The useful part
How to prep it
- 1
Stir the oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup together in a bowl, then divide the base evenly among four jars.
- 2
Make the berry-almond jar with the berries and 1 tablespoon almond butter; make the apple-cinnamon jar with the apple and a pinch of cinnamon.
- 3
Stir the cocoa and banana into the third jar, then top the fourth jar with the remaining berries or fruit you have on hand.
- 4
Seal and refrigerate overnight, or at least 6 hours, before packing.
Work with what you have
Easy substitutions
Use the closest swap that fits what you have and how you plan to pack it.
milk
soy, oat, or almond milk
chia seeds
ground flaxseed, using 3 tablespoons
Make the next meal easier
Leftover plan
Leftover plan
Use the base as a breakfast parfait; add crunchy toppings only when you are ready to eat.
Storage
Keep the prepared components chilled in sealed containers. Refrigerate within 2 hours and use within 3 days.
Reheat
Serve cold. If you prefer warm oats, transfer one portion to a bowl and microwave in short bursts, stirring once.
Food safety guidance
For cooling, storing, and reheating details, use the USDA references below.