Can you use water to make oats?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

Over 40% of Americans eat oatmeal for breakfast, and yes, you can use water to make oats. This simple method creates a hearty, healthy, and versatile meal, perfect for a dairy-free, vegan, or lower-calorie diet.

Quick Summary

Making oatmeal with water is a straightforward process that yields a delicious breakfast. It results in a lighter texture than milk-based oatmeal but is lower in calories and fat. With the right techniques and additions, it can be just as satisfying.

Key Points

Yes, You Can: Oats cook perfectly well with water, a classic method for making a light and healthy breakfast.
Versatile Cooking: Use water for stovetop porridge, microwave oats, or convenient overnight oats.
Lighter Texture: Water-based oats have a less creamy, thinner consistency than those made with milk.
Healthier Option: Cooking with water significantly reduces calorie and fat content, making it ideal for weight management.
Enhance Flavor: A pinch of salt, spices like cinnamon, or mix-ins like fruit and nuts can easily boost taste.
Better Mineral Absorption: Water preparation can improve the body's absorption of iron from oats compared to dairy milk.
Create Creaminess: Achieve a creamy texture without milk by adding chia seeds, nut butter, or mashed banana.

Why Use Water to Make Oats?

Using water to prepare oats is not only possible but also a classic and healthy method, particularly for those watching their calorie intake, following a vegan or dairy-free diet, or simply preferring the pure, natural flavor of oats. Traditional Scottish porridge, for instance, is famously made with just water and salt. Cooking with water allows the natural, nutty flavor of the oats to shine through and provides a clean canvas for a variety of additions, from fresh fruit to savory spices. Water also aids in better absorption of the oat's plant-based iron, a benefit that can be inhibited by the calcium in dairy milk.

Cooking Oats with Water: Stovetop Method

Preparing oats on the stovetop is a simple and quick process that allows you to control the consistency of your porridge. The exact cooking time and liquid ratio can vary based on the type of oats you choose.

Step-by-Step Stovetop Guide

Bring Water to a Boil: In a small saucepan, bring the desired amount of water and a pinch of salt to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add Oats: Once boiling, stir in your oats. As a general guide, use a 1:2 ratio of rolled oats to water, and a 1:3 ratio for steel-cut oats.
Reduce Heat and Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and allow the oats to simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook to Desired Consistency: For rolled oats, this will take about 5 minutes. Steel-cut oats will take longer, around 20-30 minutes.
Remove from Heat: Once the oats have reached your preferred consistency and absorbed most of the water, remove the pan from the heat and let it stand for a minute before serving.

Cooking Oats with Water: Microwave Method

The microwave is the fastest way to make a single serving of oatmeal, perfect for busy mornings.

Step-by-Step Microwave Guide

Combine Ingredients: In a deep, microwave-safe bowl, mix your oats, water, and a pinch of salt. Use a 1:2 ratio of oats to water for most types.
Microwave on High: Cook on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Let Stand: The bowl will be hot. Let the oats stand for a minute to cool and thicken slightly before eating.

Overnight Oats with Water

For a no-cook, make-ahead breakfast, overnight oats are an excellent choice. Soaking oats in water overnight creates a creamy texture and activates enzymes that aid digestion.

Step-by-Step Overnight Oats Guide

Mix Ingredients: In a jar, combine rolled oats with water and a pinch of salt. A common ratio is 1 part oats to 1 part water, but you can adjust for your desired thickness.
Add Flavor: Stir in desired mix-ins such as chia seeds, mashed banana, spices, or natural sweeteners like maple syrup.
Refrigerate: Cover the jar and refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight.
Enjoy: In the morning, stir the oats and add your favorite fresh toppings before serving.

Water vs. Milk: A Comparison


Feature	Water-Based Oats	Milk-Based Oats	Winner (Based on Goal)
Texture	Lighter, thinner, less creamy.	Creamier, thicker, richer mouthfeel.	Milk (for creaminess), Water (for lightness)
Flavor	Pure, natural oat flavor; more of a blank canvas.	Richer flavor profile, notes of sweetness from milk.	Subjective
Nutrition	Lower in calories and fat. Potentially better iron absorption.	Higher in calories, fat, and protein due to the addition of milk.	Water (for low-calorie), Milk (for extra protein)
Dietary Suitability	Naturally vegan and dairy-free.	Suitable for those who consume dairy, but requires using plant-based milk for vegan diets.	Water (for dietary restrictions)
Preparation Cost	Very low cost.	Higher cost due to milk or milk alternatives.	Water

How to Enhance the Flavor of Water-Based Oats

To prevent your oatmeal from tasting bland, you can add a few simple ingredients to boost flavor and improve texture.

A Pinch of Salt: This is the most crucial step, as salt brings out the natural sweetness and nutty flavor of the oats.
Spices: Add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of vanilla extract during cooking.
Natural Sweeteners: Swirl in a drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or agave after cooking.
Mix-ins: Incorporate mashed banana, a spoonful of nut butter, or chia seeds for a creamier texture.
Toppings: Garnish with fresh or dried fruit, nuts, seeds, or a sprinkle of brown sugar.

Conclusion: A Healthy, Versatile Base

In conclusion, the answer to "Can you use water to make oats?" is a resounding yes. It is a time-tested, healthy, and versatile method for preparing a satisfying bowl of oatmeal. By using water, you get a lighter, lower-calorie meal that serves as a perfect canvas for creative flavor combinations. Whether you opt for the quick convenience of the microwave, the hands-on control of the stovetop, or the prep-ahead ease of overnight oats, preparing your oatmeal with water is an excellent choice. With a few simple tricks to enhance flavor and creaminess, you'll never feel like you're missing out by forgoing milk. For more expert tips and nutritional information, see this resource on Healthline(https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/oats).

Common Flavor Combinations for Water-Based Oats

Apple Cinnamon: Cook with a pinch of cinnamon, and top with diced apples and walnuts.
Peanut Butter Banana: Swirl in a tablespoon of peanut butter and top with sliced bananas.
Berry Burst: Mix in a handful of fresh or frozen berries and a dash of maple syrup after cooking.
Tropical: Stir in a tablespoon of coconut flakes and top with pineapple and mango chunks.
Savory Oatmeal: Use vegetable broth instead of water and top with a poached egg, chili crisp, and sliced green onions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, oatmeal made with water is a very healthy option, as it is lower in calories and fat than versions made with milk. It provides all the fiber, vitamins, and minerals of oats, with the added benefit of potentially better iron absorption.

The liquid-to-oats ratio depends on the type of oats you're using. For rolled oats, a good starting point is a 1:2 ratio of oats to water. For steel-cut oats, use a higher ratio, such as 1:3, and a longer cooking time.

Oats cooked in water can be naturally blander than those with milk. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of salt while cooking and incorporate flavorings like cinnamon, honey, maple syrup, or fresh fruit after cooking.

To achieve creaminess without milk, add a thickener like a spoonful of nut butter, chia seeds, or a small amount of blended banana. Adding a splash of milk or a plant-based milk substitute at the end of cooking also works.

Yes, instant oats are designed to be prepared by simply adding boiling water and stirring. Let them stand for a couple of minutes to absorb the water and thicken.

Yes, you can easily make overnight oats with water instead of milk, creating a low-calorie, dairy-free version. Simply mix oats, water, and any desired mix-ins in a jar and refrigerate overnight.

Cooking oats in water preserves most nutrients. Soaking oats, such as for overnight oats, may even enhance the availability of some minerals by reducing phytic acid. While cooking can reduce some heat-sensitive vitamins, the overall nutritional profile remains excellent.

Yes, raw oats can be soaked in water, like with overnight oats, making them perfectly safe to eat. However, the texture will be chewy and less creamy than cooked oats.