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Protein Powder Overnight Oats are a super simple way to start your day with something tasty and filling. You mix a few basic ingredients before bed, and by morning, you have a creamy, protein-packed breakfast ready to go—no cooking required.

This recipe is flexible and forgiving, letting you use whatever protein powder flavor you like and milk you have on hand. It’s perfect for busy mornings when you want something healthy without the hassle.

Recipe Info

This recipe is:

Super high-protein. Thanks to the scoop of protein powder, these overnight oats pack a solid protein punch to fuel your morning.
Versatile flavor-wise. Any protein powder flavor works here, so you can easily switch it up based on what you like or have on hand.
Totally customizable toppings. Fresh fruit, nuts, nut butters—you name it! This base is perfect for whatever you want to add.

Making protein powder overnight oats for the first time? Read the ingredients notes, step-by-step instructions, and tips. If you’re familiar with the recipe, feel free to jump to the recipe card.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Rolled oats. These are the base of your overnight oats and provide a hearty texture that softens beautifully after soaking.
Milk of choice. Use any kind you like—dairy or plant-based. It softens the oats and blends the flavors together.
Protein powder. This boosts the protein content and adds flavor; any flavor works, so pick your favorite. Remember: if your powder tastes rough when mixed with milk, it won’t magically taste great here. The pudding’s flavor leans heavily on the powder. More sweetener can help, but honey can’t fix everything.
Chia seeds. They help thicken the mixture overnight and give a nice little crunch.
Salt. Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors without being noticeable.
Liquid sweetener. Adds a touch of sweetness; choose what you have on hand like honey, maple syrup, or agave.
Cinnamon (optional). Use it if it complements your protein powder flavor for an extra hint of spice.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Protein Powder Overnight Oats

Mix dry ingredients. Grab a bowl or a jar and toss in the rolled oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt. Give it a quick stir to combine everything evenly.

Dry ingredients — Stir the rolled oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and a tiny

Mixing in the ingredients — Stir the rolled oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and a tiny

Prep protein powder mix. In a separate container, mix your milk of choice with the protein powder and sweetener. A protein shaker works perfectly here to get it smooth and lump-free. Take a quick taste and add a bit more sweetener if you like it sweeter.

Adding the protein powder milk and sweetener — Mix together the milk, protein powder, and sweetener

Protein powder mixture — Mix together the milk, protein powder, and sweetener

Add wet ingredients and mix. Pour the protein-packed milk mixture into the bowl or jar with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together thoroughly so the oats get fully soaked.

Adding the protein powder mixture — Pour the protein milk mixture into the dry

Mixing in the protein powder mixture — Pour the protein milk mixture into the dry

Refrigerate overnight. Cover your bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge. Let it sit for at least 6 hours or overnight so the oats soften and flavors meld.
Top and eat. In the morning, give your oats a good stir (some small or large bubbles on the surface are okay and expected), add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of nut butter, and enjoy.

Thick and creamy protein powder overnight oats in a jar — Bubbles from the protein can form—give it a quick

A jar of protein powder overnight oats with peanuts and granola — Bubbles from the protein can form—give it a quick

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Variations

Vegan

To make this recipe plant-based:

swap the milk for your favorite plant-based option like almond, soy, or oat milk
use a vegan-friendly protein powder—pea, hemp, or anything else you like
use a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or any of the branded options out there

Please note that the texture might be a bit different and you may need to adjust the amount of milk to get it to where you like it.

Healthy jar of protein powder overnight oats

Meal Prep

These oats are perfect for meal prep. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want to prep (say, 4 days worth), portion everything into individual jars or containers, seal them up, and pop them in the fridge.

A couple of tips:

Avoid adding crunchy toppings like granola until right before eating, or they’ll get soggy.
Fresh fruits are best added daily or the day before to keep them bright and tasty.
To keep breakfast exciting, try switching up the protein powder flavors or toppings each day.

Protein powder oats for two topped with granola and nuts — Two servings of protein powder overnight oats topped with granola and nuts

Tips

Double the sweetener if using unsweetened protein powder.
Adjust liquid based on protein powder texture. Some protein powders (say, vegan ones) absorb more liquid than others, making the oats thicker or thinner. If yours is thick and pasty in the morning, add an extra splash of milk before eating.

Storage

Store your protein powder overnight oats in a sealed container or jar in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Protein powder overnight oats for two — Thick and creamy protein powder overnight oats

Similar Recipes to Try

Looking for more? Check out the following recipes:

Overnight Oats 101. Just starting your journey with overnight oats? This simple, flexible recipe is the perfect base to create breakfasts tailored to your taste and lifestyle.
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats. If you’re craving a cozy, naturally sweet spin on your oats, try this classic peanut butter and banana combo for a comforting twist on your protein-packed breakfast.
Chocolate Overnight Oats. Want something even richer? This recipe adds cocoa powder and mini chocolate chips for a decadent, chocolatey morning treat that’s just as easy to make.
Protein Powder Chia Pudding. Looking for a creamy, high-protein alternative? This Greek yogurt-based chia pudding offers a smooth texture and satisfying flavor, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.