Overnight Protein Oats - Wellness by Kay (2024)

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Overnight Protein Oats are my favorite high protein breakfast, with 27 grams! Made with old fashioned oats, vanilla protein powder, chia seeds, and almond milk … this easy recipe is healthy, creamy, sweet, and delicious. The perfect make-ahead morning meal!

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Easy & Healthy High-Protein (27g) Breakfast

I have recently been on a journey to up my protein intake! I am personally a type of girl that if I don’t focus on and prioritize protein, I won’t eat enough.

I will default to carbs, carbs, and more carbs. Which is of course not bad, but not the best for my goals at the moment.

Overnight Protein Oats are my new favorite way to get in a good serving of protein right in the morning. It will give you 27 grams!

This recipe is healthy, high protein, and is the perfect well rounded meal. It will keep you full and satisfied all morning!

It is also sweet, creamy, customizable, and delicious. Especially when you add on some favorite toppings for taste and texture.

These oats are super easy to make too! All you need is 5 minutes of prep time and then you have a nutritious breakfast ready to go the next morning.

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Ingredients

This make-ahead breakfast recipe is made with all healthy, simple ingredients! They come together to make a well rounded, satisfying, and balanced morning meal.

Ingredient Notes

  • Oats: I always use old-fashioned oats for all of my oatmeal recipes! You’ll need 1/3 cup here.
  • Protein Powder: The key ingredient in this high protein recipe is of course protein powder. You will need 30g of your favorite one. For me this is 1 scoop, but it may be a little different for you depending on the type of protein powder you use.
  • Milk: My favorite milk to use here is vanilla unsweetened almond milk. The amount of milk you use will depend on the consistency you like in overnight oats! Anywhere from 3/4 cup – 1 cup will work.
  • Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are a very important ingredient in this simple recipe. Not only are they a nutritious superfood, but they soak up tons of liquid here leading to the typical thick consistency of overnight oats. Add 1/2 tbsp.
  • Honey: Add a touch of honey here for sweetness. 1/2 tsp is all you need!
  • Cinnamon: Cinnamon gives this breakfast such great flavor. I mix in 1/2 tsp and sprinkle more on top! I can just never get enough of the warm spice.
  • Vanilla Extract: Lastly, add 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract. This adds another oomph of flavor!

Substitutions & Additions

Protein Overnight Oats are actually quite customizable! There are a bunch of substitutions and additions you can make to meet your personal preferences, tastes, or needs.

Oats: I use old fashioned oats here, but rolled oats would also work. I don’t believe quick oats would produce the best results, but if that is all you have on hand go ahead and use them!

Milk: You can really use any milk you’d like here! I prefer non-dairy milk like oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. However, classic dairy milk would also do the trick.

Honey: Honey can be replaced with another liquid sweetener of your choice. My second favorite option is pure maple syrup!

Extra Protein: With 27 grams of protein to begin with these oats are a great source of protein already! But if you want to up that even more you could add some greek yogurt, egg whites, cottage cheese, or almonds.

Flavor Variations: This recipe serves as a simple base recipe! There are so many flavor variations you could come up with. Add peanut butter and jelly for a pb&j variation or coconut flakes and chocolate chips for an almond joy version. The options are truly endless!

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Kitchen Tools

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

How To Make This Recipe

This healthy breakfast is so incredibly easy to make! I am talking 10 minutes easy.

It is a great option to meal prep for busy mornings. You can just grab your jar and go!

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: First add the dry ingredients – oats, vanilla protein powder, chia seeds, and cinnamon to a small airtight container. Combine.

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Step 2: Next add the almond milk, vanilla extract, and honey. Combine very thoroughly until there are no protein powder chunks.3/4 cup almond milk will make the oats on the thicker side and 1 cup almond milk will make them thin, so do whichever consistency you prefer.

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Step 3: Cover the container and place in the refrigerator to soak overnight or at least for a few hours.

Step 4: Remove the oats from the fridge the next morning. You can transfer to a bowl or keep in the jar.

Step 5: Add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nut butter, and cinnamon. Enjoy!

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Expert Tips

Really give these oats a good stir before placing in the fridge! You want to make sure all the ingredients are evenly combined and that there are no clumps.

Prepare this recipe in a cute mason jar so you can really just grab and go in the morning. So easy!

Add your favorite toppings to spruce the recipe up a bit! I love adding mixed berries, peanut butter or almond butter, cinnamon, and an extra drizzle of honey.

Make sure you use a good, quality protein powder that mixes well and that you enjoy the taste of. Since the protein powder is what will give this recipe a lot of its flavor – if you do not like it, you will not like the oats!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which protein powder should I use?

This is a very important question! The type of protein powder that you use in this recipe will entirely make or break it.

The powder I use is Garden of Life Raw Organic Vanilla Protein Powder. It is a plant-based protein powder that I find to taste really good. I also don’t love to eat a lot of whey protein, so it is a great choice for me and my favorite brand at the moment.

I do recommend testing some protein powders out and doing some research if you don’t have one you like yet! It is important to note too that not all protein powders will mix well into oatmeal.

I have however enjoyed myself or seen other people enjoy Bloom Nutrition Protein and Clean Simple Eats Protein.

Do I need to add the chia seeds?

Yes, you do need to add the chia seeds! They thicken up the oats and the recipe will not have a good consistency without them. Trust me I have tried!

Do I have to soak this recipe overnight?

No, you do not have to soak this recipe fully overnight. A few hours should do the trick!

How do I eat overnight oats?

Overnight oats are typically enjoyed cold straight out of the fridge.

However, sometimes I like to heat them up if I am craving a warm meal. I just pop in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.

How to best store this recipe?

Store this recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you do not enjoy them the day after preparing, they will last for about 3-5 days.

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Love this recipe? Check out some similar ones below…

Overnight Oats Recipes

  • Vanilla Overnight Oats
  • Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
  • Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
  • Maple Brown Sugar Overnight Oats
  • Chocolate Overnight Oats
  • Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Healthy Breakfast Recipes

  • Bananas and Cream Oatmeal
  • Broccoli Cheddar Egg Bake with Turkey Bacon
  • Brownie Baked Oatmeal
  • Egg White Spinach Frittata
  • Egg White Oatmeal
  • Oat Milk Chia Pudding
  • Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal
  • Yogurt Granola Cups

Connect With Me!

If you make this overnight oatmeal recipe or any of my other recipes, I would absolutely love to know! Tag me @wellnessbykay on Instagram so I can see and share your recreations.

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Love this recipe?Leave a comment and a rating!I love to see and it helps me continue to develop delicious recipes for this blog.

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Overnight Protein Oats - Wellness by Kay (10)

Overnight Protein Oats

  • Author: Kayla Berman
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 Serving 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
Print Recipe

Description

Overnight Protein Oats are my favorite high protein breakfast, with 27 grams! Made with old fashioned oats, vanilla protein powder, chia seeds, and almond milk … this easy recipe is healthy, creamy, sweet, and delicious. The perfect make-ahead morning meal!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1/3 cup old fashioned oats
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, (about 30g)
  • 1/2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 3/41 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp honey

Instructions

  1. First add the dry ingredients – oats, protein powder, chia seeds, and cinnamon to a small airtight container. Combine.
  2. Next add the almond milk, vanilla extract, and honey. Combine very thoroughly until there are no protein powder chunks. 3/4 cup almond milk will make the oats on the thicker side and 1 cup almond milk will make them thin, so do whichever consistency you prefer.
  3. Cover the container and place in the refrigerator to soak overnight or at least for a few hours.
  4. In the morning remove the oats from the fridge. You can transfer to a bowl or keep in the jar.
  5. Add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nut butter, and cinnamon. Enjoy!

Keywords: protein overnight oats, high protein overnight oats, overnight oats high protein, overnight oats with protein powder, overnight protein oats

This post may contain affiliate links, which if a product is purchased through I may recieve a small compensation. I only recommend products I love and use in my life and cooking! Thank you for supporting wellnessbykay.

Overnight Protein Oats - Wellness by Kay (2024)

FAQs

What happens to your body when you eat overnight oats everyday? ›

According to a 2021 review published in Foods, oat beta-glucan has positive effects on hyperglycemia, lowering blood lipid levels and reducing weight. "The fiber content of oatmeal is filling and satiating, which in turn can help with eating fewer calories throughout the day and managing your weight," says Michalczyk.

Are overnight protein oats good for you? ›

High protein in overnight oats are a perfect source of energy especially if you're an athlete. Because oats contain dietary fiber, protein, B vitamins and minerals, they are also excellent for building muscles. The magnesium it contains promotes muscle regeneration and relieves muscle cramps.

Is oats overnight actually healthy? ›

When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

How does overnight oats work for weight loss? ›

Not only is it lower in calories compared to many other breakfast foods, but it also has a number of other health benefits. These include: Weight management: Oats have high fiber content, which can make you feel fuller for longer. This helps to control your appetite, naturally reducing your calorie intake.

How many times a week should you eat overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats are perfectly safe to be eaten every day. You may even eat them every morning if you like. However, some say that they feel oats give them digestive issues; overnight oats are not unsafe for those without medical conditions that affect digestion.

Why shouldn't you eat oatmeal every day? ›

Is oatmeal safe to eat for everyone? Oatmeal is likely safe for most people, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, when consumed as food. However, it may cause gas and bloating in some. Hence, instead of eating a cup or bowl of oatmeal, start with a quarter cup and increase slowly to the intended amount.

Which is healthier oatmeal or overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats are the more nutritious option, but that doesn't mean that this meal is for everyone.

Why do bodybuilders eat overnight oats? ›

It's packed with muscle-loving nutrients like protein powder, chia seeds, and oats, to not only give you the energy and power you need for a great workout, but helps your body recover quickly so you can get back to your training.

Do overnight oats spike blood sugar? ›

Oats are rich in carbohydrates and a fibre called beta-glucan, which helps in the slow release of glucose into the bloodstream. However, consuming oats in isolation and in the morning may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels due to the Dawn effect.

Can oats overnight be used as a meal replacement? ›

It's a perfect option if you're looking for a great-tasting and healthy substitute for your daily smoothie, snack, breakfast, or meal replacement shake.

How many hours is best for overnight oats? ›

Add the desired amounts of milk, oats, yogurt, chia seeds and banana to a jar or container and give them a good stir. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 5 hours. In the morning, add additional liquid if you'd like.

What kind of oatmeal is best for overnight oats? ›

The Best Oats for Overnight Oats: Old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats, become tender and creamy when soaked. Quick-cooking oats, which are smaller, can end up pasty and steel-cut oats, which are sturdier, stay quite firm even after soaking.

Does eating oats at night reduce belly fat? ›

Bottom Line. All available evidence suggests that oats are a healthy food; however, whether or not it helps you lose belly fat is up to you. Simply adding oats to your diet won't do the job — you must still have a daily caloric deficit to lose fat, so try replacing a high-calorie doughnut with oatmeal instead.

Will I gain weight if I eat overnight oats everyday? ›

Overnight Oats And Weight Gain

Overnight oats are primarily made from rolled oats, which are packed with beneficial nutrients. Fiber, in particular, plays a crucial role in weight loss. It helps with digestion, provides a feeling of fullness, and can reduce overall calorie intake.

Is it OK to eat oats every night? ›

There is no particular time to eat oats. You can consume the oats at lunch and dinner too. This cereal, however, is consumed in breakfast mostly. It contains fiber, magnesium, complex carbohydrates, etc, which help in keeping your tummy full for a longer time, thus, reducing overeating.

Can the body digest overnight oats? ›

Easier for you to digest and absorb its nutrients

It is quite common for resistant starches to pass through your digestive tract intact, which also means that your body doesn't benefit from the nutrients they hold. By soaking the oats overnight, you break them down making it easier for your body to digest.

What happens to overnight oats after 5 days? ›

Overnight oats can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator. The caveat is that they'll continue to soften the longer they sit — which might be a bonus if you like your oatmeal on the super-creamy side.

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