Prep-Ahead Zero-Waste Soaked Oats
Say goodbye to pre-packaged breakfast short-cuts
Food bars and grab-and-go oatmeal tubs sold by the register of your favorite coffee bar are quick and easy, but unfortunately they're packed in trashy plastic. So let's skip plastic-wrapped breakfasts and choose a meal prep breakfast plan that's just as easy -- plus it's zero waste, cheaper and super healthy.
The oats are soaked overnight in a no-leak container, like one of our Blue Water Bento Seal Cups, and then topped the next day with fruits, nuts, coconut or whatever you love packed separately (so they don’t get soggy!). It’s easy to add the toppings to the soaked oats in the morning whether you're working from home and need to grab a quick bite between meetings or on the go to work or school.
We love the convenience of packing this soaked oats breakfast ahead as well as the no-fuss approach to this recipe that doesn’t dirty any pots. (Good morning sunshine! Anyone out there enjoy starting their day by washing dishes? We sure don’t!) The recipe can also easily be modified to be vegan, dairy-free or gluten-free.
If you grow to love this easy, eco, healthy and waste-free breakfast as much as we do, you might start packing up several on Sundays so you can grab and go all week long!
Easy No-Cook, Eco To-Go Oatmeal Breakfast
Prep time: 4 minutes
Serves: 1
Ingredients
½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond, soy, hemp or other plant-based milks) or water
¼ cup rolled oats (or steel cut oats!)
Optional add-ins:
1 tablespoon vegan protein powder or whey (any flavor)
¼ cup chopped dried fruit (e.g., apricots, cherries, cranberries, raisins)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Small pinch of fine sea salt
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Sweetener of choice (e.g., maple syrup, honey, Turbinado sugar)
Optional toppings:
Additional milk
Fresh or dried fruit
Nuts or seeds
Peanut or almond butter
Coconut flakes
Strawberry jam (think PBJ oats!)
Yogurt
Comment: Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you wish this to be gluten-free.
Instructions: In a small covered no-leak container, combine the milk, oats, and any optional add-ins, if desired.
Cover and refrigerate overnight or for up to 3 days.
In separate containers pack your toppings so they don’t get soggy.
Grab & go in no-waste eco style! Later, when you settle in at school or the office, serve your breakfast cold or at room temperature, adding your toppings to your largest container with the soaked oats. Dig in!
