If you are looking for a quick and easy high-protein breakfast, this protein oatmeal is a great option. This is one of the best protein oatmeal recipes as it contains 20 grams of protein made without protein powder, egg whites, or whey protein. This recipe also makes 2 servings making it perfect to make ahead of time.
This was inspired by my other recipe on this site. If you’re like me and you are trying to find easy ways to stick to your healthy eating and healthy lifestyle, then you need easy recipes that will keep you feeling full throughout the day.
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High Protein Oatmeal With No Protein Powder
- High Protein Oatmeal With No Protein Powder
- Why Oatmeal Makes a Good Breakfast
- Why is it important to add protein to oatmeal
- Ingredients to make protein oatmeal
- Stovetop Cooking Instructions
- Microwave Cooking Instructions
- The difference between quick oats, steel-cut oats, and old-fashioned oats
- How can I add protein to oatmeal naturally?
- My Favorite Protein Powder
- Healthy Oatmeal Toppings
- Common questions about oats and oatmeal
- The Best High Protein Oatmeal Without Protein Powder
Why Oatmeal Makes a Good Breakfast
I am a huge proponent of having a protein-packed breakfast in the morning because it helps keep you feeling full until lunchtime and it keeps your blood sugar levels balanced. This helps provide your body with sustained energy. And if you are on a weight loss journey, then you definitely need to focus on eating more protein earlier in the day.
Oatmeal is a great way to feel full and satisfied in the morning when you focus on adding protein.
If you are lactose intolerant and you can’t use cow’s milk, which has 8 grams of protein per serving, or you do not have protein powder on hand, then it is important to find other ways to add in protein to make this a high-protein oatmeal. There are a ton of plant-based milk alternatives, soy and oat milk being my usual go-to’s.
Why is it important to add protein to oatmeal
It is important to add protein to oatmeal because even though oatmeal has fiber and it digests slowly, it still spikes blood glucose levels. When you add protein, it helps stabilize blood sugars which helps prevent the sugar crash that follows a quick rise and dip in your blood sugar levels.
Another reason I love oats for breakfast is that they fall in the whole grains category and are loaded with soluble fiber, especially β-glucan. β-glucan has amazing nutritional properties including cholesterol-lowering and anti-diabetic effects on the body. So get that bowl of oatmeal in!
In this recipe, I used soy milk, flax seeds, and chia seeds, and topped it with Greek yogurt for a boost of extra protein.
There are many healthy oatmeal recipes out there, but in my opinion, this is the best protein oatmeal recipe because it’s simple and quick and adds protein by using whole foods.
Ingredients to make protein oatmeal
This protein oatmeal recipe uses simple ingredients you can find in your pantry.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats. This is the main ingredient. Do not use instant or quick oats for this as they may turn out soggy.
- Soy milk. Soy milk was used in this recipe because soy milk contains 8 grams of protein versus 1 gram of protein when you use almond milk. Feel free to substitute with any milk you have on hand though such as coconut milk, oat milk, or cow’s milk.
- Chia seeds. Chia seeds have many health benefits including being rich in minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is also about 3 grams of protein per tablespoon of chia seeds. I find that adding a tablespoon or two of chia seeds to my oatmeal is one of the easiest ways to boost protein intake.
- Hemp seeds. These are a good source of plant-based protein at about 3 grams of protein per tablespoon.
- Unsweetened chocolate chips. To make this chocolate peanut butter oatmeal recipe, you need a source of chocolate. You can substitute the chocolate chips with cocoa powder here.
- Peanut butter. Since we are making chocolate peanut butter variations, I added peanut butter. Feel free to use almond butter or other seed butter if you prefer.
- Maple syrup. This is used as a sweetener. You can omit it if you prefer your oatmeal unsweetened. You can also substitute with brown sugar or monk fruit.
Hint: There are oat brands that make oats with high protein. Some of my favorites include kodiak protein oats and Quaker protein oatmeal.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Stovetop Cooking Instructions
For the stovetop start by bringing the liquid to a boil in a small saucepan. Then reduce the heat to low and pour in the rest of the ingredients, excluding the toppings. Allow them to cook until they thicken and absorb all the liquid. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes.
Microwave Cooking Instructions
Start by measuring the oats, liquid, seeds, nut butter, chocolate chips, and maple syrup. Then place it in the microwave without a cover on it. Microwave on high for 2 minutes and the consistency should be perfect. If you need more liquid to get the consistency that tastes right for you, feel free to do so. This recipe is so versatile that you really can’t do any wrong. Add toppings after the high protein has cooked through.
The difference between quick oats, steel-cut oats, and old-fashioned oats
- Quick Oats: These are fine oats that can be cooked really quickly and can make instant oatmeal. For this recipe, I don’t recommend using instant or quick oats as the recipe needs a few extra minutes to help the chia seeds soak and expand. You may end up with mushy oatmeal if you use these kinds of oats with this recipe.
- Steel Cut Oats: This is the whole oat, unrolled and unprocessed. Steel-cut oats take the longest to cook and need at least 20 minutes on the stovetop. These oats are a little more nutritious as they contain more fiber and nutrient density.
- Old Fashioned Oats or Rolled Oats: These oats come between the quick oats and steel-cut oats. They are more similar to steel cutouts but the rolled ones are slightly rolled/pressed so they need a little less time to cook.
How can I add protein to oatmeal naturally?
The best way to add more protein to your oats is to choose high-protein toppings and additions for the protein oatmeal recipe.
These include seeds, nuts, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, and a tablespoon of peanut butter or other nut butter.
However, be mindful of portion sizes if you are on a weight loss journey. Those toppings can quickly add up. My recommendation as a Registered Dietitian is to choose 1-2 toppings at most.
My Favorite Protein Powder
Even though this is a protein oatmeal recipe without protein powder, I wanted to share my favorite protein powders as this is a common question I get.
When choosing a protein powder, I look for ones without artificial sweeteners, added sugars, or artificial flavors that contain all essential amino acids. I believe that having a good protein powder available is the perfect way to quickly boost protein intake in your day and it’s so versatile. You can make protein powder oatmeal or protein oats. I also use mine for high-protein overnight oats sometimes and always in my morning smoothies.
When it comes to choosing quality protein, the best protein powders are a complete protein source that is made with whey protein. Whey protein powder is considered a complete protein since it contains all nine essential amino acids — the building blocks of protein. Biosteel 100% whey protein powder is one of the best ones on the market and it’s made with simple ingredients.
However, if you want a plant-based protein powder, then Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder has 21 grams of plant protein and is also made with simple ingredients. This is dairy-free and gluten-free. Their vanilla protein powder is delicious!
My 3rd favorite is Vital Proteins. This is a collagen protein and they also make a yummy chocolate protein powder as well.
Healthy Oatmeal Toppings
If you want to try a different variation that is not peanut butter chocolate, then feel free to switch out these ingredients. Here are some of my favorite healthy oatmeal toppings and additions that you can use if you want to change it up!
- Fresh fruit: Feel free to use any fruit you have on hand. I like to add ripe bananas, berries, or even dried fruits like cranberries, figs, or dates.
- Nuts & Seeds: You can play around with this all depending on what you have available to you. My biggest recommendation is to be mindful of portion sizes and not go overboard as nuts and seeds are calorie-dense. You can use almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds. You can also do any nut butter or seed butter.
- Spices: Cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and nutmeg can change this recipe to be more cozy which is perfect for the fall and winter seasons.
- Sweeteners: I listed maple syrup in the recipe but you can substitute it with honey, brown sugar, or monk fruit.
Pro tip
- On days where I want a quick healthy breakfast but don’t want to add in all the ingredients, I like to use a scoop of protein powder. Even though this recipe does not have protein powder, you can still add in a scoop if you have it on hand for that extra creaminess.
- If you like cottage cheese, you can try adding 1/4 cup to your oats AFTER cooking your oats. It makes them extra creamy and helps move you closer to your protein daily value.
Common questions about oats and oatmeal
Oatmeal is high in protein when you prepare it right. Even though oatmeal does contain about 6 grams of protein per cup, it would be wise to find ways to boost protein by adding nuts, seeds, nut butter, protein powder, or Greek yogurt which helps keep you full for longer and helps balance blood sugar levels.
Oatmeal is healthy as it is a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Oats and oatmeal have many health benefits including weight loss, stabilized blood sugar levels, and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Cooked oatmeal lasts about 4-5 days in the fridge. However, oatmeal can be frozen and stored for up to 3 months.
Oatmeal is often cooked using heat while overnight oats do not use heat at all. Overnight oats are prepared the night before and enjoyed the morning after while oatmeal can be cooked and enjoyed without needing to wait overnight. You can put overnight oats in a small mason jar with all of your preferred ingredients to keep those flavors sealed in.
Oatmeal alone contains protein (but only about 6 grams per cup). If you want to make high-protein oats without protein powder then use a higher-protein liquid choice like soy milk or cow’s milk. You can also add non-fat Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, chia seeds, hemp seeds, seed butter, or nut butter. There are many healthy ways to add protein to your morning bowl of oats without protein powder.
Yes. Add a serving size of protein powder to the mixture and an extra ½ a cup of milk and enjoy!
The Best High Protein Oatmeal Without Protein Powder
Ingredients
- 2 cups soy milk
- 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or to taste
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt optional
- 1 tablespoon sliced almonds optional
- fresh fruit optional
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
Instructions
Stovetop Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the oats, seeds, peanut butter, chocolate chips and maple syrup. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and everything has melted together in a creamy consistency. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave Instructions
- Place all the ingredients into a medium microwave safe bowl and stir together. Heat in the microwave on high for about 2 minutes. If you need more liquid to get the consistency add in one tablespoon at a time. Add toppings after the high protein has cooked through.
Assembly
- Add toppings and let rest for a few minutes to cool. Thin with a little more milk, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
If you love oatmeal recipes you should try: