Mason jars are God’s gift to college students. Like the chic older sister of Tupperware, they automatically make whatever you’re eating Pinterest-worthy. A healthy and nutritious breakfast is probably the last thing on your mind after hitting the snooze button a few too many times, so these make-ahead Mason jar breakfasts have got you covered.
Pro tip: that water bottle holder on your backpack? Mason jars fit perfectly in there. Cute and functional means +1 for Mason jars.
1. Overnight oats
Photo by Jackie Falkenberg
Overnight oats are idiot-proof. Throw some oats, milk and whatever fruit you have lying around into a jar an put it in your fridge. You’ll be greeted by luscious, creamy oatmeal when you wake up in the morning.
In less time than it takes to put a Pop-Tart in the toaster, you can have tomorrow morning’s breakfast prepped and ready to go. Half a mashed banana plus a healthy dollop of peanut butter makes for a stellar combo, as well as some frozen berries plus a sprinkle of cinnamon. The world is your oyster, my friend.
2. A fruit and veggie smoothie
Photo by Abby Farley
Store-bought smoothies are great and all, but dropping $5 on one every morning makes for a pricey habit. Making a smoothie is stupidly easy. Two handfuls of frozen fruit, one handful of greens and a splash of juice or milk is all it takes for a cool drink that you have complete control over.
Putting it together while you’re heating up dinner the night before takes no time at all, and it’s more than worth it when you have a refreshing smoothie waiting for you first thing in the morning.
3. A Greek yogurt parfait
Photo by Anna Loh
Greek yogurt might just be the perfect food. Chock-full of protein and calcium, it keeps your stomach full for hours as you labor through 8 am Chem lab.
Plain Greek yogurt can have a bit of an acquired taste, but it’s easy to sweeten by adding some jam or fresh fruit. Making a parfait the night before means the fruit has time to infuse into the yogurt, and a healthy sprinkling of nuts or granola makes the parfait extra crunchy in the morning.
4. Chia seed pudding
Photo by Yonatan Soler
Don’t knock it until you try it—this pudding tastes way too luxurious to be good for you. While it takes a little longer than the others (it needs about 24 hours in the fridge), it’s perfect for making early in the week as a treat for later. This mango-coconut flavor combo is exotic enough to make you forget it’s still freezing outside, which is certainly a win in any book.
5. Cold-brewed coffee
Photo by Katherine Baker
If you don’t talk to people until you’ve had your morning coffee, then listen up: making your own iced coffee at home could not be simpler. Make this master batch on the weekend and then pour it into individual Mason jars each morning.
It’s a great way to make sure that you’ll never face a day without your trusty cup of Joe. The lid on the jar makes this a chic and portable way to take your coffee with you wherever you go.
Start your day off right: