The Breakfast Hack Every Busy Family Needs: DIY Oatmeal Packets
If you’ve ever struggled to make meals your kids will actually eat, you’re not alone. My wife was pulling her hair out trying to cook meals that everyone would enjoy. But we found a simple solution: DIY oatmeal packets!
Now, if the kids don’t want what’s for dinner, they can grab an oatmeal packet and make their own meal. No more stress, and we know they’re still getting something nutritious. Plus, assembling these as a family is an easy, assembly-line-style activity that even our youngest kids love.
Why We Love DIY Oatmeal Packets
✔ Kid-Approved – The kids love picking their own flavors and mix-ins.
✔ Healthy & Filling – Packed with fiber, protein, and natural sweetness.
✔ Budget-Friendly – Way cheaper than store-bought instant oatmeal packets.
✔ Quick & Easy – Just add hot water or milk, and it’s ready in minutes.
✔ Stress-Free Meals – A backup plan for when dinner isn’t a hit.
How to Make DIY Oatmeal Packets
We use snack-size baggies to portion out single servings. This keeps things simple and lets the kids be part of the process.
Single-Serving DIY Oatmeal Packet Recipe
Ingredients:
- ½ cup quick oats (or blend rolled oats for a finer texture)
- ⅓ scoop flavored protein powder (chocolate, vanilla, or your favorite)
- 1 teaspoon sweetener (monk fruit, coconut sugar, honey powder, or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon hemp seeds (adds protein and omega-3s)
- 1 tablespoon dried fruit (strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, chopped apples, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional for extra fiber)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (or another spice like pumpkin pie spice)
- 1 pinch salt (enhances flavor)
- Optional: Nuts, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or mini chocolate chips
To Make:
- Set up an assembly line with bowls of each ingredient.
- Each person moves down the line, adding ingredients to their baggie.
- Seal, shake to mix, and store in a container for easy access.
To Cook:
- Empty a packet into a bowl.
- Add ⅔ cup hot water or milk and stir.
- Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Flavored Protein = Just Right – add the right amount and you wont even need the sweetener.
- Bulk Prep = No Morning Chaos – Spend 15 minutes making a week’s worth of packets to save time.
- Mix It Up! – Let the kids try different add-ins each time to keep things interesting.
This simple meal hack has saved us so much frustration. Now, if a meal isn’t a hit, our kids can grab an oatmeal packet, and we know they’re eating something wholesome. Less stress for Mom, more independence for the kids, and a win-win for everyone.
Have you tried making DIY oatmeal packets? Let us know your favorite add-ins in the comments!