The Worst Trader Joe's Snack Is An Overnight Disaster

When you want a quick, satiating snack that excites the taste buds, you can't go wrong with overnight oats ... usually. What should be a cup of sweet and creamy softened oats can sometimes be a soggy mess lacking in the flavor department. When we ranked Trader Joe's snacks from worst to best, we found that TJ's apple overnight oats didn't meet the mark of a quality, on-the-go bite.

The taste of apple was there in Trader Joe's product, but that was about as much flavor as this snack had to offer. The consistency was more spongey than it should be, almost like a mash, and there was an odd, surprisingly dry texture that was less than appealing. Trader Joe's never uses artificial ingredients in its products, but the manufacturers should perhaps give whichever natural elements were used to assemble this recipe a second glance. While $1.99 for a cup isn't incredibly expensive, we noted that you can make a more substantial and flavorful batch of overnight oats at home for less.

Making your own overnight oats is about as simple as culinary ventures get. Starting with the base of the snack, rolled oats should be your go-to grain. Other varieties, like instant or steel-cut oats, won't provide the perfect texture. Combine the grains and a corresponding amount of milk – whichever type you prefer – and mix in your favorite yogurt. To keep the texture soft but not mushy, use just half as much yogurt as milk.

Add natural sweetness by including honey or brown sugar syrup, which you can complement that with cinnamon for a boost of flavor. If you want your overnight oats to have a thicker texture, chia seeds will soak up some of the liquid and add textural contrast. Although this is generally a sweeter snack, don't forget to add a touch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Once you have incorporated all your goodies, stir well and let the mixture sit overnight in the fridge. It will last there for four days, so portion it into individual containers — we recommend these Overnight Oats Containers with Lids — for grab-and-go snacks you can enjoy most of the week. Toppings like toasted nuts, fresh berries, or a chocolate drizzle can be added when you are ready to eat for additional texture and flavor. With some creativity, you can make your overnight oats snack much more satisfying than Trader Joe's lackluster product.