Hi Carol,
Thank you for sharing your tips! We love hearing how our customers are using our oats! It's generally ok to soak oats overnight in water as long as there are no other ingredients like dairy, and your room is on the cooler side. We'd recommend keeping the soaking time to about 8 to 10 hours. Any longer than that or if your kitchen is on the warmer side (above 70 degrees or so) and we'd recommend refrigerating them just to be on the safe side.
"Texture: If you enjoy traditional oatmeal regularly, you'll quickly notice that the texture of overnight oats is a bit different."
Um... What is that actually supposed to mean? How is it a 'con' - for one or the other - when there's absolutely no explanation given as to *how* the texture is different?
It's as helpful as saying "We personally think one is kinda like runny mashed potatoes made with 25% additional water, and the other is like coarse-broken driveway gravel mixed with 75% overcooked canned peas for filler, but we're not sure which is which.".
Obviously the two preparations will come out differently. But *what* is the nature of the difference? And why is that apparently a negative thing about overnight oats, rather than cooked oats?
Come on, Bob, these are salient considerations about the products of your mill!
Wow- Thank you for that vivid mental image of a gravel-pea parfait — truly a breakfast idea we’ll never forget! But seriously, you’re right, we should say a little more about the differences and “con” may be too strong of a word; it’s a preference which may change depending on lots of factors like time, weather, and how you’re feeling that day. Overnight oats are cool, creamy, and slightly chewy — like your breakfast just came back from a spa retreat. Cooked oats are more tender, warm, soft, cozy — like a flannel blanket for your insides. Texture will also be a little different for both cooked oats and overnight oats depending on which oats you use; Steel Cut Oats will be a little more “toothsome” either way you prepare them while Rolled Oats will break down and be a little softer and creamier when cooked while slightly chewy when prepared overnight. Still have questions? You can reach us at customerservice@bobsredmill.com and we’re happy to help with any other oat questions or comments you may have.
I got what you meant when you said the texture might be different. Most oatmeals people eat are the kind that are mostly creamy with only a little bit of chew. I have blood sugar issues and avoid those because they have a bigger blood sugar impact. People who eat steel cut oats or similar are going to find the texture more similar I think.
I love overnight oats because I can mix in protein powder and yogurt, and then add chia seeds for fiber. Then its ready for me in the morning and i heat it in the microwave. I'm rarely up for cooking in the morning so its a great option.
Although I think p.sage's question/comments were aggressive, I am glad the question was asked and that your answer is clear and useful. :) Thanks!
"Overnight oats usually contain more calories than traditional oats, which is not ideal for individuals following a low-calorie diet or looking to cut back on calorie-rich foods."
Is this only on the basis that overnight oats are usually taken with higher calorie addies like fruit and nuts? Surely a similar starting weight of oats will have the same number of calies, whether it's cooked or soaked.
Before ever hearing about overnight oats, I was prepping my morning oatmeal the night before in a stainless cook pot on the stove, so in the morning I could just turn the heat on low while I go take a shower and get dressed. On my return, it’s ready for the finishing touches. I use old-fashioned oats, steel cut oats, sometimes various ancient grains, thick-cut banana slices, and spices. In the morning before turning the heat on, I stir in a big dollop of canned pumpkin. To chill the cooked mixture down to eating temperature, I add frozen blueberries, then fold in some whipped oat milk and maple syrup. Yum! This is making me hungry… is there anything wrong with leaving oats to soak overnight at room temperature in water?