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Protein Overnight Oats (Without Protein Powder)

Updated: 6 days ago

Quick and easy, these protein overnight oats (without protein powder) take 5 minutes to prepare. Keep a stash in your fridge to grab on your way out the front door.


This recipe contains wholesome, unprocessed ingredients that naturally contain loads of protein. Soaked oats keep you feeling satiated for hours.


We love that the base ingredients and toppings can be changed, so you’ll never get tired of this breakfast.


H2 Recipe

Serves 1 (double, triple, or quadruple the recipe for meal prep)

Ingredients

½ cup old-fashioned oats

½ tsp chia seeds

¾ cup almond milk



1/3 cup yogurt

2 TBS almond butter

2 TBS maple syrup

Toppings of your choice


Instructions

  1. Make the wet mixture:  In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the almond butter and almond milk. Whisk it until the two have blended together. Stir in the yogurt and maple syrup.

  2. Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the oats and chia seeds. Let the mix sit for 10 minutes.

  3. Stir the ingredients: Break up any lumps and stir the mixture. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap.

  4. Refrigerate: Keep your protein overnight oats in the fridge until ready to eat – at least 6 hours.

  5. Top: Add your toppings and dive in.


To store: Always store in the fridge to keep the oats fresh. Make a few jars at once to save time during the week.


Why You’ll Love Protein Overnight Oats

  • Make ahead: Nothing beats waking up to a ready-to-go breakfast!

  • Portable: Prepare them in individual jars and take them to work with you.

  • Customizable: You can easily change the ingredients so you don’t get tired of the flavor. See note below on variations.

  • Vegan: This particular recipe is totally vegan.


Ingredients

This recipe is made with budget-friendly ingredients – they’re all accessible pantry staples:

  • Old-fashioned oats: These soak up the liquid and soften easily. This recipe doesn’t work well with instant oats so it’s not recommended to swap them out.

  • Chia seeds: Black or white chia seeds are both great.

  • Almond milk: Unsweetened is best in this recipe.

  • Yogurt: We recommended thick Greek yogurt, which is protein-loaded.

  • Almond butter: Make sure to stir the butter before using it to mix in the oils.

  • Maple syrup: The perfect natural sweetener. Use a little more or less if you like.

  • Toppings of your choice: Berries, toasted nuts or coconut, sliced banana, soaked dates – the list is endless.


Substitutions and Variations

Adjust the ingredients in this recipe to make it your own:

  • Chia seeds Replace with ground flaxseeds or skip altogether.

  • Almond milk: Swap for any milk alternative, like oat, soy, or coconut milk. Regular dairy milk is also delicious.

  • Yogurt: Substitute with Greek yogurt for more protein or a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option. Use applesauce or mashed banana for a yogurt-free variation.

  • Almond butter: Replace with peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. You can also leave it out or use a tablespoon of coconut cream.

  • Maple syrup: Use honey, agave syrup, or date syrup as a sweetener. Keep in mind these taste sweeter than maple syrup.


Flavoring Ideas

  • Add fresh fruit like berries, banana slices, or chopped apples.

  • Sprinkle with nuts, seeds, granola, or shredded coconut for crunch.

  • Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce if you want more of a treat.


Variations

  • Tropical: Use coconut milk, add pineapple chunks, and top with toasted coconut.

  • Matcha-flavored: Mix in a little matcha and swap the almond milk for coconut milk.

  • Nutty: Stir in crushed nuts and drizzle extra almond butter.

  • Chocolatey: Add cocoa powder and top with chocolate chips or cacao nibs.

  • Pumpkin spice: Mix in pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice.


Tips and Tricks

  • Mix well: Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution and avoid clumps.

  • Use a jar with a lid: Mason jars or airtight containers work best for easy storage and transport.

  • Adjust liquid: For thicker oats, reduce the almond milk slightly; for creamier oats, add more.

  • Sweeten to taste: Adjust the maple syrup based on your preferred level of sweetness, or leave it out.

  • Add toppings at the end: Keep your toppings separate until just before eating to maintain freshness and texture.

  • Portable jar: Choose a container that’s easy to carry and won’t leak.


5 Common Mistakes When Making Protein Overnight Oats

Here’s what to avoid:

  1. Using instant oats: The result will be mushy overnight oats.

  2. Not soaking for long enough: You want them to soak for at least 6 hours, for the perfect texture.

  3. Adding toppings too soon: Mixing in fresh fruit, nuts, or crunchy toppings the night before can make them soggy by morning. Save these until you’re ready to eat them.

  4. Incorrect packaging: Use glass containers with a lid so they are perfectly airtight.

  5. Forgetting to adjust for thickness: Go ahead and check that the oats aren’t too thick – add a bit of milk to thin the mixture back if necessary.


H2 FAQs

Can I make overnight oats without yogurt?

Absolutely! You can replace yogurt with additional almond milk, a dairy-free yogurt alternative, or even mashed banana for creaminess and flavor.


Can I use water instead of almond milk?

Yes, but the oats might be less creamy. For added flavor, try mixing water with a little vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon.


How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?

Overnight oats can last up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, toppings should be added fresh for the best texture.


Can I heat my overnight oats?

Yes! Simply microwave the oats for 1–2 minutes or warm them on the stovetop. You might need to add a splash of milk to loosen the consistency.


Can I make overnight oats gluten-free?

Yes, use certified gluten-free oats to make sure your overnight oats are 100% safe for gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

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