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The breakfast I’ve been having for the past seven years: chocolate protein oatmeal. Or rather, the best protein oatmeal ever! From taste to convenience and nutrition, these super creamy protein oats are a healthy breakfast that has it all.

A quick and easy recipe that tastes like dessert – this chocolate protein oatmeal is hands down the best protein breakfast ever. But be careful: it’s addictive!

Whenever I say that I have the same breakfast every morning, people get surprised. They think that as a food blogger, I have something different every day. But the truth is that I have pretty much the same meals everyday, especially when it comes to breakfast. Call me a creature of habit, call me oatmeal lover…If my day doesn’t start with these chocolate protein oats, it’s not gonna be a good one.

Although I love it so MUCH, it’s quite funny that I’ve never posted this recipe. At least until this moment, because I am about to tell you how to make the BEST protein oatmeal ever. After sharing so many stories of my morning oats without giving the recipe, I’m pretty sure that all my #oatmeallovers of Instagram are going to cheer.

Are you ready to learn how to make the best protein oats ever?

The ingredients
Best oats for protein oatmeal
Best protein powder for oatmeal
Milk or water for oatmeal
Creamy vs thick oats
How to make the best protein oatmeal
Best toppings for protein oatmeal
Tips for best protein oats
More protein oatmeal recipes
Best Chocolate Protein Oatmeal Recipe

The ingredients

Believe it or not, my chocolate protein oatmeal recipe is pretty minimalistic. It only calls for four main ingredients, plus a pinch of salt to elevate the oat experience. But although it’s simple, I recommend reading the following lines quite carefully. Using the wrong ingredients – especially protein powder – will completely change the outcome and ruin your oatmeal.

So, without further ado, here is all you need to make the best chocolate protein oatmeal.

Rolled oats: also known as old fashioned oats, this is probably the most common type of oats in the market. Although you can also replace with quick cooking oats, I do not recommend it. Rolled oats have more texture and they won’t get soggy while cooking. As an alternative you may even utilize steel cut oats, but they will require much more time to get ready.
Protein powder: as these are not the average protein oats, this recipe does not work with all types of protein powder. The only two options are vegan protein powder and casein, NOT whey. The reason is that the protein powder gets cooked with the oats, and when you heat whey it gets dry and rubbery. So no, don’t try making these chocolate protein oats with whey. If you only have whey protein, I recommend checking out my other recipe on how to make whey protein powder oatmeal the right way.
Cocoa powder: for healthier chocolate oats, this recipe uses unsweetened dark cocoa powder.
Milk or water: this recipe can be prepared with either milk (also dairy-free), water, or a blend of milk and water. Although all options are good, making protein oats with milk will give you a creamier and more delicious porridge. So yes, go for all milk if you want the best protein oatmeal.
Pinch of salt: it is just a pinch, but it will take your protein oats to the next level!

If you have the sweet tooth, I recommend adding about one tablespoon of maple syrup, honey, or any sweetener you like. However, I personally never do so because I prefer the intense taste of cocoa powder. My suggestion is to taste the oats when they are ready: if for you they are too bland, then sweeten them up!

Best oats for protein oatmeal

As mentioned before, this recipe can be prepared with either rolled oats or quick oats. However, for the best protein porridge I recommend rolled oats, as they will give your breakfast a better texture. While quick oats get soft and mushy, rolled oats maintain their “crunchy” consistency. This consistency will create a superb contrast with the creaminess of the protein powder. Literally, an addictive combination! Furthermore, as they are less processed, rolled oats are also healthier.

For the sake of completeness, this recipe may also be prepared with steel cut oats. However, you should bear in mind that the preparation time (and amount of liquid) will change significantly. If you are already familiar with steel cut oats, you should know it very well.

Best protein powder for oatmeal

This recipe only work with either vegan protein powder or casein. Not with whey. The reason is that this recipe requires cooking protein powder together with the oats, and whey can’t be cooked. First, it would get incredibly dry and rubbery. Second, it would dissolve completely and let you with a disgusting soup full of lumps. Trust me, don’t try this recipe with whey or you’ll end up throwing your oats away. If you only have whey protein, I recommend checking out my other recipe on how to make whey protein powder oatmeal the right way. I have a secret hack for that!

When it comes to flavor, you have the freedom to pick and choose anything you like. I always make my breakfast with unflavored protein powder (casein), but also chocolate or vanilla are great!

To sum up, as long as you use vegan protein powder or casein, this protein porridge will turn out perfect. Unflavored, vanilla or chocolate: feel free to use the flavor you like the most!

Milk or water for oatmeal

The dilemma is: should I make protein oatmeal with milk or water?

Unlike Shakespeare’s “to be or not to be”, the answer to this question is simple. Both milk and water work, but with milk your chocolate protein oatmeal will taste significantly better. It will be creamier, richer and more flavorsome than with water. And if you can’t make up your mind, then try with a blend of milk and water – something like half and half!

With regards to milk, of course you can use any type you want – dairy or dairy-free, pick and choose the one that best fits your preferences. Whenever I make chocolate protein oatmeal with milk, my favorite options are soy, pea or semi-skimmed cow milk.

Creamy vs thick oats

Another reason why this is probably the best protein oats recipe ever is that it can easily be adapted to your liking. Also when it comes to consistency!

Creamy protein oatmeal. There are three things you should do for a creamy texture. First, add a bit more liquid, 2 additional tablespoons shall be enough. Second, instead of water, cook your oats with milk. Last but not least, when ready, make sure to transfer your oatmeal into a bowl. The longer it sits in the pot, the thicker it gets.
Thick protein oatmeal. If you prefer thicker oats instead, either cook them for longer or reduce the quantity of liquid by about 2 tablespoons. And if you are still not satisfied with the result, after cooking let the oatmeal sit in the pan for about five minutes. It will get insanely thick!

How to make the best protein oatmeal

Start by brining to a boil the water or milk in a nonstick pot. When the liquid starts boiling, lower the heat and add to the pots the rolled oats, protein powder, cocoa powder, a pinch of salt and optionally maple syrup or honey to your liking. Using a whisker or wooden spoon, stir well until all the ingredients are combined and no lumps are left in the mixture. Simmer, while stirring, for about five minutes, or until the chocolate protein oatmeal has reached the desired texture. Keep in mind that the longer you cook it, the thicker it gets.

Once your protein oats are ready, scoop into a bowl and serve with your favorite toppings.

Best toppings for protein oatmeal

We all agree that toppings are the best part of breakfast bowls, don’t we? Well, at least I do. From the classic peanut butter and banana porridge to more gourmet oats with caramelized pears and almond butter, over the years I’ve tried so many different toppings that I could write a book. That’s why I’m including down below some of my favorite oatmeal topping ideas.

Peanut butter and banana
Peanut butter, chocolate chips and banana
Kiwi, almond butter and cocoa nibs
Pears and dark chocolate
Banana and cashew butter
Blueberries, pumpkin seeds and almond butter
A mix of berries and cocoa nibs
A selection of nut butters over fruit
Mango, pumpkin seeds and cocoa nibs

…and of course, a generous drop of milk to top it all. At least for me, it’s a must!

Tips for best protein oats

Cook your chocolate protein oatmeal in a nonstick pot. This way it won’t stick to the bottom!
Make your protein porridge with milk instead of water. Both texture and taste will be better!
Use vegan protein powder or casein. Do NOT use whey.
Bring the liquid to a boil before you add the dry ingredients. Don’t throw everything into cold water!
Before adding them to the pot, combine all the dry ingredients together in a bowl. This way the protein oatmeal will mix better!
Use a whisk to stir your protein porridge. This will mix your oats a way better and you won’t get any lumps!
If you want a creamy texture, remove the oats from the stove as soon as they are ready. The longer they stay there, the thicker they get.
Be creative with your toppings. They will completely change your breakfast experience!
Serve your chocolate oatmeal with a drop of milk on top. A must for me!

And once again: don’t use whey protein powder, don’t use whey protein powder, don’t use whey protein powder! If you only have whey, check out this other recipe.

More protein oatmeal recipes

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