Photo by Freepik

Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics

Diet

Meal Prep Made Easy: Overnight Oats vs Cooked Oats

Struggling to pick between overnight oats & cooked oats? As both are nutritious, easy to prepare, & perfect for meal prep! But which one is better? Let’s find out! 

Introduction

Photo by Freepik

These are basically the no-cook champions, made by soaking raw oats in liquid overnight. That liquid can be milk, water, or even yogurt, as per your choice. No cooking is required; it's time-saving, creamy, and refreshing. 

Photo by Unsplash

Overnight Oats 

Cooked oats are made by boiling oats with water or milk. They are warm & cozy, easier to digest and have a thicker texture.

Photo by Unsplash 

Cooked Oats

Overnight oats retain more resistant starch making them good for gut health. Cooked oats are easier to digest and work great for people with sensitive stomachs.

Photo by Freepik 

Nutritional Comparison

Overnight oats keep you full for longer due to resistant starch & help control cravings and blood sugar levels. Cooked oats have more volume and warmth, making them feel more filling and easy to digest. Both are good for weight loss, but overnight oats have an edge because of good fiber content. 

Better for Weight Loss

Photo by Freepik 

Overnight oats contains phytic acid, which might hinder nutrient absorption. Soaking can reduce anti-nutrients, thus improving digestion. Cooked oats are easier to digest, especially for those with sensitive stomachs. Exposure to heat breaks down phytic acid, making nutrients more bioavailable. 

Best for Digestion

Photo by Freepik

Overnight oats are meal prep-friendly, with no cooking required, just grab and eat. Cooked oats are ready in 5-10 minutes, they need to cook every time you want to eat. So overnight oats win for busy lifestyles. 

Photo by Unsplash 

Time & Convenience

Overnight oats are creamy, thick and slightly chewy. They feel refreshing when eaten cold, especially in the summer. Cooked oats are warm, soft, & comforting and can be thick or runny depending on how you cook them. 

Photo by Unsplash 

Taste & Texture

Want a quick, easy meal prep option? Go for overnight oats! Or Love a warm, hearty breakfast? Cooked oats are for you! If you are prioritizing digestion, choose cooked oats. Looking for weight loss benefits? Try overnight oats for extra fibre!

Photo by Unsplash 

Which One To Choose?

Depending upon your health goals, lifestyle, preference and weather, one can opt for Overnight or Cooked Oats. Both are beneficial when eaten in moderation. Always remember to include a serve of fruit and some nuts and seeds for added nutrition. 

Conclusion

Photo by Unsplash

Photo by Freepik

Here's what to read next