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 are a healthy breakfast or snack.
  • This recipe is made with only a few pantry staples.
  • 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!
  • 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 irresistible.

Ingredients & Substitutions

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.

Any type of milk works.

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.

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

Any type of protein powder works.

Ingredients for oatmeal

Taste & Texture

This overnight oats recipe tastes like oatmeal and whatever toppings you add. It is not overly sweet.

The texture is thick and creamy!

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.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. The longer it chills, the more creamy and soft the oats will become.

Add toppings! This recipe is a great starting point for all the toppings.

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

How to Serve & Store

Serve overnight oats once chilled. Add toppings!

Store jars of oats in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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

Cocoa powder and peanut butter

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

Use a protein powder that is high in protein

Use cow’s milk if tolerated

Drizzle nut butter on top

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!

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.

Which protein powder should I use?

Any protein powder works. I used a plant based vanilla protein.

How long do they last in the fridge?

These last 3 days in the fridge.

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 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Chill Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 5 mins

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 7 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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