found in oats, may encourage the release of a hormone that promotes satiety and that feeling of fullness. The combination of whole grains and protein will also help keep your blood sugar more level. When your hunger and blood sugar are stable, it keeps that "hangry" feeling at bay—which means you won't be grabbing the first food you see to stave it off.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

    Oats are inherently gluten-free, but there can be some cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains, depending on how the oats were grown and processed. For this reason, if you're watching your gluten intake, choose oats that have a gluten-free label.

  • I’m allergic to nuts, can I use a different kind of milk?

    Yes, you can swap in another milk. If you're using plant-based milk, our recommendation is to choose unsweetened, plain plant-based milk. Using a different milk, or one with flavorings and sweeteners, will affect the flavor and nutritional profile of the recipe.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

    Yes, you can swap in dairy-free yogurt. Feel free to use your favorite brand of plant-based yogurt or make your own! Just be mindful that swapping ingredients will alter the flavor and nutritional profile of the recipe.

  • What are some other flavor combinations I can try?

    Try different spices, like ground ginger, cardamom or nutmeg. Instead of peaches, you can use chopped mangos, apricots or plums. If you don't want to use pecans, substitute them with chopped walnuts, cashews or almonds. Customize your overnight oats with your favorite flavor combinations. Just keep in mind that adding or swapping ingredients will alter the nutritional profile of the recipe.

  • Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds (Meal-Prep Friendly) (2024)

    FAQs

    How long does chia overnight oats last? ›

    Place the oats, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, salt, and yogurt, if using, in a lidded container or jar. Pour in the almond milk, and stir thoroughly to combine. Make sure that there are no chia seeds clumped around the bottom or sides of the jar! Cover and store overnight, or for up to 5 days, in the fridge.

    Why do people put chia seeds in overnight oats? ›

    Why do you put chia seeds in overnight oats? Chia seeds up the nutrition content in overnight oats. They're loaded with good-for-your-gut fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which help calm inflammation in your body and may protect you from chronic disease. They also add a nice protein boost to this recipe.

    How long can you meal prep overnight oats? ›

    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.

    Can you Premake overnight oats? ›

    This overnight oat recipe is the perfect make-ahead breakfast recipe. You can prepare the oats in jars and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

    Can oats overnight be used as a meal replacement? ›

    It's a perfect option if you're looking for a great-tasting and healthy substitute for your daily smoothie, snack, breakfast, or meal replacement shake.

    Can you bulk prep overnight oats? ›

    It typically only takes 5 minutes to make them. Batch prep breakfast. Overnight oats are meal prep friendly, so you can make several servings and have breakfast ready for the whole week.

    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.

    How to meal prep oatmeal for the week? ›

    But it might be the easiest (and tastiest) way to meal prep oats: simply mix oats, milk, sweetener and add-ins, stir, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, you can simply grab a spoon and dig in, or add additional toppings! You can also heat them up in the microwave, if you're not quite ready for cold oats.

    What is the best container for overnight oats? ›

    Ball Mason Jars are a classic choice for preparing overnight oats, and as an added bonus, they're generally inexpensive to buy. These 8-ounce versions come in a pack of two for just $10, but you can also buy sets of 12 jars if you want to stock up.

    What fruit is good for overnight oats? ›

    Fruit – you can't go wrong with bananas and berries, but almost any fruit will work. I even have a tropical overnight oats recipe with pineapple, mango and toasted coconut. Nut butter – I use peanut butter and almond butter most often, but any and all nut/seed butters will taste amazing drizzled on your overnight oats.

    Do you eat overnight oats cold the next day? ›

    Warm it up if you prefer warm oats in the morning. Although overnight oatmeal is typically served cold, you can definitely eat them warm. Just place them in the microwave for one minute and be sure to use a microwave-safe jar.

    How long before soaked chia seeds go bad? ›

    You can refrigerate soaked chia seeds for up to five days, so make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week. Our favorite ways to use them include stirring a couple of spoonfuls into a smoothie or oatmeal—or layering them with fresh fruit and maple syrup for a parfait.

    How long can overnight chia stay in the fridge? ›

    Chia pudding is an awesome meal prep option because it will stay good in the fridge for 5-7 days. For meal prep, just place the pudding in airtight jars or meal prep containers and store in the fridge.

    Do dry overnight oats go bad? ›

    Think of it like eating cereal with water, don't do it! How long do Oats Overnight last? The dry product has a shelf life of 9 months. We recommend consuming them within 36 hours of putting them in the fridge for the best experience.

    Are overnight oats good after 5 days? ›

    Store your overnight oats in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They will soften more the longer they sit so I find they're best on days 1-3, but they're still safe to eat on days 4 and 5.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Annamae Dooley

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6250

    Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

    Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Annamae Dooley

    Birthday: 2001-07-26

    Address: 9687 Tambra Meadow, Bradleyhaven, TN 53219

    Phone: +9316045904039

    Job: Future Coordinator

    Hobby: Archery, Couponing, Poi, Kite flying, Knitting, Rappelling, Baseball

    Introduction: My name is Annamae Dooley, I am a witty, quaint, lovely, clever, rich, sparkling, powerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.