As most of the North Hemisphere is dealing with extreme colds, we are enjoying a nice breeze with warm temperatures here on our small island, Virgin Gorda.
This morning, I poured myself a cup of coffee, went out to the balcony, and drank it with my favorite breakfast in the world, Oatmeal with Almond Milk and Chia Seeds. Lately, I am having my breakfast out in the balcony.

In a way, I want to make sure that I can soak it all in. Because I know that one day, when our assignment on this island is completed, I will not be able to have breakfast in my balcony in the middle of January.
Enjoying and appreciating it as much as I can…
I eat this oatmeal every single morning. This is my breakfast. It is what gets me out of bed every morning. It goes perfectly with a cup of coffee as I am reading the paper or surfing the net. Or watching the ocean out in the balcony in January on a Caribbean Island…
I simply cannot get enough of it.

HERE IS WHY:
- It is so versatile. You can easily change it up:
Once you cook the oats in almond milk, you can add any nuts and dried (or fresh) fruit you like, which allows you to be as creative as you want. If you feel like you are bored from walnuts, you can add almonds. One day you can add slices of banana and the next day you can add dried figs.
When it comes to almond milk, there are a lot of options in supermarkets. Almond milk with vanilla, chocolate, sweetened, unsweetened, etc.
I, personally, like the unsweetened, plain almond milk because (1) it is low in calories (1 cup = 30 calories) (2) it allows me to have control over the sweetness of the end product. - It is quick to make:
It takes less than 10 minutes to make it. If you are in a rush to go to work, you can always put it in a to-go cup and eat it at work or on you way to work. - It fills me up:
Especially because I put Chia seeds in it. Chia seeds plump up when combined with liquid, which in turn, makes you feel full. You can add flaxseeds or even hemp seeds.

I personally find the sweetness of the dried (or fresh) fruit enough but if you want it sweeter, I would recommend adding natural sweeteners like honey or agave. Of course, in moderate amounts.
If you liked this oatmeal breakfast recipe, you might also like:
- Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats
- Homemade Almond Milk Recipe
- Warm Farro Breakfast Bowl
- Baked Crunchy Blackberry Oatmeal
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- Overnight Steel Cut Oats

Oatmeal with Almond Milk and Chia Seeds
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 1/2 cup Old Fashioned Oats, I used Quaker Oats
- 1 tablespoon Chia seeds, more as garnish
- 1-2 tablespoons unsalted nuts like walnut (optional), almonds, macadamia nuts, etc.
- 2 tablespoons dried or fresh fruit (optional), For the one you see in the picture I used mulberries and pomegranate
Instructions
- Place almond milk, oats, chia seeds, and nuts in a small saucepan and let it come to a boil.
- Cook about 5-7 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Place it in a bowl and garnish it with more nuts, dried fruits and chia seeds, if preferred.
Video
Notes
- The calorie information does not include the optional toppings in the recipe.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This Almond Milk Oatmeal post was originally published in January 2014. It has been updated with a quick how to video and some more helpful information in 2018.














oatmeal with almond milk and chia doesn’t sound like it has enough liquid to make it creamy – could applesauce be added while cooking? Chia seems to require more liquid.
It sure does, but if you prefer to add more you sure can.
Absolutely delicious, wholesome, and easy to make. Thank you, I needed an idea on how to enhance the steel cut oats in my pantry. This was perfect!
Happy to hear that Diane. Thanks for coming by.
Thanks for the recipe! I’m looking for some variations to my oatmeal so thanks for the suggestions!
YAY! Thanks for coming by Jessica.
Good Morning – Tried this recipe this morning. It was surprisingly delicious and filling. I added cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins with the oats and almond milk then cooked. Added some vanilla essence the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Poured into bowl, then topped with walnuts and chia seeds. Yum
I am happy to hear that Monica. Thanks for letting me know.
Delicious to eat, easy to prepare and great fuel for the day. I find that it serves two well. Thank you!
Very happy to hear that Emily.
I really enjoyed this. It was hearty and yummy. Thnaks!
Hi Teri,
I am glad you liked it. Thanks for coming by and taking the time to leave a review.
Cheers,
Ice
delicious! I added dates as I didn’t have much fruit or nuts available. Added in some cinnamon too! Yum 🙂 Thank you!
Hi Kaitlin,
I am thrilled to hear you liked it. I love to add cinnamon during the fall 🙂 Thanks for coming by.
Ice
I realize it is better to cook on the stove, but I have my oatmeal at work in the morning so I need to microwave it. Can I put the chia seeds in before microwaving or do you recommend stirring them in at the end? That’s what I am doing until I hear back from you. Thanks,
Hi Scott,
You can put it before. Here are a few other things I do when I am short on time:
– Place ground oats in a mason jar, fill it with almond milk (or any other type of milk you like), add in granola/fruit/nuts/maple syrup or honey, chia seeds, flax seeds, etc. (whatever you have on hand). Then put the lid on and let it sit in the fridge overnight. Then in the morning, I usually warm it up in the microwave for a minute or so for delicious oatmeal.
– Another option I like is Overnight Steel Cut Oats. It is a similar concept, but a little different preparation: https://foolproofliving.com/overnight-steel-cut-oats/
In either case, you can add in the chia seeds beforehand. Doing so will make them plump up and make your oatmeal even more full filling.
Please let me know if you have any other questions or if I can help in any other way.
Cheers!
Aysegul
I’m very excited to add chia seeds into the oatmeal. If I were to add brown sugar would it be too much considering the almond milk added? (I usually just use water, oatmeal, cinnamon, and brown sugar.)
Also I’ve read and heard the children shouldn’t be given chia seeds, but I don’t want to be cooking too different pots of oatmeal.
Hi Alejandra,
I think you can certainly add some brown sugar to this recipe and it would work well with the almond milk.
I have never heard that kids should not eat chia seeds. However, I just did a quick google search and found that as long as they are over 3 years old they should be fine. Though I recommend chatting with a doctor before feeding kids with foods that they are not accustomed to, especially if they have any special dietary requirements.
I hope this helps.
This was such a good breakfast! Even my picky eaters loved this!
Oh so good to hear that you and your family liked it Stephanie.
You have me sold on Chia Seeds with this recipe!
YAY! Chia seeds are such an easy way to add some goodness in your breakfast. So glad to hear that you liked it Lori. Thank you.
I loved this! It was a hit with my kids!
Fantastic. So glad they liked it. Thanks for letting me know Toni.
I had this for breakfast this morning and it kept me full for so long! Really good!
Oh that is music to my ears as I do the same thing every day and it never gets old. Thanks for letting me know Jennifer.
Oatmeal is my go to breakfast in the winter. I love the chia seed idea!
Same here. So easy, quick and healthy. Thanks for stopping by Erin.