Substituting Plain or Other Flavored Protein Powder:

1. You can use plain, unsweetened protein powder instead of the chocolate protein powder. To substitute plain, unsweetened protein powder, add an additional 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder. You may also want to add 1 - 2 teaspoons more maple syrup, depending on how sweet you want your oats.

2. You can also use another flavor of protein powder that would be complementary to the chocolate flavor. For example, vanilla, cookies and cream, or peanut butter. These usually contain sugar or other sweeteners so there is no need to add additional maple syrup as you would need to for the plain, unsweetened protein powder (unless you want to).

Other notes:

3. The amount of maple syrup needed will depend on your own tastes, and whether you are using chocolate or plain (unsweetened) protein powder (see notes 1 - 2). If you're not sure how much you need, add a little bit less and taste it after it's had the rest time in the fridge. You can always stir in more maple syrup before serving if needed. I don't recommend leaving it out entirely, because the cocoa powder can make the oats taste bitter if not balanced with the sweetness.

4. For a more intense chocolate flavor, you can add an additional 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder. So, if using chocolate protein powder, you would add 2 1/2 teaspoons, and for plain, you would add 3 teaspoons. Just be aware that the more you add, the more the bitter notes from the cocoa powder will come through. If you increase the cocoa powder, you may wish to increase the amount of maple syrup to balance the flavors.

5. Some of my favorite topping ideas for the chocolate oats include: fresh or frozen berries, sliced bananas, chopped nuts, peanut butter or almond butter, cacao nibs, or chopped dark or milk chocolate.

6. The nutrition information below was calculated with low fat milk (1%), fat free Greek yogurt, and chocolate whey protein powder. This nutrition information is an estimate only. The nutrition counts of your dish will vary based on the brands and exact amounts of ingredients used. This information was provided by an online nutrition calculator, and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical, health, or nutritional advice. See our full nutrition disclosure policy.