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Berry vegan oatmeal is an absolute powerhouse of nutrition and protein. Using simple ingredients, it’s a quick 10-minute breakfast that is arguably the best start to get you through your day. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like hemp hearts, flax seeds, chia seeds, and antioxidant-rich berries.
Why Oatmeal?
Few dishes offer the versatility, comfort, and nutritional value of a steaming bowl of oatmeal. Oatmeal reigns supreme as a canvas for creativity and meeting different dietary needs. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free means this breakfast is a win for everyone.
I consider oats a health food. Especially if you keep them intact like an oat groat. Here, we are using instant oats because I am lazy and they are easier to prepare, but ideally, you would swap these out for rolled oats or oat groats for even more health benefits.
Nutritional Benefits
Oatmeal is a household staple that boasts an impressive array of health benefits. It’s a rich source of soluble fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. They can even help improve liver function and help us control weight. Additionally, oats are packed with essential nutrients like manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron, making them a nutrient-dense addition to any diet.
Adding toppings like chia seeds, flax, hemp hearts, berries, and nuts, elevate your oatmeal to a nutritional powerhouse. It’s the OG breakfast of champions.
Ingredients
Chia Seeds: As a complete protein, chia seeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and various micronutrients. When sprinkled over oatmeal, they add a delightful crunch and boost its nutritional profile. Chia seeds also absorb liquid, creating a creamy texture and helping you feel full for longer.
Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are renowned for their high content of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that supports heart health and reduces inflammation. They are also a good source of fiber and lignans, which may have cancer-fighting properties. Grinding flaxseeds before adding them to your oatmeal enhances their digestibility and allows your body to reap the full benefits.
Hemp Hearts: Another complete protein, hemp hearts, are derived from the seeds of the hemp plant. They contain all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. They are also rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, promoting brain health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are bursting with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. They add natural sweetness and vibrant color to your oatmeal while protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation. Don’t have berries on hand? Substitute apples, bananas, or whatever you have on hand, or leave them out altogether. Dried, fresh, or frozen, fruit is oatmeal’s best friend.
Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews are nutritional powerhouses. They are packed with heart-healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They offer the perfect crunchy texture to balance out the oatmeal.
Other Toppings: Get creative with ingredients like shredded coconut, cacao nibs, dried fruit, nut butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. The list is endless, which means breakfast never gets old and there is always something new to try.
Customize Your Way
When it comes to vegan oatmeal, the possibilities are endless. Here are some quick and easy swaps to customize your bowl to your liking:
- Plant Milk: Substitute water with almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or any other plant-based milk of your choice. Each variety lends its unique flavor and creaminess to your oatmeal.
- Oats: Experiment with different types of oats. Rolled oats, steel-cut oats, quick oats, and oat groats are all great options. Feel free to explore options based on your preference for texture and cooking time.
- Sweeteners: Try to stick to natural sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar. Try mashed bananas or applesauce to add sweetness and moisture to your oatmeal.
- Flavorings: Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger are delicious additions. You can also infuse your oatmeal with extracts like vanilla, almond, or coconut for a delightful aroma and taste.
Try out your favorite combos and let me know which one was your favorite. Happy Cooking!
Try these other recipes:
Batter Dipped Banana Slice Pancakes
If you tried this recipe, leave us a comment below, and make sure to follow us for more recipes on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
Berry Vegan Oatmeal
A quick and easy recipe for the perfect oatmeal topped with healthy berries, nuts, and seeds to power you through your day.
- 1 cup instant oats
- 2 cup boiling water (can sub warm soy milk)
- 1 tbsp honey or agave nectar
- 3 dates-chopped
- 1/2 tbsp flax seed
- 1/2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp hemp hearts
- 1/4 cup berries-raspberries and blackberries
- 2 tbsp pecans-chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or blueberries
Heat the water in a saucepan or electric kettle until boiling.
Meanwhile, chop the dates and pecans. Wash the berries.
Once the water is boiling, pour it over the instant oats. Mix well and let sit for a couple of minutes. Add the chia seeds, flax seeds, salt, and hemp hearts. Mix well. Add more water if necessary.
Portion out two bowls and split the oats between the two. Top with drizzled honey, pecans, dates, dried cranberries, and fresh berries. Serve warm.
Substitute any other toppings you want. We recommend fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, dried coconut, brown sugar, a little warm milk, granola, or anything else you prefer.
Feel free to swap out the quick oats for steel-cut or rolled oats. Just follow the package directions to prepare them. You can also use plant-based milk in place of the water for a richer creamier taste.
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