What are overnight oats

What are overnight oats

In the fast-paced world we live in, finding time for a nutritious and satisfying breakfast can often feel like an impossible task. Until, overnight oats – the ultimate breakfast solution for busy mornings. Whether you’re a health-conscious individual looking to kickstart your day with a nutrient-packed meal or simply seeking a delicious and convenient breakfast or daily snack that will keep you fuller for longer, overnight oats have got you covered.

What are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are a simple and versatile breakfast dish made by soaking oats in milk overnight, typically in the fridge. This soaking process softens the oats, creating a creamy and pudding-like consistency by morning.

They’re a nutritionally superior alternative to traditional hot porridge. That’s because the oats are raw and don’t lose any of their nutrients in the cooking process. In our ready to eat oats, we soak Irish oats in almond milk, resulting in a creamy and easy to digest, cold porridge. When whole oats are soaked overnight this way they produce Oat-Gum, a source of the fibre, beta-glucans. This fibre forms a gel like solution in the gut and is beneficial in supporting gut motility (keeping things moving). It’s also been linked to supporting a low cholesterol level and promoting the growth of good bacteria in the digestive system.

 

The History of Overnight Oats

The concept of overnight oats derived from Dr Maximilian Oskar Bircher-Benner who created it in the 1900s, as a way of cramming more raw fruit into the diets of the patients at his sanatorium in Zürich.

His dietary philosophy which he understood as medical treatment against human degeneration was based on whole foods. He believed that too much meat and white bread were bad and fruits, vegetables and nuts made for a better diet. He was a bit ahead of his time as this belief was the opposite of the common practice and thoughts of the time. As a patient at Dr. Bircher-Benner's sanitorium, you would have a nutritious breakfast of oats soaked in milk mixed with lemon juice, apples, and nuts. This concoction became known as Birchermüesli.

According to Google trends, searches for overnight oats started to rise around 2012.

Fast forward to 2024 and overnight oats are now the 4th most googled recipe globally!

The popularity of overnight oats has indeed skyrocketed in recent years with   #overnightoats having over 1.1 million uses on Instagram alone.

 

Why Overnight Oats?

Our Oatco superfuel overnight oat pouches are high in protein and a good source of fibre to help fill you up and fuel your day. Our delicious ready to eat oats are ready to enjoy and complete with an integrated spoon making eating on the go easier than ever before! Other reasons thousands love overnight oats:

  1. Convenience: The beauty of overnight oats lies in their convenience. With just a few minutes of prep the night before, you can wake up to a ready-to-eat breakfast that requires no cooking or assembly in the morning.

  2. Nutrition: Oats are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They provide a sustained release of energy, keeping you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning.

  3. Low in Calories: Oats are relatively low in calories compared to many other breakfast options, making them a great choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.

  4. Versatility: One of the most appealing aspects of overnight oats is their versatility. You can customise your oats with a wide variety of toppings and mix-ins to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

  5. Digestion: The complex carbohydrates in oats are digested slowly, providing a steady release of energy and helping to stabilise blood sugar levels, which can curb cravings and prevent snacking.

 

In Conclusion

Overnight oats are a game-changer when it comes to quick and healthy breakfast options. Whether you’re rushing out the door in the morning or leisurely enjoying breakfast at home, these versatile oats are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

With endless flavour combinations to explore, there’s no limit to the delicious creations you can enjoy with overnight oats. So why not give them a try and experience the oat revolution for yourself? Your taste buds and busy schedule will thank you!

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