A smooth, sippable breakfast that’s creamy, chocolatey, and packed with protein to power your day.
The Breakfast Smoothie Meets Overnight Oats
If you’re someone who loves a fast, nourishing breakfast but isn’t always in the mood to sit down with a spoon, you’re going to fall hard for these Drinkable Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats. It’s everything you love about overnight oats—fiber, protein, and long-lasting energy—but blended into a creamy, shake-like consistency that’s totally sippable and 100% satisfying.
This recipe was born out of necessity in our house. Some mornings are too busy (or too early!) for a full sit-down breakfast, especially with kids getting ready for school and adults trying to squeeze in a workout or commute. So I started blending my overnight oats into a smooth drink—thick, chocolatey, and loaded with all the good stuff—and just like that, a new favorite was born.
What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is. Want it more chocolatey? Add cocoa. More protein? Toss in Greek yogurt or your favorite protein powder. Kids love it because it tastes like a milkshake, and I love it because it keeps them full all morning long.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter (optional, for flavor and creaminess)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- ½ cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ banana (for natural sweetness)
- A few ice cubes for blending
- Handful of spinach (for extra nutrients without flavor!)
- Mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs for topping
Pro Tips
- Blend in the morning – Let the oats soak overnight, then blend right before serving for the creamiest texture.
- Chill your glass – Pour into a cold glass for a milkshake-like experience.
- Adjust the thickness – Add more milk for a thinner smoothie or keep it thick and spoonable if preferred.
- Kid-approved tip – Use a little banana or a touch of maple syrup for added sweetness that kids will love.
- Take it to go – Pour into a travel cup and you’ve got breakfast in your hand for the school run or commute.
Tools You’ll Need
- Blender
- Mason jar or container with lid (for soaking)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tall glass or travel tumbler
- Straw (optional but fun!)
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based yogurt and protein powder.
- No protein powder? Sub with an extra tablespoon of Greek yogurt and 1 tablespoon peanut butter for added protein.
- Nut-free? Skip the nut butter or sub with sunflower seed butter.
- Lower sugar? Omit the maple syrup and use an unsweetened protein powder.
- Make it mocha? Add ¼ cup chilled brewed coffee in place of some of the almond milk.
Make-Ahead Tips
Soak the oats, chia seeds, and all other ingredients (except banana or ice) the night before in a mason jar or airtight container. In the morning, just pour into a blender, add anything else you like, and blend until smooth.
You can even blend it the night before and store it in the fridge for a grab-and-go morning. Just give it a good shake or quick blend again before serving as it may thicken overnight.
How to Make Drinkable Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats
1. Combine Ingredients
In a mason jar or container, add oats, chia seeds, cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder, nut butter, almond milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Stir well to combine.
2. Refrigerate Overnight
Seal the jar and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the oats and chia to soften.
3. Blend Until Smooth
In the morning, pour the mixture into a blender. Add banana or ice cubes if desired. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
4. Pour and Serve
Pour into a tall glass or tumbler. Top with a few mini chocolate chips, a sprinkle of oats, or a drizzle of peanut butter. Serve with a straw and enjoy!
Leftovers and Storage
Blended drinkable oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. The texture may thicken, so give it a shake or stir before serving. If needed, add a splash of almond milk to loosen it up.
Unblended soaked oats will keep for 3–4 days, so feel free to prep a few jars ahead of time and blend as needed.
The Best of Both Breakfast Worlds
This Drinkable Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats recipe is a dream for anyone who wants the power of oats and protein in a creamy, chocolatey, on-the-go format. It’s part smoothie, part breakfast bowl, and totally delicious.
Whether you’re a busy parent, an early morning exerciser, or someone who just loves the idea of sipping their oats through a straw, this recipe is for you. If you try it out, leave a comment below and tell me how you made it your own—did you go mocha? Add toppings? Make it kid-friendly? I’d love to hear your blend!
