Overnight Oats Without Chia Seeds

YES, you can actually make overnight oats without chia seeds! Although they do provide a thicker texture to the oat and milk mixture, they are absolutely optional. Here's how to make creamy overnight oats with a slightly thinner, less sticky consistency.

Whether you don't like chia seeds, have gut issues, or simply ran out, this recipe is for you. It's pretty basic to give you the freedom to add your favorite toppings and vary the flavors. However, if I may suggest one recipe, I highly recommend trying these tiramisu overnight oats without chia seeds. They use coffee and cocoa powder and literally taste like dessert in a jar.

I must say that I love both overnight oats with and without chia seeds (I have a whole guide with my overnight oats base recipe WITH chia seeds). However, I like to alter between the two to vary the textures and to make my breakfast more versatile.

What are overnight oats?

Overnight oats are basically cold oatmeal made by soaking rolled oats in milk for an entire night. You can keep them very basic or get creative with different add-ins and toppings.

Why you'll love this recipe

• No-cook make-ahead breakfast that's ideal for busy mornings
• No chia seeds or substitutions (e.g., flax seeds, psyllium)
• Minimal prep.
• Great during the hot summer months as you can eat your oatmeal cold.
• Healthy breakfast that's nutritious and filling.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Rolled oats are the best choice for overnight oats. They provide texture and don't get soggy. You can replace them with quick-cooking oats (also known as quick oats or thin rolled oats) that have thinner flakes and provide a gooier texture, but I recommend eating them within 48 hours in that case. Make sure to use gluten-free oats if you're on a gluten-free diet.
• Non-dairy milk of choice. The milk you chose largely determines the flavor of your oats. You can either go for more neutral milk such as soy milk, rice milk or oat milk (certified gluten-free if needed). Or you can choose nutty kinds of milk such as almond milk or even coconut milk. I highly recommend varying the milk depending on your toppings (see variations below).
• Yogurt makes the oats thick and creamy. Don't skip this ingredient when leaving out chia seeds. You can use Greek yogurt if not vegan.
• Maple syrup lightly sweetens the oats. You can leave it out completely if you don't have a sweet tooth or if you're adding sweet toppings.
• Vanilla extract adds flavor to this basic recipe and really makes it all come together.

Elo's tips

1. Make a big batch of overnight oats to last you for several days. Use 4 times the amounts indicated in the recipe card.
2. Add a pinch of salt to really elevate the flavors. A tiny bit is enough and won't make your oats salty.
3. Make your oats in a sealable container if you plan to eat your breakfast on the go.

Step-by-step instructions

STEP 1: Add all the ingredients to an airtight container (e.g., Weck jar, Mason jar). Start with the oats, then pour in the milk, maple syrup and vanilla extract. I like the 16 oz Weck jars as they leave plenty of room for toppings and the extra space avoids spillage when combining the ingredients.

STEP 2: Give it a good stir. Close the jar airtightly with a lid or cover it with plastic wrap (or a sustainable alternative).

Variations

Here are some of my favorite flavor combinations to make your overnight oatmeal fun and versatile:

• Tropical oats – use coconut milk for the oat and milk mixture and top it with banana, mango, and coconut flakes.
• Chocolate oats – add cocoa powder to the oat mixture and top it with chocolate chips or cacao nibs. Almond milk works great as a base.
• Berries – mash some fresh berries or thaw frozen berries for a tart topping that pairs incredibly well with the vanilla oat mixture. You can add a dash of cinnamon if you'd like.
• Protein – adding protein powder can be a great way to thicken the oats without using chia seeds as protein powder usually soaks up liquids, too.

Frequently asked questions