Yogurt Parfaits in a Mason Jar Are Perfect for Breakfasts on the Go

By
Jaymi Heimbuch
Jaymi Heimbuch
Writer
  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Jaymi Heimbuch is a writer and photographer specializing in wildlife conservation, technology, and food. She is the author of "The Ethiopian Wolf: Hope at the Edge of Extinction."
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Updated April 26, 2022
A jar filled with layers of granola, yogurt, and berries

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In my house, not everyone gets to sit and savor a healthy breakfast at the dining table. In fact, none of us do. A healthy breakfast that can be easily taken to work is sometimes a challenge. So now one of my favorite things to make on Sunday afternoons is a batch of breakfast parfaits in jars. I use mason jars and canning jars, and fill them with layered fruit and yogurt. Then during the week, we can just grab a jar from the fridge, and a small container of nuts or granola. Presto! A pre-made, convenient, yet very healthy breakfast.

This is an especially ideal option when summer fruits and berries are tumbling off of tree and vine. But during the autumn and winter months, dried or frozen fruits and berries work perfectly as well. Plus, these are a great opportunity to try out whatever goodies are in season as the months roll by. Our local market is usually packed with an incredible array of fruits, so we can have a different parfait every day of the week.

Fruits and berries for parfaits

I make up a batch of granola on the weekend, which will last all week. This is a great crunchy topping that has grains, nuts and seeds to add to the nutritional value of the yogurt and fruits. In all, you have a complete meal that will keep you full for hours.

Granola

All you need is a selection of your favorite fruits, some plain Greek yogurt (the thicker yogurts work best), and a topping of your choice. Layer the fruit and yogurt in the jars—we usually put fruit on the bottom and yogurt on top, but you can create as many layers as you'd like in whatever order you want. Store them in the fridge and when ready to eat, just add your favorite crunchy topping and there you have it. It's breakfast on the go that doesn't feel like breakfast on the go.

7 of My Favorite Breakfast Parfait Combinations

  • Strawberries and pistachios
  • Blueberries and walnuts
  • Meyer lemon curd or lemon preserves with almonds
  • Blackberries and raspberries with homemade granola
  • Peaches and Cheerios
  • Apricots, cherries and cashews
  • Dates and pecans
Yogurt parfaits in masion jars with fruits and berries