Easy Protein Overnight Oats - Hint of Healthy (2024)

Posted: · Updated: by Tonje

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These protein overnight oats are a creamy, delicious and easy to make breakfast which also happens to be really healthy. Packed with protein and nutrients, it's the perfect meal to start your day.

Easy Protein Overnight Oats - Hint of Healthy (1)
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love it
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Top tips
  • Serving suggestions
  • Variations
  • Leftovers
  • Frequently asked questions
  • You might also like these recipes
  • Recipe

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Overnight oats are the perfect meal prep breakfast. After 5 minutes of effort in the kitchen, you have protein oats ready to eat over the next 4 days. This recipe is easy to make in big batches.

I love how creamy these oats are, and the protein powder adds flavor as well as nutrition. This recipe is suitable for kids as well as adults, and at 19 g protein per serving, it's a healthy and filling breakfast option.

Why you'll love it

  • Easy to make
  • Perfect for meal prep
  • Delicious, creamy oatmeal
  • Serve it warm or cold
  • Stores well
  • Easy to customize

Ingredients

Oat milk: The oats will absorb the milk to create the creamy texture. You can substitute this with skim milk, almond milk or soy milk if you prefer.

Greek yogurt: Creamy, thick yogurt gives this amazing oatmeal a fantastic texture.

Rolled oats: These oats give the best texture for overnight oats. You can also use quick cook oats, but steel cut oats will not work.

Protein powder: Use your favorite protein powder. I love to make this with vanilla protein powder, but any flavor will work well.

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Instructions

You can find full instructions + ingredient measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page

One: Combine the ingredients in a bowl. Stir to incorporate them evenly.

Two: Leave the oats to chill in a refrigerator overnight, or at least 6 hours. The oats will soak up the liquid, and create a creamy oatmeal texture.

Three: Serve the overnight oats cold, optionally with toppings, or heat it up in a microwave or skillet for 30 seconds before serving.

Top tips

  • Feel free to add more milk to make the oats thicker, or more milk to make them thinner. You can choose the texture you like.
  • Add any flavor additions, like flavor essences, or use a protein powder flavor that you like. These will change how your overnight oats tastes.

Serving suggestions

These oats are best served for breakfast, or as a healthy snack or light meal. You can serve the oats plain, but they are also commonly topped with fresh fruits, berries, sweet spreads, nuts and more. Here are some of my favorite recipes to pair it with:

  • Sugar Free Grape Jam
  • Blueberry Chia Jam
  • Rhubarb and Apple Jam
  • Roasted Hazelnuts
  • Roasted Walnuts
  • Strawberry Basil Sauce
Easy Protein Overnight Oats - Hint of Healthy (4)

Variations

Chocolate protein oats: Use chocolate protein powder, or add a little cacao powder.

With frozen fruits: Add any frozen fruits to the overnight oats, such as raspberries, diced mango, or mixed forest berries.

Gluten free: Use certified gluten free oats, oat milk and protein powder. These can be found in most supermarkets.

Vegan: You can find vegan protein powder and Greek yogurt in most supermarkets.

Leftovers

Store leftover protein overnight oats in containers in a refrigerator for up to 4 days. I like to store them in serving sized container for quick and easy grab and go breakfasts.

If you want to serve the oats with toppings such as fruits or nuts, I recommend only adding these right before serving to keep it as fresh tasting as possible.

Easy Protein Overnight Oats - Hint of Healthy (5)

Frequently asked questions

Can you make overnight oats with steel cut oats?

No. Steel cut oats need to be cooked with heat to be edible, and are not suitable for overnight oats. Instead, use quick cook oats or rolled oats.

How can I add protein to overnight oats?

Add protein to your overnight oats by adding protein powder, using high protein milk, or adding seeds or nuts like chia seeds.

You might also like these recipes

  • Chocolate Overnight Oats
  • Protein Porridge
  • Banana Overnight Oats
  • Blueberry Overnight Oats
  • Kefir Overnight Oats
  • Lemon Curd Overnight Oats
  • Cinnamon Raisin Overnight Oats
  • Flaxseed Oatmeal

If you make this recipe, make sure to post a photo to Instagram with#hintofhealthy!

Recipe

Easy Protein Overnight Oats - Hint of Healthy (6)

Protein Overnight Oats

These protein overnight oats are a creamy, delicious and easy to make breakfast which also happens to be really healthy. Packed with protein and nutrients, it's the perfect meal to start your day.

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Created by: Tonje

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 263 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup oat milk
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

Instructions

  • Mix the ingredients together in a bowl.

  • Store the oats in a sealed container overnight, or for at least 6 hours.

  • Serve the overnight oats cold, or warm them up in a microwave or on the stove.

Video

Notes

  • Store protein overnight oats in a refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Use any protein powder that you like, such as vanilla, chocolate or strawberry flavored.

Nutrition

Calories: 263kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 19gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 81mgPotassium: 285mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 124IUCalcium: 221mgIron: 2mg

Keyword easy, healthy, oats, overnight oats, protein powder, vegan

Tried this recipe?Mention @hintofhealthyfood or tag #hintofhealthy!

Easy Protein Overnight Oats - Hint of Healthy (2024)

FAQs

Are oats overnight actually healthy? ›

Overnight oats is a true power breakfast that provides plenty of strength and energy. This is because of its high natural protein and fiber content that stimulate metabolism. They're complex carbohydrates break down slowly and keep you full for longer.

Is it okay to put protein powder in overnight oats? ›

This protein-packed breakfast is the perfect way to start your morning! These overnight oats with protein powder are easy to make, delicious, and super healthy!

Is eating overnight oats everyday healthy? ›

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.

Are overnight oats good for dieting? ›

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.

Do overnight oats spike blood sugar? ›

Oats have a low glycemic index, meaning they cause a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar levels compared to refined carbohydrates. This slow release of glucose into the bloodstream helps prevent spikes in blood sugar, promoting stable glycemic control.

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.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

Here's what not to do when making overnight oats.
  1. Using water instead of milk. ...
  2. Forgetting to add salt. ...
  3. Using instant or steel cut oats. ...
  4. Adding berries to your oats at night. ...
  5. Not stirring your overnight oats. ...
  6. Forgetting to add spices and seasonings. ...
  7. Omitting nuts and seeds. ...
  8. Assuming you have to eat it cold.
Oct 21, 2023

Why chia seeds in overnight oats? ›

Why Do You Put Chia Seeds in Overnight Oats? Chia seeds up the nutrition content in overnight oats. They're loaded with good-for-your-gut fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which help calm inflammation in your body and may protect you from chronic disease. They also add a nice protein boost to this recipe.

How much protein powder should you put in overnight oats? ›

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!

Are overnight oats better with milk or yogurt? ›

Greek yogurt: Not only does Greek yogurt make overnight oats more filling, but it also gives the oats a super-creamy texture.

Are overnight oats too high in carbs? ›

Are Overnight Oats Keto-Friendly? No, the classic overnight oats recipe is made of oats, a wholesome natural grain but very high in carbs. In fact, oats contain about 56 grams of net carbs per 100 grams. As a result, they spike blood sugar levels and are not approved on a keto diet.

What are the pros and cons of oats? ›

Overall, oats are a low-risk, high-reward food. However, despite their numerous health benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're new to the oat game. Oats are high in soluble fiber, which is good for digestion, but it may also cause bloating, increased gas, and abdominal cramps for some people.

Does oatmeal help flatten your stomach? ›

Flat-Belly Bonus: Oats are a powerhouse whole grain, high in satisfying fiber. According to a 2021 study in The Journal of Nutrition, people who ate at least three servings of whole grains—like oatmeal and brown rice—regularly had less belly fat than those who ate less.

What is the best thing to eat for breakfast to lose weight? ›

The best things to eat for breakfast include oatmeal, eggs, lean bacon or turkey, whole-grain toast, peanut butter, smoothies, and yogurt with muesli. If you decide to try high protein breakfasts, play around with food combinations on your calorie tracker.

What can I mix with oats to lose weight? ›

You will need
  • Half a cup of oats.
  • Some chia seeds.
  • Some flax seeds.
  • Milk (if you are intolerant to milk or do not want to add milk, you can use rice milk, soy milk, coconut milk, almond milk, oats milk, or plain water)
  • Instead of milk, you can also use plain dahi or curd if you want to.
  • Fruits of your choice.
Jan 30, 2024

Is overnight oats a meal replacement? ›

Oats Overnight is similar to a meal replacement shake in that each serving comes with a full-fledged vitamin, mineral, and macronutrient profile.

Are overnight oats high in calories? ›

Overnight oats are a great source of many nutrients. One prepared cup (240 ml) of the basic recipe made with 2% cow's milk and without the optional ingredients provides the following ( 1 ): Calories: 215 calories. Carbs: 33grams.

Why are overnight oats better than instant? ›

Another thing is the fact that as opposed to the cooked oatmeals since overnight oatmeals are not boiled they retain more nutrients. Overnight oatmeals also incorporate raw oats unlike cooked oatmeals, which use instant oats and therefore making it relatively more nutritious.

Are overnight oats high in carbs? ›

Are Overnight Oats Keto-Friendly? No, the classic overnight oats recipe is made of oats, a wholesome natural grain but very high in carbs. In fact, oats contain about 56 grams of net carbs per 100 grams. As a result, they spike blood sugar levels and are not approved on a keto diet.

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