40 grams of oatmeal: how much milk do you need?
Oatmeal is a popular and healthy breakfast that you can prepare in various ways. Whether you want to prepare it quickly in the microwave, let it simmer in a pan, or make overnight oats for the next morning: it all starts with the right ratio of oatmeal to milk . In this article we answer the question: how much milk do you use for 40 grams of oatmeal? And we give you a clear step-by-step plan for each preparation method.
How much milk for 40 grams of oatmeal?
The standard ratio for oatmeal porridge is: 1 part oatmeal to 2 to 2.5 parts liquid .
For 40 grams of oatmeal (about 4 tablespoons or 1 bag of instant oatmeal ) you need:
- 80 ml to 100 ml milk (depending on how creamy you want it)
You can use regular milk for this, or a plant-based alternative such as almond milk, oat milk or soy milk. A mixture with water is also possible.
Method 1: Oatmeal in the microwave
Quick, easy and ideal for busy mornings.
Ingredients:
- 40 g / 1 bag of oatmeal
- 100 ml milk or vegetable milk
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
- Toppings: fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, honey or peanut butter
Preparation:
- Place the oats and milk in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir briefly so that everything is well distributed.
- Microwave for 1 to 1.5 minutes at 800 watts.
- Stir well. Is it still too liquid? Then put it for another 30 seconds.
- Let it rest for a minute so it can thicken.
- Finish with your favorite toppings.
Tip: Use a large bowl, as oats can rise while heating!
Also read here about 'oatmeal in the microwave'.
Method 2: Cook oatmeal in a saucepan
For those who love a warm breakfast with a creamy texture.
Ingredients:
- 40 g / 1 bag of oatmeal
- 100-120 ml milk
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Toppings of your choice
Preparation:
- Place the milk and oatmeal in a saucepan.
- Place over medium heat and slowly bring to a boil.
- Stir regularly to prevent sticking.
- Simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, until desired thickness is reached.
- Remove from heat and let rest. It will thicken a bit.
- Add toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, or a spoonful of peanut butter .
Tip: add half a sliced banana while cooking – this gives a natural sweet flavour and makes your porridge extra creamy.
Method 3: Overnight oats (oatmeal without cooking)
Ideal for meal preppers or those who don't have time to cook in the morning.
Ingredients:
- 40 g / 1 bag of oatmeal
- 120 ml (vegetable) milk
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or boost mix (optional but recommended!)
- 60g (Greek) yoghurt
- Flavorings of your choice: grated apple, red fruit, cinnamon, cocoa, nut paste, ...
Preparation:
- Mix all ingredients, except the fruit, in a sealable jar or bowl.
- Place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- In the morning, stir well. Add toppings to taste.
Overnight oats are delicious cold, but you can also warm them up briefly in the microwave.
👉 Check out our favorite overnight oats recipes in this article: How to make overnight oats? The perfect recipe for a healthy breakfast .
Which milk do you use best?
| Type of milk | Taste & texture | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Cow's milk | Creamy, slightly sweet | Contains proteins & calcium |
| Oat milk | Lightly sweet, soft | Easily digestible, sustainable |
| Almond milk | Slightly nutty, thinner | Low in calories, neutral taste |
| Soy milk | Creamy, neutral | High protein, plant-based alternative |
| Coconut milk (light) | Creamy and tropical | Ideal with mango, pineapple or chocolate |
How do you measure 40 grams of oatmeal without a scale?
Don't have a kitchen scale? No problem.
- 40 grams of oatmeal corresponds to approximately 4 tablespoons .
- Or opt for an individual portion bag, such as our instant oatmeal bags .
Additional variations to enjoy
- Apple pie oatmeal: choose our apple variety and add apple pieces, cinnamon and raisins.
- Tropical Oatmeal: Use regular oats and make with light coconut milk; add pineapple, mango and chia seeds.
- Choco-banana: choose the choco-banana flavour and finish with slices of fresh banana and dark chocolate.
- Protein-rich oatmeal: Go for the vanilla collagen oatmeal and top with blueberries and a tablespoon of peanut butter .
Common mistakes when preparing oatmeal
- Using too little liquid will make your porridge too thick or even sticky.
- No rest time after cooking: oatmeal will continue to thicken – always let it stand for a while.
- Boiling over in the microwave: use a large bowl and pay attention to the wattage.
- Not adding enough seasonings: Without toppings, oatmeal can be bland.
Conclusion: 40 grams of oatmeal? Use 100-120 ml of milk
The ratio of 40 grams of oatmeal to 100-120 ml of milk is an ideal starting point for a creamy, nutritious breakfast. Whether you opt for a quick microwave version, a warm porridge in the pan or a fresh overnight oats: with the right base and a bit of creativity you can always make something delicious out of it.
🎯 Want to make it easy for yourself? Discover our ready-made breakfast portions !
