Overnight Oats with No Chia Seeds

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This recipe for overnight oats with no chia seeds is a delicious, easy recipe to use as a base for any variation of overnight oats you would like!

Creamy overnight oats in glass jars, topped with berries light background for healthy breakfast recipes, perfect for breakfast or snacks.

Want to try overnight oats but aren't a fan of chia seeds? This is the recipe for you.

With a few basics and no chia seeds, you can easily whip up these overnight oats.The ingredients in this recipe are ones you can keep on hand in the pantry or fridge, perfect for an easy, healthy option. This classic recipe comes together in no time and is a wholesome breakfast you’ll come back to time and time again.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Overhead shot of overnight oats ingredients with text overlay picturing: milk, maple syrup, oats, salt and yoghurt. — Healthy breakfast ingredients including oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup, and salt.

Oatmeal: The star ingredient in overnight oats! We use old-fashioned rolled oats in this recipe for a creamy, slightly chewy texture. You could substitute quick cooking oats (especially if you don’t have time to let the oats soak overnight), but the finished product will have slightly less texture. Do not substitute steel-cut oatmeal — they will stay hard and crunchy.
Milk of Choice: Any milk will work in this recipe! The main purpose of the milk is to soften the oats and provide a nice, creamy texture to the finished recipe. If you want a higher protein option, choose cow’s milk, soy milk, or pea milk. If you’re vegan, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk will work.
Yoghurt: We recommend a plain, unsweetened yoghurt for this recipe. The yoghurt helps to thicken the overnight oats and make them extra creamy. If you want a higher protein option, you can substitute a plain, unsweetened Greek yoghurt, though your overnight oats will have a tangier flavour. To make this recipe vegan, substitute a non-dairy yoghurt (like soy or coconut). You can also substitute a flavoured yoghurt here (like strawberry or vanilla) — just omit the sweetener.
Sweetener: This provides a subtle sweetness to the overnight oats. You can use maple syrup for a complex caramel and vanilla flavour or honey for a floral and fruity flavor. Brown sugar or white granulated sugar will also work in this recipe — just make sure to stir completely until they have dissolved.
Salt: A pinch of salt helps bring out the flavours of the sweetener and oats in this recipe. Any kind of salt you have in your pantry will work.

Why We Love This Recipe

Creamy overnight oats in glass jars, being topped with fruit jam, perfect for breakfast or snacks.

Overhead shot of creamy overnight oats with no chia seeds in glass jars, topped with berries and sitting on a wooden board next to spoons and peanut butter.

Customisable: This recipe is a perfect base recipe for overnight oats. Once you learn the ratio of oatmeal, milk, yoghurt, and sweetener, you can customise this recipe any way you like, or based on what you have in your kitchen. You can add a spoonful of peanut butter for flavour and an extra boost of protein. You can sprinkle chocolate chips, dried fruit, fresh berries, or nuts on top for texture and flavour. The sky is the limit!
Nourishing and filling: Overnight oats are a healthy breakfast option that will keep you full for hours, thanks to the combination of fiber in the oatmeal and protein in the milk and yoghurt.
No chia seeds: Many people don’t like the gelatinous texture of chia seeds (or just don’t have them on hand), so we’ve omitted them from this overnight oats recipe! Thanks to the thickening power of the yoghurt, you won’t miss the chia seeds in this recipe. Want to add some healthy fats without chia seeds? Consider adding a spoonful of peanut butter, a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, or a sprinkle of nuts on top.

We're all about easy, healthy, and fun recipes here at Simply Fresh Foodie—and this one ticks all the boxes! It takes minutes to make, is customisable, and good for you. A prepped breakfast with minimal effort? That's a win!

Flavour Profile

🥛 Cold and creamy
☁️ Mild
🥜 Nutty

Tips & Tricks

Let the overnight oats soak overnight for the creamiest finished product. The longer the ingredients sit together in the fridge, the more time they have to absorb the liquids and soften. You can even make this recipe a few days in advance — the overnight oats will be safe to eat for up to 5 days after they’re prepared.
Prepare this recipe in a mason jar or glass storage container for easy clean-up and storage! Just mix everything right in the container, place the lid on, and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready for breakfast.
Overnight oats are an easy, low-maintenance, prep-ahead option for breakfast, but they also make a great grab-and-go snack.

FAQs

Do you need chia seeds for overnight oats?

No, you do not need chia seeds for overnight oats. There are no chia seeds in this overnight oats recipe, and you won’t miss them. While chia seeds do help to thicken overnight oats (and provide some healthy fats), the yogurt in this recipe thickens the oats nicely on its own. You could add nuts, peanut butter, or ground flax seeds for more protein and healthy fats.

How to make overnight oats with no chia or yoghurt?

You do not need chia seeds for this overnight oats recipe. If you don’t have yoghurt in your refrigerator, you can use equal parts milk and oats (so ½ cup each). You can adjust the amount of milk for thickness according to your preferences. To help thicken and bind the overnight oats, consider adding a tablespoon of nut butter, some mashed banana, or a tablespoon of ground flaxseed. You’ll want to let the overnight oats rest overnight, especially if you’re making the recipe without yoghurt.

How long can you keep these oats in the fridge?

Overnight oats will last for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

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