Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats
Think healthy brownie batter for breakfast — with 35 grams of protein per serving. This is the best recipe for creamy, simple chocolate protein overnight oats.
These oats come together in minutes and deliver the perfect mix of flavor, fiber, and protein to keep you full and satisfied. Whether you’re fueling up after a workout or need a grab-and-go breakfast, this no-cook recipe has you covered.
Why you’ll love chocolate protein overnight oats
- Filling and balanced. With 35 grams of protein and plenty of fiber, this breakfast keeps you full and energized for hours without the mid-morning crash.
- Quick and easy. Just stir the ingredients together in under five minutes and let the fridge do the rest.
- No cooking needed. Skip the stove and wake up to a creamy, chocolatey breakfast that’s ready to grab and go.
Trying to eat more fiber? Oats contain a unique beta-glucan fiber that may help you feel full, support heart health, and improve digestion.
Ingredient notes
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and detailed recipe.
- Rolled oats: I prefer rolled oats for their chewy texture, but quick oats work if you want something softer, or if they’re all you have. Skip instant oats (too mushy) and steel-cut oats (they won’t soften properly).
- Chocolate protein powder: Use a protein powder you like the taste of since it’s a big part of the flavor. I use Leanfit chocolate whey, and one scoop is just over 1/3 cup. Any finely milled protein powder should work well.
- Cocoa powder: Optional, but it deepens the chocolate flavor. If your protein powder is already very chocolatey, you can leave it out.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor. It won’t taste salty, but I don’t recommend skipping it.
- Milk: I use 2% dairy milk for its creaminess and extra protein. Soy milk is a great dairy-free alternative with similar nutrition, but any milk or milk alternative (almond, oat) works.
- Greek yogurt: Optional, but adds a creamy texture and extra protein. I use plain to avoid added sugar, but flavored yogurt works too. Regular yogurt is fine, though it’s lower in protein.
- Vanilla extract: Use pure or artificial vanilla extract—or vanilla paste if you want to elevate the flavor.
- Maple syrup or honey: If your protein powder isn’t sweet enough, add a little maple syrup or honey. Both dissolve easily. Liquid Stevia works for a lower sugar option, or use brown sugar for a brownie batter vibe.
Dietary restrictions
- Lactose-free: Use whey protein isolate for a lower lactose protein powder, or stick to something plant-based. I’d also recommend using a lactose-free milk and yogurt.
- Dairy-free: Stick to plant-based protein powder and milk. Skip the yogurt all together, or use a plant-based alternative.
- Gluten-free: Use oats with “certified gluten-free” on the label. You’ll also want to check your country’s guidelines on oats and Celiac disease, as they’re not always considered Celiac-safe.
- More protein: Use an ultra-filtered milk to maximize protein. You can also explore higher protein toppings like Greek yogurt and hemp seeds.
How to make chocolate protein overnight oats
Step 1: Add ingredients to a jar or food container.
Step 2: Stir and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Then add toppings and enjoy!
Topping ideas
For more nutrition or flavor, add toppings right before serving your chocolate protein overnight oats. You’re welcome to add any toppings you love — but here are some of my favorites:
- Fruit: Top your chocolate protein overnight oats with 1/2-1 cup of fresh fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, sliced strawberries, chopped mango, or sliced banana.
- Frozen fruit: If fresh fruit is out of season or you just don’t keep it stocked, frozen fruit is a great swap. My favorite way to serve frozen fruit on overnight oats is by measuring in advance and letting it defrost in the fridge as your overnight oats set up. Use about 1 cup frozen fruit, since it shrinks as it defrosts.
- Nut butter: Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or mixed seed butter over the oats right before serving. Use natural nut butter that only has nuts and salt on the ingredients list to minimize added sugar.
- Nuts or seeds: Chopped nuts add some healthy fats and a satisfying crunch, and they’re a great swap for granola since they’re naturally low sugar. Add 2-3 tablespoons of raw or dry roasted almonds, pecans, walnuts, peanuts or cashews — and chop them before serving.
- Fun stuff: For extra flavor and satisfaction, add 1-2 tablespoons of fun toppings like nutella, granola, shredded coconut, chopped dates, or chocolate chips.
Common questions
You are welcome to substitute rolled oats for quick oats, but the texture will be more smooth and less chewy. I don’t recommend using instant oats — they’re ground into a finer texture than other varieties and they get a bit gummy in overnight oats. Do not use steel cut oats.
Absolutely! You are welcome to double or half this recipe for chocolate protein overnights oats. You can do so by preparing several single-serve containers to keep in the fridge, or you can make a bigger batch and scoop out individual servings each day.
I prefer eating these chocolate protein overnight oats cold, but you can serve them warm too. To warm, allow your overnight oats to set as instructed. Then, right before eating, gently heat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until just heated through. Make sure not to cook them, as this will change the texture and dry them out.
Chocolate protein overnight oats will last in the fridge for up to four days. Stir before eating for best results, and store toppings separately.
Most protein powders work well for overnight oats, as long as you enjoy the taste. I use the chocolate whey protein powder from Leanfit (found at Costco), but I also love several options from Legion Athletics and Orgain. The best plant-based protein powder I’ve found is the 30g powder from Orgain, but please know we have worked together on partnerships.
Any small jar or food container with a fitted lid works for overnight oats. Stick to options with a 600 ml capacity or less. I like these glass jars, or these Rubbermaid containers best.
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Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder, or about a heaping ⅓ cup
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- pinch salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 Tbsp Greek yogurt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey, optional
Equipment
- 1 jar or food container
Instructions
- Add oats, protein powder, cocoa powder, and salt to your jar or food container. Whisk until combined.
- Add milk, yogurt, vanilla, and maple syrup. Stir until mostly combined. It is normal for your overnight oats to feel thick and slightly clumpy at this stage — they'll settle and combine as they sit in the fridge.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight. Stir and add toppings right before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Oats: You can use rolled oats (also known as old fashioned or large flake oats) or quick oats. I don’t recommend using instant or steel cut oats for this recipe.
- Milk: I use 2% cow’s milk because that’s what I keep stocked, but you’re welcome to use any alternative like almond, soy, or oat beverage.
- Yogurt: I use plain Greek yogurt to minimize added sugar, but you’re welcome to use vanilla or another flavor.
- Added sugar: Use a protein powder with little to no added sugar and/or eliminate the maple syrup to keep this breakfast low in added sugar.
- Protein content: The exact amount of protein in your overnight oats depends on the brand and variety of protein powder you’re using. I used the chocolate whey protein powder from Leanfit for testing — adjust nutrition facts as needed.
