• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Liv Vegan Strong

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Resources
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Jan 12, 2023 by Liv · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Overnight Oats without Chia Seeds

    Jump to Recipe

    Overnight oats are typically made with chia seeds because they help provide a thick texture by soaking up the plant-based milk. But they are completely optional and can just as easily be made with flaxseed or a chia seed alternative. These Overnight Oats without Chia Seeds are made with minimal ingredients and are just as delicious!

    Overnight oats garnished with banana, pecans, and frozen berry blend.
    Jump to:
    • What are Overnight Oats?
    • Chia Seed Alternatives
    • Ingredients
    • Helpful Equipment
    • How to Make This Recipe
    • Topping & Additions
    • Substitutions
    • Tips & Tricks
    • Storage
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Overnight Oat Recipes
    • Recipe

    Whether you dislike chia seeds or simply ran out, this recipe is for you. It's equally as flavorful, creamy, and filling!

    Stir in some peanut butter and banana one day and fresh berries the next. The options for topping and flavors are endless!

    What are Overnight Oats?

    Overnight oats are the no-cook method of making oatmeal. Instead of cooking oatmeal on the stovetop or microwave, soak the oats with milk overnight in order to create a soft and creamy breakfast or snack.

    Chia Seed Alternatives

    When chia seeds are combined with liquid, they form a gel-like consistency.

    When added to overnight oats they add texture, a boost of nutrients, and help soak up that liquid. But it isn't a mandatory ingredient.

    In this recipe, I replaced the chia seeds with flaxseed. But if you aren't a fan of chia or flaxseed, check out my post on chia seed substitutes and pick the one that's best for you!

    Flaxseed, chia seeds, and sesame seeds on spoons spilled out on a gray/white backdrop.

    Ingredients

    Overnight oats are a wonderful make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings. Grab a few simple ingredients and your favorite toppings and you can have a healthy breakfast ready in no time!

    Old-Fashioned Oats: I highly recommend using Old-Fashioned Oats also known as Rolled Oats instead of quick oats. Quick oats will be thinner and have a mushy consistency.

    Plant-Based Milk: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or your favorite plant-based milk will work in this recipe. Use whichever you enjoy most!

    Plant-Based Yogurt: I love the brand Kite Hill. I recommend an unsweetened one.

    Ground Flaxseed: Ground flax is added instead of chia seeds. Other alternatives can be found in my post about Chia Seed Substitutes.

    Maple Syrup: Just a touch for added sweetness. I typically add 1 tablespoon of sweetener but you can add more or less if desired.

    Vanilla Extract: Cinnamon would also be nice!

    Helpful Equipment

    You don't need anything fancy to make this basic overnight oats recipe. You can simply whisk the ingredients up in a bowl and cover them with plastic wrap.

    But I recommend buying a few jars with lids so you can prep your overnight oats in advance to have them on hand for a few days.

    I recommend either 8-ounce jars or 16-ounce jars.

    Here are a few small jars that I recommend: 16oz Weck Jars with Glass Lids, 8oz Jars with Latch, and 16oz Mason Jars.

    How to Make This Recipe

    This easy overnight oats recipe is simple, filling, and completely customizable. It was created to be used as a base so you can customize a different experience each morning!

    The full recipe is detailed in the recipe card below.

    Step 1: Add the old-fashioned oats, plant-based milk, plant-based yogurt, ground flaxseed, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into a jar or container that has a lid.

    Overnight oat ingredients in a shallow bowl before being mixed.

    Step 2: Stir well to combine and seal the lid tight. Place in the fridge overnight.

    Overnight oat ingredients being mixed together in a shallow bowl.

    Step 3: Your oats should be creamy the next morning! Serve your vegan overnight oats with your favorite toppings and enjoy.

    Overnight oats in shallow bowl after being refrigerated overnight.

    Topping & Additions

    This easy breakfast is a great way to try different flavor variations daily!

    Fresh Fruit: Mango, bananas, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries are all delicious on top of these overnight oats.

    Jam: Store-bought or homemade. My favorite is my homemade strawberry jam.

    Chocolate: Mix in cocoa powder or chocolate chips for chocolate overnight oats.

    Nut butter: Drizzle your favorite nut butter over the top. Creamy peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower butter is best!

    Granola or Nuts: Add a crunchy topping like your favorite vegan granola or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.

    Protein Powder: Add a scoop of vegan protein powder for a protein-packed breakfast.

    Overnight oats garnished with banana, pecans, and frozen berry blend with a spoonful taken out.

    Substitutions

    Overnight oatmeal is made up of healthy ingredients and offers many health benefits while keeping you full longer.

    But it is completely customizable to what you have on hand! Here are some alternatives.

    Flaxseed: If you don't like flaxseeds or chia seeds, you can replace them with nut butter, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or mashed fruit.

    Maple Syrup: Agave syrup or brown sugar is an excellent replacement for maple syrup.

    Vegan Yogurt: I love the addition of vegan yogurt because it adds creaminess and a boost of plant-based protein. You can use mashed bananas, pumpkin purée, or apple sauce to replace it but it will change the overall flavor of the oats.

    Tips & Tricks

    Use the appropriate jar: An 8oz jar will be filled to the top with oats and the toppings will overflow a bit so the jar won't close whereas a 16oz jar will allow room for toppings and the lid to close. The 16oz jar is preferred if you're taking the oats on the go.

    Wait to add toppings: This is important! Take the extra few seconds in the morning to add the toppings fresh. You won't regret it.

    Salt your oats! I know this sounds weird but trust me. It will help balance and bring out the flavors and won't make your oatmeal salty.

    Storage

    Store your overnight oats in an airtight jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you eat overnight oats hot?

    Overnight oats are meant to be eaten cold and straight from the fridge unlike traditional warm oatmeal but they can be heated in the microwave until warmed through.

    Can you use quick oats for overnight oats?

    Overnight oats made with quick oats tend to fall apart and get mushy much faster. If you use quick oats, I'd recommend eating them the first day whereas old fashioned oats can last up to 5 days.

    Can you use steel-cut oats?

    Steel-cut oats will work but keep in mind that they will need to be soaked longer and will remain dense and chewy.

    Can you make overnight oats without milk?

    Yes, you can absolutely make overnight oats without milk. Check out my post on Overnight Oats with Water!

    More Overnight Oat Recipes

    • Overnight Oats with Frozen Fruit
    • Overnight Oats with Water
    • Overnight Oats with Almond Milk

    Recipe

    Overnight oats garnished with banana, pecans, and frozen berry blend.

    Overnight Oats without Chia Seeds

    Overnight oats are typically made with chia seeds because they help provide a thick texture by soaking up the plant-based milk. But they are completely optional and can just as easily be made with flaxseed or a chia seed alternative. These Overnight Oats without Chia Seeds are made with minimal ingredients and are just as delicious!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Resting Time: 5 hours
    Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
    Servings: 1
    Author: Liv King

    Ingredients
     

    • ½ cup Old-Fashioned Oats
    • ½ cup Plant-Based Milk unsweetened
    • ¼ cup Plant-Based Yogurt unsweetened
    • 1 tablespoon Ground Flaxseed
    • 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup more to preference
    • ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
    • Pinch of Salt
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Add the old-fashioned oats, plant-based milk, plant-based yogurt, ground flaxseed, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into a jar or container that has a lid.
    • Stir well to combine and seal the lid tight. Place in the fridge overnight or for at least 2 hours. Overnight is best.

    Notes

    Use the appropriate jar: An 8oz jar will be filled to the top with oats and the toppings will overflow a bit so the jar won't close whereas a 16oz jar will allow room for toppings and the lid to close. The 16oz jar is preferred if you're taking the oats on the go.
    Did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram!

    Disclosure: This page contains some affiliate links. Please know that I may receive a percentage or commission from a link included on this page, at no extra cost to you. I will only ever recommend a product that I have used and believe has substantial value to my readers. 

    More Breakfast

    • Chocolate Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk
    • Chia Pudding with Oat Milk
    • Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
    • Vegan Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, my name is Liv!

    I'm the recipe developer, content creator, and food photographer behind Liv Vegan Strong.

    I share vegan comfort food recipes that are easy, approachable, and far from boring!

    More about me →

    Easy Dinner Recipes

    • Easy Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
    • Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce
    • Easy Vegan Tomato Basil Soup with Coconut Milk
    • Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

    Most Popular

    • Easy Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
    • Overnight Oats with Almond Milk
    • Vegan Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll with Tempeh
    • Vegan Chicken Broth Seasoning Powder

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Contact

    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Work with Me
    • Buy Me a Coffee

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Terms and Conditions

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    By clicking on an affiliate link and buying a product, you may help me earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Liv Vegan Strong | All Rights Reserved

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT