The main difference between overnight oats and oatmeal is that the oats are not cooked. Porridge is commonly eaten hot while overnight oats are usually consumed cold (although they can be reheated). This "no-cook" technique is extremely time-saving because you don't need to wait for the porridge to be cooked.
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.
Tips for making the best overnight oats
Use plain old fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats. Quick oats will get too soggy when soaked with milk. And do not use steel cut oats because they won't soften enough to eat just with milk unfortunately. Try this steel cut overnight oatmeal instead.
Overnight oats (also called ONO) is an alternative way of preparing oatmeal that doesn't involve any cooking. Rather than the traditional method of boiling oats, overnight oats are mixed with milk, or a dairy-free alternative, and left overnight in the fridge, allowing the oats to hydrate.
Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.
Is it ok to eat overnight oats every day? Overnight oats are perfectly safe to be eaten every day. You may even eat them every morning if you like. However, some say that they feel oats give them digestive issues; overnight oats are not unsafe for those without medical conditions that affect digestion.
Milk: You can make overnight oats with any kind of milk — dairy or non-dairy. If using non-dairy milk, it's best to stick with unsweetened. Greek yogurt: Not only does Greek yogurt make overnight oats more filling, but it also gives the oats a super-creamy texture.
What Do Overnight Oats Taste Like? Do They Taste Good? Overnight oats have a hearty flavor like regular oatmeal, but unlike the oatmeal you are accustomed to, overnight are cold. Soaked oats have a creamy texture, and adding yogurt or nut butter can make them taste even creamier.
Do you eat overnight oats Cold? Overnight oats are meant to be eaten cold, however, if you prefer warm oats you always have the option to heat them up. Because you soak the oats overnight, they become soft and easy to digest making them delicious eaten cold!
Old-fashioned rolled oats – Old-fashioned rolled oats are a must for overnight oats. They soak up the liquid overnight, which gives you a lovely creamy texture. Instant, quick-cooking and steel cut oats don't work because they don't absorb the liquid in the same way that rolled oats do.
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.
If your Overnight Oats didn't work, you probably didn't use enough liquid. Try adding a little extra milk or water. It's also possible they didn't soak long enough. For more flavor, make sure to add a pinch of salt and a little maple syrup for sweetness.
Make sure you have at least double the liquid per each serving of oats (so, 1 cup of milk to ½-cup of oats), increasing the amount if you want a soupier texture. We love the chewy, hearty texture of steel-cut oats, but they're too firm to use for overnight oats.
The addition of milk to overnight oats creates a creamy texture whereas water won't add any creaminess but that's not necessarily a bad thing. We can compensate for the lack of creaminess and flavor with other nutritious ingredients like mashed banana, plant-based yogurt, or nut butter.
Eating oatmeal for breakfast has been linked to weight loss, better nutrient intake, and lower risk for conditions such as diabetes. Oatmeal has soluble fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. Oatmeal may have some advantages over eggs for breakfast, but research studies have conflicting results.
However, overnight oats can be fattening due to other influential factors. The type of liquid you use to soak the oats and any sweeteners or toppings you add to your no cook oats can add on calories that turn overnight oats fattening.
Overnight Oats Contain Increased Resistant Starch
RS is a natural carb and helps to improve digestion, aid in weight loss, increase feelings of fullness and decrease insulin spikes associated with eating hot starchy foods.
Go for plain oatmeal, as they are fibre rich. They promote healthy satiety, as they stay in your stomach for hours. It is an excellent choice if you want to curb and reduce belly fat. Don't compromise on your dose of daily carbohydrates if you are planning to lose weight.
But, do I have to put overnight oats in a jar? A glass jar is not the only option available for overnight oatmeal. Tupperware containers, plastic containers and a medium-sized bowl with plastic wrap also work well for soaking oats overnight.
While oatmeal consistency is mostly a personal preference, not adding enough liquid to your overnight oats can result in a thick, pasty substance. Keep in mind that overnight oats absorb the liquid around them. If you want a more spoonable breakfast, be sure to double the liquid per each serving of oats in a 2:1 ratio.
Overnight soaked oats are very high in their fibre content, which keeps your stomach filled for a longer period of time. It even helps in clearing out your digestive tract. The high resistant starch content guarantees faster fat burning and increasing the body's insulin level.
If your mix is still too thick, simply add 1-2 tablespoons of water until you get the right consistency. If your mixture if too thin, you can add oats or chia seeds to absorb the liquid. But that takes a few hours. For a quick fix I add a nut butter, like almond or peanut, to quickly thicken the soupy oats.
Or do I have to wait overnight? Waiting overnight allows the oats and chia seeds to fully hydrate and soften the oatmeal. We recommend waiting four to five hours for the best experience, but some customers do enjoy eating it immediately for a more textured, chewy oatmeal.
Soak overnight oats for a minimum of twelve hours in order to break down the phytic acid present in the raw oats. Furthermore, fermentation increases the amount of beneficial bacteria making the oats more digestible.