Overnight Oats with Almond Butter

This recipe is the definition of "meal prep made easy." It takes just five minutes to throw together the night before, and you wake up to a creamy, nutty, and nutritious breakfast that tastes almost like dessert. The chia seeds give it a pudding-like texture, while the almond butter adds healthy fats and a rich flavour.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Soak time: 4 hours (minimum) or overnight
Servings: 1 large jar

Ingredients

The Base:

• Rolled Oats: 1/2 cup (old-fashioned rolled oats work best, do not use quick oats)
• Milk of Choice: 2/3 cup (almond milk, oat milk, or dairy milk fit well)
• Almond Butter: 2 tablespoons (creamy and drippy works best)
• Chia Seeds: 1 tablespoon (essential for that thick, pudding texture)
• Sweetener: 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• Flavor: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Salt: A pinch to enhance the nutty flavours

Recommended Toppings (for serving):

Sliced bananas or fresh berries
An extra drizzle of almond butter
Toasted sliced almonds or granola for crunch

Instructions

1. Combine the Liquids and Flavourings. In the jar or container you plan to store the oats in (a 12-16 oz mason jar is perfect), add the milk, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and the pinch of salt. Use a fork or a small whisk to mix vigorously until the almond butter is mostly broken down and incorporated into the milk.

2. Add the Dry Ingredients. Add the rolled oats and chia seeds to the liquid mixture. Stir well, ensuring all the oats and seeds are submerged in the liquid. Tip: Stir again after 5 minutes to prevent the chia seeds from clumping at the bottom.

3. Cover and Refrigerate. Seal the jar with a lid or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, but preferably overnight. The oats will absorb the liquid and soften, and the chia seeds will gel up to create a creamy consistency.

4. Serve. In the morning, give the oats a good stir. If they are too thick for your liking, give them a splash of milk to loosen them up. Add your favourite toppings—like banana slices and an extra drizzle of almond butter—and enjoy cold right out of the jar!

Tesco: Look for their own-brand chia seeds; they are usually very affordable.
Sainsbury’s: They carry a wide variety, including brands like Naturya and The Chia Co.
Asda: Great for budget-friendly options and larger bags.
Waitrose & M&S: Best for high-quality or organic options, though they may be slightly more expensive.
Morrisons & Co-op: Always have them in stock in their health food sections.


Online Options

• Amazon UK: The best place to buy in bulk (1kg+ bags) if you want the absolute lowest price per gram.

• Ocado: Perfect if you already do your grocery shopping online.