The Super Smart Oatmeal Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

Justine Lee

11 February 2025 at 6:45 pm·3-min read

There are countless ways to make oatmeal, from overnight to stovetop to instant packets. Though they have their differences, one thing all of these oats have in common is that once served in bowls, they're placed alongside a cup of caffeine, which for me, is usually a cup of tea. One of one my laziest mornings, I couldn't be bothered to even make two things. And that's when I had a light bulb idea.

It starts as most of my days do, with making a cup of tea, but it ends with dumping the oats into the tea. Only when I thought of joining my favorite breakfast with my favorite soothing beverage did I realize the magic of oatmeal cooked in tea or tea-infused milk instead of water of milk.

Why Cook Oatmeal in Tea

When you cook oatmeal in tea, you don't need to worry about flavoring your oatmeal because they're already flavored with whatever tea you choose. English breakfast tea will add body and depth. Chai tea will add spice. Earl Grey tea will add citrusy floral notes. You don't need to worry about adding tons of sweetness, because the tea-infused liquid already lightly sweetens the oats, especially if your base is milk.

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How to Make Tea-Infused Oatmeal

Tea-infused oats couldn't be more customizable. Some cooks, like cookbook author Lukas Volger, call for the overnight oats preparation. According to food writer Mehreen Karim, even a packet of oatmeal cooked in the microwave can be leveled up with the simple addition of a tea bag in the bowl.

However you do it, the strategy is simple: infuse your cooking liquid (water or milk - cow or non-dairy) with a tea bag, fish out the tea bag, stir in the oats, cook or soak and well, you're basically done. Taste your oatmeal. As mentioned, the sweet aroma of tea often hits the spot for me. But who am I to argue with more sweetness? If you need a little more sugar, I would add a spoonful of maple syrup or a drizzle of honey. Otherwise, top your oatmeal with fresh berries, nuts, seeds and a dash of cinnamon.

My Honest Thoughts about Tea-Infused Oatmeal

I grew up drinking tea like it was water and I love to learn about different teas from around the world. I love oatmeal and I will wax poetic about the breakfast dish to anyone who listens. So naturally, I had found tea-infused oatmeal to be absolutely delicious. On a typical morning I will use English breakfast tea to make this oatmeal because it's the variety I have most on hand. Tea-infused oatmeal is fragrant, tasty and puts the perfect pep in my step to survive and thrive throughout my busy days. If you can plop a teabag into a mug of water, then you can make this oatmeal. It's really that simple.

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