Ok, so I'm all about saving money. I mean who isn't right? Anyhow, in the interest of saving money here is my first money saving post! Oatmeal is cheap, its healthy and all that jazz, right? But why pay $2.50 (Walmart) for 10 packets of that name brand guy when all you are getting is about 2 1/2 cups of oatmeal! DON'T DO IT AGAIN! lol
Here's what you need:
- Take a big thing of oatmeal (make sure to use the quick oats, mine was 42 oz I went and checked, haha) $3.78 at my local Wal-mart in Texas
- a box of snack-sized Ziplocks (or whichever brand you prefer)
- a 1/4 c or 1/2 c measuring cup (I did mine 1/2 c but my kids are 8 & 11 and then there is my hubs, the pre-made packets are only about 1/4 c so if you have itty bittys you can just do the 1/4 c)
- a few spare minutes (probably took less than 10 minutes)
And here's how I put mine together, feel free to add in what you and your family like:
- I put 1/2 c oats in the baggie (could do 1/4 c if you have itty bittys, that's how much are in the name brand guys pre-made packets)
- Approximately 2 TBSP of brown sugar in the baggie
- Zip it up!
For the water or milk part you add 3/4 c - 1 c of water or milk (for the 1/2 c oatmeal size), however you prefer. Easy-peasy! Done! Kids can even help on this one! You can also add in raisins, dried fruits, cinnamon, chocolate chips, whatever else you like in your oatmeal. So for $3.78 you now have 60 - 1/4 c packets or 30 - 1/2 c packets. The name brand guy for the same amount would cost you between $15 & $30 depending how much you would eat, 1 packet or 2 packets. I'll keep that extra money thank you very much! How about you? lol
I found you via Pinterest and I love this idea! I'm your newest follower :)
ReplyDeleteBonnie
Living A Wonderful Life
Thanks! And welcome!
DeleteAre these microwaveable or just cooked on the stovetop?
ReplyDeleteI used instant oat so they could be microwaved!
DeleteEven if you use old fashioned oats you can still microwave. Love this idea!
DeleteWonderfully simple idea. Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome!
DeleteLove those! I make my own oatmeal packets too with instant oats, lots of cinnamon, sugar, slivered almonds, and various raisins and dried berries. It is super delicious. I mix all of my oatmeal makings in a huge bowl beforehand though and then use a half cup to divide amongst my snack bags.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas!
DeleteGreat idea! I found your blog via Renee's newsletter @Bargain Hoots. I'm you very newest follower! Welcome to bloggie-land!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Joy
Thanks!
DeleteGreat idea! Maybe you could even add some dehydrated fruit to the baggies.
ReplyDeleteI like that idea, maybe strawberries!
DeleteI absolutely love OATMEAL..... and always buy the small box, because I love my Maple Brown Sugar. Now YOUR IDEA MAKES IT SOOOOO EASY AND SAVES SO MUCH MONEY. I AM IN FLORIDA...they all do Grits eweeee , I love my Oatmeal, thank you so much for showing an awesome , money saving idea.
ReplyDeleteI like my oatmeal in cookies with raisins, however my husband and daughter love a bowl of oatmeal in the morning!
DeleteThis is fantastic! One of those "Why didn't I think of that?"'s. Plus you're not getting all the chemicals and random crap they put in those packets!
ReplyDeleteEXACTLY! lol When I saw on pinterest or somewhere, I went well duh! haha!
DeleteThis is a great idea but you don't say how to cook it. Do you add milk or water to the baggie and nuke it for 3 minutes or what? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI put it all in bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes!
DeleteI would think you would pour the contents from the baggies into a bowl, add the milk/water and then nuke it in the microwave.
ReplyDeleteWe love oatmeal here. I have to make some of these. What a great idea. I'd love for you to share at our Pinteresting Party:
ReplyDeletehttp://tutusandteaparties.blogspot.com/search/label/Link%20Party
Thanks great idea!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this. You are wonderful. I am going to make some for our trip. Money saved! Happy Ma, happy kids, and even hubby is happy. THANK YOU!
ReplyDeletehttp://parkburgers.blogspot.com/
I've been making my own "to go" oatmeal for years. I combine PB2 (powered peanut butter) and sugar free hot coco mix. Very Yummy!!
ReplyDeleteI think we'll have to try that! Sounds yummy!
DeleteI am so glad I found this post! Thank you!!! Love it. Any suggestions on strawberry flavoring??
ReplyDeleteThere is a recipie on pinterest of how to do dried strawberries they are super sweet and I'm sure would be AMAZING in oatmeal. No sugar added to the berries while drying. Just a duggestion
DeleteAlso heard people using strawberry presrves or strawberry syrup!
DeleteIm thinking freeze dried fruit might be good since it keeps its flavor so well
DeleteBest idea yet!! Saw your idea on pinterest. Love it !!!
ReplyDeleteKeshia White :)
It was one of those "Why didn't I think of this sooner?" moments!
DeleteGenius! I buy boxes and boxes of Regular flavored oatmeal for my kids!!! Now I won't even have to pull out the sugar in the morning. We do put a little butter when I pour the hot water over it!
ReplyDeleteFound you on pinterest, I run an in home daycare and this is such an awesome idea!! thanks for sharing. I am now a follower :D
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Why didn't I think of that?! Thanks for sharing. Found you on Pinterest. New follower. :)
ReplyDeleteTo answer the questions about how to cook this, I put a kettle of water to boil, then pour the boiling water into the oats in a bowl, and cover for about 5 minutes. No cooking required. (I don't measure either, but that can be risky.) Alternatively, you could measure water into a bowl, microwave until very hot, then mix in your oats, cover, and let sit for about 5 minutes. I like adding dried cherries.
ReplyDeletethis is an awesome idea. Although it's still very cheap, you didn't add the price of your brown sugar to the total so it's a little more than $3.48. Thanks for the idea! LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteI didn't add cost for baggies or brown sugar as those are staples around here and I always have on hand. Even when purchasing those items, still comes out cheap! Wohoo!
Deleteoh I wanted to ask you. does it taste like the store bought packets? The consistency is different in the store bought packets than the regular oats. The quick oat pre-packaged packets, the oatmeal is ground up I think so it is different than the regular. Haven't gotten the 1 minute one so I am not sure the consitency of the oats. I will have to try it, But my kids don't like the big oats in the "original" container. Just wondering if you knew..thanks.
ReplyDeleteI think the consistency is the same. The only difference I notice is when how much water is added.
DeleteYou can put some of the oatmeal in a blender or food processor to make the consistency more like the packaged instant oatmeal.
DeleteBlend 1/2 of the oatmeal in a blender and add a little coffee creamer make a wonderful change in flavor, texture, and consistency. It makes it more like the store bought stuff. That's how the BYU cooking classes do it.
ReplyDelete- Judson Birkel (judsonbirkel@hotmail.com)
Neat idea!
DeleteI found this great idea via Pinterest too-so glad I did as your blog is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Natasha in Oz
Thank you so much for your sweet words! I hope to blog more often in the new year!
DeleteFor that maple flavor you can add a swirl of maple syrup to the bowl while your waiting for your oats to soften. It gives it a more authentic taste if you don't care for it just with the brown sugar.
ReplyDeleteOoh, def have to try this!
DeleteOr try Imitation Maple Extract. Just about 1/8 tsp per bowl, and in a pinch you can use the extract with water and sugar to make your own syrup.
DeleteI like the saving money part, but even better I like that it's minimally processed and without all the unnecessary additives!
ReplyDeleteAmen my friend! I so agree!
DeleteGreat idea! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOMG...What a genius idea. I buy my oats bulk and never thought of doing this. Oh wow...So gonna do this this week. Found you on Pinterest...=)
ReplyDeleteOMG is exactly what I thought when I saw this idea!
DeleteFound you on pinterest!! Great idea, my guys(4boys+dad) love oatmeal...
ReplyDeleteTwo questions...1. is it just quick oats or 1 minute oats, or is there a difference.....2. I have a water machine that gives instant hot water, we use it for the store bought instant oatmeal packs, would it work for this?
I use the 1-minute oats!
DeleteI love this post - found it on Pinterest. I will definitely do this along with some of the tips identified in the comments. My kids love the Maple Oatmeal. I am stopping in from TheStuffofSuccess and I am also your newest follower. Have a great week. Athena
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting this! You have just saved me a lot of money!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea! But you didn't add in the cost of the baggies either. But you could reuse them since you are just storing the dried mix and then pouring out into a bowl. Why not keep them and refill them?
ReplyDeleteGood point. I didn't add cost of baggies as I normally always have them on hand.
DeleteThis is such a great, easy idea. With school starting in a week and a half I think this is something I need to get started. It would be great to send DD off to school with something other than the typical cereal and milk.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
-Tenaj
simplycomplicatedthatsjustme.blogspot.com
I have done this for years, but I skip the step of putting them in the baggies. I mix the oats, brown sugar and raisins in a large bowl and then just put back in the oatmeal container (I save an old one so I can do a smaller amount and it will fit). Then I have a 1/2 c measure that I keep in there. Then you simply scoop oatmeal into the bowl, add water (we eyeball it), microwave and voila!
ReplyDeleteMy husband eyeballs it too. Good idea about mixing it all up and putting back in. Do you notice if sugar and oats settle? and not stay mixed up? Hope that made sense.
Deletei found this on pinterist. i did this today and what i did is i put them in the freezer and will keep them there for about a week to ensure that all the little Indian meal moth eggs are dead (just in case because we recently had an infestation of them--NOT FUN) i am hoping that it will extend the shelf life of them and will be able to put them in our 72 hour kits!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. I am going to try this.
ReplyDeleteGood idea, how much do the 60 baggies cost? I like the idea above to mix, store in oats container or tupperware, and just use a measuring cup, bigger eaters can do 2 scoops instead of throwing 2 baggies into the trash. Unless you reuse the baggies (which isn't recommended due to chemicals in plastic leeching out) its wasteful. Unless your packing for lunches I wouldn't use the bags.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent you do what you gotta do though to make life easier and make the day last long enough.
My son likes fruit... I've found some sugar and bleberry preserve satisfies him. My daughter is an strawberry & cream girl. I'd love to know if someone has a tried and true recipe or idea? They really rip you off because you cant buy flavors in bulk!!! thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteI love cherry almond oatmeal by Archer Farms--they no longer make it. I am going to try this with dried cherries, slivered almonds and a touch of almond extract!
ReplyDeleterumenpufor strawberry...it is so easy to dry strawberries(cut in half or quarters if large) in the oven..then just add to the mix as presented. they we rehydrate when the water is added..yum
ReplyDeleteHalve or quarter the strawberries, depending on their size; place on a baking sheet; season with salt and pepper;
Dry in the oven for three hours at 100° C / 210° F.
oh, I don't put salt and pepper??? just wash strawberries, cut and dry in oven.
ReplyDeleteYou could make it healthy and switch the brown sugar for maple sugar or beet sugar and a quarter cup of ground flax to each bag.
ReplyDeleteLove this!!! Must do! I have oatmeal everyday...
ReplyDeleteI pinned this a while ago and just now took time to pop over for a visit. Thank you so much for sharing this. I will be trying this for sure.
ReplyDeleteCould you add powered milk to the mix...then you would just add water. I love the idea ...would love to get it to
ReplyDelete1 package of oatmeal mix
1/2 C water
Cook
Margaret Filler
I love, love, love this idea. I am going to change it a little since I am a diabetic. I can't believe I never thought of this. I keep the store bought kind at work for breakfast. Wait till I show everyone. They will soon be on here checking it out!!! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteFound this post through Pinterest. What a wonderful idea. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis is incredible, My dh loves brown sugar oatmeal. I even went a step further and bought the generic brand @ $2.34 a container. It tastes great! Thank you so much
ReplyDeleteI've been making my own for a little while, but I use the regular Quaker Oats 'OLD FASHIONED' oatmeal. I use a 1/2 cup of the oatmeal plus a bit of dried fruit, nuts and honey. I pour a cup of hot water from the water dispenser at work and loosely coverfor 5 minutes and it is delicious! AND LOTS cheaper than buying at the coffee shops.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the old fashioned to the minute or instant to try to get as close to 'natural' as possible (hoping for more nutritional value/fiber). I am also lactose intolerant and I find I don't miss a 'milk' with this.
I tried this and love it! I added some pumpkin spice in addition to the brown sugar for a fall flavour. Also good with Banana slices and walnuts or chopped apple and cinnamon.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this idea!!!
ReplyDeleteSo doing this! Hey ladies here's my page where we share a lot of differ things ideas advice tips all that it's aopen drama free page come join Momtalk101
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Deleteyou just rocked my world!
ReplyDeleteI try! lol
DeleteThis was such a "why didn't I think of that" moment...I do make them overnight oats however, b/c the packets are just junk anyway, but this would be way faster! Thanks ;)
ReplyDeleteWhile it is cheaper, you also have to consider how much the baggies and brown sugar cost... Do you have the final numbers for that? I'm sure you're still saving money, but I'm curious how much!
ReplyDeleteFound this post on Pinterest and finally made my baggies of oatmeal today. This was so incredibly easy and I THANK YOU SO MUCH for outlining the steps for the world to see:)
ReplyDeleteI have check out a few of these sites and found that 10 cups of oats you need to blend 3 cups of the oats into powder. Don't use powered milk use powered creamer..due to mold......
ReplyDeleteForget the baggies place into a large container with 1/2 scoop!
Just an FYI~
I have been looking for a way to make banana oatmeal. My daughter loves it, but doesn't like the strawberry & peach that comes in the pack with it. Any ideas on how to get the bananas into the mix? thanks ladies!
ReplyDeleteMy DH works out of town during the week and this works perfect for him. We did switch the brown sugar to 1 TBL of splenda and also add 1 TBL of powdered milk. Instead of baggies I went to the local dollar store and picked up small reusable plastic containers . Now he just has to add water and microwave. Love this idea!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea - but never mind the baggies - save the time, hassle, and the planet! Just mix all the stuff together and put it in a big jar or back in the oatmeal container. Measure it out into bowls when you want some. Easy! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletefor strawberry....I bet you could add strawberry Quick to the mix.
ReplyDeleteyou could also add some frozen strawberries to it when you microwave it. I have done that and it is awesome!
ReplyDeleteFound this using stumbleupon, thanks!
ReplyDeleteOMG, thank you for posting the simplicity of this! What a great idea and I SO needed it step by step for me to do. I've wanted to use these oats for a less expensive route but just didn't know about it. Thank you so much! You've made my day!
ReplyDeleteGlad I could help!!
DeleteWonderful ideas Amy. Thanks for sharing them with us.
ReplyDeleteBankruptcy Attorney Renton
Thank you Irene_J!
DeleteThanks for sharing ...I have 2 little one who will clear a box in 2 days...this will save money ..not to mention I can use the huge container of oats thst has been taking up space in my pantry
ReplyDeleteTo put a twist on this you can do it with a multi-grain mix that is like oatmeal but . . . drum roll please . . . with extra grains to get more nutrition and flavor from.
ReplyDeleteOoh yeah!
DeleteDoing this right now, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea however your post is slightly misleading. $3.78 for oatmeal is great (I usually only pay $2.99 though & we bake with oatmeal also so we use A LOT). You failed to add in the cost of whatever is added in (sugar, raisins, fruit etc.) And the approximately $4.00 for the baggies. So while it is still cheaper it is not as cheap as it sounds. But still a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI didn't add the price for the baggies or fruit and sugar as those items I typically already have on hand. and yes still cheaper than the pre-packaged ones!
DeleteHas anyone tried this by pouring in boiling water and waiting a few minutes? I'm loving this idea for my son, who is living in a dorm and needs some hugs from home. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJust not sure what the purpose is in using all those plastic baggies... I mean, honestly, how long does it take to put all the ingredients in the pot each day? Landfills don't need more stuff filling them up!
ReplyDeleteHonestly this has worked for my family. I had young children yet old enough to make their own oatmeal in the microwave. It worked for me and my family. Not nice comments like yours are unnecessary. So in encouraging my children to be more independent it works for us. The old saying if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all applies here.
DeleteI too love the fact that my kids can fix their own breakfast using the microwave. I used to mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and then add 1/2 cup to each baggie. We would reuse the baggies after they dumped them for the next batches. This way you do not have the expense of bags with each batch and also helps with the environment. Now after reading several posts, I just add all the ingredients to a container, shake before using, and keep a 1/2 cup measurer in the container. This method has worked very well for our family. I love the idea, the taste, saving money, and teaching my kids to be independent. I can't wait to try this on our next camping trip too! Keep up the great work and don't worry at all about the negative comments that people post. If they don't like the idea then they should just keep on scrolling down the line. There is plenty for them to see without having to interfere with common sense ideas.
DeleteI can't believe people are getting all worked up over baggies and the extra cost of them and brown sugar. Good heavens, isn't there enough in this world to worry about? Thank you so much for this post. I love this idea and am not opposed to using the baggies. If you are not a baggie user, don't use them! It's a free country. Thanks for the good idea-sounds like a fabulous way to work with younger kids when establishing independency! Can't wait to try it! And thanks for "putting yourself out there" among all the criticism. Unbelievable what some people take the time to comment about. Keep up the good work!
DeleteI don't separate mine into baggies, just keep a half cup measuring cup in the container and keep it by the stove (saves me the time of separating it and the cost of the bags). Sometimes I'll do a cinnamon sugar mix in the oatmeal, sometimes it will be brown sugar/vanilla/chocolate chips (or raisins) for more of a cookie flavor. My kids love it.
ReplyDeleteI believe the baggies are so that the other ingredients don't settle to the bottom. It's also great as a take a long for a first break snack/breakfast at work.
ReplyDeleteHow would you go about ones such as apple flavored?
ReplyDeleteMaybe try adding applesauce and less liquid.
DeleteOr maybe dried apple pieces ...
DeleteMy 2 year old helped me make these tonight. Made for a great counting activity.
ReplyDeleteGenius!
ReplyDeleteI posted a blog hop for food bloggers today. It's to share recipes that contain oatmeal....It's National Oatmeal Month. http://groundbeefbudget.com/2013/01/january-is-national-oatmeal-month/ It can be an oatmeal recipe, dessert, or any recipe that contains oatmeal. So if you have some head on over and post yours.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Shelley
This is fairly genius.
ReplyDeleteAny ideas on making cinnamon spice flavor? (that's my fav and they just started selling it in boxes by itself but still spendy) I guess I could google it too, thought I'd ask though if anyone here knew?
LOVE the idea of making baggies. I've been mixing each bowl individually, and adding cinnamon & brown sugar. But this would be great for those crazy mornings! Might try some in the baggies & maybe mix a large quantity in a container that I can give a good shake and scoop out. Thanks for the measurements (I've been too lazy to try to figure that out myself, I have been just going by what looks right! And I'm sure each bowl tastes different! lol!)
ReplyDeleteYou used quick oats, right? So this isn't really "instant" oatmeal. Other than a time saver, I don't really see how this is better than making from the box. Am I missing something? Instant oatmeal is "instant" because all you have to do is add a little hot water to the mix and stir.
ReplyDeleteQuick oats are the same as the boxed packets I believe. You just add water or milk and microwave for a minute. The other type of oats take longer to cook. Just look for "Quick Oats".
DeleteThank you for the idea...I love it. I believe that it is instant and a time saver...you have all the ingredients premeasured and ready to go. Instant because you can just pop it into the microwave. The baggies really isn't a waste. I use baggies because it's easy to grab, pour, add water and nuke or cook....I also use baggies because I can just grab and put in my purse and go! Baggies also keep the brown sugar moist as opposed to the original container which is not airtight.
ReplyDeleteI made these! 10 with golden raisins, 10 with dried blueberries and 10 with crasins. I also cut the brown sugar to 1 tbls spoon. I then heated up my electric kettle (that's always filled with water for tea and the old instant packets I used to buy). The kids loved them!!! I also am saving the bags to reuse. To the people making negative comments, this is a time saver, I grab the 2 packs already filled and don't have to clean a pot or put away all the canisters. We have to be out the door by 6:45 am, so anyway I can save on clean up the better. If you don't like the idea, why comment? Move on!
ReplyDeleteThese are fantastic! I love the Quaker Cinnamon & Spice flavor instant oatmeal, so I made these each with 1/2 c quick oats, 1 1/2 Tbs brown sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 pumpkin pie spice, & 1/8 tsp salt. Only 220 calories, 8 grams whole grain fiber, and 10 grams protein! Talk about the PERFECT breakfast and it's ONLY $0.20!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I don't make packets, but put a portion size scoop in a smaller canister and then a tablespoon scoop in a canister of brown sugar. We like to add a dash of salt, makes it a little more flavorful, and a drizzle of honey from time to time. Another tip is to add a few mini marshmallows to your brown sugar to keep it soft.
ReplyDeleteThanks for great and saving IDEA. :)
ReplyDeleteI do this also, and love the convenience, but 2 tablespoons of sugar seems WAY too much for me! I do 2 teaspoons. That way I cut calories as well as hassle!
ReplyDeleteI have been making my own instant oatmeal too and love that it's quick and affordable. Thanks for sharing your cost breakdown...even more motivation and reason to keep making my own :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea! I'm making some tonight!
ReplyDeleteThanks neighbor.. I live in Odessa
ReplyDeleteCool idea, but how about changing out those plastic bags for something that can be reused instead of tossed into the trash after each use?
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! Found you on Pinterest. Now a follower.
ReplyDeleteYou're newest follower and am DEFINITELY going to try this. Hubby works on Saturday and has breakfast at work so baggies are a HUGE plus for me. But now I can make him different flavors even though he likes his maple brown sugar. Thanks so much ... saw it on Pinterest but am now a blog follower. THANKS SO MUCH!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy God that's genius!! Why didn't I think of that?! o.0
ReplyDelete