Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats

Easy and delicious chocolate protein overnight oats with 25g of protein! This recipe works with any protein powder and can be customized to your taste. It takes 5 minutes to make, and is great for meal prep!

When it comes to grab and go breakfast options, overnight oats takes the cake! It’s creamy, comforting, and can easily be made ahead of time for meal prep.

While I love making my coconut milk overnight oats on the reg for my family, I often do better when breakfast is packed with protein. The good news? You can easily make chocolate overnight oats with your favorite protein powder, and it tastes delicious!

If you’re new to overnight oats, it’s basically a no-cook method for making oatmeal. You simply cover rolled oats in whatever milk you like, and let them sit overnight in the fridge. The oats absorb the liquid and soften to a creamy texture. This results in a dreamy ready-to-eat jar of “oatmeal” waiting for you in the morning. Eat plain, or top with my favorite toppings combinations for variety!

Ingredient Notes

Here are my notes on specific ingredients in the recipe:

• Old fashioned rolled oats – Make sure to use old fashioned rolled oats. I don’t recommend using quick or steel cut oats in this recipe as the texture will change.
• Chia seeds – This is the secret to perfectly thick and creamy overnight oats.
• Chocolate protein powder – Any chocolate protein powder works with overnight oats, including beef protein isolate, whey protein, or plant based protein powders.
• Cocoa powder – Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Milk of choice – Any milk works in this recipe! You can use regular milk for a protein boost, or non-dairy milk including coconut or almond milk. Do not use coconut milk from a can as it’s too thick.
• Maple syrup – I like to use dark maple syrup for the best texture and flavor.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions

Short on ingredients or want to change things up? Here are some easy swaps you can make:

• Chocolate protein powder – You can also use plain or vanilla protein powder! Just add an additional tablespoon of cocoa powder.
• Maple syrup – You can leave this out depending on the sweetness of your protein powder. Mix up your oats, then taste the recipe to see if it has the flavor you want. I typically add the maple syrup to help give a more natural sweetness to the protein powder. You can also use honey, but it will make it extra sweet!

How to Make Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats

1. Combine: Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, protein powder, cocoa powder, and sea salt to a small jar and stir to combine. Add the milk and maple syrup and mix until well incorporated.

2. Set: Seal the jar with a lid or cover with food storage wrap and store in the refrigerator overnight or up to 4 days.

3. Serve: Remove from the fridge and stir well. Enjoy plain or add your favorite toppings just before serving.

Toppings and Variations

I love that you can switch it up with so many different topping combos. Make sure to add your toppings just before eating. Here are my favorite combos:

• Peanut Butter Banana: Take a ½ banana and slice it into coins. Add the bananas on top and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter! Chocolate and peanut butter oatmeal heaven!
• Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Top your protein overnight oats with 2-3 strawberries sliced, and add some mini or regular chocolate chips on top. I like to use semi-sweet mini chocolate chips!
• Berries & Cream: This is my favorite! Top with a handful of raspberries and blueberries. Then, add a dollop of whipped cream, or go for greek yogurt for a protein boost!

Tips for Making Overnight Oats with Protein Powder:

1. Mix the oats directly in a 16 oz lidded mason jar with measurement lines. This allows you to measure the liquid, mix, and store in the same container. You can also use a sturdy drinking glass and cover it with food storage wrap. I love using a 16 oz jar because it leaves room for stirring and toppings!
2. Use old fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. While quick oats work, they tend to get too soft overnight. Steel cut oats don’t soften enough. Rolled oats are just right!
3. Need it to be gluten free? If you have a gluten allergy, make sure to get certified gluten free rolled oats. 
4. Use chocolate protein powder. Adding protein powder changes the flavor and texture. This is why I love using chocolate protein powder for overnight oats! It gives the oats a delicious double chocolate flavor. If you have plain or vanilla protein powder, make sure to add an additional tablespoon of cocoa powder for a rich chocolatey flavor. 
5. Make it in bulk for an egg free protein-rich breakfast on the go. Just triple or quadruple the recipe. Mix everything together in a mixing bowl, then divide into individual containers. Stir and add fruit or toppings just before eating.

Meal Prep

You can double or triple this recipe for an easy grab and go breakfast during the week! Just mix up everything in a large mixing bowl, then portion out into 12-16 oz glass jars. Place the lid on each jar or cover with food storage wrap and put them in the fridge overnight, or up to four days. To eat, remove from the fridge and stir well. Add any toppings just before eating!

Recipe FAQs

Storage

Protein overnight oats have a slightly different texture and storage life that typical overnight oat recipes. You can store them in the fridge up to four days. Make sure the top is sealed! I like to use sealable mason jars or whisky glasses and use food storage wrap on top.

More Recipes With Oats

• Coconut Milk Overnight Oats
• Oat Flour Pancakes
• Oat Flour Waffles
• Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Recipe by: Noelle Tarr / Coconuts and Kettlebells | Photography by: Casey Colodny / The Mindful Hapa and Noelle Tarr