Simple Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats (vegan friendly recipe)

Chocolate protein overnight oats are a delicious, healthy and convenient way to kickstart your day! Wholegrain rolled oats are soaked with chia seeds, your preferred milk, a sprinkle of crunchy seeds, cinnamon and chocolate protein powder. You can make this recipe dairy free and vegan friendly.

Making up a simple batch of overnight oats will simplify your morning routine and always ensure you have a healthy breakfast on hand. Honestly, they’re life-changing!

Why I love these chocolate overnight oats

• Make your mornings easier by preparing in advance. Are your mornings a whirlwind? Do you find yourself rushing out the door without a second to get yourself something to eat? You absolutely NEED overnight oats in your life. They only take a minute or two to make and it is so worth it. You can prep a few days at a time.

• Boost your breakfast with protein which makes it more satisfying. This overnight oats recipe contains protein powder, which significantly changes the amount of protein you get from a simple jar of oats! If you are someone who often feels hungry pretty quickly after oatmeal, the added protein can help you feel energised for longer.

• Flexible and vegan friendly recipe. You can use any type of protein powder in this recipe – it can be whey protein if that’s what you like, but vegan options like hemp, pea and/or brown rice protein will all work just the same. By using a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or soy milk, the recipe will be totally plant-based.

Ingredients needed for protein overnight oats

• Rolled oats. Wholegrain rolled oats are high in fibre and have the perfect creamy texture when soaked. If you like really smooth overnight oats you can use quick or instant oats but I think the texture is absolutely the best with rolled oats.
• Chia seeds. These have a unique characteristic in that they absorb a huge amount of liquid, soften and swell. Chia seeds are essential for getting that lovely thick texture to your overnight oats. They also add protein, extra fibre and plant sourced omega 3.
• Chocolate protein powder. Any type of protein powder will work here – whey, brown rice protein, pea, hemp, pumpkin seed protein. Whatever suits you!
• Your preferred milk. I like using almond or soy milk in these oats but you can use any milk you like e.g. cows milk, oat milk, soy, almond, coconut milk.
• Sunflower seeds. For a bit of extra crunch and texture I add a tablespoon of sunflower seeds to this recipe. It’s not totally essential as the recipe will work without them, but they’re great in there! You can substitute pumpkin seeds.
• Cinnamon. Definitely the queen of all the breakfast spices, a pinch of cinnamon makes these overnight oats extra special. Cinnamon, oats and chocolate is a match made in heaven.
• Toppings. I recommend a few tablespoons of your favourite yoghurt for that extra creamy factor and some berries (fresh or frozen). If you’re going all out, cacao nibs and more seeds are fab too.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to make overnight oats

Step 1: Combine oats, chia seeds, chocolate protein, cinnamon and sunflower seeds in a small bowl or glass jar. Pour in the milk and stir to combine.

Step 2: Cover the bowl or pop the lid on the jar, and refrigerate for at least four hours but preferably overnight.

Step 3: Remove from fridge and add your toppings. You’re done! Enjoy.

Are protein overnight oats healthy?

Overnight protein oats tick so many boxes. You get wholegrains, providing plenty of fibre, seeds for healthy fats and a great dose of protein. Add the fruit on top and you have a perfectly balanced breakfast, what’s not to love! By adding yoghurt as your topping you can even add probiotics to that list, win win.

How long can I store overnight oats in the fridge?

This overnight oats recipe should keep for up to four days in the fridge. Please note, the recipe is not suitable for freezing.

What is the best protein to add to oats?

It really depends on your personal preference – no protein powder is ‘the best’. Choose the protein powder that you like the best and that dissolves well into the oatmeal, without being too gritty or grainy.

Why do you put chia seeds in overnight oats?

Chia seeds will change the texture and nutrition profile of your overnight oats, for the better. Chia seeds swell up beautifully adding thickness and creaminess to the oats. They also provide extra fibre, protein and healthy fats.

If you make these delicious chocolate protein overnight oats, please don’t forget to take a snap and tag me on Instagram!

p.s. love overnight oats? Next on your list to try is my Super Seed Bircher Muesli!