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All About Overnight Oats

There’s nothing better than a tasty and filling breakfast in the morning, and oatmeal is usually a popular choice for many. It’s quick to make and rich in nutrients. But in recent years, overnight oats have become rather trendy. They’re prepared the day before and left to soak in the fridge overnight. Why the fuss? We’re breaking it down for you!

What are overnight oats?

Overnight oats are a cold oatmeal-based breakfast that originated in Switzerland. It’s also referred to as Bircher muesli, named after Swiss nutritionist Maximilian Bircher-Benner. The original recipe consisted of oats, nuts, apples, lemon juice, honey and cream. These days, it’s made in different ways using various ingredients.

What’s the difference between regular oatmeal and overnight oats?

Whereas regular oatmeal is cooked and eaten the same morning and enjoyed warm, overnight oats are prepared the day before and are eaten cold. They’re actually uncooked; the oats soak in milk or yogurt overnight in the fridge, becoming soft and creamy without the need to be heated.

Does one type have more benefits over the other?

Nutrition wise, both are pretty much the same, as they’re made from oats that are rich in fibre, protein and other nutrients. The one bonus overnight oats have over regular oats is the convenience. It’s the ultimate time-saving breakfast for busy mornings because it’s prepared the night before. You just grab it, eat it and go!

4 recipes to try

1. Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Now these overnight oats take the cake! Practically a dessert breakfast, grated carrots are mixed with the oats to soak overnight. And it’s topped with some diced pineapple and crunchy walnuts, which are ingredients we usually like to add to our regular carrot cake.

2. Coffee Bircher Muesli

This elevated recipe adds a caffeine kick to your morning! Espresso is added to the oats, which soak up the flavour of the coffee. The addition of chia seeds is also great to help thicken the oat mixture; they give it a more pudding-like texture. Yum!

3. Overnight Oats (Bircher Muesli)

This is a pretty basic recipe, however it is still hearty and absolutely delicious. Flavoured with cinnamon and mixed with currants, and then topped with berries and pumpkin seeds the next morning, it’s the perfect introduction to overnight oats.

4. Apricot and Ginger Overnight Oats

This vegan version has all the creaminess of regular overnight oats, even with the use of unsweetened almond drink instead of milk. Its flavours are unique too, with the sweet and tart apricots making the perfect foil for the spicy bite of the candied ginger.