Overnight Oats – My go-to base recipe(s)

Historically I hated overnight oats, they were stodgy, lacked taste and were generally just not pleasant – after I realised that the concept is great (cheap, quick, packed with essential macronutrients and great for your health) and that the problem was actually me and how i was making them, Overnight Oats are now my go-to breakfast.

I have three go-to overnight oats recipes when it comes to overnight oats; chocolate brownie, vanilla berry, and nectarine / peach nut granola.

All have the same base ingredients:

Oats (25g) I use the ones with added oatbran from Sainbury’s, but any good quality oats will do,
Chia seeds (15g), – these are far cheaper purchased in the World Foods aisles!
5% Greek yogurt (125g), I get the proper greek yogurt, and not the 0% one because to me it’s thicker and creamier, and I don’t use milk, but to reduce calories you could use zero fat yogurt, or a milk of your choice.
Pumpkin seeds (10g)

I normally prep these the night before so the oats soak up the liquid without going too soggy. But you can make them the same morning — just give them at least two hours to chill in the fridge. I swear by using good jars: they’re easy to prep, store and clean – these ones are the ones I use. .

Brownie additions are:

428 calories, 28.9g protein, 9.4g fibre

15g Free Soul Protein Powder in chocolate. This is by far the best protein powder I have come across, it’s not powdery and there’s no chalky aftertaste. It’s possible to get on subscription, or through their Amazon shop here.

10g-12g of good quality dark chocolate chips – I tend to get the Sainsbury’s ones that you get down the home baking aisle, these are packed with protein and fibre, as well as being a decent size and adding a good crunch.

Vanilla Berry additions include:

407 calories, 28.8g protein, 11.7g fibre (when made with 40g frozen raspberries)

40g frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries or a mix of the three – even blackberries) – frozen berries I tend to find keep shape better when you stir them, but you can use fresh too.

15g Free Soul protein powder in vanilla. Again, the best vanilla protein powder I’ve found, it doesn;t have that artificially sweet vanilla taste, and used in the right quantities in recipes adds a hit of protein and a wonderful vanilla undertone. (I use this in my Cinnamon Rolls Recipe too!)

Nectarine / Peach Nut additions:

425 calories, 18.2g protein, 11.1g fibre (the reduction in protein is due to not adding protein powder like the others, you could add it if you wish – just add 15g vanilla protein powder for an added 60 calories and 10g protein)

One whole fresh peach or nectarine (these are usually firmer than berries, so fresh is fine, if you choose to use frozen you may need to allow them to thaw first to chop them into smaller chunks).

6g of each pecan nuts and walnuts – crushed slightly into smaller chunks.

10g honey or maple syrup adds sweetness (this is optional).

TIP: Mix your base and add-ins the night before, seal the jar, and enjoy the next day — or prep in the morning and let it chill for at least two hours. Easy, filling, and zero fuss!

Do you have a favourite Overnight Oats recipe? Or perhaps you have tried one of these above, pop back and let me know what you thought!