High Protein Overnight Oats (3 Flavors!) - Happy Honey Kitchen

Don’t let the decadent names fool you, these protein overnight oats are a healthy breakfast option. The instructions below are for a “base” protein overnight oats recipe along with 3 flavor variations: Chocolate Chip, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Strawberry Shortcake. The fun flavors come from adding protein powder in overnight oats.

Getting enough protein in your diet is important for overall health, and although oats are good for you, they only contain a small amount of protein. Overnight oats with protein are the perfect healthy meal prep breakfast (or snack!) The flavors are so indulgent, you will think you are eating dessert for breakfast.

Ingredients Needed for High Protein Overnight Oats:

This makes a “base” high protein oatmeal recipe. Continue reading for ideas on how to season oatmeal to make a variety of flavors.

• Old fashioned rolled oats
• Milk of choice – As a personal preference, I like coconut milk overnight oats, but any milk will work in this recipe.
• Protein powder – I like to use this whey protein, but any protein powder will work great. If you’re wanting a specific flavor for your oats, make sure you use that flavor of powder.
• Plain Greek yogurt – Although it’s not necessary, when testing this recipe, I noticed that adding Greek yogurt made the oats more creamy. Plus, it adds more protein!
• Honey
• Chia Seeds
• Vanilla extract

How to Make Overnight Oats with Protein Powder:

This recipe is easy to double or triple in order to make a large batch for meal prepping. You can make protein powder overnight oats in individual containers (I use mason jars) or one large container to portion out throughout the week. I prefer to make oats in individual containers for a quick, convenient breakfast.

First, line mason jars in a row on the kitchen counter. To make life easier, make an assembly line and add each ingredient to each container one by one. For example, pour oats into every container then pour milk into every container and so forth until all the ingredients have been added.

Next, decide what flavor oatmeal you want to make and add those additional ingredients. Keep in mind that the base recipe tastes amazing as is, so there is no need for add-ins, if you don’t want to use them.

Finally, stir the mixture well and cover with an airtight lid. PRO TIP: if you’re using mason jars, simply tighten the lid and shake the container to mix well. Keep oats in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before eating. Ideally, let them soak overnight to allow the oats to fully soften.

3 Flavor Variations for Overnight Oats

To make protein powder overnight oats, start by looking at what flavor protein powders you have. For example, I have vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavored powders, so I started my recipe creation with what I had.

Start with the “base” protein overnight oats recipe then add the corresponding flavored protein powder and additional ingredients to change the flavor profile. You’ll never have boring oats again. This is a chance to get creative in the kitchen – the flavor possibilities are endless!

Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats

Add chocolate flavored protein powder to the base recipe then add chocolate chips to the mixture. Peanut butter, coconut flakes, and/or sliced almonds are also great additions to chocolate protein powder overnight oats.

Blueberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

Add vanilla flavored protein powder to the base recipe then stir in fresh blueberries to the mixture.

Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

Add strawberry flavored protein powder to the base recipe then stir in chopped fresh strawberries to the mixture.

FAQs

What are the best oats for overnight oats?Old fashioned rolled oats will give you the best texture for overnight oats. Quick cook oats are fine to use, but they will be more soggy. Steel cut oats will not soften much and cause your oats to be more chewy.

What is the best container for overnight oats?Use an airtight container with a lid. Mason jars are perfect for making overnight oats in. I use 16 ounce wide mouth mason jars when making this high protein overnight oats recipe. Glass Tupperware containers are also a good option.

How long do overnight oats last?Overnight oats will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container or 3 months in the freezer.

Can you freeze overnight oats?Yes! Freezing overnight oats will increase the shelf life, but keep in mind that it may affect the taste, texture, and quality. For optimal quality, it’s recommended to freeze the oats right after making them. Freeze overnight oats in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw oats in the refrigerator the night before eating them.

What is the best protein powder for oatmeal?I like whey protein overnight oats. The only brand of protein powder I use is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein. I have been happy with the results of this recipe using this brand. The exact flavors I use are: Vanilla Ice Cream, Extreme Milk Chocolate, and Delicious Strawberry.

More Breakfast Recipes to Try:

• Nutella Stuffed Pancakes
• Healthy Snickers Smoothie
• Strawberry Blackberry Banana Smoothie