This Blueberry Overnight Oatmeal with Almond Butter is packed full of flavor in every bite. Oatmeal, in pretty much all forms, is a breakfast essential and overnight oats make having a healthy breakfast ready to go easier than ever.
As this breakfast trend continues to take the world by storm, and with good reason, overnight oatmeal will make your mornings both easier and healthier, all while being full of bright flavors to wake you up and help get the right kind of start to your day.
Before diving into the recipe, though, there are a few things you should know about overnight oatmeal – including substitutions if you aren’t a fan of blueberries or almonds!
Which Oats Work Best?
When you go to the grocery store and roll on into the oats section (see what I did there?), you are faced with dozens of different options, each with its own pros and cons. The main difference between them being how processed they are, which results in both a different texture and different nutritional contents.
For overnight oatmeal, rolled oats are the best option, as they are champions at holding liquid and maintaining their shape, meaning no gluey, concrete oatmeal – the ideal result if you ask me.
However, if you don’t have rolled oats you can use quick oats in their place, though the texture will be a bit softer. I recommend you stay away from instant oats since they will almost fully break down in the fridge. Steel-cut oats can work, but only if you precook them first.
Should I Buy The Prepackaged Overnight Oats I See in Stores?
Some oat companies have caught on to the overnight oats trend and are looking to capitalize on it by selling oats that are branded “Overnight Oats.”
But do you really need them?
I’m going to say no for two reasons –
First is the cost: the price of Overnight Oats vs buying rolled oats and everything else you want in your oatmeal is pretty significant. Most packaged overnight oatmeal costs between $3-4 per serving, which is much higher than making your own.
The second reason I suggest not buying Overnight Oats is due to their additions of sugar, salt, acids, and “natural flavor.” Those branded overnight oats are usually sweetened using plain white sugar, which isn’t nearly as healthy as a more natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey.
While this recipe calls for salt, by avoiding the prepackaged overnight oats, you are in control of your salt intake, and can exercise your personal freedom to skip it entirely if that's your fancy.
What Time of Year is Best for Overnight Oatmeal?
What's that? I'm hearing you ask if there's a certain time of year when overnight oatmeal is best?
While I'd have to say that yes, there is absolutely a best time of year for this meal, that doesn't mean that it’s the only time of year you should have it!
Overnight oatmeal really shines on warm spring and summer days, since you can pull it out of the fridge and eat it cold. But you can truly eat it any time of year and something I eat all year long. It can be heated it up in the microwave during the winter months if you’re looking for something to warm you to your core.
I like making overnight oatmeal throughout every season because it is such an easily customized food. That means I can rely on seasonal ingredients and always have a recipe option that works.
So don’t feel limited by your options, and have overnight oatmeal any time of the year!
Do You Eat Overnight Oatmeal Warm or Cold?
Usually meant to be eaten fresh out of the fridge, it's just as good at room temperature . For those craving warm oats, overnight oatmeal can also be warmed up on a cold morning in a microwave-safe bowl, usually for around 45 seconds to a minute – then give it a good stir and it's ready to go! Add some extra milk if needed.
Do Overnight Oatmeal Helps With Weight Loss?
Overnight oatmeal is a fantastic tool when it comes to weight loss or maintaining your weight, unlike so many other breakfast options that are available today. Incredibly filling despite a low calorie count, and easily customized for taste and added nutritional value, rolled oats are an excellent source of carbs and fiber along with having nearly 200% of your daily magnesium and being high in iron.
All of these qualities make overnight oatmeal incredibly healthy and great for losing weight!
Overnight Oats Recipe Ideas
If you’re looking for substitutes for the blueberries or the almonds, here are some easy suggestions to help you out:
- Swap in another berry! Consider blackberries, boysenberries, cranberries (fresh or dried), raspberries, or strawberries.
- Mix up the flavor with different nuts: Try cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, walnuts, or pistachios.
- Try different spices like cardamom, ground ginger, allspice, pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, or turmeric.
Other Overnight Oatmeal Recipes
- Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats
- Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
- Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oatmeal
- Zucchini Bread Overnight Oatmeal
- Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oatmeal
- PB&J Overnight Oats