Why Overnight Oats are better than Regular Cooked Oats (2024)

FAQs

Why Overnight Oats are better than Regular Cooked Oats? ›

In terms of specific benefits, overnight oats has a higher resistant starch content. Resistant starch is a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut and supporting a healthy digestive system.

Overnight oats are the more nutritious option, but that doesn't mean that this meal is for everyone.

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.

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.

One easy and nutritious way to enjoy raw oats is to make overnight oats by letting them soak in the refrigerator in water or milk. This allows them to absorb the liquid, making them easily digestible in the morning. To prepare overnight oats you'll need: 1 cup (83 grams) of raw oats.

The Bottom Line

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Overnight oats offer a convenient and healthful breakfast option packed with nutrients, fibre, and versatility. Whether you're looking to boost your morning routine with a nutritious meal or explore new flavours, overnight oats can be a delicious and satisfying choice to kick-start your day on the right note.

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.

Oats are rich in carbohydrates and a fibre called beta-glucan, which helps in the slow release of glucose into the bloodstream. However, consuming oats in isolation and in the morning may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels due to the Dawn effect.

Though typically served cold, overnight oats can be eaten warm if you wish. But it is usually eaten cold; that's why it's a grab-and-go breakfast. If you prefer warm oats in the morning, just place them in the microwave for a minute.

How long do you soak overnight oats for? ›

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.

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.

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.

When you soak oats, it's almost like you're cooking them without heat. Soaking helps the starches break down and reduces the natural phytic acid, which may help your body utilize the oats' nutrients much more efficiently. Overnight oats are healthier for your gut.

Additionally, overnight oats retain more of their natural nutrients since they are not exposed to high heat during the cooking process. Cooked oats, on the other hand, have a higher glycemic index compared to overnight oats. This means they may cause a more rapid increase in blood sugar levels.

Add the desired amounts of milk, oats, yogurt, chia seeds and banana to a jar or container and give them a good stir. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 5 hours. In the morning, add additional liquid if you'd like.

Is it better to eat cooked or raw oats? Cooked oats might be easier to digest for some, as cooking helps break down the starch they contain. However, neither way to eat oats is better or worse. How you choose to eat them—either raw or cooked—comes down to personal preference.

Old-fashioned rolled oats.

Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice for overnight oats. They soak up the liquid overnight, leaving you with a creamy (but not mushy) texture. Save steel-cut and quick-cooking oats for another time.

Raw oats help you feel fuller and burn more fat, so this is a great meal replacement if you're trying to lose or manage your weight.

If you're wondering how many calories are in a cup of oats, raw versus cooked, you may be surprised to find out they don't have much of a difference in nutritional value. Raw or cooked, oats are a great source of fiber and essential vitamins.