5 Dairy-Free Breakfast Ideas Packed with Protein

Looking for a high-protein breakfast that’s completely dairy-free? We’d love to help!

Finding a dairy-free breakfast that’s both nourishing and satisfying can be a challenge. Too often, the options fall short—either lacking in protein, overloaded with sugar, or leaving you with that watery, “something’s missing” feeling.

That’s where Elmhurst nut milks come in. With more nuts and protein than the competition—and no gums, fillers, or additives you don’t need—they’re the perfect base for healthy recipes that are clean, protein-packed, and deliciously dairy-free. The result? Breakfasts that check every box: easy to make, satisfying, and built to power your day.

Whether you’re cutting back on dairy, fully plant-based, or just ready to begin your mornings with more intention, these five high-protein dairy-free breakfast ideas will give your mornings the boost they deserve.

1. High-Protein Pancakes & Waffles

Waffles and pancakes don’t have to be weekend indulgences when they’re powered by plant-based protein.

Even Leslie Knope would approve of this setup (and let’s be honest, she’d probably fight you for the last bite).

Start with our Vegan Gluten-Free Waffles or try the 3-Ingredient Vegan Pancakes — then level them up with these smart swaps:

Pro Tips to Boost Your Pancakes or Waffles:

• Use Unsweetened Almond Milk as your base to add an easy extra 5g of protein with every cup.
• Mix in a scoop of vegan protein powder 
• Add toppings like nut butter, hemp seeds, chia seeds, or dairy-free yogurt

The result? A warm, nourishing meal that feels like comfort food but eats like clean fuel.

2. Savory & Creamy Dairy-Free Breakfast Scramble

Prefer a savory start to your day? A tasty tofu scramble is tough to top. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with plant protein.

For creaminess without dairy, our Unsweetened Cashew Milk is your go-to, with 4g of protein per serving and a rich texture that mimics milk.

Looking for a nut-free option? Unsweetened Oat Milk can be a great fit for dairy-free and vegan recipes like this one. It’s creamy without feeling heavy, and its neutral flavor makes it a great base, letting savory flavors really shine.

Preparation Pro Tips:

• Warm a drizzle of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
• Crumble tofu directly into the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add 2–3 tablespoons of Unsweetened Cashew Milk for a silky texture.
• Season with turmeric, garlic, or fresh herbs, then cook for another 3–5 minutes until lightly golden.
• Serve hot with avocado toast or roasted veggies.

Craving a more traditional scramble? Swap in two whisked eggs or your favorite egg substitute with a tablespoon of Unsweetened Cashew Milk. 

3. Banana Bread Protein Smoothie

Most store-bought smoothies are loaded with sugar and rarely keep you full.

Fortunately, this one’s different.

A fun, flavorful twist on the usual berry smoothie, this Banana Bread Protein Smoothie blends comfort, flavor, and clean ingredients into one energizing start to the day.

This Banana Bread Smoothie Recipe features:

• Gluten-free oats
• Almond butter
• Vegan vanilla protein
• And our creamy Unsweetened Oat Milk, delivering 3g of plant-based protein and 20g of whole grains per serving

Sweet nostalgia and serious protein—all without a sugar crash? This smoothie is a delicious way to start your morning with more energy and stay full for longer.

4. Oatmeal Cookie Protein Bites

Some mornings, a smoothie just isn’t the mood. 

That’s where these Oatmeal Cookie Protein Bites come in. Soft, snackable, and just sweet enough to curb a craving without the crash, they’re easy to batch-make and even easier to grab on the way out the door.

These nostalgic-flavored Oatmeal Cookie Protein Bites are made with:

• Rolled Oats
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla Extract
• Seeds
• Unsweetened Walnut Milk or other Plant Milks.
• And other clean, plant-based ingredients

These perfectly portable protein bites are perfect for hectic early mornings, afternoon slumps, or really anytime you want something that feels like a treat but fuels like a small meal.

5. Layered Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are another prep-ahead win—and this deliciously layered version is proof.

These Layered Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats are rich, creamy, and loaded with ingredients that will keep you full and focused for hours.

They start with a base of:

• Gluten-free rolled oats
• Maple syrup
• Peanut butter
• Chia seeds
• And our highest-protein Unsweetened Almond Milk, delivering 5g of protein per serving

These overnight oats are everything you’ve been longing for. They’re the evolved version of the chocolatey, peanut-buttery cereals you never forgot but haven’t had in forever because they will derail your day. 

… And unlike those cereals, these layered chocolate peanut butter overnight oats are IG-worthy.

Clean Protein & Better Mornings Begin Here

High-protein dairy-free breakfasts don’t have to be complicated. They just have to be built on better ingredients.

At Elmhurst, we believe clean should actually mean clean. That’s why our plant milks and lattes are made with real ingredients—no added gums, fillers, or additives—that strike the perfect balance between great taste and clean ingredient peace of mind.

And since you get more nuts than other brands in each Elmhurst plant milk, you also gain more nutrition, protein, and flavor authenticity with every sip. 

As you evolve your breakfast routine, you deserve something simpler, more satisfying, and packed with the protein you need to have the best possible start to your day.

Here’s to starting our mornings with more momentum!