Easy Instant Oatmeal Packets (With Rolled Oats)
Updated on February 18, 2026
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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
If you’re looking to save money on breakfast without sacrificing quality, homemade instant oatmeal packets may be for you! Here’s how you can make them from rolled oats.
Since I use the Capsule Pantry method, my goal is always to simplify my pantry by making each ingredient more versatile instead of buying multiple similar products. We use lots of oats with homemade granola and energy balls, but we were still buying pre-made oatmeal packets on occasion for easy breakfasts. That’s how I discovered this easy way of making homemade instant oatmeal packets with rolled oats. Now we can enjoy the same ease at a fraction of the price! I hope you love this recipe as much as we do!
Table of Contents
What’s the Difference Between Rolled Oats and Quick Oats?
Quick oats have been pre-steamed longer and rolled thinner than Old-Fashioned rolled oats. This allows them to absorb water and cook faster. Nutritionally, there is no difference.
Can You Use Rolled Oats To Make Instant Oatmeal Packets?
Yes, you can make homemade instant oatmeal packets from old-fashioned rolled oats. You’ll need to blitz them in a food processor or blender to chop them up a bit to create that classic creamy texture from pre-made instant oatmeal packs.
Is It Cheaper To Make Your Own Oatmeal Packets?
Yes, it can be cheaper to make your own oatmeal packets depending on which brand and volume of oats you buy. Walmart sells a 10-pack of original flavored oatmeal packets from Quaker for $0.29/ounce, while their tub of oats is only $0.17/ounce. For an even lower price, consider buying generic brand oats or even buying in bulk.
Ingredients
- Rolled Oats– for texture and bulk
- Salt– for flavor
- Optional Additions: the possibilities are endless! Add brown sugar and cinnamon, raisins and cinnamon, craisins and almond slivers, etc., to create your favorite flavor.
How To Make Instant Oatmeal Packets
Time needed: 10 minutes
- Blitz Oats
Blitz 2 cups oats using a food processor or blender. I have a Magic Bullet and do this in 1 cup increments. Blitz for 2-3 seconds, then shake and blitz again. This ensures most of the oats get cut instead of untouched oats on top of oat flour.
- Mix
In a bowl, mix 1/4 tsp salt into oats.
- Portion
Pour the oatmeal into a snack-size Ziplock bag in 1/2 cup portions. You should end with 4 bags.
Instant Oatmeal Packets (With Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats)
Equipment
- 1 food processor or blender
- 1 Bowl
- 4 snack-size baggies
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Blitz the oats in a food processor, or blender very quickly until most of the oats are cut, but only 1/2 of the oats have turned to flour
- In a bowl, mix the salt into the oats until combined
- Add additional mix-ins as desired and stir until combined.
- Portion out the oatmeal into air tight Ziplock bags with a 1/2 cup in each.
Notes
Why You’ll Love DIY Instant Oatmeal Packets
- Make breakfast faster-When you’re on the go, these are a great hot breakfast option without having to cook a full meal
- Easy to Use– Just add water! These packets are so easy to use that your kids can make oatmeal themselves.
- Money Savings– These cost a fraction of the price of Quaker Oats store-bought packets
- Easy to Customize– This is a great base recipe with so many ways to make it unique to your flavor preferences!
- Healthy– Oats are a great source of fiber. By making them yourself, you control the amount and variety of sugar and sweeteners added.
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