The Golden Trio: How to Perfect Your Morning Oats
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There is a reason why "oats" have remained the undisputed heavyweight champion of the breakfast world for centuries. They are humble, versatile, and provide the kind of slow-release energy that can power you through a marathon, a back-to-back meeting schedule, or a heavy lifting session.
But let’s be honest: unadorned oats can be… well, a little boring. We’ve all had those bowls that feel more like a chore than a choice—bland, gluey, and lacking that "wow" factor.
At 99th Monkey, we believe that breakfast should be the most anticipated part of your day. It’s the ritual that sets the tone for your entire evolution. That’s why we’ve spent years perfecting the art of the bowl. We’ve narrowed it down to three specific toppings that, when combined, create a symphony of flavour and texture that is truly drool-worthy.
If you want to transform your breakfast from "standard" to "spectacular," you only need three things: 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter, sliced banana, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
The Science of the Perfect Bowl
Before we get into the toppings, we have to talk about the foundation. To achieve "creamy oat perfection," the cooking method matters. Whether you prefer rolled oats or quick oats, the secret is the liquid-to-oat ratio and the "salt pinch."
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The Ratio: Use a 2:1 ratio of liquid to oats. For the ultimate creaminess, we recommend a mix of water and a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk).
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The Salt: A tiny pinch of sea salt in the boiling liquid doesn’t make the oats salty; it "unlocks" the nutty flavour of the grain and prepares your palate for the sweetness of the toppings.
Once you have your creamy base, it’s time to bring in the 99th Monkey Golden Trio.
1. The Hero: 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter
The first, and most important, step to perfecting your oats is a generous swirl of 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter.
Unlike other nut butters that can be gritty or overpowered by added oils and sugars, our almond butter is made from 100% roasted almonds. It is silky, rich, and possesses a deep, toasted aroma that permeates the warm oats.
Why it’s essential:
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The Texture: As the almond butter hits the hot oats, it begins to melt, creating "pools" of liquid gold. This adds a velvety mouthfeel that mimics the richness of cream without the heaviness.
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Satiety: Almonds are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and plant-based protein. Adding a tablespoon (or two!) to your oats lowers the glycemic index of the meal. This means you won’t get that mid-morning sugar crash; instead, you get steady, sustained fuel.
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The Flavour: Almonds have a natural, subtle sweetness that complements the grain of the oats perfectly. It’s sophisticated, nutty, and incredibly satisfying.
2. The Freshness: Sliced Banana
Next comes the banana. While some people like to mash the banana into the oats while cooking, we are firm believers in the freshly sliced method for the perfect bowl.
Why it’s essential:
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The Temperature Contrast: There is something magical about the contrast between the piping hot oats and the cool, fresh slices of banana.
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Natural Sweetness: As the banana slices sit on top of the warm oats, the natural sugars begin to slightly caramelise on the bottom of each slice. It provides a clean, fruity sweetness that means you don't need to add refined sugars or syrups.
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Potassium Boost: For the active "monkeys" in our community, the potassium in the banana is vital for muscle function and hydration—making this the ultimate post-run breakfast.
3. The Finisher: Sprinkled Cinnamon
The final touch—the "motif" of the perfect breakfast—is a generous dusting of ground cinnamon.
Why it’s essential:
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The Aromatic Experience: We eat with our noses before our mouths. The scent of warm cinnamon combined with roasted almond butter is enough to get anyone out of bed.
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Blood Sugar Support: Cinnamon isn't just a spice; it’s a functional powerhouse. It has been shown to help with insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation, making your breakfast even "smarter."
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That "Baked Good" Vibe: The combination of almond, banana, and cinnamon mimics the flavour profile of a fresh loaf of banana bread. It turns a healthy bowl of porridge into a decadent-tasting treat.
The Ritual: Putting it All Together
To create the drool-worthy experience, assembly is key.
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Pour your creamy oats into a wide, shallow bowl (this gives you more surface area for toppings!).
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Layer your sliced banana in a fan shape across one side.
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Drizzle (or dollop) your 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter right down the centre.
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Dust the entire bowl with cinnamon from a height to ensure even coverage.
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The Secret Step: Don't stir it all in immediately. Take a spoonful that includes a bit of the melted almond butter, a slice of banana, and the cinnamon-dusted oats.
Why This Combo is an "Evolution" in Nutrition
At 99th Monkey, we talk a lot about Fuelling Your Evolution. This doesn't mean eating complicated, expensive "superfoods." It means choosing the highest quality versions of simple ingredients.
By choosing our almond butter, you are choosing a product that is:
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Palm Oil Free: Better for you, and better for the planet (and the monkeys!).
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No Added Sugar: We let the quality of the Australian almonds speak for themselves.
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High in Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that supports skin health and immune function.
When you pair these healthy fats with the fibre in the oats and the vitamins in the banana, you are eating a "complete" meal. You’re ticking off your macros and micros before 9:00 AM, all while feeling like you’re eating dessert.
Tips for Taking Your Oats Even Further
While the Golden Trio is perfect as is, here are a few "pro-level" tweaks for when you’re feeling extra:
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The "Salted" Twist: Sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt directly onto the almond butter. It makes the nuttiness explode.
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The Crunch Factor: Add a tablespoon of hemp seeds or cacao nibs for a bit of texture.
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The "Pro" Oats: Stir in a scoop of vanilla plant protein to the oats while cooking for an extra muscle-building boost. It pairs beautifully with the almond and banana flavours.
Final Thoughts
The start of the day is a sacred time. It’s when you decide how you’re going to show up for yourself and the world. Choosing a breakfast that is as nourishing as it is delicious is an act of self-care.
We’ve seen a lot of breakfast trends come and go—from "cloud eggs" to "pro-ffee"—but the combination of creamy oats, 99th Monkey Smooth Almond Butter, banana, and cinnamon is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it’s truly drool-worthy.
So, tomorrow morning, skip the "grab-and-go" processed bar. Take five minutes. Boil the kettle. Slice the banana. And most importantly, get that jar of 99th Monkey ready.
Your evolution starts at breakfast.
Ready to perfect your bowl? You can find our Smooth Almond Butter at Coles, local health food stores, or right here in our online shop.
Show us your oats! There’s nothing we love more than a "bowl-fie." Tag us in your morning ritual on Instagram @99th_monkey and show us how you’ve perfected your oats. Let’s spread the nut butter love! 🐒🥣✨