I love a no-effort breakfast. In the mornings I will always choose snooze over pretty much any morning activity that requires any form of effort. My Keurig has a timer so it is warmed up when I am up, I'll shower the night before, I make my lunch the night before, and I will literally do anything to get as much sleep as I can before the morning eventuality sets in. I am sure that I am not alone on this one either.
Well, if this sounds like you then perhaps you have tried overnight oats yourself.
Taste & Review
As a meal, they're easy to prep ahead. Just add your milk of choice to oats and any desired fillers like chia seeds the night before. By the time you wake up, boom you have a breakfast that is ready for you.
Now Trader Joe's has pushed us into even less effort. However, that comes at a cost.
For $1.99 these are seemingly inexpensive. However, when you look at how much a big bag of rolled oats will set you back you will realize you are paying quite a premium for an inexpensive staple.
But in exchange, you are getting an item that is ready-made for you AND it has a pretty long shelf life for a refrigerated item.
However, that shelf life does seem to have some trade-offs. I've seen some of these looking like they have a layer of slime on top of the oats.
The oats are, well, mushy. But that is pretty much how overnight oats go. I much preferred this at room temperature than cold out of the refrigerator.
I do think they could have done a better job of bulking these up by adding in some chia seeds. But I'm sure if these prove popular they would add more flavors than just vanilla. And based on the packaging, they seem to check off a lot of boxes: kosher, gluten-free, and contains no added sugars beyond what is naturally in these products.
Overall
These are alright. I do think you can make it better at home with minimal effort.
Would I buy this again? I might keep another on hand, but in all honesty, this would be an easy copycat recipe. If you are interested, just let me know in the comments section!
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product Photos
The package of Trader Joe's Vanilla Overnight Oats:
Calories and ingredients
However, the allergy information for some reason is located at the bottom of the package:
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
Trader Joe's Vanilla Overnight Oats
Product Name: Trader Joe's Vanilla Overnight Oats
Product Description: Trader Joe's Vanilla Overnight Oats are made for you overnight oats.
Price: $1.99
Currency: USD
Availability: InStoreOnly
Summary
Trader Joe's Vanilla Overnight Oats are a grab and go breakfast option
-
Taste
-
Value
-
Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Easy and have a decently long shelf life in the refrigerator.
Cons
- Much cheaper to make your own
- Making your own will taste better
Alek says
These are not so bad. It has dates added in but I couldn't tell that it had dates in it. I think if they did a cookie butter overnight oats; that would been just amazing!! It's nice snack if hunger pangs come up and good to stash in lunch bag.
Vegan and Gluten Free which is a win for sure.
Cathy says
I would love to here a copycat recipe!!!
Beth says
Lots of calories for the amount oats. I prefer my oatmeal hot, too. Not for me.
Sanibelle says
I would never buy this TJ product. Just mix whole rolled oats with fruit flavored yogurt, vanilla and fresh fruit and nut and leave it in the refrigerator overnight. Much better and much cheaper.
becomebetty says
Hey Sanibelle! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Overnight oats are pretty easy, it just depends on the mix you like. Thanks again for taking the time out of your day to stop by and share!
Kris Morin says
A copycat recipe would be great!
becomebetty says
Hey Kris! Good to know. I wanted to make sure there was interest in it before proceeding. I'll be working on it in the coming weeks. Thanks again for sharing!
Paige N. says
I thought these were pretty good, and I bought myself another one for one of those lazy days! I do like that the shelf life is so long- and that the ingredients are pretty simple. I've tried making my own overnight oats and was never too happy with it, but these are pretty good.
Grubbing With Jess says
I'm the same! I try to get myself set up for the mornings so I don't have to do a lot of thinking when I'm bleary eyed. I used to love overnight oats but haven't thought about them in a minute. I'd probably opt to make my own or make a few individual portions for the week? Great post!
Donna Johnson says
Tastes like crap and threw it away after one bite. Too expensive for what you really get. I won't buy again.
becomebetty says
Hey Donna! I totally think you can make better at home. Thanks for taking the time out of your day to stop by and share your thoughts on this!
Rebecca says
were you able to make this copycat recipe? would love to have! i've made overnight oats at home and it just doesn't have the same taste or consistency as these.
becomebetty says
Hey Rebecca! It's still on my to do list. I recently had a baby and things have gotten pushed back a bit. I hope you'll understand 🙂
Marsha Wernick says
This is a strange creamy concoction that I ate slowly, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, trying to identify how I felt about what I was eating. Midway through, I decided this was "punishment" and didn't even give it to the dogs. I love most Trader Joe's products, but this one just didn't make the grade.
becomebetty says
Hey Marsha! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on this!