Chocolate Chia Pudding is the creamy, high protein breakfast that tastes like dessert. Gluten free, meal prep friendly and dietitian approved!
As a girl with a sweet tooth, I'm always looking for high protein and high fibre options to keep me full and help with blood sugar balance. Chia pudding is one of my go-tos because chia seeds are a great source of fibre, plant-based protein and healthy fats. And if you're new to chia pudding, this creamy chocolate chia pudding is the best place to start!
Even if you don't like the gloppy texture of chia seeds, I have some good news: we're blending this chocolate chia pudding! Similar to my pumpkin pie chia pudding, the final texture is thick, smooth and creamy. It's so delicious with some fresh berries, whipped cream and chocolate shavings if you're feeling fancy.
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- High protein and fibre. One serving of chocolate chia pudding has 12g of protein and 8g fibre for a satisfying snack.
- Satisfy that sweet tooth. Chocolate chia pudding is the perfect sweet treat that hits the spot while still leaving you feeling great.
- Not gloopy. For my friends with texture issues, this chia pudding is blended to get rid of anything gloopiness. So smooth and creamy!
Ingredients
Milk. Any milk of choice will work fine. I personally recommend dairy or soy milk for the highest protein options.
Maple syrup. For natural sweetness! Honey also works.
Greek yogurt. This is my secret to creating the creamiest chia pudding. Greek yogurt also adds a bit of protein, calcium and vitamin D.
Chia seeds. These are a great source of fiber and healthy fats. You can use black or white chia seeds; the only difference will be the colour.
Cocoa powder. For the rich, decadent chocolate flavour, I add some high quality unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder.
Protein powder. My personal favourite chocolate protein powder is Nuzest! It is naturally sweetened and is also gluten and dairy-free.
Salt. Adding a pinch of salt to chocolate recipes helps balance out the sweetness, creating the richest flavour.
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- In a high powered blender, combine milk, maple syrup vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder and salt. Blend until smooth (about 5 minutes).
- Divide between 5 small glass jars (about ¾ cup in each). Cover and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours to thicken.
- For serving, top with fresh berries, whipped cream and shaved dark chocolate.
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
To make dairy-free: substitute the milk with a dairy-free milk of choice such as soy and utilize a thick dairy-free yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
To make nut-free: this recipe is naturally nut-free.
Equipment
Storage
This chocolate chia pudding can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 6 days.
Top Tips for Success
Your blender will affect how smooth this recipe turns out. I highly recommend using a high powered blender like this one or the Splendor blender that I used.
If you're not wanting to blend this recipe, I would recommend whisking the liquid ingredients milk, vanilla, yogurt, maple syrup) thoroughly before adding the chia seeds, cocoa powder and protein powder to ensure it is nice and smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
No! If you skip the blending, I recommend whisking together the liquid ingredients before adding the dry ingredients. This ensures that everything is smooth and well incorporated.
I like Nuzest's chocolate protein powder.
More Chia Pudding Recipes
Looking for more unique chia pudding recipes? Try these next:
- Tiramisu Chia Pudding
- Layered Chia Pudding Parfaits
- Berry Crumble Chia Pudding
- Strawberry Lemonade Blended Chia Pudding
See you in the kitchen!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this chocolate chia pudding, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt *see note below
- ½ cup chia seeds
- 4 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ¼ cup chocolate protein powder
- Pinch of salt
For topping:
- Fresh berries
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- In a high powered blender combine milk, maple syrup vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder and salt. Blend until smooth (about 5 minutes).
- Divide between 5 small glass jars (about ¾ cup in each). Cover and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours to thicken.
- For serving, top with fresh berries, whipped cream and shaved dark chocolate.
Megan says
I loved this recipe but it not as firm as I expected and more like a smoothie texture. Perhaps because I used skim milk? Or I blended for too long? Would love your advice on how to improve for next time!
Nicole Addison says
Hi Megan, after testing this recipe MANY times I found that the speed of your blender is usually the culprit for a thinner chia pudding. Using a very high speed will cause the chia seeds to break down too much decreasing their ability to absorb the liquid! For best results, start at a slightly slower speed and blend until just combined. Once combined you can always allow it to sit for a longer period of time in the fridge to thicken further.
Sabrina Hays says
I seriously love this recipe!! I make it at least a couple times a month and feel great having it for breakfast all week. 😊
Nicky says
So easy to make and utterly delicious!
Anne Visser says
Delicious . Used almond milk. Easy to make.
Nicole Addison says
If you are looking to add more fiber into your diet THIS is the perfect recipe for you!!! I hope you love it!
Katie says
I’ve made this 3 times already and absolutely LOVE it! Huge hit with my toddlers too! Will definitely be making this treat often in our house, thanks for the delicious recipe!