These protein rich Vegan Breakfast Bowls are the answer to the breakfast blahs…if you’re been there and done that with green smoothies and can’t face another piece of toast, one of these powerhouse bowls will jump start your engine, guaranteed!
Vegan breakfast bowls for energy all day
I’m a cheerleader for breakfast, I always have been, I can’t seem to start my day without that first, all important meal. But in the summer I have trouble getting motivated, my kitchen faces East, and the sun streaming in can be brutal first thing in the morning, so eating anything warmer than room temp is out of the question. That’s where these Vegan Breakfast Bowls come in handy, they’re gloriously cool and effortless. I make them with readymade protein shakes and I’ve customized delicious healthy bowls around different flavors.
A vanilla muesli breakfast bowl
My first bowl is based on an a homemade muesli, a Swiss breakfast cereal that is served chilled, made with raw rolled oats that have been softened with milk or yogurt and eaten with fruits, nuts and seeds. It was actually created back in 1900 by a doctor to help his patients convalesce, and I think of it as the warm weather equivalent of oatmeal. In place of dairy milk or yogurt I used a vanilla almond & soy milk which gives this bowl extra flavor. I added fresh fruit, raw chocolate, cacao nibs, toasted coconut, and toasted almonds on top. It’s decadently healthy 🙂
Chia seeds natural thicken a high protein bowl
The next morning I mixed the a vanilla protein drinkwith chia seeds….the seeds plump up almost like tapioca to create a breakfast ‘pudding’. Chia seeds are hydrophilic, which means they absorb many times their weight in liquid, and even thought they’re a hip food right now, they’ve been around for thousands of years, and they’re super healthy. I just topped this bowl with gorgeous raspberries, a sprinkle of homemade granola, and some honey.
Chocolate protein shakes make a decadent breakfast!
I whipped up a frosty smoothie using frozen bananas and almond butter. Just peel 2 bananas, break them apart, and pop in the freezer the night before, then blitz with the plant based chocolate protein drink and the almond butter in the am. I could have slurped it down straight from the blender it was so good, but I summoned the self control to transfer it to a bowl and add some fresh tangerine sections, raw chocolate, and white chia seeds. It’s like eating ice cream for breakfast!
This chocolatey vegan smoothie can be frozen, too!
The thick smoothie can also be frozen and scooped out when firm, or poured into popsicle molds. You can also process it in your ice cream machine. The banana adds a ‘creamy’ texture so you can bypass the fat needed for traditional ice cream.
I live for my morning coffee
So I had fun working with the coffee flavor for my last vegan breakfast bowl. Thickened with chia seeds and topped with sliced almonds and the juicy cherries that have just started showing up in my supermarket, it makes an unusual but really satisfying breakfast.
I’ve mentioned it before, but I’m finding non-dairy milks like almond and soy are such a clean, fresh tasting alternative to dairy.
Protein Breakfast Bowls
Ingredients
Vanilla Protein Muesli Bowl
- 1 vegan vanilla protein beverage
- 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 Tbsp honey
- fresh raspberries
- fresh blackberries
- 1/2 banana
- toasted almonds chopped
- raw chocolate chopped
- cacao nibs
- toasted coconut
Vanilla Protein Chia Bowl
- vegan vanilla protein beverage
- 4 Tbsp chia seeds
- fresh raspberries
- granola
- honey
Chocolate Protein Frozen Smoothie Bowl
- vegan chocolate protein beverage
- 2 bananas
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- blueberries
- dark chocolate chopped
- white chia
- tangerine sections
Coffee Protein Chia Bowl
- vegan coffee protein beverage
- 4 Tbsp chia seeds
- cherries
- sliced almonds
Instructions
- For the muesli bowl, put the oats in a bowl and add 1/2 cup of the protein milk, and honey. Stir to blend. Let sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to soften. Top with the fruits, nuts, coconut, and chocolate, and serve cold, with extra protein milk.
- For the vanilla chia bowl, pour the bottle of Vanilla Protein beverage into a jar or bowl and stir in the chia seeds. Let sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour, and up to overnight. Give it a stir or shake every once in a while during the first hour to insure that the seeds don't sink to the bottom. Stir well and transfer the pudding to a clean bowl. Top with the raspberries, granola, and a drizzle of honey.
- For the chocolate smoothie bowl, peel and break the bananas into pieces. Put them in a single layer in the freezer and freeze until solid. Put the chocolate protein beverage, the frozen bananas, and the almond butter in a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and put in the freezer while you gather your toppings. When ready to eat, remove the smoothie from the freezer and top with the blueberries, dark chocolate, chia seeds, and tangerine sections.
- To make the coffee chia bowl pour the beverage into a jar or bowl and add the chia seeds. Let sit for at least an hour (or overnight) in the refrigerator, stirring the seeds often during the first hour to prevent lumping. Stir the pudding well and put into a clean bowl. Top with the cherries and sliced almonds.
notes and variations
- If you're using fresh berries, try freezing some of them in a single layer on a plate, and then popping them on your bowl for a frosty effect.
- Raw chocolate and cacao nibs are made from beans that have not been roasted. This helps to preserve many of the nutrients. You can find it in health food stores (including Whole Foods) and online, here.
*Note: this post was originally sponsored by Bolthouse Farms for a high protein beverage product that no longer exists, so I’ve modified the post.
other breakfast bowls…
How to Make an Instagram Worthy Breakfast Bowl
Breakfast Smoothie Bowls
How to Build The Ultimate Smoothie Bowl
55 Comments
Bb
July 5, 2020 at 8:05 amCan you make this ahead and eat throughout the week?
Sue
July 5, 2020 at 10:26 amSure, I don’t see why not. I would add the fruit in fresh each day.
Haley
December 31, 2019 at 6:03 amWhat can I substitute the coconut with? I absolutely hate the taste of coconut
Sue
June 15, 2020 at 5:48 amFeel free to leave it out.
kelly smith
September 21, 2017 at 11:58 pmhere is a different type of breakfast bowls. It is a healthy with proper nutrition.they are full of the proper balance of nutrition so I try this.
Christen
July 13, 2017 at 1:14 pmAccording to their website, Bolthouse Farms no longer makes the 1915 Protein Drinks. Is there something else you could use?
Sue
July 13, 2017 at 1:27 pmHey Christen, I didn’t know that, too bad! I would probably use your favorite nut milk mixed with some protein powder, I think that would give you the same results.
Anna
June 26, 2017 at 12:47 amThis is the first post I’ve read on your blog and I loved it! Feel like I’ll be a solid reader here now 🙂
Sue
June 26, 2017 at 4:37 amWelcome in Anna <3
Anon
March 12, 2017 at 8:31 amCool thought, but, honey isn’t vegan.
Kira | A Better Life Lived
September 27, 2017 at 12:04 pmSub the honey for maple syrup. Should still be really good and then totally vegan.
Anon2
September 1, 2018 at 12:58 amIt shouldn’t be called vegan is the point. It’s like calling something Kosher and putting ham in it.
JRL303
September 8, 2018 at 12:27 pmSimply use a suitable replacement and move on with your life.
Ann Louise
January 12, 2020 at 1:33 amIt looks awesome but sadly it shouldn’t be called vegan because it has honey in it. Yes, it can be swapped out for agave syrup or suchlike, but it’s still misleading. It’s hard enough for people to understand what being vegan actually means anyway, (because there’s so much misinformation out there). To say it doesn’t matter and that people can simply swap the honey out, doesn’t make it right. You can’t call it vegan when it uses an animal product as an ingredient, it just adds to the confusion and spreads misinformation! Imagine that friends or family make vegan food by using “vegan recipes” they find online. Then you turn up and have to tell them that it’s not actually vegan at all and you can’t eat it… Well… It happens, and when it does, it’s downright awkward! There are plenty of vegan syrups that could be swapped in, (rice malt syrup, brown rice syrup, molasses, coconut syrup, maple syrup, agave syrup, barley malt, golden syrup, corn syrup, bee free honey substitute). It doesn’t have to be rewritten or rebranded, it just needs “substitute“ added after “honey.” There’s some brilliant ideas here though, thanks for sharing! ??
Nico @ yumsome
February 7, 2017 at 11:20 amThese look absolutely smashing – I love them all! So, so delicious… and too good to only have for breakfast… I’d have them at all times of the day! Ha ha!
Sue
February 7, 2017 at 4:11 pmThanks Nico!
Emily
January 14, 2017 at 6:08 pmReally love this idea! They all look so yummy! Quick question: are those just chia seeds in the bowl with the fruit and protein drink? or is that tapioca? Thanks!
Sue
January 14, 2017 at 6:14 pmThose are chia seeds, Emily, they’ve plumped up so they do look like tapioca!
Sue
January 14, 2017 at 6:14 pmI think I used white chia seeds there…
Emily
January 15, 2017 at 6:55 pmGreat! Also one more question: I can’t find the 1915 protein drinks anywhere. Any idea of where I could get them? I couldn’t find them on their website either under their tabs. Would really love to try these!
Thanks! Love your site!
Emily
January 16, 2017 at 6:21 pmGreat! Also one more question: I can’t find the 1915 protein drinks anywhere. Any idea of where I could get them? I couldn’t find them on their website either under their tabs. Would really love to try these!
Thanks! Love your site!
Sue
December 29, 2019 at 5:44 pmI think they must have discontinued these drinks, I’ll work on coming up with a substitute!
Kat
November 29, 2016 at 12:00 pmThese sound super yummy but please note that honey is not considered vegan. Might I suggest substituting it for agave nectar, coconut nectar, or 100% pure maple syrup?
Sue
November 29, 2016 at 1:30 pmInteresting point Kat! I didn’t realize that about honey.
Sylvie
June 16, 2016 at 2:04 amLoving all these breakfast bowl ideas!
Laura | Tutti Dolci
June 15, 2016 at 5:43 pmJust gorgeous, I want to try them all!
Alida @ Simply Delicious
June 14, 2016 at 11:15 pmThese look absolutely delectable. What a fabulous way to start your day!
Sara
June 14, 2016 at 11:08 pmWhat a unique take on breakfast, I’m definitely keeping an eye out for these drinks!
Sue
June 15, 2016 at 9:46 amI think your kids would love them, Sara, I wish I had them when mine were little, what a great way to insure they’re getting some good protein!
Maggie @ Omnivore's Cookbook
June 14, 2016 at 7:09 pmThis post came at a great time. My husband just decided to eliminate carbs in the morning and purchased a giant can of protein powder. I need to save these recipes so our breakfast will be much more interesting than a cup of protein shake!
Sue
June 14, 2016 at 8:00 pmWhat is it about husbands and carbs??
kereta sewa shah alam
June 14, 2016 at 12:35 amIts look sooo delicious. Perfect dish!
thanks for sharing recipes with us here. Looking more from you dear
Heidi @foodiecrush
June 13, 2016 at 7:45 pmEvery one of these breakfast bowls look gorgeous, vibrant and healthy. Proof that breakfast isn’t just eggs and plain oatmeal any more.
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners
June 13, 2016 at 3:18 pmWow, where to begin with all those beautiful bowls. You have outdone yourself with healthy deliciousness, Sue! I can’t wait to try some of these. Great combos. Sharing 🙂
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
June 13, 2016 at 12:48 pmI am a big breakfast person too! Love a healthy bowl of goodness, especially topped with fresh fruit!
carrian
June 13, 2016 at 12:43 pmLove this beautiful breakfast bowl!
Vicki Bensinger
June 13, 2016 at 11:32 amThese all look wonderful and nutritious. I drink the Bolthouse Carrot juice every morning but have never tried the milk products. I’ll be sure to check them out.
Sue
June 13, 2016 at 11:49 amI love their juices, too Vicki, and discovered the protein beverages through doing this post. I really love them, I’m using them as lunch replacements, too 🙂
Vicki Bensinger
June 13, 2016 at 6:13 pmI’ll definitely check them out.
Kim
June 13, 2016 at 10:53 amThese are absolutely stunning and the perfect motivation for getting out of bed every morning.
Chris Scheuer
June 13, 2016 at 10:14 amWhat a wonderful way to start the day. I love them all but that chocolate cherry is calling my name. They’re all gorgeous!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert
June 13, 2016 at 9:34 amOh my gosh! You are the best breakfast champion! I cannot wait to try these vegan beverages. Adding the chia seeds was brilliant, and the nuts, and fruit, and chocolate too? Breakfast is beautiful once again. This is a wonderful idea so thank you so much for the healthy inspiration. I bet I could get my grandson to eat these 🙂
Sue
June 13, 2016 at 9:50 amYou wouldn’t be able to stop your grandson from gobbling these down, especially the frozen chocolate smoothie bowl 😉
Matt
June 13, 2016 at 8:55 amThese are so awesome!! Would be so much fun to make with my sons.
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron
June 13, 2016 at 8:36 amI need ALL the help I can get when it comes to breakfast, and the easier the better! I love the looks of all of these breakfast bowls. They are so pretty too!
Vicky @ Avocado Pesto
June 13, 2016 at 7:56 amAll of these sound and look divine! I too am ALL about starting my day with a solid proper breakfast — can’t imagine running out the door without one. Had not heard of that milk before so will have to look for it in stores!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
June 13, 2016 at 7:53 amLove the idea to pour these into popscicle molds! I especially love the chocolate frozen smoothie bowl — chocolate for breakfast? Yes, m’am!
Sue
June 13, 2016 at 8:07 amThey make incredible popsicles just straight from the bottle!
Tania
June 13, 2016 at 7:53 amThese are the most beautiful breakfast bowls I’ve seen! I especially love the Vanilla Protein Muesli Bowl. Cannot wait to try these!!!
Jagruti
June 13, 2016 at 7:46 amI can have perfect morning with this bowl ..so delicious !
Amanda
June 13, 2016 at 7:36 amI love this! So much flavor and so many ways to customize it, plus it’s healthy!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
June 13, 2016 at 7:35 amI am SO EXCITED ABOUT THESE!!! My husband recently discovered he can’t eat dairy, and he has been dying over the fact that he can’t have his protein shake each morning! These drinks are SO perfect and I love that you turned them into a delicious bowl! Pined!
Sue
June 13, 2016 at 7:40 amTaylor these are perfect for him, the flavor is really great, so good that I’ve left dairy behind not by necessity but by choice 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
June 13, 2016 at 6:30 amSounds like a perfect way to start the day!!
[email protected]'s Recipes
June 13, 2016 at 6:22 amThey are full of goodness! I love those breakfast bowls.