Back in college, dinner was cereal and dessert was whatever looked the least expired. Flash forward: I made High Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding and my whole idea of snacking changed. It’s blowing up online right now, and no wonderit’s rich, feel-good food with purpose.
This easy recipe mixes creamy almond milk, cocoa powder, and chia seeds for that thick, chocolatey spoonful we all cravebut make it smart. It’s got pantry staples, chill energy, and total chia pudding vegan vibes. Full details in the blog!
Honestly, I tested this after a too-long day and a one-pot pasta fail. Me + fridge = redemption with a jar of this good stuff. I grew up on rice pudding, but this is the grown-up version with muscle. I even folded in a little twisttrust me, it works.
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding
- Effortless Prep: Just mix, chill, and enjoyno fancy gadgets or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Rich and Chocolatey: Decadent cocoa flavor that feels like dessert, but with the benefits of a high-protein meal.
- Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for those new to chia pudding vegan recipesit’s almost impossible to mess up!
- Meal Prep Hero: Make it once, and you’ve got a grab-and-go high protein dessert or breakfast for days.
Key Ingredients & Swaps
This high protein chocolate chia pudding uses simple pantry staples, but there’s room for flexibility:
| Ingredient | Purpose | Possible Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Chia Seeds | Main thickener and fiber source | No swaps, these are essential! |
| Cocoa Powder | Rich chocolatey flavor | Try cacao powder for a deeper, slightly bitter note |
| Plant-Based Milk | Creates a creamy base | Use almond, soy, or oat milk |
| Maple Syrup | Natural sweetness | Agave syrup or honey (if not vegan) |
| Protein Powder | Pumps up the protein content | Chocolate or vanilla vegan options work best |

Step-by-Step: How to Make It
- Mix the Base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together almond milk, protein powder, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth.
- Add the Chia Seeds: Stir in the chia seeds, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Rest and Stir: After 5 minutes, stir the mixture again to break up any clumps that may form.
- Chill: Cover the bowl or transfer to a jar, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or leave it overnight for the best thick and creamy texture.
Pro Tip: After chilling, give it one last stir for the ultimate creaminess before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Toppings
Now comes the fun partdressing it up! This chocolate chia pudding is a blank canvas for creativity:
- Top with fresh berries or sliced banana for a sweet, tangy contrast.
- Sprinkle with cacao nibs or dark chocolate shavings for even more chocolatey goodness.
- Add a dollop of dairy-free coconut yogurt for a creamy touch.
- Feeling indulgent? Drizzle with peanut butter or almond butter.
Storage Tips
One of the best parts of this chia pudding? It’s perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store it:
| Storage Method | How Long It Keeps | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| In the Fridge | 4–5 days | Store in single-serving jars for easy grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks. |
| In the Freezer | Not recommended | Chia pudding changes texture when frozenbest enjoyed fresh from the fridge. |
Quick Recap: High Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Whisk the almond milk, protein powder, cocoa, vanilla, maple syrup, and salt until smooth. |
| 2 | Stir in chia seeds and rest for 5 minutes, then stir again. |
| 3 | Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. |
| 4 | Top with your choice of fresh fruit, yogurt, or chocolate, and enjoy! |
Expert Insight: The Benefits of High Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding
Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, offering fiber, omega-3s, and a plant-based protein boost. Combining them with chocolate and other protein-rich ingredients creates a high protein chocolate chia pudding that not only satisfies sweet cravings but also supports muscle repair and sustained energy levels throughout the day.
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Perfecting My High Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding
This high protein chocolate chia pudding didn’t come together overnight. After more than a few messy experimentslike accidentally making it too thick or missing that rich chocolate balanceI finally nailed a version that’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with protein. This recipe is the result of real kitchen trial and error you can trust.
FAQs ( High Protein Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding That’s Easy To Make! )
How much protein does this high protein chocolate chia pudding contain?
This high protein chocolate chia pudding typically contains 15-20 grams of protein per serving, depending on the protein powder used. The protein comes from both the chia seeds (which naturally contain about 4 grams per 2 tablespoons) and the added protein powder. This makes it an excellent choice among high protein desserts that actually taste indulgent while supporting your fitness goals.
Is this chocolate chia seed pudding recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made as a chia pudding vegan option by using plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and choosing a vegan protein powder. Chia seeds are naturally plant-based, and when combined with cocoa powder and your favorite non-dairy milk, you get a deliciously creamy vegan treat. Many of the best chia pudding recipes healthy options are naturally vegan or easily adaptable.
How long does it take for chocolate chia pudding to set?
Your chocolate chia pudding needs at least 2-3 hours to set properly, but overnight (8 hours) gives you the best texture. The chia seeds need time to absorb the liquid and create that signature pudding-like consistency. For quicker results, stir the mixture every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours to prevent clumping and ensure even thickening.
What type of protein powder works best in this protein pudding?
Chocolate or vanilla protein powder works wonderfully in this protein pudding recipe, with chocolate enhancing the cocoa flavor beautifully. Both whey and plant-based protein powders work well, though plant-based options like pea or hemp protein blend more smoothly. Start with 1 scoop (about 25-30 grams) and adjust to taste, as some protein powder recipes can become too thick if you add too much.
Can I meal prep this high protein chocolate chia pudding?
Absolutely! This high protein chocolate chia pudding is perfect for meal prep and stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make several servings at once by multiplying the recipe, then portion into individual jars or containers. It’s one of those convenient chia pudding recipes that actually gets better with time as the flavors meld together, making your busy mornings much easier.

Wrapping Up Your High Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding
High Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding is a quick, dreamy fix that blends rich chocolate flavor with wholesome goodnessjust mix, chill, and scoop. You’ll love the creamy texture and that cozy homemade vibe it brings to your kitchen. Easy enough for weeknight treats, yet fancy enough to impress yourself (and the fam).
Feel free to swap in different plant milks or sprinkle a dash of cinnamon for a twist. Storing it in single jars keeps mornings breezya trick I picked up from kitchen pros who swear by simple prep. This pudding plays well with all the classic chia pudding recipes healthy fans adore.
Give it a whirl, share your favorite topping combos, or tell medid you grow up with a chocolate pudding love story? Pass along the recipe and cozy up with this protein-packed snack everyone will ask for again. Trust me, you’ll wanna make it again and again.
Print
HIGH PROTEIN CHOCOLATE CHIA PUDDING
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This high protein chocolate chia pudding is creamy and chocolatey, loaded with plant-based protein and healthy fats. It’s quick to prep, completely vegan, and perfect as a high-protein breakfast or post-workout snack. A delicious protein pudding that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 scoop plant-based/vegan protein powder chocolate or vanilla
- 1 cup plant-based milk such as almond or soy
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup or agave
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional to taste
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional toppings coconut whip
- cacao nibs
- berries
- or dark chocolate
Instructions
- In a bowl or jar, whisk almond milk, protein powder, cacao powder, vanilla, maple syrup, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in chia seeds.
- Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping.
- Cover your bowl or jar and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best texture.
- Before serving, give it a quick stir and add your favorite toppings like dairy-free yogurt, dark chocolate shavings, fresh berries or sliced banana, or a spoonful of peanut butter.
Notes
- Your chia pudding will keep in the fridge for up to 4–5 days
- Perfect for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g










