Dessert

High Protein Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

Byreem everly December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

Introduction

This High Protein Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding is a delicious and nutritious treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a healthy dessert. It’s easy to prepare, packed with protein, and offers the rich flavor of chocolate with the benefits of chia seeds.

Two clear glass cups filled with a thick dark brown chocolate chia pudding showing the textured chia seeds throughout. Each cup is topped with small dark chocolate shavings, a bright red strawberry positioned on one side, and a fresh green mint leaf next to the strawberry, adding a pop of color. The cups sit on a light blue cloth with a silver spoon placed beside them on a white marbled surface. The focus is sharp on the front cup, with the second cup softly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup chia seeds
2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey for non-vegan)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 scoop protein powder (chocolate or vanilla, optional)
Fresh fruit, nuts, or granola (for topping, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chia seeds, cocoa powder, protein powder (if using), and salt until well combined.
Step 2: Pour in the almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or divide the mixture into individual serving containers. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a thicker pudding.
Step 4: After chilling, stir the pudding well. If it’s too thick, add a splash of almond milk to adjust the consistency.
Step 5: Serve the pudding topped with fresh fruit, nuts, or granola as desired.

Tips & Variations

Use flavored protein powder to add variety or skip it for a dairy-free, lower-protein version.
Swap maple syrup with agave nectar or brown rice syrup for different natural sweetener options.
For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of nut butter or mashed banana before chilling.
Try topping with berries and shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well before eating and add a splash of milk if the pudding thickens too much. It’s best enjoyed chilled and can be made ahead for convenient meals or snacks.

How to Serve

Two transparent glass cups filled with three layers of chocolate chia pudding, showing the textured small chia seeds evenly distributed throughout the dark brown pudding. Each cup is topped with a layer of dark chocolate shavings, a bright red strawberry, and fresh green mint leaves. The cups sit on a soft blue cloth that lays on a white marbled surface. A silver spoon lies beside the closest glass cup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of milk?

Yes, you can use any milk you prefer, such as cow’s milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Unsweetened versions keep the pudding less sweet, but you can adjust the sweetener accordingly.

Do I have to add protein powder?

No, protein powder is optional. The chia seeds provide some protein and fiber on their own. Adding protein powder boosts the protein content, making it a great post-workout snack or meal replacement.