By Made with just a handful of ingredients, this high-protein chocolate chia seed pudding without protein powder is as decadent as brownie batter. You can whip up this recipe in just 5 minutes, and it'll be ready for you when you wake up! The key is using vanilla Greek yogurt that's thick enough to suspend the chia seeds so you don't have to stir it again and sweet enough to mellow out any tang.
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I make chia seed pudding weekly for a high protein breakfast prep in different flavors and variations. I've tried blending it, making it with different milks, adding fruit, and more. After making brownie batter protein yogurt parfait and brownie batter overnight oats, I wanted an extra chocolatey high protein chia seed pudding version.
breakfast prep in 5 minutes
- It's naturally high in protein thanks to Greek yogurt.
- It's ready in just 5 minutes - like seriously 5 minutes and you can mix it up all in the same jar you store it in.
- You can easily make it dairy-free by using Siggis plant-based yogurt (which is also high in protein). Otherwise, check out our tofu-based dairy-free protein chia pudding!
- It can be breakfast or a healthier dessert because it's THAT good! Maybe as good as my chocolate banana protein muffins..
grab these ingredients
- Greek yogurt: You can use vanilla for less tang or plain yogurt and add 6 tablespoon of maple syrup. I prefer plain if I will eat it all for breakfast.
- Milk: Use whatever milk you have on hand. You can use an ultra-filtered milk like Fairlife for more protein. You can also use chocolate milk for more chocolate flavor.
- Flavor makers: Vanilla, cocoa powder, and salt all help bring flavor and amplify the other flavors. Vanilla bean paste is a great option for bringing more flavor, check out our recipe for vanilla Greek yogurt chia pudding.
toppings & more
I love enjoying chocolate chia seed pudding with all sorts of fun toppings, here are a few of my favorites.
- Fresh fruit: Raspberries, strawberries, and bananas.
- Nuts: Pistachios, macadamia nuts, almonds, and cashews.
- Nut butter: Peanut butter, cashew butter, almond butter, and sunflower butter.
- Granola & crunchies: Any kind of granola, cacao nibs, or protein brownie bark.
- Whipped topping: Coconut whip or cool whip.
- Drizzles: Caramel sauce, hot fudge sauce, honey, and more.
chia seed pudding is so quick to make
This all gets mixed together in one jar or bowl in just 5 minutes!
- Mix everything but the chia seeds in a jar.
- Add in the chia seeds.
- Seal the jar and shake well.
- Store in the fridge overnight to set.
quick recipe video
helpful tips
- Use a large mason jar: A 32 oz jar usually works perfectly for this. This is also the same size as a spaghetti sauce jar or similar - reduce, reuse, recycleeeee!
- If the chia seeds are still settling to the bottom after 2 hours, give it another stir and add in 2 more tablespoons of chia seeds. Stir once more and return to the fridge.
Recipe
High Protein Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding without Protein Powder
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Made with just a handful of ingredients, this high-protein chocolate chia seed pudding without protein powder is as decadent as brownie batter. You can whip up this recipe in just 5 minutes, and it'll be ready for you when you wake up! The key is using vanilla Greek yogurt that's thick enough to suspend the chia seeds so you don't have to stir it again and sweet enough to mellow out any tang.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Protein: 18g
Serves:
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Ingredients
- ¼ c cocoa powder (or cacao powder)
- 6 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey, leave out if using vanilla greek yogurt)
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
- 1 c plain non-fat greek yogurt (or vanilla, see notes)
- ½ c milk of choice (ultra-filtered for higher protein)
- ⅓ c chia seeds (add up to 2 tablespoon more if you like a thicker consistency)
Before you start!
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Instructions
- Add the ¼ c cocoa powder, 6 tablespoon maple syrup, Pinch of sea salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 c plain non-fat greek yogurt, and ½ c milk of choice to a 32 oz jar or bowl. Mix until well combined. You can also blend everything together for a more mousse-like texture.
- Stir in the ⅓ c chia seeds until they are evenly mixed, and then store in the fridge overnight. If you check on it and notice the chia seeds are still sinking, give it another shake or stir 2 hours after you first put it in the fridge and/or add another 2 tablespoon of chia seeds for a thicker texture. I like to shake the jar really well. Then enjoy!
Video
Notes
*if using vanilla greek yogurt, leave out the maple syrup
toppings & more
Fresh fruit: Raspberries, strawberries, and bananas.
Nuts: Pistachios, macadamia nuts, almonds, and cashews.
Nut butter: Peanut butter, cashew butter, almond butter, and sunflower butter.
Granola & crunchies: Any kind of granola, cacao nibs, or protein brownie bark.
Whipped topping: Coconut whip or cool whip.
Drizzles: Caramel sauce, hot fudge sauce, honey, and more. how to store it
fridge: This brownie batter pudding will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
frozen: Chia seed pudding freezes awesome! If you have any leftovers or extra, you can freeze it in an ice cube tray or silicon baking molds. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag of container and store for up to 3 months. To thaw it, put the cubes in a jar in the fridge overnight to defrost. Does it really have to sit overnight? It's best if it does. But, it will be thick enough to eat after about 4 hours if you're in a rush. If you want a similar recipe that's ready right away, try my high protein chocolate mousse that doesn't require any time to set up. Why didn't my chia seed pudding thicken? This can happen for two reasons: your chia seeds are old and too dried out to expand, or they did not mix in all the way. If this happens to you commonly, then your coconut milk is too thin. I recommend blending the chia seeds with the milk, so it doesn't matter what kind of milk you use. This forces them to expand and break open.
Fresh fruit: Raspberries, strawberries, and bananas.
Nuts: Pistachios, macadamia nuts, almonds, and cashews.
Nut butter: Peanut butter, cashew butter, almond butter, and sunflower butter.
Granola & crunchies: Any kind of granola, cacao nibs, or protein brownie bark.
Whipped topping: Coconut whip or cool whip.
Drizzles: Caramel sauce, hot fudge sauce, honey, and more. how to store it
fridge: This brownie batter pudding will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
frozen: Chia seed pudding freezes awesome! If you have any leftovers or extra, you can freeze it in an ice cube tray or silicon baking molds. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag of container and store for up to 3 months. To thaw it, put the cubes in a jar in the fridge overnight to defrost. Does it really have to sit overnight? It's best if it does. But, it will be thick enough to eat after about 4 hours if you're in a rush. If you want a similar recipe that's ready right away, try my high protein chocolate mousse that doesn't require any time to set up. Why didn't my chia seed pudding thicken? This can happen for two reasons: your chia seeds are old and too dried out to expand, or they did not mix in all the way. If this happens to you commonly, then your coconut milk is too thin. I recommend blending the chia seeds with the milk, so it doesn't matter what kind of milk you use. This forces them to expand and break open.
Looking for more information?
Additional substitution information can be found above in the substitution section of this post.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and for informational purposes only.
Nutrition
Calories: 423kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 77mg | Potassium: 587mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 142IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 455mg | Iron: 4mg
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