Chocolate Protein Oatmeal (29g protein!)

Say hello to your new favorite breakfast recipe! This Chocolate Protein Oatmeal Is one of our favorite ways to start the day and it tastes just like dessert.

Packed with 29g of protein and 11g of fiber, you can’t go wrong! Cocoa powder and chocolate protein powder deliver that rich chocolatey flavor, while sea salt, old-fashioned oats, flaxseed, and almond butter bring the perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Ridiculously easy to make, this high-protein oatmeal recipe is perfect for those chaotic mornings. Just put all your ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer for only 5 minutes before serving and adding your favorite toppings.

I love meal-prepping this protein oatmeal recipe at the beginning of the week and quickly reheating it in the mornings for a protein-filled breakfast that tastes like brownie batter.

What You Need for Chocolate Protein Oatmeal

• Rolled oats: rolled oats (or old-fashioned oats) are rich in antioxidants and fiber! Plus, they’ll help keep you full til your next snack or meal.
• Unsweetened almond milk: any milk will do for this recipe, but we love unsweetened almond milk because it’s rich in vitamin D while still being low in sugar and calories.
• Ground flaxseed: flax seeds add a boost of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
• Chia seeds: chia seeds are filled with omega-3s, antioxidants, fiber, iron, and calcium — holy long list of nutrient-rich ingredients!
• Chocolate protein powder: get that extra boost of protein!
• Almond butter: get those healthy fats and vitamin E!
• Cocoa powder: this will give your protein oatmeal that delicious chocolate flavor without adding a bunch of sugar.

Check it out!

How to Make Oatmeal

How to Make Oatmeal: Learn how to make every variation of oatmeal (steel-cut, rolled, and quick-cooking) in every method (stovetop, slow cooker, Instant Pot, overnight, and microwave)!

Substitutions

This chocolate protein oatmeal recipe is highly versatile, giving you tons of freedom with toppings and substitutions.

• Oats: While we recommend using rolled oats, you can also use quick oats if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that cooking time may vary.
• Need a vegan option? Swap out the whey protein powder for a plant-based alternative like pea or soy protein.
• Nut butter: And if you’re not a fan of almond butter, any nut butter would work just fine!

Topping Ideas

For toppings, the sky’s the limit! You can add fresh fruit like bananas or berries, nuts, and seeds for extra crunch and texture, or even a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. All the possibilities are making me hungry…

A Note on Protein Powders

Not sure about what kind of protein powder to use? We have an entire guide to protein powder that lists our favorite vanilla protein powders. Take our recommendations, but buy the chocolate variation! Not all protein powder is created equal:

• Some protein powder absorbs more liquid than others, that’s ok! If your oatmeal seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk until it reaches your desired consistency. 
• The type of protein powder used will also determine the flavor of the oatmeal. If you use a sweeter protein powder, your oatmeal will be sweeter. If you use an unsweetened protein powder, you may need to add a few tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. 

How to Store Protein Oats

This protein oatmeal will last in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Since this recipe does not have any fruit involved, it may last even longer.

We love storing our leftover oatmeal in a glass container in the refrigerator. Feel free to double or triple this recipe so that you can meal prep your way into the week!