How to make protein overnight oats

We know that you know how important a protein-packed breakfast is—but making one is often easier said than done.

But there’s a way to get your protein fix every morning without breaking a sweat. Enter the arena overnight, oats.

Protein overnight oats are delicious, nutritious, and will be ready for you when you wake up. With the right ingredients and a little meal prep—you can supercharge your mornings with the muscle-boosting goodness you need to succeed.

Ready for the good news?

Here, we’re going to tell you how to make overnight oats with a protein-powered punch by sharing our very best recipes.

Let’s go.

What are protein overnight oats?

Protein overnight oats are one of the easiest and tastiest ways to ensure you start the day right. 

Packed full of nutrients from the oats themselves and added ingredients like fruit and seeds, they’ll have you feeling awake and satisfied all morning.

The base ingredients are always rolled oats, milk and yogurt and protein powder—so you’re getting a great mix of all three big-hitting macros (carbohydrates, protein ,and healthy fats) in one body-boosting hit. 

You can add a whole variety of supplementary ingredients to keep things interesting. Trust us, you can tailor even the most basic overnight oats recipe to your tastes—the (protein) power is in your hands.

Read: 8 high-protein snack swaps for losing weight and building muscle

Overnight oats with vanilla protein powder and peanut butter

Got a busy day ahead? This is the perfect protein overnight oats recipe for high-energy people who need the energy to work out hard while juggling a million plates.

The satisfying addition of peanut butter offers an extra crunch and protein punch, while the smooth combo of banana and vanilla creates an irresistible creaminess. Yum!

Calories: 516 Kcal per serving

Protein: 32 grams per serving

Prep Time: Five mins

Overall Time: Five to eight hours 

The ingredients (three servings)...

• 1 ½  cups of rolled oats 
• 3 scoops of Crazy Nutrition’s TRI-PROTEIN formula vanilla protein powder 
• 2 cups of 2% semi-skimmed milk (or almond milk) 
• 2 tbsp of chia seeds 
• One banana
• 3 tbsp of peanut butter 
• One drop of vanilla extract

The method….

1. Get a large mixing bowl and combine the oats, protein powder, peanut butter, chia seeds, and vanilla extract
2. Add in the milk last and mix thoroughly 
3. Spoon the mixture equally into three glass mason jars
4. Cut up the banana and place the slices on top of the mixture
5. Leave the jars in the fridge overnight

Alternative: Swap the banana for jelly and make P&J oats.

Overnight Oats with chocolate protein powder

Treat yourself? You know it. This chocolate protein overnight oats recipe is a no-guilt, sweet-tasting breakfast option that we know you will love. Oh, and the smooth injection of maple syrup is simply out of this world. Enjoy.

Calories: 354 Kcal per serving

Protein: 26 grams per serving

Prep Time: Five mins

Overall Time: Five to eight hours 

The ingredients (three servings)...

• 1 ½  cups of rolled oats 
• 3 scoops of Crazy Nutrition’s TRI-PROTEIN formula chocolate protein powder  
• 1 ½ cups of 2% semi-skimmed milk (or almond milk) 
• 2 tbsp of cocoa powder 
• 1 ½  tbsp of maple syrup
• One drop of vanilla extract

The method…

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl before distributing the mixture between three glass mason jars. 
2. Leave the jars in the fridge overnight.
3. Take out in the morning and savor the flavor.

Alternative: Swap the cocoa powder for ground cinnamon, and enjoy a delicious cinnamon protein breakfast (if that’s what you’re into).

Overnight vanilla protein powdered oats with mixed berries

A mixed berry recipe is a great option if you prefer to keep your breakfasts light. Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries—mix things up. You can also use frozen berries to save on cost.

Calories: 255 Kcal per serving

Protein: 22 grams per serving

Prep Time: Five mins

Overall Time: Five to eight hours 

The ingredients (three servings)...

• ¾ cup of rolled oats 
• 3 scoops of Crazy Nutrition’s TRI-PROTEIN formula vanilla protein powder 
• 1 ½ cups non-fat plain Greek yogurt 
• ¾ cups of 2% semi-skimmed milk (or almond milk) 
• 1 ¼ cup of diced mixed berries
• A small drop of vanilla extract

The method…

1. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and spoon into three glass mason jars. You can mix your overnight oats directly in the mason jars if you want to save on washing up.
2. Refrigerate overnight.
3. Sit down in the morning for a mindful moment and…enjoy!

Tropical overnight oats with banana protein powder

Come rain or shine, this epic overnight oats recipe will conjure up visions of lapping lagoon-like seas and swaying palm trees come rain or shine. The lip-smacking combo of banana, tropical fruit, and coconut is super fresh—and the banana protein powder will power up your morning!

Calories: 350 calories per serving

Protein: 25 grams per serving

Prep Time: Five minutes

Overall Time: Five to eight hours

The ingredients (three servings)…

• 1/2 cup quick oats x 3
• 1/2 cup coconut milk x 3
• 3 scoops of Crazy Nutrition’s TRI-PROTEIN formula banana protein powder 
• 1/4 mashed banana x 3
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt x 3
• 1 tsp honey x 3
• Handful of dried tropical fruit x 3
• Sprinkle of shredded coconut x 3

The method…

1. Combine your oats, coconut milk, protein powder, mashed banana, dried tropical fruit, and honey in the mason jars.
2. Stir well to combine everything
3. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt on the top.
4. Sprinkle with shredded coconut.
5. Seal the jar and refrigerate overnight. Take out in the morning and chow down!

Cinnamon overnight oats with strawberry protein powder

This high-protein overnight oats recipe is brimming with body-boosting goodness. The complementary mix of strawberry and cinnamon will give you a sharp, juicy, zingy hit of goodness that will pep up your morning. It’s, without a doubt, an overnight oats recipe that will keep you coming back for more.

Calories: 250 calories

Protein: 28 grams

Prep Time: Five minutes

Overall Time: Five to eight hours

The ingredients…

• 1/2 cup rolled oats x 3
• 1/2 cup almond milk x 3
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt x 3
• 1/2 cup chopped strawberries x 3
• 3 scoops of Crazy Nutrition’s TRI-PROTEIN formula strawberry protein powder 
• 1 tbsp honey x 3
• Pinch of cinnamon x 3

The method…

1. Combine your oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, protein powder, honey, and cinnamon into three jars.
2. Stir well until you get a nice smooth consistency.
3. Add in your juicy chopped strawberries.
4. Seal each jar and refrigerate overnight. Eat the next morning. Yum.

Tips for making the perfect protein-powder overnight oats

Ready for your bonus tip on how to make overnight oats? Great. Let’s dive in.

• Add a little water to your protein powder to create a slushy consistency before adding it to the oats. This makes the end result less grainy. 

• Although overnight oats last for up to five days in the fridge, if sorted in an airtight container, they do start to soften after a few days, which is why all our recipes are for three servings.

• You can eat overnight oats after two to three hours. But leaving them for at least five hours is always best.

• Keep varying your recipes so you don’t get bored. That way, you are more likely to keep up with your healthy habits.

• You can freeze overnight oats for up to three months.

Read: The best protein desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth craving

Making easy overnight oats with whey protein powder…

Now you know how to make overnight oats, it’s time to pick your favorite flavors and make it happen.

Listen, wide varieties of protein are available to buy, but whey protein is the best option for overnight oats due to its smooth, creamy texture and mellow flavor.