Overnight oats can be a great breakfast, but if they’re mostly made from just oats and milk, they can leave you feeling hungry again quite quickly.
I’ve made these mocha overnight oats differently. By adding ingredients like chia and flax, it adds extra protein, fibre and healthy fats to make them much more filling.
They’re quick to prepare the night before, so you can have breakfast ready to go.
If you love coffee and chocolate, these mocha overnight oats are a great way to start the day.
Why You’ll Love These Mocha Overnight Oats
- Easy to prepare – make them the night before and breakfast is ready.
- Amazing flavour – the coffee and cacao give these a proper mocha flavour.
- A good mix of fibre, protein and fats – oats, chia, flax and yoghurt make these more substantial than oats alone.
- No cooking required – everything is simply mixed together and left to soak.
- Great for busy mornings – they keep well in the fridge, so you can prepare several portions at once.
Why I Chose These Ingredients
Oats are the base of the recipe and provide carbohydrates for energy, as well as beta-glucan and other dietary fibres.
Chia seeds are a useful source of fibre but they also add extra protein and unsaturated fats to the mix. This ensures these chocolate overnight oats will help keep you full too.
Ground flax seeds add another source of fibre and protein, as well omega-3 fatty acids. Make sure to use ground flax to ensure you can absorb these nutrients.
Raw cacao powder is what gives these oats their chocolate flavour without needing chocolate or a large amount of added sugar. It also provides minerals including magnesium and contains polyphenols.
Espresso is the ingredient that turns these from chocolate overnight oats into proper mocha overnight oats. If you struggle with caffeine you can replace with decaf coffee.
Use whichever milk you prefer for these overnight oats. I use organic soy milk as I don’t drink dairy as it’s a good source of protein too. But any milk will work.
Maple syrup or honey adds just enough sweetness to balance the slight bitterness of the cacao and coffee. You can adjust this depending on how sweet you like your breakfast.
A spoonful of yoghurt on top adds extra protein and makes the finished oats feel more substantial. For a higher-protein breakfast, use Greek yoghurt or a Greek-style soy yoghurt.
What Are the Best Oats for Overnight Oats?
Rolled oats are my preference for overnight oats. They have enough texture to soften overnight without completely losing their bite, making sure they are creamy but still hold their shape.
Quick oats (or smaller porridge oats) will also work, but they tend to become softer and more porridge-like.
Why Add Protein to Overnight Oats?
One thing I always recommend with overnight oats is not just having oats and milk!
Oats contain some protein, but a bowl made predominantly from oats and milk isn’t necessarily going to provide a particularly high-protein or filling breakfast. If you find yourself hungry again soon after eating overnight oats, adding more protein is one thing worth looking at.
That’s why I’ve included chia seeds, ground flax seeds and yoghurt to this recipe. Chia and flax contribute some protein alongside fibre and unsaturated fats, while yoghurt can provide an additional, extra boost of protein, depending on the type you use.
The combination of protein + fibre + fats makes for a more satisfying breakfast than simply soaking oats in milk.
Storage and Shelf Life
These overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
They are a great one to prep ahead for easy grab and go breakfasts.
Recipe Tips
Milk: You can use any milk or yoghurt for these mocha overnight oats. I use organic soy but you do you!
Adjust the consistency: Chia seeds absorb a lot of liquid, so don’t worry if the mixture looks quite loose initially. If it becomes too thick overnight, simply stir through a little extra milk.
Adjust the sweetness: Start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey and add more to taste.
Don’t love coffee? Leave it out completely to make chocolate overnight oats.
Want more crunch? Add some chopped nuts or cacao nibs just before serving.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed these overnight oats, why not try these other easy breakfast ideas:
Mocha Overnight Oats
Ingredients
Base ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (100g)
- 6 tbsp chia seeds
- 4 tbsp ground flax seeds
- 4 tbsp raw cacao powder
- 3 cups milk of choice (750ml)
- ½ cup cooled espresso coffee (125ml)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
Topping ingredients:
- 1 cup natural yoghurt of choice (250g)
- Cacao powder to dust on top
Instructions
- Add the oats, chia seeds, ground flax seeds and cacao powder to a large bowl and mix well.
- Pour in the milk and espresso, then add the maple syrup or honey.
- Stir really well, making sure there are no pockets of dry chia seeds or cacao powder. Leave for a few minutes, then stir again.
- Cover and place in the fridge overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
- Divide between four jars or bowls and top each with 2–3 tablespoons of yoghurt and a dusting of cacao powder.
Notes
- Nutritional information will vary depending on the milk and yoghurt use. I use organic soy milk and yoghurt.
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