Oatmeal That Slaps

Oatmeal. A breakfast staple…especially for multi-day outdoor adventures. But let’s face it: oatmeal can be so boring. To make things worse, many store bought packets lack energy boosting nutrients and are loaded with processed sugars.
Since eating more oatmeal than I’d like to admit, I couldn’t stand the thought of eating another bowl on a trip… That is until I started getting a bit creative and prepping my own oatmeal combos. And now, oatmeal has redeemed itself. It’s made it’s way back into my expedition meal plans.
My Go-to Oatmeal Base:
- 1/3 cup quick rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp flax
- 1 tbsp powered milk (optional)
- 1 tsp coconut or brown sugar
My Favourite Mix-ins:
- Dried fruits
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Cocoa and fruit powders
- Chocolate
- Instant coffee
- Sugars
Notes:
- I try to reduce added sugars. If you prefer your oatmeal sweeter, you may want to add more to the recipes below.
- If you want to learn how to make your own dried fruits and mix-ins, visit our Dehydrating 101 post.
- You can use fresh fruits if you’re taking this on a day trip or enjoying it at home.
Mix-in Combos
Okay, so saying these oatmeal recipes slap is definitely a bold statement. Let’s be real… we’re talking about oatmeal here.
But I must say, these combos are flavourful and full of proteins, fiber, and healthy fats to keep your stomach full and happy on big adventures.
Chocolate-Coco Banana Nut
Ingredients (1 Serving):
- 1/3 cup quick rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia
- 1 tbsp flax
- 2 tbsp toasted coconut
- 1 tbsp unsweetened coconut
- 10 banana chips
- 1 tbsp chopped peanuts (optional)
- 1 tbsp milk or dark chocolate
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
To rehydrate: Add 3/4-1 cup of hot water and let sit for 5-7 minutes.
*Nutrition information is estimated using an online nutrition calculator. Actual nutrition facts may vary.
Per Serving:
Cal: 482 Carbs: 56g Protein: 13g Fibre: 14g Sugar: 17g
Sodium: 9mg Fat: 27g Saturated Fat: 11g Cholesterol: 5mg
Cranberry Pumpkin Pecan
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1/3 cup quick rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia
- 1 tbsp flax
- 2 tbsps dried cranberries
- 2 tbsps pecans
- 1 tbsp pumpkin seed
- 1 tbsp dried maple
To rehydrate: Add 3/4-1 cup of hot water and let sit for 5-7 minutes.
*Nutrition information is estimated using an online nutrition calculator. Actual nutrition facts may vary.
Per Serving:
Cal: 451 Carbs: 56g Protein: 12g Fibre: 13g Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 3.9mg Fat: 22g Saturated Fat: 2.4g Cholesterol: 0mg
Raspberry "Nutella" Latté
Ingredients (1 Serving):
- 1/2 cup quick rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia
- 1 tbsp flax
- 12 chopped hazelnuts
- 10 dehydrated or freeze dried raspberries (or strawberries!)
- 1/2 tbsp instant coffee
- 2 tbsps milk or dark chocolate
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp powdered milk
- 1-2 tsps brown sugar
To rehydrate: Add 3/4-1 cup of hot water and let sit for 5-7 minutes.
*Nutrition information is estimated using an online nutrition calculator. Actual nutrition facts may vary.
Per Serving:
Cal: 535 Carbs: 58g Protein: 16g Fibre: 14g Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 49mg Fat: 29g Saturated Fat: 7g Cholesterol: 10mg
Cashew Coconut
Ingredients (1 Serving):
- 1/3 cup quick rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia
- 1 tbsp flax
- 2 tbsps toasted coconut
- 1 tbsp unsweetened coconut
- 2 tbsps cashews
- 1 tsp coconut or brown sugar
Optional: Add chocolate and/or cocoa powder
To rehydrate: Add 3/4-1 cup of hot water and let sit for 5-7 minutes.
*Nutrition information is estimated using an online nutrition calculator. Actual nutrition facts may vary.
Per Serving:
Cal: 415 Carbs: 40g Protein: 13g Fiber: 12g Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 12mg Fat: 25g Saturated Fat: 9g Cholesterol: 0mg
White Chocolate Lemon Berry
Ingredients (1 Serving):
- 1/2 cup quick rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia
- 1 tbsp flax
- 3-4 tbsps dried berries (blueberries, cherries or cranberries)
- 2 tbsps white chocolate
- 1 tbsp slivered almonds
- 1 tsp dried lemon rind
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp powdered milk
Note: I found store-bought dried lemon rind to be extremely bitter. Finely shred some lemon rind, place in between 2 sheets of paper towel and keep out to dry for a day or two.
To rehydrate: Add 3/4-1 cup of hot water and let sit for 5-7 minutes.
*Nutrition information is estimated using an online nutrition calculator. Actual nutrition facts may vary.
Per Serving:
Cal: 516 Carbs: 72g Protein: 15g Fiber: 14g Sugar: 43g
Sodium: 52mg Fat: 20g Saturated Fat: 5.5g Cholesterol: 5.7mg
Apple Pecan Cinnamon
Ingredients (1 Serving):
- 1/2 cup quick rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia
- 1 tbsp flax
- 6 tbsps chopped dehydrated apple
- 2 tbsps chopped pecans
- 1-2 tsps cinnamon
- 1-2 tsps brown sugar
- 1 tbsp powdered milk
To rehydrate: Add 3/4-1 cup of hot water and let sit for 5-7 minutes.
*Nutrition information is estimated using an online nutrition calculator. Actual nutrition facts may vary.
Per Serving:
Cal: 389 Carbs: 49g Protein: 11g Fiber: 13g Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 32mg Fat: 17g Saturated Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 1.2mg
How to "rehydrate" before consuming:
- Add 3/4 – 1 cup boiling water
- Stir
- Let sit for approx. 5-7 mins
- Stir & enjoy
Rehydrating Tips:
- Use a container with a lid to contain as much heat as possible… Have a packable insulated container? Even better.
- After soak time is finished, add more hot water if you find the meal dry or crunchy.
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Did you try any of these oatmeals?
Let us know your thoughts! Are there any other mix-in combinations you like to use?
The Foodie Behind the Screen

Hi there! I'm Bri.
I create and share nutritious and flavourful recipes for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.