What to Put in Overnight Oats Instead of Protein Powder?

If you want to skip the scoop but still get a protein-packed breakfast, there are plenty of whole food options you can use in place of protein powder. The best substitutes for protein powder in vegan no‑powder overnight oats include: Hemp hearts – Add 10g of protein per 3 tablespoons Chia seeds – Provide fiber and 4g of protein per tablespoon Soy milk – Naturally contains 7–9g of protein per cup Nut or seed butters – Add flavor and protein (3–4g per tablespoon) Ground flaxseed – A great booster for protein, fiber, and omega-3s By combining these ingredients, you can easily reach 20–27 grams of plant-based protein without needing any powders.

Can I Make Overnight Oats with Just Water?

Yes, technically you can make overnight oats with just water—but we don’t recommend it if your goal is to create vegan no‑powder overnight oats that are both satisfying and high in protein. Water will hydrate the oats, but it adds no creaminess, flavor, or nutrition. Instead, use a plant-based milk like soy, almond, or oat milk to improve both texture and protein content. If you absolutely need a water-based version, make sure to add more seeds, nuts, or plant-based yogurt to make up for the lost nutrients.

How to Make Oatmeal Without Protein Powder?

Making protein-rich oatmeal without powder is easier than you think. The trick is to combine multiple protein sources that occur naturally in whole foods. A solid bowl or jar of vegan no‑powder overnight oats can include: Rolled oats Chia or flaxseeds Soy milk Hemp hearts Nut or seed butter Mix them together, let them soak, and you’ll have a balanced, protein-rich meal with excellent fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. No powder necessary. Don’t miss our Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats if you want a protein-boosted recipe with dessert vibes—all without any supplement.

Why Not Eat Overnight Oats?

While vegan no‑powder overnight oats are healthy and convenient for most people, they may not be ideal for everyone. A few reasons you might want to skip or modify overnight oats include: Gluten sensitivity (if not using certified GF oats) Blood sugar concerns if oats are sweetened too much Digestive issues—some folks find raw oats or chia too hard to digest Food allergies (e.g., nuts, soy, or seeds) That said, almost all of these concerns can be addressed by choosing the right ingredients. Use certified gluten-free oats, go light on sweeteners, and adjust mix-ins based on your personal needs. The customizable nature of vegan no‑powder overnight oats makes them one of the most flexible breakfast options out there.

Vegan No‑Powder Overnight Oats: The Best 5-Minute High Protein Breakfast

Name: Vegan No‑Powder Overnight Oats: The Best High-Protein Breakfast Without Supplements
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: PT-488940H39M44S
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1 cup soy milk; 1 tbsp chia seeds; 1 tbsp hemp hearts; 1 tbsp peanut butter; 1 tsp maple syrup; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 apple, chopped (add in the morning)

Description

An easy, protein-packed vegan overnight oats recipe made without any protein powder – delicious, healthy, and perfect for busy mornings.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup soy milk
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp hemp hearts
1 tbsp peanut butter
1 tsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 apple, chopped (add in the morning)

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Instructions

In a jar or container, combine oats, soy milk, chia seeds, hemp hearts, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Cover and place in the refrigerator to soak overnight or for at least 4 hours.
In the morning, stir again and top with chopped apple before serving.

Notes

Approximately 27g of plant-based protein per serving. High in omega-3s, gluten-free, and can be adapted for low FODMAP by replacing apple with suitable fruit.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Vegan

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 jar
Calories: 380
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 0mg