Overnight Oats Ingredients List

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Last Updated on April 4, 2024 by Toya

Are you interested in making overnight oats for breakfast or a snack? This list of overnight oats ingredients gives you everything you need to make the best overnight oats recipe! From base ingredients to liquid ingredients, sweeteners, fruits, nuts, seeds, and flavorings, this list has everything you need to make healthy, delicious overnight oats all in one place!

Overnight Oats Ingredients List

Base Ingredients:

1. Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) – Provides a hearty texture and absorb the liquid ingredients, creating a creamy consistency.
2. Steel-cut oats – Offers a chewier texture and a nuttier flavor, making them ideal for those who prefer more texture in their oats.
3. Instant oats – Instant oats are precooked and so absorb liquid more quickly than rolled oats, making them suitable for overnight soaking. However, keep in mind that instant oats tend to result in a softer texture compared to rolled oats.
4. Oat bran (adds fiber and texture) – Adds fiber and a slightly nutty taste, enhancing the nutritional profile and texture of the oats.

Liquid Ingredients:

1. Milk (dairy or non-dairy options like almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, etc.) – Adds creaminess and richness, ensuring the oats are adequately soaked.
2. Yogurt (Greek yogurt, regular yogurt, or dairy-free alternatives) – Enhances creaminess and adds a tangy flavor, contributing to a smoother texture and boosting probiotic content.
3. Fruit juice (like apple juice, orange juice, etc., for added sweetness and flavor)
4. Water – Although it’s less common than using milk or yogurt. Water will hydrate the oats, allowing them to soften and absorb moisture overnight. However, it won’t contribute the same creaminess or richness that milk or yogurt would provide. If you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option, water can be a suitable choice

Sweeteners:

1. Honey – Adds natural sweetness and a subtle floral flavor.
2. Maple syrup – Offers a rich sweetness and depth of flavor to overnight oats.
3. Agave nectar – Provides sweetness without overpowering other flavors for a balanced and mildly sweetened recipe.
4. Brown sugar – Adds a caramel-like sweetness and richness to the oats.
5. Stevia – Adds sweetness without extra calories, making it perfect for those looking to reduce sugar intake without sacrificing taste.
6. Dates: Offer a natural sweetener with a chewy texture, providing bursts of sweetness throughout the oats.

Fruits (Fresh, Frozen, or Dried):

1. Berries – Adds vibrant colors, juicy bursts of sweetness, and a dose of antioxidants to overnight oats.
2. Bananas – Provides creaminess, natural sweetness, and potassium, making them a versatile and nutritious addition to overnight oats.
3. Apples – Adds crunch and natural sweetness.
4. Ripe Mango – Infuses tropical flavor, sweetness, and creaminess.
5. Pineapple – Offers a tropical flavor with its sweet and tangy flavor.
6. Raisins – Adds natural sweetness and a chewy texture, reminiscent of classic oatmeal raisin cookies, to your overnight oats.
7. Dried cranberries – Provides tartness and chewiness, balance out the sweetness of other ingredients, and add a pop of color.
8. Peaches – Adds juicy sweetness to your oats.

Nuts and Seeds:

1. Chopped Almonds – Perfect for adding crunch and nuttiness to overnight oats, along with healthy fats and protein.
2. Chopped Walnuts – Walnuts contribute a rich, earthy flavor and crunchy texture, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Chopped Pecans – Pecans offer a buttery flavor and crunchy texture, complementing the sweetness of oats and fruits.
4. Chopped Cashews – Cashews provide creaminess and a subtle sweetness to overnight oats, as well as healthy fats and protein.
5. Chia seeds – Chia seeds add thickness and a gel-like consistency to overnight oats, along with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
6. Flaxseeds – Flaxseeds offer a nutty flavor and a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber to overnight oats.
7. Pumpkin seeds – Pumpkin seeds add crunch and a savory flavor to overnight oats, as well as protein and iron.
8. Sunflower seeds – Sunflower seeds provide a nutty flavor and crunchy texture, along with vitamin E and magnesium.

Flavorings and Spices:

1. Vanilla extract – Vanilla extract adds warmth and sweetness to overnight oats.
2. Cinnamon – Cinnamon offers warmth and a hint of spice, complementing the sweetness of oats and fruits.
3. Nutmeg – Nutmeg adds warmth and depth of flavor to overnight oats, with a slightly sweet and nutty taste.
4. Cocoa powder – Cocoa powder provides rich chocolate flavor to overnight oats.
5. Coconut flakes – Coconut flakes add sweetness and a tropical flavor to overnight oats.
6. Peanut butter or almond butter – Peanut butter or almond butter adds creaminess and nuttiness to overnight oats, along with healthy fats and protein.
7. Protein powder – Protein powder boosts the protein content of overnight oats.
8. Espresso powder – Espresso powder adds a rich coffee flavor to overnight oats, perfect for coffee lovers looking for a morning pick-me-up.

Optional Add-ins:

1. Chocolate chips
2. Coconut flakes
3. Granola
4. Protein powder
5. Espresso powder (for coffee-flavored oats)
6. Jam or fruit preserves

These ingredients can be mixed and matched according to your personal taste and dietary restrictions. With this list you can enjoy experimenting with different overnight oats combinations!