Why Overnight Oats are better than Regular Cooked Oats (2024)

The popularity of oats is already on the rise and its benefits doesn’t need to be put to light. Overnight oats are relatively new in trend and these are regular oats which are kept overnight (6-8 hours preferably) mixed with milk/yogurt/nut milk and toppings and sweetener of your choice and ready to be eaten the next morning. It can be customized with fruits, seeds, spreads, protein powder or even jam.

Here is why Overnight version of oats is better than the cooked one:

  1. Who doesn’t wanna wake up to ready to eat, no-cooking-required, super healthy breakfast! Just mix the ingredients before bed, pop it in the fridge overnight andTada!Wake up to your healthy breakfast ready to be eaten. No cooking, no mess, no fuss.
  2. Soaking the oats overnight reduces the phytic acid content present in the oats better than cooking them. Phytic acid is an antioxidant naturally present in grains, legumes, tubers and certain vegetables. However, it is considered as anti-nutrient because it affects the absorption of minerals such as iron, zinc, manganese from the food. This is also one of the reasons why most pulses, legumes are soaked overnight in water. Why Overnight Oats are better than Regular Cooked Oats (1)
  3. Nutrient content is often altered while cooking. While it is great to increase digestibility, cooking Oats or any other food or vegetable reduces nutrition of the food by about 25%. Water soluble vitamins (Vit C, B complex), fat soluble vitamins (Vit A, D, E, K) and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium are often reduced during cooking. The intensity of heat while cooking is the contributing factor, lower the heat better the nutrient availability. When you soak the oats overnight, it’s almost like you’re cooking them, but the process is much longer and slower, and it’s done without heat. Hence, it is more nutrient rich than cooked version. Why Overnight Oats are better than Regular Cooked Oats (2)
  4. Overnight oats contain increased resistant starch. Resistant starch is a natural carb which is resistant to digestion and acts as soluble fiber. It is found in all starchy foods and is present at higher levels in cooled starchy foods instead of cooked ones. Resistant starch helps to improve digestion, aids in weight loss, increases feeling of fullness and decreases insulin spikes.
Why Overnight Oats are better than Regular Cooked Oats (2024)

FAQs

Why Overnight Oats are better than Regular Cooked Oats? ›

In terms of specific benefits, overnight oats has a higher resistant starch content. Resistant starch is a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut and supporting a healthy digestive system.

What is healthier, overnight oats or cooked oats? ›

Overnight oats are the more nutritious option, but that doesn't mean that this meal is for everyone.

Why are oats better overnight? ›

Overnight Oats Contain Increased Resistant Starch

Resistant starch is found in all foods that contain starch. RS is a natural carb and helps to improve digestion, aid in weight loss, increase feelings of fullness and decrease insulin spikes associated with eating hot starchy foods.

Are overnight oats healthier than quick oats? ›

Another thing is the fact that as opposed to the cooked oatmeals since overnight oatmeals are not boiled they retain more nutrients. Overnight oatmeals also incorporate raw oats unlike cooked oatmeals, which use instant oats and therefore making it relatively more nutritious.

Are raw oats better than overnight oats? ›

One easy and nutritious way to enjoy raw oats is to make overnight oats by letting them soak in the refrigerator in water or milk. This allows them to absorb the liquid, making them easily digestible in the morning.

Is it healthy to eat overnight oats everyday? ›

The Bottom Line

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

How long do you soak overnight oats for? ›

You only need to let the oats soak and rest in the fridge for 2 hours. But, it's ideal if you soak it overnight…hence the name overnight oats! The next morning you have a ready-to-eat, delicious, creamy bowl or jar of “oatmeal.” The consistency is like a porridge or pudding.

What is the secret to overnight oats? ›

Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

Why do people prefer overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats offer a convenient and healthful breakfast option packed with nutrients, fibre, and versatility. Whether you're looking to boost your morning routine with a nutritious meal or explore new flavours, overnight oats can be a delicious and satisfying choice to kick-start your day on the right note.

Why are overnight oats good for your gut? ›

The Beta-Glucan in oats promotes bile-acid excretion which transports toxins out of your gut. The resistant starches found in oats also provide a rich food source for the friendly bacteria that live in your gut, which helps keep your microbiome in good balance.

Are you supposed to eat overnight oats cold? ›

Though typically served cold, overnight oats can be eaten warm if you wish. But it is usually eaten cold; that's why it's a grab-and-go breakfast. If you prefer warm oats in the morning, just place them in the microwave for a minute.

Do you put overnight oats in the fridge or room temperature? ›

We recommend storing overnight oats in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to five days. That means if you're meal-prepping on Sunday, you can make a work week's worth of overnight oats and not have to think about breakfast again until Saturday.

What kind of oatmeal is best for overnight oats? ›

The Best Oats for Overnight Oats: Old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats, become tender and creamy when soaked. Quick-cooking oats, which are smaller, can end up pasty and steel-cut oats, which are sturdier, stay quite firm even after soaking.

What's the hype with overnight oats? ›

Soaking the oats overnight reduces the phytic acid content present in the oats better than cooking them. Phytic acid is an antioxidant naturally present in grains, legumes, tubers and certain vegetables.

How many hours is best for overnight oats? ›

Add the desired amounts of milk, oats, yogurt, chia seeds and banana to a jar or container and give them a good stir. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 5 hours. In the morning, add additional liquid if you'd like.

Is it OK to use regular oats for overnight oats? ›

Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best choice for overnight oats. They soak up the liquid overnight, leaving you with a creamy (but not mushy) texture. Save steel-cut and quick-cooking oats for another time. Milk: You can make overnight oats with any kind of milk — dairy or non-dairy.

Is oats healthier cooked or uncooked? ›

Is it better to eat cooked or raw oats? Cooked oats might be easier to digest for some, as cooking helps break down the starch they contain. However, neither way to eat oats is better or worse. How you choose to eat them—either raw or cooked—comes down to personal preference.

What are the healthiest oats to use for overnight oats? ›

old fashioned rolled oats – rolled oats work best for overnight oats recipes! Quick oats/instant oats get too soggy and steel-cut oats don't soften enough. Oats are naturally gluten-free but are often cross-contaminated, so make sure you grab certified gluten-free, old-fashioned oats!

Are overnight oats a good meal replacement? ›

Raw oats help you feel fuller and burn more fat, so this is a great meal replacement if you're trying to lose or manage your weight.

Do oats lose fiber when cooked? ›

If you're wondering how many calories are in a cup of oats, raw versus cooked, you may be surprised to find out they don't have much of a difference in nutritional value. Raw or cooked, oats are a great source of fiber and essential vitamins.

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