This vegan chocolate chia seed pudding is made with just 6 ingredients, but the finished product is a rich, creamy and decadent dish. It's filled with incredible nutrition (18 grams of fiber and 29 grams of protein!). Make it in just a few minutes and top it with almond butter and granola for the best treat ever!
Creamy pudding, rich chocolate flavor and high protein content - sounds like the perfect breakfast to me! In fact, I love this chocolate protein pudding any time of day really, as it's a healthy snack made from simple ingredients.
The pudding is quick and easy to make, but will need some time to set in the refrigerator once all the ingredients have been whisked together. It therefore makes for the perfect make-ahead breakfast or post-workout snack.
My kids won't touch my classic creamy chia pudding but they go CRAZY for this chocolate version (I'll omit the protein powder when making for them). Sometimes I'll even add everything to the blender instead of whisking for a smoother blended chocolate chia pudding. Maybe it's the chocolate, or maybe it's because they can't see the chia seeds. Whatever the reason, I'm happy they're getting tons of amazing nutrients in with this dish!
Ingredients in Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
This is a super short ingredient list! The pudding itself is really just plant-based milk chia seeds and protein powder; everything else just adds delicious, rich and chocolatey flavor. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for quantities.
- Almond or oat milk - I've made this with both almond milk and oat milk and it turns out perfectly with either. If you make your own non-dairy milk, you can create an extra thick consistency for an even creamier pudding. YUM!
- Chia seeds - Would you believe that it only takes three tablespoons of chia seeds for a thick, scoopable consistency? I'm telling you, chia seeds are incredible!
- Cocoa powder - Make sure you're using unsweetened cocoa powder to keep this recipe free of refined sugars.
- Pure maple syrup - This is my sweetener of choice! It's make from just one ingredient: the sap from maple trees. It adds a delicious sweetness without overdoing it!
- Vanilla extract - Just a splash will pair perfectly with the chocolate.
- Protein powder - I use vegan protein powder made from pumpkin seeds. I prefer unflavored, but feel free to use any type of protein powder you wish (vanilla protein powder works just fine).
- Raw creamy almond butter (optional) - This is a totally optional addition (the pudding is delicious without it) but it makes a huge difference! Plus, it adds more protein! Any creamy nut butter will do here.
How to Make this High Protein Chia Pudding
- Whisk the ingredients. In a medium-sized lidded jar whisk together the milk, chia seeds, cocoa powder, maple syrup and vanilla. Add almond butter if using (make sure it is a new jar and/or runny). For the initial 15 minutes, whisk every 5 minutes to make sure the chia seeds distribute evenly and no clumps of seeds remain. Once everything is well incorporated, cover with the lid and place in your refrigerator overnight (at least 4 hours until thickened and cold).
- Serve! Once thickened, stir with a spoon and enjoy. Garnish with your toppings of choice such as creamy almond butter and granola.
Chia pudding lasts up to four days in your refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. After that look for normal signs of spoilage.
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
I seriously buy chia seeds in bulk because they are SO loaded with nutrition. Many consider chia seeds to be a “superfood” as they offer important nutrients in just a few calories. I add them into almost every smoothie I make! Chia seeds resemble poppy seeds and are technically part of the mint family.
According to the National Institutes of Health, chia seeds are rich in dietary fiber (one tablespoon provides 19% of your recommended daily fiber!), healthy fats (omega-3 and omega-6) and antioxidants that help prevent cell damage. They also offer protein and are high in calcium, iron, and magnesium.
More chia seed recipes:
Toppings for Chocolate Protein Pudding
The toppings are where you can truly make this recipe your own! Add a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of homemade Nutella, or a handful of homemade granola!
- Vegan Whipped Cream with Coconut Milk
- Healthy Homemade Nutella (vegan, paleo)
- Homemade Raw Creamy Almond Butter
- Easy Cinnamon Vanilla Granola
- Fresh fruit - Fresh berries or bananas would be so good!
- Nuts - Slivered almonds or Healthy Maple Candied Pecans would add a satisfying crunch on top.
This chocolate chia protein pudding recipe is grain-free, low-carb, paleo, gluten-free, vegan, and has an easy nut-free option. Treats like this make me so happy. I love that anyone can enjoy this perfect snack!
If you make it, I hope you'll tag me on Instagram and drop a review below. You can also subscribe to my newsletter for weekly recipes dropped right in your inbox!
More Chia Pudding Recipes
- How to Make Thick and Creamy Chia Pudding (5 ingredients)
- The Creamiest Chia Seed Pudding (4 ingredients)
High Protein Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vegan chocolate chia pudding is made with just 6 ingredients, but the finished product is a rich, creamy, and decadent dish. It's filled with incredible nutrition (18 grams of fiber and 29 grams of protein!). Prepare it in just a few minutes before refrigerating and then top it with granola for the best treat ever!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or oat milk
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 scoops of protein powder (I prefer pumpkin seed protein powder)
- optional: 2 tablespoons raw creamy almond butter (to make it extra creamy and add protein)
Optional Topping Ideas:
- Easy cinnamon vanilla granola
- fresh berries, sliced banana
- Sliced almonds
- coconut whipped cream
Instructions
- In a medium-sized lidded jar whisk together the milk, chia seeds, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla and protein powder. Add almond butter if using (make sure it is a new jar and/or runny). For the initial 15 minutes whisk every 5 minutes to make sure the chia seeds distribute evenly. Once everything is well incorporated, cover with the lid and place in your refrigerator overnight (at least 4 hours until thickened and cold).
- Once thickened, stir with a spoon and enjoy. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as creamy almond butter and granola.
Notes
Chia pudding lasts up to four days in your refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. After that look for normal signs of spoilage.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Breakfast or Snack
Modeeha says
I made this yesterday, but substituted chocolate protein powder instead of cocoa powder and it turned out great! My new favourite breakfast!
Elaine Gordon says
Oh wonderful! I'm so happy to hear this! Thank you for letting me know!