Overnight Oats Without Chia Seeds - No chia seeds or nuts needed to make this delicious oatmeal-based cereal. Stir everything together the night before and wake up to a healthy, no-cook breakfast.
This recipe is great for the upcoming summer, as it can be somewhat difficult to stomach hot oatmeal when it's 90 degrees outside! I know there are other activities we'd prefer.
Enter, overnight oats!
Overnight oats stems from a recipe called Bircher muesli, which was created by a Swiss doctor in the early 1900s for his 'weak' patients.
Through the food blog world, it has evolved into overnight oats, though it can be 30 minute oats as well. 🙂
Can overnight oats be made without chia seeds?
Yes! Chia seeds are not essential to an overnight oats recipe.
Chia seeds are a big superfood right now, and while they do boast some impressive nutrition stats, they can be problematic for those with gut issues.
I know for myself, they currently give me lower abdomen pain. In the past, however, I've enjoyed them just fine, so I think it depends on your personal state of health.
Overnight oats ingredients
I can't remember where I discovered this luscious breakfast, but it changed my life!
To give you a good, descriptive visual, picture this:
Chewy oats soaked in a base of milk, yogurt, and honey overnight, affording you a deliciously sweet and creamy morning meal that takes NO effort and minimal clean-up.
Does it have to soak overnight?
In short, no!
My daughter, Natalie, loves overnight oats, and often makes it and lets it soak for just 30 minutes.
It turns out great using regular rolled oats.
If, however, you're trying to reduce the phytic acid content of the oats, you would be better off waiting 12-24 hours.
How to reduce oxalates in oats
I belong to an oxalate group on Facebook, run by Susan Owens, who has done a fair amount of research on the subject. (Take a peek at this article on oxalates if you're interested!)
If you're looking to lower the oxalate content of oats, the consensus in the group is to soak the oats overnight in water, rinse them, then cook as usual.
In the case of overnight oats, you would soak, rinse, then make the recipe as written.
Though eating cold oats might be off-putting to some of you, I implore you to try it.
You won't be disappointed!
Recipe notes
This is my favorite, most basic recipe. I like it a bit 'wetter' in terms of how much milk I add. If you like a thicker consistency, start with 2/3 cup of milk, then add an extra splash in the morning, as desired.
Other oatmeal recipes you might enjoy
Oatmeal Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Overnight Oats Without Chia Seeds
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup plain yogurt I use full-fat
- ⅔ - ¾ cup milk of choice see Notes
- couple dashes sea salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tsp honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Mix everything together in a bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Enjoy in the morning with whatever additions you like!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
If you have a chance to try this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below letting me know how you liked it!
Jeannie
Thanks for this! I was using basic with Chia seeds and found out they shouldn’t be eaten while taking Blood Thinners (Warfarin). Apparently they increase your INR and could cause bleeding. Yikes! So I will just use this recipe instead.
Danna Connolly
Can one use steel cut oats? If so, is there anything different that needs to be done? Thanks.
Lauren
Hi Danna,
I actually love using steel cut oats, though some consider it to be too chewy. No changes needed, I hope you like it if you try it!
Cathy Crandall
I discovered overnight oats nine years ago this month! And have loved them ever since! I ate them cold for the first year and then figured might as well try them warmed up and found out I def prefer them cold!!! Thanks for a great article🥣❤️
Lauren
Thanks, Cathy! I too discovered them about ten years ago now, and they're still a favorite. 🙂
Liza
Great recipe, we used dairy-free soy yogurt.
A
What type of almond milk do you use?
Lauren
I don't use almond milk anymore, as I have a new-found allergy to them. 🙁 I used to make my own though!
Samaya
Wow.....your husband! Nice biceps 🙂 And you're so little! Cute kids as well 🙂
Lauren
Haha, thanks Samaya! You just made his day! 🙂
Wendy
I am knew to Stevia and only have the powdered extract from Trader Joe's. Can I use that or does it need to liquid? And if I can use it, how much is = to 8 drops? Thanks I have never heard of overnight oats or cold oatmeal so I am dying to try this!
Lauren
Hi Wendy,
I would use about 1/8 teaspoon?...I'm not sure, so maybe judge by taste. You'll be hooked on overnight oats once you try them!!
Beth
they have old fashion and quick oats and instant. Which ones do you tolerate best?
Beth
But don't you have to eat gluten free? These aren't gluten free are they? Not quick cooking?
Lauren
Yes, oats are gluten-free. People with a strict gluten-free diet (which I don't have) have to be careful of cross-contamination, so to ensure there is no gluten residue, you can buy packages of oats that are certified 'gluten-free'.
Beth
what kind of oatmeal do you use? And is it quick cooking or regular? Thanks!
Lauren
Hi Beth,
I use regular rolled oats by Country Choice organic. They are the ones I tolerate best!
Courtney
I've been following this blog for a couple of weeks now & LOVE all of the recipes, especially since I'm gluten free. I just tried the overnight oats & they're AMAZING!! So good! :)) I love seeing what's coming next!
Lauren
What a sweet comment, thank you Courtney! 😀 I'm so happy you're enjoying the recipes!
Heather
Ooh I love overnight oats, but I haven't tried 'em with yogurt yet! I've been enjoying a lot of smoothies for breakfie lately, but I think I need to bust the oats back out for tomorrow! Thanks for breakfast 😉
SueB
Just found your wonderful blog and will add it to my dashboard to stay updated. You've done a marvelous job with everything, here. I appreciate that you have provided the ability to print off your recipes. I have one question: I don't care for stevia and since going on the South Beach Diet, I now use Xylotol for a sweetener. I will have to experiment to see how much will be necessary to replace the stevia in your recipes. I'm looking forward to reading your blog.
Rhonda Winsor
LOVE........overnight oats...
Heather @Gluten-Free Cat
I'm CRAZY for overnight oats! I haven't posted one of mine yet, because I change what I throw in every time! Look forward to trying yours!
Lauren
Hahaha, I feel the same way! I eat them just about every morning, and my husband always wants them before he goes to work.
Kammie
I'm a lover of overnight oats as well. These look awesome. I haven't used yogurt in mine yet, I'll totally give these a try 🙂
Anna @ The Guiltless Life
Ooh overnight oats are soooo good! I keep trying different people's combos so I can't wait to give yours a whirl!
Lauren
Haha, I know! I love them! I even got my husband hooked.