If your mornings aren’t complete without coffee and a good-for-you breakfast, this High-Protein Mocha Chia Seed Pudding might just be your new obsession. Creamy, chocolatey, with a gentle caffeine kick—it’s like dessert and a latte had a nutritious baby. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, it’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast or mid-day power snack!
A Pudding Worth Waking Up For
Let’s talk about mornings. Some of us hit snooze more times than we’d like to admit, and others jump out of bed at 6 a.m. sharp. But no matter how you start your day, having a breakfast ready and waiting in the fridge makes everything better. Especially when it involves coffee and chocolate.
This High-Protein Mocha Chia Seed Pudding brings together bold espresso flavor and rich cocoa, giving your taste buds something to cheer about before you’ve even had your first sip of coffee. It’s quick to prep, great for grab-and-go, and balanced with everything your body needs—omega-3s from the chia seeds, protein from Greek yogurt or vegan alternatives, and slow-digesting carbs that help keep you energized.
And don’t worry—it’s completely customizable. You can go full-on dessert-style with toppings like coconut cream and chocolate shavings, or keep it light and clean for your weekly meal prep.
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based high-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:
- Greek or coconut yogurt
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Cocoa nibs or chocolate chips
- Sliced almonds
- Coffee beans for garnish
- Coconut cream
Pro Tips
- Use chilled coffee – Make sure the coffee is cool before mixing, or your chia pudding won’t set properly.
- Mix twice – Stir once when combining, then again after 15–20 minutes to avoid clumping.
- Adjust sweetness – Depending on your protein powder and coffee strength, you may need more or less maple syrup.
- Go the extra mile – Top with yogurt and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a full café-style experience.
- Blend it smooth – For a mousse-like texture, blend the mixture after it has set.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mason jar or small container with lid
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Small whisk or spoon
- Blender (optional for smooth version)
- Refrigerator for chilling
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free? Use a plant-based yogurt and vegan protein powder.
- Caffeine-free? Swap coffee for brewed chicory root, dandelion tea, or decaf espresso.
- Nut-free? Choose oat milk and sunflower seed yogurt.
- No protein powder? Use extra yogurt or add 1 tablespoon of hemp seeds or nut butter.
- Want more chocolate? Add a teaspoon of melted dark chocolate or cacao nibs for crunch.
Make-Ahead Tips
This pudding is a total meal prep MVP. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days in sealed jars or containers. For best results, give the mixture a quick stir after the first hour to prevent clumps.
Store toppings separately if you want to preserve textures like crunch or swirl in yogurt just before serving for the best “coffeehouse” vibe.
How to Make High-Protein Mocha Chia Seed Pudding
1. Brew and Cool the Coffee
Make a small cup of strong coffee or espresso and let it cool completely before using.
2. Mix the Base Ingredients
In a mason jar or small bowl, combine the coffee, almond milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, and cocoa powder. Stir until smooth.
3. Add Chia Seeds
Stir in chia seeds and protein powder (if using), then let sit for 10–15 minutes. Stir again to redistribute the seeds.
4. Chill
Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set.
5. Stir and Serve
In the morning, stir the pudding and top with your favorites—yogurt, chocolate shavings, a few coffee beans, or a dollop of coconut cream.
Leftovers and Storage
Your mocha chia pudding will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. If it gets too thick, stir in a splash of almond milk to loosen. For grab-and-go convenience, portion it into individual jars with lids and store toppings separately.
You can even freeze it (without toppings) for up to 1 month—just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Wake Up with Mocha the Healthy Way
Whether you’re trying to add more protein to your diet, cut back on processed breakfast options, or just want to treat yourself to something that tastes amazing and fuels you all morning, this High-Protein Mocha Chia Seed Pudding is a winner.
Bold coffee flavor, chocolatey richness, creamy texture, and a protein boost—it’s everything you need in one spoonful. Try it out and let me know in the comments: did you add nut butter? Go full mocha latte with a swirl of coconut cream? I’d love to hear how you made it your own!
