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Overnight oats are so easy to make and such a pleasure to eat. However, it is also easy to mess them up by choosing the wrong type of oats.
We can’t have that! So the only thing to do is pick the right oats, to ensure the best results possible.
What are the best oats for overnight oats? Rolled, or old-fashioned, oats are the best for overnight oats; they don’t remain too chewy or become too soft. Steel-cut oats are also an option, but may still retain a little crunch when made overnight. Instant oats are not ideal for overnight oats as they almost dissolve in the liquid.
Read this article to get to know the best oats for overnight oats as well as tips on how to make this no-cook meal taste better.
Choosing the Best Oats for Overnight Oats
To make overnight oats, you soak the oats in a liquid overnight. Thus, you will need to use a kind of oats that will reach the perfect texture by the morning.
Rolled Oats – Best Option
Rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, are your best bet if you want to make overnight oats.
Mixed with the perfect amount of liquid, rolled oats will become creamy and soft by the morning.
But by no means will they turn mushy. You can even let overnight oats sit in your fridge for a day or two and the texture will stay remain on point.
Rolled oats have a softer texture compared to steel-cut oats. Steel-cut are not processed, but rolled oats, on the other hand, undergo a flatting process. So they are slightly processed.
Can You Make Overnight Oats with Steel-Cut and Instant Oats?
Like we said, old-fashioned oats work best when it comes to making overnight oats. But here is why steel-cut and instant oats fall behind when it comes to using them to make overnight oatmeal:
Steel-cut oats are not processed; they come in larger pieces and are coarser than rolled-cut.
You may try making overnight oats with steel-cut oats but expect to have oatmeal that is chewy and even slightly crunchy. If you leave the oats in the fridge for a few days, steel-cut oats may reach a creamier consistency.
With this being said, some people enjoy the texture that steel-cut oats provide. Additionally, you may use different add-ins to compromise the crunchiness of steel-cut oats.
Instant oats, also called quick oats, are the highly processed variety of oats. They take a couple of minutes to cook as before being packaged, these oats are already pre-cooked and dried.
In comparison to rolled oats, instant oats are slightly thinner and smaller. Thus, if you attempt making overnight oats using instant oats, you will wake up to find that your oatmeal is too mushy.
Rolled oats are the perfect in-between. Small enough to get that classic soft oatmeal texture overnight, but not so small that they’ll dissolve into a mushy porridge worthy of the name gruel.
The Best Oats for Overnight Oats
Here are the top 9 oats, rolled and steel-cut, that will work perfectly for your overnight oatmeal recipes:
| Rank | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Quaker Old Fashioned Oats | Rolled |
| 2. | Nature’s Path Whole Rolled Oats | Rolled |
| 3. | Bob’s Red Mill Old Fashioned Oats | Rolled |
| 4. | GF Harvest Organic Rolled Oats | Rolled |
| 5. | Augason Farms Quick Rolled Oats | Quick rolled |
| 6. | Food to Live Organic Rolled Oats | Rolled |
| 7. | McCann’s Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal | Steel-cut |
| 8. | Flahavan’s Irish Steel Cut Oatmeal | Steel-cut |
| 9. | Quaker Steel Cut Oats | Steel-cut |
Keep reading for more information on each of these awesome oat brands.
1. Quaker Old Fashioned Oats
Quaker old-fashioned oats are a real gem for those who are all about healthy and nutritious eating.
As the manufacturer states, they contain soluble fiber named beta-glucan. The latter works toward improving cholesterol levels. Additionally, it contributes to heart health.
Quaker recommends using these oats specifically for overnight oatmeal. They will have the perfect consistency by the morning. You can add different fruits, seeds, nuts, and syrups to these oats to boost the nutritious value.
Here is what makes these oats worth a try:
- No added sugar.
- Health benefits.
- A good energy source to start the morning with.
There are 4 grams of protein in a bowl of Quaker old-fashioned oats. Thus, by starting the day with a made-ahead meal with these oats you are guaranteed to stay full for a few hours.
While all oats are naturally gluten-free, they may be contaminated if processed in the same factory as wheat or barley. However, these Quaker oats are certified gluten-free, so you should have nothing to worry about.
2. Nature’s Path Whole Rolled Oats
If you like the old-fashioned taste of oats, then the Nature’s Path rolled oats are one of the best options for you. These oats are also fully organic. And that, as we know, is a make-or-break quality for many consumers.
With 5 grams of protein per serving, overnight oatmeal made with these oats will keep you feeling full till lunch hour. These oats also contain 4 grams of fiber per serving (40 g) and no sugar.
Here’s what makes the Nature’s Path Whole Rolled Oats so good:
- They are gluten-free.
- There are no artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives in these oats.
- These oats are free of any GMOs.
if you are someone that is trying to control their sodium intake, using these oats is a good decision. They are sodium-free and will be of great use in overnight oat recipes along with numerous toppings and add-ins.
3. Bob’s Red Mill Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
Bob’s Red Mill rolled oats are 100% whole grain and are high in fiber.They are a good source of protein with 5 grams of protein per serving size (48g).
These rolled oats have the perfect texture for overnight oatmeal. They will be slightly chewy but not mushy which is key when making overnight oats.
With a slightly nutty taste, you will be able to add all kinds of flavors and colors to these oats.
Here are a few things you should know about Bob’s Red Mill regular rolled oats:
- They are vegan.
- They are organic.
- Coming in a sealable bag, these oats will maintain their best qualities for a long period of time.
If you need a good source of protein and fiber for a burst of energy that will last you all day, then these oats are something to considering.
4. GF Harvest Organic Rolled Oats
Here’s another organic rolled oats option for those of you out there who are all about organic-only foods.
The GF Harvest Organic Rolled oats are also gluten-free. And as the manufacturer claims, they are a great choice for people with celiac disease.
In one serving of these rolled oats (41 grams), there are 7 grams of protein and 4 grams of dietary fiber.
GF Harvest rolled oats are good as they are:
- 100% whole grain, which makes it ideal for people who want to lower their cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Free of any GMOs
Use these old-fashioned oats to make overnight oats or for other purposes if you want, including baking gluten-free bread or muffins.
5. Augason Farms Quick Rolled Oats
You may be surprised at the size of this pail of oats. It contains 10 pounds of high-quality rolled oats that will make around 90 servings of oatmeal.
If you are a family of oatmeal-lovers, then the Augason Farms’ rolled oats are for you.50 grams of these oats contain 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of dietary fiber.
Augason Farms Quick Rolled oats are:
- Perfect for storage.
- Allegedly keep for 30 years if stored in the right conditions.
- All natural.
Because these are quick rolled oats, they will be perfect for those days when you have a few hours to soak overnight oats. You will get creamy oatmeal just by soaking these oats and refrigerating it for at least 2 hours.
6. Food to Live Organic Rolled Oats
Food to Live organic old-fashioned oats are likely to make a part of your diet if you are drawn to everything that contains essential minerals.
These oats are whole grain which makes them a rich source of dietary fiber and protein. And what do these two mean? Energy!
Whole grains take longer to break down. Thus, the energy is absorbed slowly which means that it lasts much longer and will easily drive you through your day.
Here is why you may consider buying the Food to Live rolled oats:
- They are organic and GMO-free.
- When cooked, these organic oats are high in such minerals ad iron, magnesium, calcium, etc.
7. McCann’s Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal
Having listed the best old-fashioned oats for overnight oats, we have selected a few options for those of you who like making overnight oatmeal with steel-cut oats.
Steel-cut oats are also known as Irish oatmeal. Thus, McCann’s Irish Oatmeal will call your name if you are on the hunt for something traditional.
Here are a few facts to help you decide on these oats:
- A serving (40 g) of these oats contains 4 grams of protein and 3 grams of dietary fiber.
- These oats are also a source of calcium and iron.
McCann’s Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal will work great if you plan on making a few portions of overnight oats ahead of time.
8. Flahavan’s Irish Steel Cut Oatmeal
Aside from the slightly different texture steel-cut oats create, there is another reason why you may consider using these oats for overnight oats.
Flahavan’s Irish steel-cut oats will transfer the true taste of oatmeal as they are grown, milled, and produced in Ireland.
Here is how these steel-cut oats stand out:
- They are all-natural.
- Due to special conditions these oats are grown in, milled, and stored, they have a distinctive aroma and creamy texture.
Steel-cut oats, while having almost the same nutritional value as old-fashioned oats, are not processed and contain resistant starch.
This means that it will take longer for the starch to break down and you will keep your hunger at bay for a longer time.
9. Quaker Steel Cut Oats
Another great option if you like making overnight oats with steel-cut oats and eat them slightly chewy, Quaker steel-cuts oats are a great option.After all, Quaker oats are a classic for a reason.
A serving of these oats (40 g) contains 5 grams of protein and 4 grams of dietary fiber.
These oats are worth looking into as they are:
- Sodium-free.
- 100% natural whole grain.
Being whole grain oats, Quaker steel-cut oats are beneficial in decreasing cholesterol levels.
Mistakes to Avoid for Overnight Oats
The first step for making good overnight oatmeal is picking the right variety of oats. But there are a few common mistakes that will make your oatmeal not taste as great as it should.
Those overnight oats can last a while, so you want them to be good enough to not go to waste.
Here is what you shouldn’t do when making them:
1. Skipping on Salt
Even if you are going to add fruits, nuts, and sweetening syrups to your overnight oats, we don’t recommend completely skipping out on salt.
A pinch of salt will make a big difference in the taste of your oatmeal by balancing out the flavor.You don’t have to add much; a little goes a long way.
2. Adding Too Much (or Too Little) Liquid
When it comes to the perfect ratio of liquid in overnight oats, you should find the golden mean.
Too much liquid in the oats will leave it watery by the morning. Too little liquid, on the other hand, will make the oats dry and unappealing.
While the typical ratio of oats to liquid is 1:1, you can always alter it to suit your tastes. Experiment with the amount of liquid you add to your oats and find the right balance for you.
3. Mixing Add-Ins Too Soon
When making overnight oats for your morning breakfast, don’t hurry to add the fruits, nuts, and seeds to it.
Wait until the morning when you are ready to eat the oatmeal.Mixing add-ins too soon with the oats will make them mushy and soggy.
Chia seeds are the only exception, because they need more time to ‘do their job’ in the oatmeal.
Tips for Making the Best Overnight Oats
No matter what brand of oats you choose for your overnight oatmeal, if you fail at the oats and liquid ratio, this make-ahead meal will not work for you.
The easiest way to make overnight oats that will have the right consistency is by mixing one part of oats with one part of the liquid (water, cow’s milk, plant-based milk, etc.)
If you want your overnight oatmeal to be creamier and more like porridge, double the amount of liquid to oats (2:1).
Here are a few tips you can keep in mind if you want to make the best overnight oats.
1. Use Spices
While fruits, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners are more than enough to make delicious overnight oatmeal, there are other options too.
You can use cinnamon, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and many other flavorful add-ins to spice up your overnight oats.
2. Use Chia Seeds (and Early)
Chia seeds are probably the only add-in ingredient that benefits from being left in the oatmeal for a longer time.
Add chia seeds to your overnight oats to give them a nice gelatin consistency. As chia seeds absorb the liquid, they change the consistency of the oatmeal.
3. Add Yogurt to Make It Creamy
Adding a few tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt or any other yogurt of your choice will make your overnight oats creamy as ever.
The ratio of yogurt you should add to your meal is 1:1 with the milk.(That’s half oats, and the other half made up of both yogurt and milk.)
4. Add Nut Butter
If you want your overnight oats to taste richer and be more filling, stir in some nut butter.A tablespoon of peanut or almond butter will make a big delicious difference.
Up Next: Can You Freeze Overnight Oats?
