Strawberry Matcha Chia Oats

There's something almost meditative about assembling this bowl the night before, watching the layers settle into their own little ecosystem in the jar. I discovered this combination on a rushed Tuesday morning when I had matcha powder, strawberries, and overnight oats all competing for attention in my kitchen, and I thought, why not let them get to know each other overnight? The result was so naturally balanced—earthy matcha, bright berries, creamy oats—that it became my go-to when I want breakfast sorted before my brain fully wakes up.

My roommate walked in one morning while I was layering these jars, took one look at the green and pink stripes, and asked if I was serving dessert for breakfast. I handed her one the next morning, and now she makes three at a time on Sundays—she says it's the only way she remembers to eat something other than coffee before noon.

Ingredients

• Rolled oats: The foundation that soaks up everything around it—use certified gluten-free if you need to, and make sure they're old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant, so they keep some texture.
• Chia seeds: These tiny seeds absorb liquid and create a creamy base that transforms the oats into something almost pudding-like by morning.
• Almond milk: The liquid that ties everything together; swap for oat or dairy milk if you prefer, but measure stays the same.
• Maple syrup or honey: A gentle sweetness that plays nice with both matcha's earthiness and strawberry's natural tartness.
• Vanilla extract: Just enough to round out the flavors without being noticeable, which is exactly what vanilla should do.
• Matcha green tea powder: Whisked with hot water first so it dissolves smoothly and doesn't create bitter little pockets in your breakfast.
• Fresh strawberries: The bright note that keeps this from feeling heavy—hulled and chopped, then mashed with lemon juice to release their juices.
• Lemon juice: Brings out the strawberry flavor and keeps the fruit from tasting dull after sitting overnight.
• Toppings: Sliced strawberries, extra chia seeds, and coconut flakes add texture and make the whole thing look intentional.

Instructions

Build your oat base:

Combine rolled oats, chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla in a medium bowl and stir until everything is evenly coated. This is your foundation, so don't skip the mixing or you'll end up with dry pockets of oats.

Dissolve the matcha:

Pour hot water over matcha powder in a small bowl and whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until it's completely smooth with no lumps. Stir this vibrant mixture into your oat base until the color is even throughout.

Prepare the strawberry layer:

Chop your fresh strawberries and place them in another bowl, then mash them gently with lemon juice and optional maple syrup. You want some texture here, not a complete puree—those little chunks are what give you bursts of flavor in the morning.

Layer with intention:

Start with a spoonful of the oat-matcha mixture in your jar, then add some strawberry mash, and continue alternating until your jar is full. Finish with an oat layer on top so the strawberries stay tucked underneath and keep their color.

Chill and trust the process:

Cover your jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is ideal. The chia seeds will absorb all that liquid and transform the texture from grainy to creamy without you having to do anything else.

Wake up and serve:

Give your oats a gentle stir in the morning to incorporate any separation, then top with fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of chia seeds, and coconut flakes if you want that extra touch. Eat it straight from the jar if you're in a hurry, or pour it into a bowl if you want to feel more composed.

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I made these for my sister when she was going through a phase of skipping breakfast, and within a week she was texting me photos of her jars lined up in the fridge like little edible art projects. It sounds silly, but somehow eating something you actually took time to assemble—even if it was just a few layers—makes you feel more intentional about taking care of yourself.

The Matcha Advantage

Matcha brings something special that regular tea can't—it's the whole leaf ground into a powder, so you're getting all the amino acids and antioxidants without any steeping time. The L-theanine in matcha gives you calm focus, which pairs beautifully with a breakfast that's already working to stabilize your blood sugar. I used to think matcha had to taste earthy and slightly bitter, but when it's balanced with sweet strawberries and creamy oats, it tastes almost like green chocolate.

Why Overnight Works Better Than Hot

There's something that happens when you let these ingredients sit together for hours—the flavors actually meld instead of just existing in the same bowl. The oats soften into something almost custard-like, the chia seeds create a creamy web throughout, and the strawberries release enough juice to flavor everything without making it soggy. I tried eating this fresh one morning and it was fine, but it tasted like separate components instead of a unified dish.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is really just a framework for whatever you have on hand and whatever your body is asking for that morning. I've made it with blueberries when strawberries weren't in season, with regular green tea when I ran out of matcha powder, with coconut milk when someone with a nut allergy was visiting. The core idea—creamy oats, a flavor element, and something bright and fruity—stays the same, but the details bend to your life.

• If you want extra protein, stir in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder when you mix the base.
• For a creamier texture, use half milk and half yogurt instead of all milk.
• Make a batch of four jars on Sunday and you've got breakfast handled for the first half of the week.

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This bowl has become my answer to too many mornings of either skipping breakfast or eating whatever's easiest, and somehow those five minutes of layering the night before makes a bigger difference than it should. It's the kind of dish that makes you feel like you're actually taking care of yourself, which maybe is the real recipe.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should the oats soak?

Allow the oats and chia seeds to soak for at least 4 hours or overnight to achieve a creamy texture.

→ Can I substitute almond milk?

Yes, oat, soy, or dairy milk can be used based on your preference or dietary needs.

→ What does matcha add to the blend?

Matcha provides a mild, earthy flavor along with natural antioxidants and a gentle caffeine boost.

→ Is it possible to sweeten differently?

Maple syrup or honey is recommended, but other natural sweeteners can be used for taste adjustments.

→ How can I make this suitable for vegans?

Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure the milk choice is plant-based to keep it vegan-friendly.