Don't Scrap It, Jar It! The Genius Hack for Your Last Licks of 99th Monkey Nut Butter

Let's be honest, we've all been there. You reach for your beloved jar of 99th Monkey Almond Butter – or Cashew, or Peanut, or Macadamia – and you’re met with that familiar, slightly disheartening sight: a scant layer clinging to the bottom, just out of reach of your spoon. You could scrape it out with a tiny spatula, or resign it to the 'too hard basket' (and eventually the bin). But what if we told you that the end of your nut butter jar isn't a problem to be solved, but an opportunity to be seized? An opportunity for breakfast perfection, in fact!

At 99th Monkey, we're passionate about making delicious, healthy food accessible and enjoyable, and that includes making the most of every last bit of our premium nut butters. That’s why we’re incredibly excited to share one of our absolute favourite life hacks: using the last remnants of your nut butter jar to make the most incredibly convenient, customisable, and delicious overnight oats.

This isn't just about reducing waste (though that's a fantastic bonus!). This is about transforming those last spoonfuls into a perfectly portioned, flavour-packed breakfast that's ready to grab and go, making your busy mornings in Melbourne that much smoother.

The Genius Concept: Overnight Oats in a Nut Butter Jar

The premise is brilliantly simple. Instead of trying to extract those stubborn last bits of almond butter, you bring the breakfast to the jar.

Here’s the magic:

1. Add your oats directly into the almost-empty nut butter jar.

2. Pour in your milk of choice, along with any other desired ingredients like yoghurt or chia seeds.

3. Stir everything vigorously, allowing the liquid to loosen and incorporate those clinging bits of nut butter.

4. Seal the jar with its original lid.

5. Pop it in the fridge overnight.

And just like that, you wake up to a ready-made breakfast, infused with the rich, nutty goodness of 99th Monkey nut butter, perfectly contained and ready for your day.

Why This Hack is a Game-Changer for Busy Mornings

Let's count the ways this simple trick revolutionises your breakfast routine:

• Ultimate Convenience: This is hands down one of the easiest breakfast preps you can do. A few minutes in the evening, and your morning is sorted. No cooking, no mess, just grab and eat. Perfect for those pre-dawn gym sessions or when you're rushing to catch the train from Flinders Street.

• The Built-In Container & Lid: This is perhaps the most underrated aspect. Your nut butter jar already is the perfect container! It's sturdy, reusable, and comes with its own secure lid. This means:

  • No Plastic Wrap Needed: Say goodbye to wrestling with cling film or searching for a matching lid. The jar's own lid fits snugly, keeping your oats fresh and secure.

  • Easily Transportable: This isn't just a home breakfast. The robust jar makes it ideal for taking your breakfast on the go. Slip it into your backpack for the commute, stash it in your office fridge, or enjoy it on a park bench during your lunch break. It's leak-proof and ready for adventure.

• Zero Waste Hero: Not only are you using up every last morsel of that precious nut butter, but you're also giving the jar a fantastic second life before it hits the recycling bin (or gets properly washed and reused for something else!). It's a small step towards a more sustainable kitchen.

• Flavour Infusion from the Source: This isn't just about adding a spoonful of nut butter to your oats; it's about infusing the oats with every last nuance of flavour that was clinging to the jar. The oats absorb all that delicious nut butter essence as they soak, resulting in a deeper, more satisfying taste.

The Nutritional Powerhouse: Why 99th Monkey Nut Butter is Your Oats' Best Friend

Beyond the incredible convenience and flavour, adding 99th Monkey nut butter (even just the remnants!) to your overnight oats supercharges their nutritional profile.

Our nut butters are crafted from single ingredients – just 100% nuts, lightly roasted and stone-ground to perfection. This means you're getting pure, unadulterated goodness:

• Healthy Fats for Lasting Energy: Our almond butter, for instance, is packed with healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These are the "good fats" that your body needs for energy, brain function, and nutrient absorption. Unlike simple sugars, healthy fats provide a slow and sustained release of energy, preventing those dreaded mid-morning slumps. This means you'll feel satisfied and energised right through until lunchtime.

• Plant-Based Protein for Satiety: Almonds are a fantastic source of plant-based protein. Protein is crucial for muscle repair and growth, and importantly for breakfast, it significantly contributes to satiety. The protein content in your nut butter infused oats will help keep hunger pangs at bay, reducing the likelihood of reaching for less healthy snacks later in the morning.

• Fibre for Digestive Health: Both oats and our nut butters are rich in dietary fibre. Fibre is essential for a healthy digestive system, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and promoting a feeling of fullness. This dynamic duo works together to create a breakfast that supports your gut health and keeps you feeling comfortably full.

• Vitamins and Minerals Galore: Depending on the nut butter you choose, you'll be adding a host of essential vitamins and minerals to your oats. Almond butter, for example, is a great source of Vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant), magnesium (important for muscle and nerve function), and manganese. You're not just eating, you're nourishing!

When combined with oats (a complex carbohydrate), milk, and optional chia seeds (another fibre and omega-3 powerhouse), the result is a balanced, nutrient-dense breakfast that truly sets you up for success.

Customisation is Key: Make It Your Own!

One of the greatest joys of overnight oats in a jar is the endless potential for customisation. Those last bits of almond butter provide a fantastic base, but you can elevate your breakfast with whatever flavours and textures you're craving.

Consider these additions:

• Fresh Fruit: Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) are always a winner, adding natural sweetness and antioxidants. Sliced banana (a classic pairing with almond butter!), apple, or pear also work beautifully.

• Dried Fruit: A sprinkle of raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates can add bursts of sweetness and chewiness.

• Seeds: Beyond chia seeds (which help thicken the oats), try a sprinkle of flax seeds for extra omega-3s, hemp seeds for more protein, or pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch.

• Spices: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of cardamom can transform the flavour profile.

• Sweeteners (if desired): While the nut butter and optional fruit add sweetness, if you prefer a little more, a drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or a pinch of stevia can be added.

• Yoghurt: A spoonful of Greek yoghurt or your favourite plant-based yoghurt adds creaminess and an extra protein boost.

The beauty is, you can adapt your jar-oats to suit your mood, the season, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Feeling like a "Berry Almond Burst" one day? Add mixed berries. Craving something comforting? Try banana and a pinch of cinnamon. The nut butter remnants provide a delicious, consistent base no matter what you add.

How to Make Your 99th Monkey Nut Butter Jar Overnight Oats

You're convinced, right? Here's the simple step-by-step guide to turning that almost-empty jar into your next delicious breakfast:

What you'll need:

• An almost empty 99th Monkey Nut Butter jar (with at least a tablespoon or two of nut butter clinging to the sides/bottom)

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (quick oats can also work, but rolled oats give a better texture for overnight soaking)

• 3/4 - 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, soy, oat – whatever you prefer!)

• 1-2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional, but highly recommended for thickening and nutrients)

• 1/4 cup yoghurt (optional, for creaminess)

• Any desired mix-ins (fruit, spices, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Gather Your Jar: Grab your 99th Monkey nut butter jar. Don't worry about scraping it clean – the more remnants, the more flavour!

2. Add Oats & Chia: Pour the 1/2 cup of rolled oats directly into the nut butter jar. If using, add the chia seeds now.

3. Pour in Liquids: Add your milk of choice and, if desired, the yoghurt.

4. Add Customisations: Now's the time for your fruit, spices, or any other mix-ins you love. If adding fresh fruit, you can either add it now or wait until the morning for a fresher bite.

5. Stir Vigorously: This is the key step! Use a long spoon or a chopstick to stir everything together really well. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the jar to incorporate all those clinging bits of nut butter into the liquid. You'll see the nut butter start to emulsify into the milk, giving it a beautiful, creamy consistency.

6. Seal and Chill: Securely fasten the lid back onto the jar. Give it a good shake to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed. Place the sealed jar into your fridge overnight (or for at least 4-6 hours).

7. Enjoy! In the morning, open your jar, give it a quick stir, add any fresh toppings you like, and enjoy your perfectly prepared, delicious, and nutrient-packed breakfast straight from the jar!

So, next time you think your 99th Monkey nut butter jar is empty, think again. You're holding the key to a more convenient, delicious, and sustainable breakfast solution. Don't scrap it, jar it!