Berry Overnight Oats

Are you looking for a new, quick and easy breakfast or snack option that will keep you satiated until your next meal? Well, look no further than my recipe for delicious berry overnight oats!

As opposed to a regular ol’ bowl of hot oatmeal, (which don’t get me wrong, I still love) overnight oats offers a new spin on the classic breakfast item. They’re refreshing, creamy, and can be easily meal-prepped for a grab-and-go breakfast. As the name suggests, all you have to do is combine the ingredients the night before, pop it in the fridge overnight, and wake up to a delicious already-made breakfast.

Main Ingredients Needed for Berry Overnight Oats

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – For this recipe, I highly recommend using old-fashioned oats because they absorb the milk best and have the most optimal texture. Instant or steel-cut oats generally do not absorb the milk very well and leave you with a lumpy and gritty texture.

• Milk – I generally use unsweetened almond milk for this recipe because I always have it around in my fridge, but any milk (dairy or plant-based) will do!

• Yogurt – Yogurt lends the oats an extra creamy texture, while simultaneously adding some extra protein. My favorite for this recipe is plain Greek yogurt because it is extra thick and smooth, but any non-flavored yogurt works.

• Chia Seeds – Chia seeds add a lovely boost of omega-3 fatty acids to this recipe, as well as thickens the oats due to their gelling properties, but can easily be left out or substituted for another type of seed.

• Sweetener of Choice – Adding a little bit of maple syrup or honey to this recipe gives it a boost of delicious sweetness, but is totally optional.

• BERRIES! – Of course, you need berries for berry overnight oats! They add a delectable pop of flavor, as well as a boost of antioxidants and vitamins. My favorites are strawberries and blueberries (I know, I’m basic), but any type of berries are fair game.

As you can see, I also jazzed my oats up with some cinnamon and honey for a little extra flavor!

How long do overnight oats stay fresh?

I would say that overnight oats generally should be consumed within the first five days of making them, however, they are at their most optimal consistency within the first one to two days. After the two-day mark, the texture becomes slightly softer, but they’re still delicious and safe for consumption.

What about hot overnight oats?

If you prefer your overnight oats hot, all you need to do is uncover your glass and pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds, or until your oats are at an ideal temperature.

Can I use frozen berries?

You can absolutely use frozen berries! Actually, if you top your oats with frozen berries before refrigerating, the juices from the berries seep out, and flavors the oats even more.

How does this recipe help fuel the mind-gut connection?

With the combination of whole grains from the oats, fermentation from the yogurt, fiber and vitamins from the berries, and omega-3’s from the chia seeds, this recipe is packed with nutrients and that will fuel your mind and body for whatever activities you do! I can’t think of any better meal that has a great balance between

Serving: One I Prep Time: 5 minutes I Refrigeration Time: 3–12 hours

Ingredients

• ⅓ Cup of Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

• ⅓ Cup of Milk (plant-based or dairy)

• Two Tablespoons Greek Yogurt

• ½ Tablespoon of Honey or Maple Syrup

• Two Teaspoons of Chia Seeds

• Splash of Vanilla Extract – optional

• Any berries of your choice – strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc.

Directions

1. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl or large glass.

2. Cover your container with plastic wrap or a lid, and place in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight. The berries can either be added before you refrigerator the oats, or before serving.

3. Uncover and enjoy your delicious breakfast or snack!

Bon Appétit!