Thick, creamy, and deeply chocolatey, this High-Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding is your go-to solution for a healthy breakfast, midday snack, or post-workout treat. It’s made with simple, nourishing ingredients but tastes like rich, indulgent dessert—perfect for kids, busy adults, and chocolate lovers everywhere!
A Chocolate Fix You Can Feel Good About
Let’s be honest—when that chocolate craving hits, it hits hard. But what if you could satisfy it and nourish your body at the same time? That’s exactly what this High-Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding does.
It’s velvety smooth, full of rich cocoa flavor, and packed with fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein that’ll keep you full and energized.
Chia seeds are the magic here. These little powerhouses absorb liquid and transform into a pudding-like texture overnight.
Add in unsweetened cocoa powder, almond milk, and your favorite protein source—like Greek yogurt or protein powder—and you’ve got a wholesome treat that feels indulgent but fuels you like a champ.
Whether you prep it for the week ahead, serve it to your kids after school, or enjoy it as a post-workout recovery snack, this is one of those recipes that’ll quickly become a staple in your fridge.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based protein yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup (to taste)
- 1/2 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries (raspberries or strawberries)
- Shaved dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips
- Coconut flakes
- Dollop of yogurt or nut butter
- Crushed nuts or granola
Pro Tips
- Mix thoroughly – Cocoa powder can clump, so whisk well or blend your ingredients before adding chia seeds.
- Blend for a smooth texture – If you don’t love the texture of chia seeds, blend everything after the pudding sets to get a mousse-like consistency.
- Use high-quality cocoa – A rich, dark cocoa powder makes all the difference in flavor.
- Let it chill overnight – While it only needs 3–4 hours to set, overnight is best for a thick, creamy texture.
- Customize the protein – Add your favorite protein powder or swap in more yogurt for an extra protein punch.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl or mason jar
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk or spoon
- Blender (optional, for a smooth version)
- Refrigerator space for chilling
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegan? Use a plant-based yogurt and vegan protein powder.
- No cocoa powder? Substitute cacao powder for an antioxidant-rich option.
- Want it thicker? Use less milk or add another half tablespoon of chia seeds.
- Make it nut-free? Use oat or rice milk and a seed-based yogurt.
- Add-ins: Stir in a bit of instant espresso for mocha flavor, or a touch of cinnamon for warmth.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is ideal for meal prep! Make a few jars at once and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If preparing in bulk, wait to add toppings until just before serving to keep textures fresh. You can also freeze in small containers and thaw overnight in the fridge for grab-and-go convenience.
How to Make High-Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding
1. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a bowl or jar, whisk together almond milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
2. Add the Cocoa and Protein Powder
Stir in the cocoa powder and protein powder (if using), making sure there are no lumps.
3. Stir in the Chia Seeds
Add chia seeds and stir well to distribute evenly. Let sit for 10 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping.
4. Refrigerate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Stir and Serve
In the morning, stir the pudding to redistribute the seeds. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover pudding in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of almond milk to loosen it.
Top just before serving to keep textures crisp and fresh. You can also portion into smaller jars for individual grab-and-go servings throughout the week.
Chocolate You Can Feel Good About
This High-Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding brings you the joy of dessert with the benefits of clean, whole ingredients. It’s the kind of treat you can feel great about serving your kids, enjoying after a workout, or grabbing on a busy morning.
Have fun with it—add toppings, swirl in nut butter, or turn it into a layered parfait. And when you do, leave a comment to let me know how you customized yours. I can’t wait to see your chocolatey creations!
