The "Empty Jar" Hack
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We’ve all been there. You reach into the pantry for your favourite jar of 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter, ready to slather it onto a piece of sourdough or swirl it into your morning bowl, only to realise you’ve hit the glass. There’s just a thin, stubborn layer of creamy almond goodness clinging to the sides and settled in the corners of the jar.
Before you even think about rinsing that jar out for the recycling bin—stop.
You are holding the secret ingredient to the best breakfast of your life. At 99th Monkey, we are obsessed with two things: minimal-ingredient nutrition and making sure not a single drop of our carbon-neutral, pipette-pressed almond butter goes to waste.
Enter: The Empty Jar Overnight Oats.
In this guide, we’re going to walk you through why the "jar method" is a game-changer for your morning routine, the nutritional science behind a balanced breakfast, and three decadent recipes that turn those leftover almond butter scraps into a gourmet meal.
The Magic of the "Near-Empty" Jar
Why is making oats in a nearly empty jar better than using a clean bowl? It’s all about the micro-layers.
When you stir your oats, chia seeds, and plant-based milk directly into the almond butter jar, the liquid hydrates the almond remains. As the oats soak overnight, they pull that concentrated nut butter off the glass, incorporating it into every single bite. You aren't just adding a dollop of almond butter on top; you are seasoning the entire jar from the inside out.
Beyond the flavour, there’s the sustainability factor. Being a Melbourne-based small business, we care deeply about our footprint. Reusing your glass jars even just once before recycling them reduces water waste and gives that jar a second life as a portable, leak-proof breakfast container.
The Anatomy of the Perfect Overnight Oat
Before we get to the recipes, let’s talk about the "99th Monkey Formula" for a breakfast that actually keeps you full until lunch. To avoid the mid-morning slump (we're looking at you, 4 PM slump—let's prevent it starting at 9 AM), your oats need three pillars:
1. Complex Carbohydrates (The Base)
We recommend rolled oats over quick oats. Rolled oats maintain their texture during the overnight soak, providing a satisfying chew and a slow release of energy.
2. Protein Power
Oats have some protein, but to hit that "satiety sweet spot," you need a boost. This is where the almond butter remains come in, providing healthy fats and plant-based protein. For an extra kick, many of our community members stir in a splash of our 99th Monkey Chocolate Protein Smoothie instead of regular almond milk.
3. Healthy Fats & Fibre
Chia seeds are the "glue" of overnight oats. They absorb ten times their weight in liquid, creating a pudding-like consistency while adding Omega-3 fatty acids and fiber to keep your digestion happy.
Recipe 1: The "OG" Almond & Berry Smash
Best for: Those who love the classic sweet-and-savoury combo.
Ingredients:
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Your near-empty jar of 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter
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Rolled oats
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Unsweetened almond milk
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1 tbsp chia seeds
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A handful of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries
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A squeeze of maple syrup (optional)
Method:
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Add the oats, chia seeds, and milk directly into the almond butter jar.
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Screw the lid on tight and shake like you’re making a martini. This ensures the oats get into the "corners" where the almond butter hides.
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Open the lid, fold in your berries, and refrigerate overnight.
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In the morning, you’ll find the almond butter has created a creamy swirl throughout the oats.
Recipe 2: The Double Chocolate Protein Punch
Best for: The gym-goers and the chocolate lovers.
If you’re heading to Pilates or the gym, you need more than just carbs. This recipe utilises our Ready-to-Drink Chocolate Protein Smoothie as the liquid base.
Ingredients:
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Your near-empty jar of 99th Monkey Almond Butter
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Rolled oats
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99th Monkey Chocolate Protein Smoothie
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1 tsp cacao nibs for crunch
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1/2 sliced banana
Method:
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Pour the Chocolate Protein Smoothie over the oats in the jar. Since our smoothies already contain 20g of protein and less than 1% sugar, you don't need to add any extra protein powder or sweeteners.
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Give it a vigorous stir, scraping the sides of the jar with your spoon to loosen the almond butter.
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Top with cacao nibs and banana.
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Let it soak for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
Recipe 3: The "Espresso Wake-Up" Oats
Best for: The person who hits the snooze button too many times.
Ingredients:
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Your near-empty jar of 99th Monkey Almond Butter
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Rolled oats
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99th Monkey Coffee Protein Smoothie
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Yogurt of choice
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A pinch of cinnamon
Method:
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Mix the Coffee Protein Smoothie and yogurt together in the jar with the oats.
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The coffee notes from the smoothie pair perfectly with the nuttiness of the roasted almonds left in the jar.
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Sprinkle with cinnamon and let it set. This is essentially a "Tiramisu" breakfast that actually fuels your body.
Pro-Tips for Jar Success
1. The "Shake" vs. The "Stir"
If your almond butter is particularly stubborn at the bottom, add your milk first, microwave the jar for 15 seconds (without the lid), and stir to create an "almond milk" base. Then add your dry ingredients.
2. Texture Control
If you like your oats thick, use a 1:1 ratio of oats to liquid. If you prefer them more fluid, go for 1:1.5. Remember, chia seeds soak up a lot of liquid, so don't be afraid to be generous with your smoothie or milk.
3. Don't Forget the Salt
A tiny pinch of sea salt in your overnight oats brings out the roasted flavour of the 99th Monkey almonds. It sounds counterintuitive for a "sweet" breakfast, but it's the secret to that professional, cafe-style taste.
Why 99th Monkey?
You might be wondering: Can’t I do this with any nut butter?
Well, you could—but it won't taste the same. Most commercial almond butters are filled with palm oil, emulsifiers, and refined sugars. When those hydrate overnight, they can become oily or overly cloying.
Because 99th Monkey is made right here in Melbourne using only the simplest, cleanest ingredients, the residue in your jar is 100% pure almond goodness. No additives, no "junk," and no hidden sugars. Just the healthy fats and protein your body needs to thrive.
Plus, our jars are the perfect size for a single-serve breakfast. They fit perfectly in a car cup holder or a work bag, making them the ultimate solution for the "busy morning" dilemma.
Conclusion: Join the #EmptyJarClub
Next time you finish a jar of 99th Monkey, don't look at it as an end - look at it as the beginning of a better morning. Whether you’re fuelling up for a day at the office or looking for a post-pilates snack, the empty jar method is the smartest, tastiest way to enjoy every last bit of your favourite almond butter.
Ready to restock? If your pantry is looking a little bare, head over to our online store to grab our Smooth Almond Butter or find us in the spreads aisle of select Coles stores across Australia.
Don't forget to snap a photo of your jar creations and tag us @99th_monkey—we love seeing how you "fuel your hustle."