Overnight Oats with Protein Powder {5 ingredients!}

Ingredient Notes

A complete list of ingredients and the amounts can be found in the recipe card below. Specific notes are listed here.

• Rolled oats - Rolled oats, also know as old fashioned oats, should be used for overnight oats and not quick cooking oats. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needing these to be gluten free.
• Milk - Because I am mostly dairy free, I use plain unsweetened almond milk in these overnight oats. You can choose any milk you'd like.
• Pure maple syrup - Used to lightly sweeten the oats. You can skip if you don't want the added sugar. You can also use coconut sugar or brown sugar in its place.
• Protein powder - I typically use chocolate because I think it tastes better, but you can use any flavor protein powder, or even unflavored protein powder. Vanilla protein would be another great choice.

Clean food tip: I highly recommend organic oats. Like most grains, oats are sprayed with glyphosate (an herbicide that's been linked to increased cancer risk and potential hormone disruptor) prior to being harvested.

Variations & Toppings

Once you get the base of these protein powder overnight oats down, there are many ways you can play around with flavors and toppings. Try out some of the below:

Nuts/seeds: For added healthy fats, add in a couple tablespoons of your favorite nuts or seeds. Walnuts, slivered almonds, and hemp seeds are all great choices.

Nut butters: Add a few spoonfuls of almond butter or peanut butter for more flavor and protein. And add some sliced bananas for peanut butter banana oats.

Fresh fruit: Before eating, top off with your favorite fruit. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and sliced bananas would all be delicious. And not to mention the added antioxidants and nutrients these would provide (especially the berries!). Use strawberries and vanilla protein for strawberries and cream.

Chocolate chips: If you love your chocolate, mix in some chocolate chips.

Granola: For some added crunch, sprinkle on some homemade oat & honey granola before eating.

Step 1: Grab a medium sized container, such as a Pyrex, or other food safe container, and add oats, protein powder, chia seeds, milk, and maple syrup. Mix until combined.

Step 2: Cover and place in fridge overnight.

Step 3: In the morning, scoop the oats into bowls, or other serving dish, and add desired toppings.

Note: You can also make in mason jars so you have a quick grab-n-go breakfast!

Which Protein Powder is Best?

First and foremost, use one that you think tastes good! There are a lot of not-so-good protein powders on the market that are chalky and just taste bad. If you have one you love, use that. There really isn't a wrong or right protein powder.

As far as flavor goes, you can use any flavor you'd like, but I would start with either chocolate, vanilla, or unflavored. I have used both, but typically use chocolate since I think chocolate protein powders taste better.

Truvani chocolate protein powder has always been my favorite. I have heard good things about Sprout Living protein powder (though I have not tried it) and have always been a fan of Garden of Life chocolate protein. These are all vegan, but if you are looking for a whey protein, I would recommend Garden of Life or Just Ingredients protein (they have lots of yummy flavors, too!).

Clean food tip: Whichever protein powder you use, look for one that is organic (to ensure there are no synthetic pesticides or GMO ingredients), is low in added sugars, doesn't have artificial flavors (or "natural flavors" if you can avoid it), and is free of soy protein concentrate or isolate. Most protein powders will have stevia leaf (okay if actually stevia "leaf") and/or artificial sweeteners such as erythritol (in minimal doses it's okay and make sure it's organic.) Check out Truvani for a truly clean protein powder.

Expert Tips

Use mason jars to make individual serving sizes so you have an easy grab and go breakfast in the morning.

Stir before eating. And if the oats are too thick for your liking, add additional milk in the morning. Additionally, if you'd like them sweeter, drizzle on some more maple syrup.

If adding fresh fruit, add the fresh fruit in the morning before eating. That way the fruit won't get mushy/soggy while sitting with the oats.

For even more added protein, add in a spoonful or two of almond butter or peanut butter. I use almond milk, but you can easily use cow's milk if you're not dairy free, which will significantly increase your protein intake.