Oatmeal has a controversial role in breakfast. Some of us who grew up eating it love the sloppy, goop-like consistency of hot porridge. There is something so satisfying about a large bowl of oats topped with brown sugar and almond milk - simplicity at its finest! Others, however, can’t stand the bland, soft texture of oatmeal. So when overnight oats (essentially cold porridge) rose in popularity, I too held my skepticism. Sure, I’ve had Swiss muesli before, but it's packed with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to make the soggy oats bearable. Never before had I thought to eat the milk-soaked oats on their own. Turns out, there is no need to doubt this absolutely delicious breakfast option. Soaking your oats overnight not only releases a multitude of health benefits, but it also allows you to plan ahead and make inventive flavor combinations, proving that your average bowl of oatmeal can go a long way.

The Benefits of Oats

• Oats are packed with fiber, magnesium, and potassium.

• Oats aid in weight loss, increased digestion, and keep you feeling full longer.

• Soaking your oats ahead of time helps to break down the starches and phytic acid, which interferes with your digestive enzymes, and, once they are cooled, turns it into resistant starches, making it easier for your body to digest.

• Overnight oats also happen to be a very convenient breakfast item for those on the go - now you have no excuse not to try them out!

Perhaps even more exciting is the bold flavor combinations that you can create with a bowl of soaked oats, turning your standard porridge into something spectacular. Making a big batch of overnight oats and dividing it into airtight containers for the week also takes the stress out of early morning decision making, and gives you something to look forward to eating! The basic ratio for one portion of rolled oats to liquid is 1:2 (with flexibility, if you choose to add additional dry ingredients).

• If you use steel cut oats, you may need to increase the amount of liquid as these typically cook for longer, since they are less processed - but be prepared for a more chewy, toothsome texture.

• You can easily substitute a gluten free oat in any of these recipes if you have intolerance, and swap in any of your preferred nut or soya milks.

Now that you've got the basics down, here are some super easy recipes that will take your overnight oats to the next level!

1. Banana Overnight Oats with Crunchy Sunrise Topping

If a porridge-y texture isn't your thing, then you must try this overnight oats recipe. The cereal and walnuts add a satisfying crunch, while the bananas and touch of honey add some sweetness to your morning.

• 2 cups oats
• 2 cups almond milk
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 bananas, mashed
• 1 cup Nature’s Path Sunrise Crunchy Vanilla
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Combine oats, almond milk, honey, and cinnamon, then store in an airtight container in the fridge overnight. Stir in your mashed bananas, then toss cereal with walnuts and sprinkle over top.

2. Vanilla Chia Overnight Oats

This is a great basic recipe to have in your repertoire. Yogurt adds a nice creaminess, while the chia seeds make it a little more substantial.

• ½ cup oats
• ½ cup almond milk, soya milk or rice milk
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Small handful of blueberries or other berry to garnish

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container in the fridge overnight.

3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Everyone’s favorite flavor combination! This will satisfy even the pickiest of oatmeal non-believers.

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp cacao powder
• ½ banana, mashed
• 1 tsp honey
• Chopped toasted peanuts or banana to garnish

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container in the fridge overnight. Garnish with chopped peanuts or a sliced banana.

4. Mixed Muesli

Bircher Muesli was the original overnight oats. A delicious combination of grated fruit, nuts, and seeds adds great texture. Here is a variation on the traditional recipe.

• ½ cup oats
• 1 cup rice milk
• ½ apple or pear, grated
• 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• ½ tbsp. sunflower seeds
• Pomegranate seeds and toasted almonds to garnish

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container in the fridge overnight. Top with pomegranate seeds and toasted almonds.

5. Coconut Peach Bliss Overnight Oats

This tropical coconut breakfast parfait is a refreshing way to start the day!

• ½ cup oats
• 1cup coconut milk
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes, plus extra for garnish
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 peach, roughly chopped to garnish

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container in the fridge overnight. Top with toasted coconut and peach to garnish.

Looking for more oatmeal recipes? Here are 5 of our best baked oatmeal recipes that you must try!