Mornings are busy, no matter what your routine looks like. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate a quick breakfast — something healthy, delicious and whenever possible, kid-friendly so that we can all eat the same meal.
Enter:
Make-Your-Own Microwavable Oatmeal Packs
I know that the microwavable oatmeal packets in the store are convenient, but they are also usually high in sugar (12-14g), expensive and come in standard flavors. I discovered it’s easier to customize your own packets so you can control the sugar, the quality of oats (if you wanted gluten-free) and design it to fit your tastes!
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It’s really quite simple. The base always starts out the same.
Make-Your-Own Microwavable Oatmeal Packs: The Base
In each snack-sized ziplock bag add the following:
- 1/3 cup rolled oat (you can you instant oats for a faster cook time, but I used original)
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp of raw sugar (or to taste) (1 tsp = roughly 4.2g sugar)
- a dash of salt
From there, gather your favorite mix-ins.
Make-Your-Own Microwavable Oatmeal Packs: The Mix-Ins
Dried or dehydrated fruits are a great option.
As are nuts.
You will want to add 1-2 Tablespoons of the mix-ins to each packet, then label each bag with its designated flavor combo.
If you are feeling really wild, you could add in some premium ingredients:
- protein powder
- chia seeds
- PB2 (peanut butter powder)
- cocoa powder
- shredded coconut
- flax seeds
- nutmeg
Make-Your-Own Microwavable Oatmeal Packs: Heat and Eat!
When ready to eat, empty packet contents into a microwavable bowl that has room for oats to double in size. Add 1/2 cup of water or milk and microwave 2-3 minutes (for regular rolled oats) until it reaches desired consistency.
These save money and sugar and allow you or your kids to customize your favorite flavors!
What is your favorite quick breakfast?
Danica @ It's Progression says
This is a great idea! I agree with you that those instant oatmeal packs at the store may be “convenient” but they always have less-than-ideal ingredients. Making your own oatmeal is both healthier and cheaper!
Erica says
Bloody brilliant! Oatmeal is one of my favorite foods so I eat it daily. When I travel it’s always a pain to bring some but I’ll be doing this next time!
Paulina says
Cool!! I have instant oatmeal almost every morning at my desk, and while I do buy the low-sugar kind, I know it’s not the healthiest food out there. Long ago, I bought a canister of instant oats with plans to make my own but I wasn’t sure how to flavor it up. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jerrica says
Thank You!!!!!! Our house is completely high fructose free and I try hard to find healthy swaps for unhealthy things but oatmeal was the one that I couldn’t figure out. They are all loaded with the nasties and cooking up regular oats is not very tasty! Eggs today, these oatmeal packs tomorrow 🙂
Jessica says
Thanks for this! My almost 14 month old hasn’t quite figured out a spoon, but when he does these will be great.
Francis says
Oatmeal is great! And your post too! I must confess, I love oatmeal. Another quick breakfast? let me think ….. noodles.
Erin @ The Grass Skirt says
This is such a great idea! I’ve been big time into oatmeal lately after a long hiatus, so I need to try this.
christina says
This is so awesome. I wish more people took the effort to do this instead of buying the prepackaged junk. 🙂
Gcroft says
Brilliant tip for a quick breakfast! I have porridge oats pretty much every day and at the moment have the luxury of time in the morning, but all will change when I go back to work in a few weeks’ time.
Ali says
My hubby is the only one who eats oatmeal in our house but this sounds like something I might have to try just for him. Yum!! Good job!
Halsy says
Apple cinnamon pecan sounds delicious! I will have to try! I’m a fan of Quaker Raisin and Spice and have not found a way to recreate that tastes as good. I do like to make brown sugar dried cranberry and pecan oatmeal though. Off the subject but how do you like the Target Simply Balanced Salmon?
Sonya says
Great idea! I’ve been looking for a new breakfast option. Thanks for sharing.
MC says
This is such a good idea! I’ve burned through more boxes of oatmeal than I’d care to admit. And even though it’s Open Nature brand (which maybe is better, or maybe I’ve convinced myself…), I feel better overall using your method instead. Thanks!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
This is an awesome idea! You are one smart cookie!
Chantal says
Great idea!
Ali says
That’s so simple! I should definitely make these… thanks for the idea. I love to eat oatmeal and it’s my go-to for fast breakfasts but I still make it on the stove because I don’t like the packaged kind.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Um, you are brilliant!! Love this idea. A microwaveable bowl of oatmeal or PB&J on toast with milk are my go-to quick breakfasts!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
LOVE this idea! So simple, yet I hadn’t thought of it!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
This is genius! such a great idea! Love the photos, too 🙂
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
Great idea!
Jessica says
I don’t microwave instant oatmeal; I add boiling water. Would that work with these?
Heather @ Fit Mama Real Food says
I love this idea! Plus it would be fun to make with the kiddos… Have them customize their own flavors.
Lauren K says
I love all your simple ideas and this will be great as the weather cools! Lately I have been bringing a tub of the Greek Gods whole fat plain yogurt (won’t eat anything else from now on), bananas and a jar of almond butter to work. I make a quick bowl in the breakroom and it’s filling!
Jen says
Great idea! How long is the shelf life of these combos?
April @ My Real Food Family says
What a great idea! I usually keep my favorite oatmeal ingredients in my desk at work to make in the morning but it didn’t occur to me to prepackage them!
Marie says
Love this idea! Definitely going to try this for my commuting college-age daughter who sometimes gets up too late to eat at home. Pinning it!