This chocolate chia pudding recipe delivers a rich chocolate flavor with a thick, pudding-like texture using simple pantry staples. Itโs an easy recipe that works well for meal prep, busy mornings, or a make-ahead treat when a chocolate craving hits. With options both with and without protein powder, itโs easy to customize to your preference.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Tastes like classic chocolate pudding with added texture and depth
- Naturally thickened by chia seeds for a pudding-like texture
- Made with simple ingredients and non-dairy milk
- Easy to customize with or without added protein
- A great midday snack, simple dessert, or breakfast option
- Works well for meal plans and busy mornings
- Satisfies a sweet tooth with natural sweetness from maple syrup
- One of our favorite chia seed recipes for make-ahead ease
- Chia seeds are a perfect way to get in grams of fiber to your day
If you're looking for different flavors of chia pudding, try our other options!
- Chia pudding with yogurt
- Creamy lemon chia pudding with raspberries (made creamy with Greek yogurt)
- Creamy strawberry chia pudding
- Protein chia pudding (a high protein chia pudding option!)
Ingredient Notes
- Chia seeds: Use whole seeds for best results; ground chia can create a smoother texture but thickens faster.
- Milk of choice: Almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk all work well.
- Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor.
- Protein powder (optional): A chocolate whey or plant-based protein will work to provide some additional grams of protein.
- Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness; adjust to taste.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements for this perfect chocolate chia pudding.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Whisk thoroughly at the start for best results, especially if adding protein powder.
- Letting the mixture rest and stirring again after 10 minutes prevents clumping and improves texture.
- For an ultra-smooth finish, blend briefly in a high-speed blender.
- Add coconut cream for a richer, dessert-like version.
- Change up the flavor by adding espresso powder, cinnamon, or a pinch of sea salt.
- Top with your favorite toppings! Fresh berries, fresh raspberries, nut butter, cacao nibs, or chocolate chips for variety.
How to Make Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
For the full recipe instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl or jar, whisk together the almond (or coconut) milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. If youโre making the added-protein version, whisk in the chocolate protein powder until completely smoothโno lumps left behind.
Step 2: Stir in the chia seeds, making sure theyโre fully incorporated and evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, and then stir it again to prevent the chia seeds from clumping.
Step 4: Cover the bowl or jar and place it in the refrigerator. Let the pudding thicken for at least 4-5 hours, or ideally overnight. Once thickened, give the pudding another good stir. If itโs too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk to loosen it. If you prefer it sweeter, add a touch more maple syrup. Spoon the chia pudding into bowls or jars. Top with fruit, nut butter, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes.
Chocolate Chia Pudding FAQs
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Stir before serving and add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
This recipe is meant to be enjoyed coldโno reheating needed.
This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian. However, if you use protein powder make sure to choose one according to your needs.
Another Great Snack Idea
If you make this chocolate chia pudding recipe, please let us know how it turns out in the comments below and/or rate the recipe! Donโt forget to tag us on Instagram to show us your finished productโit makes our day every time we see you trying the recipes we love!
Chocolate Chia Pudding (With a Higher Protein Option)
Ingredients
No Added Protein Option
- 1 ยผ cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ยฝ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ยผ cup chia seeds
Added Protein Option
- 1 ยผ cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ยฝ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ยผ cup chocolate protein powder
- ยผ cup chia seeds
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together the almond (or coconut) milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. If youโre making the added-protein version, whisk in the chocolate protein powder until completely smoothโno lumps left behind.
- Stir in the chia seeds, making sure theyโre fully incorporated and evenly dispersed throughout the mixture. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, and then stir it again to prevent the chia seeds from clumping.
- Cover the bowl or jar and place it in the refrigerator. Let the pudding thicken for at least 4-5 hours, or ideally overnight. Once thickened, give the pudding another good stir. If itโs too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk to loosen it. If you prefer it sweeter, add a touch more maple syrup. Spoon the chia pudding into bowls or jars. Top with fruit, nut butter, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes.
Notes
- Save time/prep ahead:
- Make a larger batch and portion into jars for the week.
- Stores well for 4โ5 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Prepare individual servings in advance so theyโre ready at any time of day.
- This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian. However, if you use protein powder make sure to choose one according to your needs.
- The recipe can be found on My Fitness Pal by searching "BWB Chocolate Chia Pudding." This nutrition information is for the version with added protein powder. The nutrition content provided for each recipe is an estimate created through the My Fitness Pal database. Please be aware that the nutritional content of each recipe may vary based on the products you use, the precision of your measurements, and the source you use to obtain nutrition data. While we try to provide accurate information, we give no guarantee regarding the accuracy of the nutritional information provided.
J
I'm typically not a big chia pudding fan, but I really liked this one. Thanks for the idea!