Protein Overnight Oats
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!
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!
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.
Step 2
Divide mixture into 3 glass jars with lids. Then, secure 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.
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.
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.
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
Overnight oats themselves do not contain much protein. Adding protein powder and nut butter adds a great source of protein.
Yes! Add protein to your oats for a higher protein breakfast. This will keep you full all morning.
For even more protein, add more protein powder, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese or nut butter.
Use old fashioned rolled oats. Do not use quick or instant oats. For gluten free, use certified gluten free oats.
Any protein powder works. I used a plant based vanilla protein. Both whey and plant based protein work well.
These last 3 days in the fridge. Do not freeze.
Yes, protein powder is a great addition to 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.
Get the Recipe: Protein Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups old fashioned oats
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 scoops protein powder
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.
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10 Comments on “Protein Overnight Oats”
This recipe is a good finding for me. My boys loved it and asked me to make more often. And I said, why not?
I made this recipe this past weekend and I devoured it three days in a row! I’m making more tonight! Fabulous recipe.
The protein is key to keeping me full, such a great addition!
This was a really good recipe. I did double the cinnamon but that is only because I love a really strong cinnamon flavor. I served mine with diced banana. Will definitely make again for meal prepping my breakfasts.
These protein overnight oats were a game changer for my breakfast routine! The oats were creamy, filling, and packed with flavor and protein to keep me fueled all morning long.
I love oatmeal and love having a protein packed breakfast! These are great!
Overnight oats are becoming my favourite breakfast, especially since they can be made for three days! I made something similar, but without protein powder. I need to look into that and order it.
I used almond milk and it was such a great breakfast! So quick to make and save time to prepare breakfast in a busy morning.
This creamy overnight oats is a perfect start to the day. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
love these protein oats so much! such a great way to start off the day!