If you’re looking to power up your mornings with a high-protein breakfast, you’re in the right place. Learn about the benefits of getting 30g protein at breakfast and how a protein-packed morning meal can set you up for a fantastic day. 

Plus, we’ve got some tasty 30g protein breakfast ideas for you!

Why Start Your Day With 30 Grams of Protein?

Starting your day with 30 grams of protein at breakfast can be a real game-changer for muscle maintenance and satiety (feeling full longer) (5, 6).

Benefits of High-Protein Breakfasts

A protein-rich breakfast can help stabilize your blood sugar and makes you feel fuller longer (7, 8). It provides essential amino acids your body needs to repair and build muscle tissue (9). Plus, eating plenty of protein at breakfast can help you increase the total protein you eat that day and meet your protein goals.

Recipes and Meal Ideas for a 30g Protein Breakfast

Let’s get to the fun part—the recipes! Here are some delicious, high-protein breakfast ideas to help you hit that 30g protein goal.

1. Blueberry protein overnight oats

Sweet, satisfying, and packed with protein, overnight oats are a great way to start your day. And don’t miss our Golden Overnight Oats with Blueberries for variety!

You’ll need:

• 2/3 cup rolled oats (7g protein)
• 1/2 cup nonfat milk (4g protein)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (25g protein)
• 1/2 banana
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (3.5g protein)
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds (0.5g protein)
• Cinnamon
• Fresh blueberries

Total estimated protein: 40g

2. Tropical post-workout protein shake

Whether you have worked out or not, kickstart your day with this vibrant tropical protein shake!

You’ll need:

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut water (.5g protein)
• 1/2 a banana (.5g protein)
• 1/2 cup frozen mango (.5g protein)
• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
• 1 cup spinach (.5g protein)
• 2 tbsp almond butter (7g protein)
• 1/2 cup plain 0% Greek Yogurt (13g protein)
• 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (13g protein)

Total estimated protein per serving: 35g

3. High-protein breakfast quesadilla

This quick breakfast quesadilla is full of flavor and muscle-building protein.

You’ll need:

• 1 bacon strip (3g protein)
• 2 large eggs (12g protein)
• 3 tbsp no salt added canned black beans, rinsed and drained (3g protein)
• 1/2 jalapeno, seeds and stem discarded, thinly sliced
• 1 sprouted whole-grain tortilla (7g protein)
• 3 tbsp reduced fat grated cheddar cheese (6g protein)
• 1/4 cup baby arugula
• Cumin, salt, and pepper to taste

Total estimated protein: 31g

4. Sausage spinach goat cheese omelet

Versatile and protein-filled, this delicious omelet will start your morning right.

You’ll need:

• 2 large eggs (12g protein)
• 1 link chicken apple sausage (14g protein)
• 1 oz goat cheese (5g protein)
• 1/2 cup spinach

Total estimated protein: 31g

5. Pumpkin spice protein smoothie

While pumpkin spice is a fave, you can substitute different fruits and protein powder flavors in your smoothie.

You’ll need:

• 5 1/3 oz Greek yogurt (15g protein)
• 1 scoop soy protein powder (21g protein) 
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (1g protein)
• 1/2 banana (1g protein)
• Pumpkin spice blend
• Maple syrup
• Ice cubes

Total estimated protein: 38g

6. Greek yogurt with fruit and nuts

Simple, nutritious, and crunchy. Customize this easy 30g protein breakfast with your favorite nuts and fruit.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (25g protein)
• 1 scoop whey protein powder (13g protein) 
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (5g protein)
• 1/2 cup raspberries

Total estimated protein: 43g

7. Protein pancakes

Choose this fun and fulfilling breakfast topped with cinnamon and maple syrup or a dollop of nut butter for even more extra protein at breakfast.

You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (5g protein)
• 1/4 cup vanilla whey protein powder (27g protein)
• 1/4 cup nonfat milk (2g protein)
• 1 large egg (6g protein)
• 1 tbsp coconut flour (1g protein)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/2 banana

Total estimated protein: 41g

8. Avocado, salmon, and egg toast

Trendy, tasty, and protein-rich, we added eggs to our Smashed Avocado with Smoked Salmon & Red Onion for this decadent dish.

You’ll need:

• 1 avocado (3g protein)
• 2 oz smoked salmon (10g protein)
• 2 large eggs (12g protein)
• 2 slices whole grain bread (9g protein)
• Sliced red onion

Total estimated protein: 34g

Tips for High-Protein Breakfasts

Balance and variety

Balance your 30g protein breakfast with complex carbs  and healthy fats for a healthy diet. Variety means you’ll get all the nutrients your body needs. Eggs, Greek yogurt, and black beans are great budget-friendly protein options.

Dietary needs

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, you can adjust these 30g protein breakfast recipes to fit your diet. For example, swap regular protein powder for a plant-based option, or use gluten-free oats.

Tracking protein intake

Keep an eye on your protein intake to make sure you’re hitting your goals with an app like MyFitnessPal. Aim for a balance of high-protein foods at each meal.

Muscle maintenance

Protein is essential for maintaining lean muscle, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. It helps preserve muscle mass, keeping your metabolism high (10).

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line: Start Your Day With a 30g Protein Breakfast for Optimal Health and Wellness

Starting your day with a 30g protein breakfast is a great way to fuel your body, keep your energy levels stable, and support muscle health. Get the MyFitnessPal app for more protein-packed recipes to make the most of your morning meals.

Originally published April 3, 2020; Updated January 2026

The post 8 Tasty Ways to Get 30g of Protein for Breakfast (Recipes Included!) appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.