Make your own Homemade Instant Oatmeal that will give you all of the flavors and convenience you want without any added sugar or preservatives! I know, that sounded like a slick ad slogan, but it is so true! They are easy to customize to your liking and they will save you money, too! When Becky from The Seasonal Homestead said these were ‘oatmeal packets better than Quaker’, I had to try them, too! So, get out some mason jars or resealable plastic bags to store all of the delicious options you will be reaching for each morning for breakfast. For another make-ahead breakfast you will love, check out my Freezer Breakfast Burritos, too!

Jars of Homemade Instant Oatmeal on a wooden table.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Oats: It’s all about the roll oats, also called old-fashioned oats, for the base mix. I like that they have more texture than instant oats. Once you have the base mix, it’s easy to customize it to your taste buds and favorite oatmeal flavors.
Powdered Milk: Powdered milk, also known as dry milk or milk powder, is a dairy product made by evaporating milk to dryness. The process involves removing all the moisture from liquid milk, resulting in a fine powder. This gives it a long shelf life (no refrigeration needed), perfect for recipes like this one! You can choose whole powdered milk or non-fat powdered milk for a lower-fat option. Powdered milk is added to the base mix as well as many of the flavored options.
Freeze-Dried Fruit: Many of the flavors for instant oatmeal use freeze-dried fruit. You can find these in many stores like Walmart or your local grocery store.
Spices: For some of the oatmeal flavors, I added spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. (Doesn’t Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal make you excited for the Fall?!?)
Powdered Peanut Butter: To make the peanut butter banana oatmeal, look for powdered peanut butter. You can find this online or in stores.

Six different images of Homemade Instant Oatmeal.

Why You Will Love Homemade Instant Oatmeal!

There are many reasons why you will love these homemade instant oatmeal packets. Here are a few of the reasons why I love them:

Customization: With homemade packets, you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to tailor the flavors and nutritional content to your preferences.
Easy To Make: Just mix oats and flavorings. Add hot water to enjoy!
Healthier Options: By using wholesome ingredients like whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, you can create oatmeal packets that are free from added sugars, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Cost-Effective: Making your own instant oatmeal packets is often more budget-friendly than buying pre-packaged options. You can buy ingredients in bulk and portion them according to your needs, saving money in the long run.
Convenience: Homemade oatmeal packets offer the same convenience as store-bought options but with the added benefit of knowing exactly what’s in them. They’re perfect for busy mornings or when you need a quick and nutritious meal on the go.
Versatility: You can customize your homemade oatmeal packets with a variety of flavors and add-ins, ensuring that you never get bored with your breakfast options!
A Great Gift Idea: Giving someone homemade instant oatmeal packets shows that you’ve put thought and effort into creating a personalized and practical gift!

Jars of Homemade Instant Oatmeal from overhead.

Enhance Your Instant Oatmeal: Tasty Add-Ins

There are endless possibilities for add-ins when it comes to instant oatmeal. I have given you quite a few options, but here are even more ideas for more flavors:

Other dried fruits (like dried apricots, dried cranberries, dried cherries, or dried mangos)
Nuts & Seeds
Sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or honey
Different spices
Chocolate! (Try adding chocolate chips or cocoa powder.)

Can I Make Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal?

Yes! Maple brown sugar oatmeal is one of my favorites, and that can also be easily made using the base. Simply add maple syrup at the end. Easy and delicious!

How To Store Homemade Instant Oatmeal

Once you have the oatmeal base made and mixed with your favorite flavors, store it (them) in airtight containers or resealable bags. Label and date the containers and store them in a cool, dry place. They will last for a few months up to a year!