These protein overnight oats are creamy, thick, and healthy! These oats are quick and easy to make and perfect for breakfast or snacks. Each jar of overnight oats takes just 5 minutes to prep and contains over 20 grams of protein!

Jar of protein overnight oats with blueberries and peanut butter

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • These protein overnight oats with vanilla protein powder are a healthy breakfast or snack.
  • This recipe is made with only a few pantry staples.
  • Great for breakfast, a hearty snack or even healthy dessert.
  • There are over 20 grams of protein in each jar of overnight oats.
  • These oats last for 3 days in the fridge. Perfect for meal prep!
  • Add in your favorite mix ins and flavors.
  • Consider adding in peanut butter, chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
  • This recipe is gluten free, dairy free, and easily made Vegan and nut free.
  • Check out these Overnight Oats with Frozen Fruit for another great idea.
  • If you prefer a warm version, this Chocolate Baked Oatmeal is incredible.

Ingredients & Substitutions

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for high protein overnight oats. Scroll below to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.

Use old fashioned oats instead of instant oats. They soak up more liquid and become soft. Use gluten free oats for gluten free. Do not use quick oats.

Any type of milk works. For dairy free, use dairy free milk. For nut free, use cow’s milk, oat milk or coconut milk.

Chia seeds add a nutritional boost and soak up the milk. They are heart healthy, full of fiber and omega 3s. They can be omitted if needed, but the oats might not be quite as thick.

A little cinnamon adds a touch of flavor. Feel free to replace with a pinch of nutmeg.

Pure maple syrup sweetens these protein overnight oats. Honey or date syrup can be used in its place.

Any type of protein powder works. Use a plant based protein to make vegan overnight oats. Otherwise, feel free to use whey protein or collagen powder. Use vanilla or chocolate.

Feel free to add your favorite toppings!

Ingredients for oatmeal

Taste & Texture

This vanilla protein powder overnight oats recipe tastes like oatmeal and whatever toppings you add. It is not overly sweet. For sweeter, add in some chocolate chips or use flavored protein powder.

The texture is thick and creamy! The longer they refrigerate, the thicker they become. The oats become soft when soaked overnight.

How to Make

Step 1

First, add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.

Oatmeal and chia seeds in bowl
Creamy oat mixture in bowl

Step 2

Divide mixture into 3 glass jars with lids. Then, secure lids.

Oatmeal in glass jars
Glass jars with lids

Step 3

Refrigerate jars for at least 4 hours, up to 72 hours.

Step 4

When ready to eat, remove lid and add desired toppings.

Jars of oatmeal with peanut butter and blueberries

Expert Tips & Tricks

Use old fashioned rolled oats for best results. Instant oats are more rough and do not soak up the liquid as much. Do not use steel cut oats.

If needed, use certified gluten free oats.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. The longer it chills, the more creamy and soft the oats will become. These are great for meal prep and planning ahead!

Add toppings! This recipe is a great starting point for all the toppings. Stir in some nut butter, chocolate chips or nuts.

This recipe is also great topped with fruit or yogurt.

If protein overnight oats are too thick, feel free to add a splash more milk until desired consistency is reached.

For a baked version, make these Baked Oats Without Banana!

How to Serve & Store

Serve overnight oats with protein powder once chilled. Add your favorite toppings and flavors!

Add nut butter, nuts, chocolate chips or fruit. For a thicker option, add in a little Greek yogurt.

Store jars of oats in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not freeze.

Protein overnight oats in jars with spoons

Variations & Flavors

This recipe is great as is, but consider adding these toppings and flavors.

Chopped apples and cinnamon.

Cocoa powder and peanut butter.

Blueberries and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Cocoa powder and cherries.

Cocoa powder and strawberries.

Chopped banana and peanut butter.

Lemon juice and poppy seeds.

Use chocolate protein powder. Check out this Chocolate Protein Mug Cake!

For a smoother consistency, make blended overnight oats. After mixing together, add everything to a blender. Blend until smooth then chill overnight.

How to Add More Protein

There are several ways to add more protein to overnight oats.

Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt.

Add a spoonful of cottage cheese. Blended cottage cheese is great too.

Use a protein powder that is very high in protein. This could become high calorie overnight oats.

Use cow’s milk if tolerated. This is higher in protein than dairy free milk.

Drizzle nut butter on top.

Stir in collagen protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are overnight oats a good source of protein?

Overnight oats themselves do not contain much protein. Adding protein powder and nut butter adds a great source of protein.

Should I add protein to my oats?

Yes! Add protein to your oats for a higher protein breakfast. This will keep you full all morning.

What can I add for more protein?

For even more protein, add more protein powder, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese or nut butter.

Which oats should I use?

Use old fashioned rolled oats. Do not use quick or instant oats. For gluten free, use certified gluten free oats.

Which protein powder should I use?

Any protein powder works. I used a plant based vanilla protein. Both whey and plant based protein work well.

How long do they last in the fridge?

These last 3 days in the fridge. Do not freeze.

Can you put protein powder in overnight oats?

Yes, protein powder is a great addition to overnight oats.

Jars of protein overnight oats

You May Also Like

If you make this protein overnight oats recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow along!  For more ideas, check out these Breakfast Recipes.

Jar of protein overnight oats with blueberries and peanut butter
At a Glance:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Get the Recipe: Protein Overnight Oats

These protein overnight oats are thick, creamy, and packed with protein! This easy recipe is great as a healthy breakfast or snack. Add your favorite toppings for one delicious jar of oats!
5 from 16 votes
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Ingredients

3 servings

Instructions 

  • First, add all ingredients to a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Divide mixture into 3 glass jars with lids. Secure lids.
  • Refrigerate jars for at least 4 hours, up to 72 hours.
  • When ready to eat, remove lid and top with desired toppings.

Notes

  • Use old fashioned oats, not instant oats.
  • Use gluten free oats if gluten free.
  • Any milk works!  I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk to remain Vegan and dairy free.
  • Any protein powder works.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the oats and chia seeds to soak.
  • Store in fridge for up to 3 days.
Calories: 350kcal, Carbohydrates: 47g, Protein: 21g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 41mg, Sodium: 274mg, Potassium: 310mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 8IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 421mg, Iron: 3mg
Author: Addison LaBonte
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American

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