Overnight oats are a popular breakfast option because they are quick and easy to prepare, and can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a convenient grab-and-go meal in the morning. Traditional overnight oats recipes often include chia seeds as a key ingredient, but chia seeds are not necessary to make this tasty and nourishing breakfast option. (If you would like a recipe without yogurt as well, see Overnight Oats without Chia Seeds or Yogurt. For a high protein option, see Protein Overnight Oats Without Chia Seeds)
Contents
- Making Overnight Oats Without Chia Seeds
- Are Chia Seeds Necessary for Overnight Oats?
- What Can I Use Instead of Chia Seeds in Overnight Oats?
- What Can I Use to Thicken Overnight Oats?
- What Do Chia Seeds Do in Overnight Oats?
- What is the Best Liquid for Overnight Oats?
Making Overnight Oats Without Chia Seeds
To make overnight oats without chia seeds, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk or plant-based milk of your choice
- 1/4 cup yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1/2 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh or frozen fruit of your choice (optional)
To prepare the oats, simply combine all of the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and stir well to combine. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, remove the oats from the refrigerator and stir well. If using frozen fruit, add it now and stir to combine. Serve the oats cold or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy!
Note: If you want to add some crunch to your oats, you can mix in some chopped nuts or seeds of your choice before refrigerating them overnight. This is a great way to add some extra protein and healthy fats to your breakfast.
(For some other overnight oats recipes not using chia seeds, see:
Are Chia Seeds Necessary for Overnight Oats?
While chia seeds are commonly used in traditional overnight oats recipes, they are not necessary to create this delicious and nutritious breakfast dish. Chia seeds are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, and they can give a unique texture to your overnight oats.
However, there are many other ingredients that you can use to achieve a similar effect. The key is to use ingredients that you enjoy and that provide the nutrition that you need to fuel your body for the day. (See all Overnight Oats without Chia Seeds Recipes)
What Can I Use Instead of Chia Seeds in Overnight Oats?
If you don’t have chia seeds on hand or don’t prefer to use them, there are many other options to add texture and nutrition to your overnight oats. Some alternatives include:
- Nuts: Chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans can add a satisfying crunch to your oats, as well as a boost of protein and healthy fats.
- Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or flax seeds can also add texture and are an excellent source of nutrients, including fiber and essential fatty acids.
- Rolled oats: Adding a few extra tablespoons of rolled oats before refrigerating your oats can increase the fiber content and make them more filling.
- Dried fruit: Chopped dates, raisins, or cranberries can provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture. Be mindful of the sugar and calorie content when adding dried fruit.
The best ingredient to use in place of chia seeds in your overnight oats will depend on your dietary preferences and needs. Experiment with different ingredients to find the perfect combination that works for you.
What Can I Use to Thicken Overnight Oats?
There are several ingredients that you can use to thicken overnight oats, depending on your personal preferences and dietary needs. Some options include:
- Rolled oats: Adding a few extra tablespoons of rolled oats to your oats before refrigerating them overnight can help to thicken the mixture and make the oats more satisfying.
- Chia seeds: Chia seeds are a good option for thickening overnight oats because they absorb liquid and expand in size, creating a gel-like consistency. Just be sure to use them in moderation, as they are high in calories and can make your oats too thick if you use too many.
- Yogurt: Adding a spoonful of yogurt to your oats can help to thicken the mixture and make it more creamy and satisfying. Just be sure to choose a plain or unsweetened yogurt to avoid adding too much sugar to your oats.
- Nut butter: Stirring a spoonful of nut butter into your oats before refrigerating them overnight can add thickness and a boost of protein and healthy fats. Just be sure to choose a nut butter that is unsweetened and free of added sugar.
Ultimately, the best ingredient to use to thicken overnight oats will depend on your personal preferences and dietary needs. Experiment with different ingredients to find a combination that works for you.
What Do Chia Seeds Do in Overnight Oats?
Chia seeds are a popular ingredient in overnight oats because they have several beneficial properties that make them a good choice for this type of breakfast. Some of the key benefits of using chia seeds in overnight oats include:
- Adding texture and crunch: Chia seeds have a small, round shape and a slightly crunchy texture, which can add interest and variation to the texture of overnight oats.
- Providing nutrition: Chia seeds are a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, which can help to make overnight oats a more nourishing and satisfying breakfast option.
- Absorbing liquid: Chia seeds are able to absorb liquid and expand in size, creating a gel-like consistency. This can help to thicken the oats and make them more satisfying.
- Adding flavor: Chia seeds have a mild, nutty flavor that can add depth and complexity to the flavor of overnight oats.
Overall, chia seeds are a good ingredient to use in overnight oats because they provide a range of nutritional and textural benefits that can help to make this breakfast option more enjoyable and satisfying. (For all overnight oats recipes, including those with chia seeds, see Overnight Oats Recipes)
What is the Best Liquid for Overnight Oats?
The best liquid for overnight oats will depend on your personal preferences and dietary needs. Some popular options include:
- Plant-based yogurt: Adding a spoonful of yogurt to your oats before refrigerating them overnight will help to thicken the mixture and make it more creamy and satisfying. It will also add protein, calcium, and other nutrients.
- Plant-based milk: For a plant-based, vegan or lactose-intolerant option, using a plant-based milk (such as almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, etc.) in your overnight oats will provide a similar creamy texture and flavor, without the use of dairy products.
- Water: If you prefer a lighter, more neutral-tasting option, you can use water in your overnight oats. This will not add any extra flavor or nutrition, but it will provide the liquid needed to hydrate the oats and make them tender.
Ultimately, the best liquid to use in overnight oats will depend on your personal preferences and dietary needs. Experiment with different liquids to find a combination that you enjoy.
Overnight Oats without Chia Seeds
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk of your choice almond milk, soy milk or coconut milk
- 1/4 cup plant-based yogurt
- 1/2 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh or frozen fruit of your choice optional
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup plant-based milk of your choice, 1/4 cup plant-based yogurt, 1/2 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- If using frozen fruit, add it to the bowl and stir to combine.1/4 cup fresh or frozen fruit of your choice
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator overnight.
- In the morning, remove the oats from the refrigerator and stir well. If using fresh fruit, add it now and stir to combine.
- Serve the oats cold or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy!
Notes
Lance has been passionate about the plant-based diet and we have been following a whole food plant-based diet for over 5 years. We focus on health, natural healing, weight management, animal rights, and the health of the planet and environment by focusing on whole plant-based foods and sustainable practices.
Learn more at the About Me page and follow on social media at the links below.
We love eating oatmeal every morning, but don’t always have the chia seeds.