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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats Without Yogurt (aka Proats)

    Published: Oct 11, 2023 · Modified: Dec 26, 2024 by Marinela Malcheva


    Jump to Recipe

    Busy week? These Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats (aka Proats) are a quick and easy, healthy, and delicious breakfast meal prep.

    Made without yogurt, they're packed with protein and perfect for busy mornings.

    Simple to make without cooking, these overnight oats with protein powder are also a great treat or post-workout snack. Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

    Need more protein-filled breakfast ideas? Try our high-protein cookie dough overnight oats, overnight quinoa oatmeal, or this vegan chickpea tuna salad.

    Chocolate protein overnight oats (proats) without yogurt in jar topped with whipped cream and chopped dark chocolate.

    If you are trying to introduce rich protein into your plant-based diet, these filling chocolate protein overnight oats will help you do it.

    Truly, this recipe for high-protein overnight oats is not only extremely simple to make but it's highly nutritious and incredibly satisfying.

    One serving boasts a whopping 32 grams of protein for just 342 calories.

    Moreover, this vegan oatmeal is rich in fiber, protein, and essential micronutrients that are good for your overall health and well-being. Great if you are trying to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time.

    Vegan chocolate overnight oats with protein powder in a jar with spoon.

    Plus, these tasty no-yogurt overnight protein oats with an ultra-creamy texture are perfect for a portable on-the-go breakfast or a guilt-free dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.

    What I love most about cold oatmeal is that you can make it ahead, refrigerate it, and enjoy it as a ready-to-eat breakfast within a couple of days. Bonus? You will get some extra sleep in the morning. So valuable!

    Run out of yogurt or just don't want to use it? Check out our peach pie overnight oats, chocolate blended overnight oats, apple overnight oats, or blueberry lemon overnight oats. They'll surely keep you full and energized all morning.

    Learn how to make a basic low-calorie overnight oats recipe you customize it to your liking with your favorite toppings.

    For a more comprehensive guide, check out my post on the health benefits of overnight oats.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How To Make Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats
    • Toppings and Variations
    • Substitutions
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Marinela's Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
    • Overnight Oats Recipes (No Yogurt)
    • Vegan Oatmeal Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients

    Plant-based ingredients for preparing dairy-free cold oatmeal with protein powder.
    • Rolled (old-fashioned) oats. Plain rolled oats are the best choice for creamy (not mushy) consistency. Quick oats are a great alternative especially if you want a creamier and softer texture. Do not use steel-cut oats.
    • Dairy-free milk (unsweetened). I used homemade almond milk but feel free to use your favorite plant milk. You can actually make this recipe with water, it still be delicious.
    • Chocolate protein powder. I used plant-based protein powder with a chocolate flavor. You can use plain or vanilla vegan protein, as well. This will transform your chilled oatmeal into a well-balanced meal.
    • Cocoa powder. Unsweetened raw cacao will give your oats an antioxidant boost and a deep dark chocolate flavor.
    • Chia seeds. It thickens the oat mixture and adds additional fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
    • Pure maple syrup. For delicate natural sweetness. You can use your favorite sweetener, as well.
    • Vanilla extract (optional). Nicely enhances all flavors in this recipe.
    • Tiny pinch of salt (optional). For balancing and intensifying all flavors.

    As always, you can find the full recipe with a list of ingredients with measurements in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.

    How To Make Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats

    Simple ingredients for high protein proats (overnight oats) in a small jar.

    Combine. Combine rolled oats, chia seeds, protein powder, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, almond milk, and salt in a small jar or bowl with a lid.

    Overnight protein oats with cacao powder in a jar with spoon.

    Soak. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours. Stir in and enjoy! Optional toppings: Add a dollop of full fat coconut milk and dark chocolate squares.

    Hint: Add a layer of vegan whipped cream or coconut cream to create a scrumptious high-protein dessert. Kids and adults will love it!

    Toppings and Variations

    • Chopped dark chocolate or non-dairy chocolate chips
    • Coconut flakes
    • Nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter)
    • Greek dairy-free yogurt (for added protein and creaminess)
    • Homemade Nutella
    • Low-fat vegan whipped cream or coconut cream
    • Chopped hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, or pecans
    • Toasty granola
    • Fresh or frozen fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, sliced bananas, orange slices, pitted cherries, or pineapple chunks)
    • Dried fruits (dates, raisins, dried cranberries, or dried apricots)
    • Coffee (replace ¼ cup milk with brewed coffee or instant coffee for rich chocolatey coffee flavor)
    • Lemon or orange zest
    • Warm spices (ground cinnamon, ginger, clove cardamom, or nutmeg)
    No-yogurt cold chocolate protein oatmeal topped with whipped cream.

    Substitutions

    • Rolled (old-fashioned oats) - Plain quick oats are a great alternative especially if you like a softer, gooey texture.
    • Almond milk - oat milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, or water would be wonderful substitutes.
    • Chocolate protein powder - any plant-based protein powder (flavored or unflavored) works for this recipe. If you love chocolate protein powder try my chocolate protein chia pudding recipe next.
    • Cacao powder - use Dutch process cocoa powder or carob powder instead.
    • Chia seeds - Ground flaxseed, hemp hearts, or pumpkin seeds (pepitas) would be an excellent alternative for overnight oats without chia seeds.
    • Maple syrup - swap it with date syrup, agave nectar, or liquid stevia.
    • Vanilla extract - you can replace it with almond extract.

    Equipment

    All you need to make this protein overnight oats recipe is an airtight container or mason jar and a spoon.

    Storage

    Prep your chocolate oats in advance and store them in the fridge for 4-5 days. Give them a good stir before serving. If they are too thick add a splash of milk to thin the texture.

    Protein packed overnight oats with chocolate flavor topped with whipped cream.

    Marinela's Tips

    • If your protein powder is sweetened, decrease the amount of maple syrup.
    • Stir well to dissolve protein powder and cacao powder into the oat mixture so there are no clumps.
    • Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you are gluten intolerant.
    • Adjust the amount of milk to achieve the desired consistency. Overnight oast will thicken as they soak, so if you prefer a thinner consistency add a little more liquid.
    • Make a big batch and divide it into individual jars for a wholesome grab-and-go lunch or snack throughout the week.
    • Serve warm if desired. If you are not a fan of cold oatmeal you can heat them up in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

    Are protein overnight oats good for you?

    Yes, with 32 grams of protein, 9 grams of fiber, 351 mg of calcium, and 7mg of iron, these overnight oats are a real nutritional powerhouse. Oats are an amazing source of complex carbohydrates, gut-friendly dietary fiber, and plant-based protein. They may strengthen your immunity, boost your energy, keep you full longer, and promote healthy weight loss.

    Why put chia seeds in overnight oats?

    Chia seeds will increase the nutritional content of overnight oats. Soaking chia seeds in milk or water creates a silky gel-like texture that resembles pudding. Besides that, they are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients may help reduce the risk of heart disease and inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, and improve gut health.

    Can you make overnight oats with instant oatmeal?

    Yes, instant oatmeal can be used to make overnight oatmeal but the consistency will end up creamier and smoother compared to rolled oats.

    How many calories do chocolate overnight oats have?

    These low-sugar overnight oats contain only 342 calories per serving.

    What can I use instead of yogurt in overnight oats?

    Adding yogurt isn't necessary in overnight oats. You can use nut or seed butter, mashed banana, applesauce, full-fat coconut milk, or chia seeds to create a nice thick and creamy oatmeal texture.

    Are overnight oats high in protein?

    Oats contain more protein than most other grains. However, adding organic plant-based protein powder and chia seeds will further boost the protein content of your overnight oats turning them into an energizing and flavorful meal ideal to kickstart your day.

    Are oats gluten-free?

    Yes, pure oats are naturally gluten-free grain. Nevertheless, oats are often contaminated with gluten through harvesting, transporting, and processing. For this reason, I recommend you buy only certified gluten-free oats if you are gluten intolerant.

    Overnight Oats Recipes (No Yogurt)

    • Strawberry banana overnight oats without yogurt.
      Vegan Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats Without Yogurt
    • Chocolate peanut butter blended overnight oats in a jar for breakfast meal prep
      Chocolate Peanut Butter Blended Overnight Oats (No Banana)
    • Healthy overnight oats for weight loss with frozen fruit and sliced banana.
      Healthy Overnight Oats For Weight Loss (Vegan)
    • Blueberry lemon overnight oats with vibrant purple color in a jar
      Blueberry Lemon Overnight Oats For Weight Loss

    Vegan Oatmeal Recipes

    • Healthy vegan oatmeal smoothie with peanut butter, banana, and cinnamon as a quick weight-loss breakfast drink
      Oatmeal Smoothie Recipe (With Peanut Butter & Banana)
    • A stack of healthy gluten-free cranberry orange oatmeal cookies (vegan) with blue background
      Healthy Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies (Gluten-Free)
    • Banana baked oatmeal recipe (no sugar, no egg). Healthy vegan plant-based breakfast, snack, brunch, or dessert.
      Healthy Vegan Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe (No Sugar)
    • Chocolate cherry oat smoothie without banana topped with granola and chopped dark chocolate
      Healthy Chocolate Cherry Oat Smoothie (No Banana)

    📖 Recipe

    Chocolate protein overnight oats (proats) without yogurt in jar topped with whipped cream and chopped dark chocolate.

    Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats Without Yogurt (aka Proats)

    Marinela Malcheva
    Fuel your mornings with these Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats (aka Proats)!
    This quick and easy recipe is a healthy and delicious breakfast meal prep option. Made without yogurt, they're packed with protein, perfect for busy mornings when you need a nutritious and energizing start to your day.
    Simple to make without any cooking, these overnight oats with protein powder are also a great treat or post-workout snack. Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    soaking time 4 hours hrs
    Total Time 4 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine dairy-free, Gluten-free, Plant-based, Vegan
    Servings 1 serving
    Calories 342 kcal

    Equipment

    • Airtight container or mason jar
    • Spoon

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup rolled oats plain
    • ¾ cup almond milk unsweetened, or any plant milk
    • 2 tablespoons chocolate protein powder or use your favorite protein
    • ½ tablespoon cacao powder unsweetened
    • ½ tablespoon chia seeds
    • ½-1 tablespoon pure maple syrup add more to make it sweeter
    • ¼ teasponn vanilla extract optional
    • 1 tiny pinch of salt optional

    Instructions
     

    • Combine all the ingredients in a small jar or bowl with a lid.
    • Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours. Stir in and enjoy!

    Notes

    • Storage: Prep your chocolate oats in advance and store them in the fridge for 4-5 days. Give them a good stir before serving. If they are too thick add a splash of milk to thin the texture.
    • If your protein powder is sweetened, decrease the amount of maple syrup.
    • Stir well to dissolve protein powder and cacao powder into the oat mixture so there are no clumps.
    • Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you are gluten intolerant.
    • Adjust the amount of milk to achieve the desired consistency. Overnight oast will thicken as they soak, so if you prefer a thinner consistency add a little more liqui
    • Make a big batch and divide it into individual jars for a wholesome grab-and-go lunch or snack throughout the week.
    • Serve warm if desired. If you are not a fan of cold oatmeal you can heat them up in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
    • Add a layer of vegan whipped cream or coconut cream to create a scrumptious high-protein dessert. Kids and adults will love it!
    • See post above for substitutions and toppings ideas.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 342kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 32gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 933mgPotassium: 256mgFiber: 9gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 351mgIron: 7mg
    Keyword chocolate protein overnight oats, high protein meal prep, high-protein, overnight oats with protein powder, overnight protein oats without yogurt, proats, weight-loss
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    A vegan food blogger, photographer, and recipe developer who is passionate about cooking simple, tasty, and budget-friendly recipes with wholesome God-given ingredients. Welcome to my vegan world! My goal is to share these delicious plant-based recipes with you so you can lead more healthy and happy lives!

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