Protein Chia Pudding

This quick protein chia pudding is easy to make and packed with protein for a great snack or breakfast option.

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• Protein Chia Pudding

If you’ve never tried chia pudding, this is your sign to give it a chance! Chia pudding is the perfect vehicle for your favorite granola (ours is our homemade coconut granola), berries, and nut butter. 

I love chia pudding for an easy breakfast option. You can quickly make the pudding before hitting the pillow, refrigerate it overnight, and have it ready to go for a quick breakfast on a busy morning. I also love the addition of added protein, which we’ve included as an option below, for a post-workout snack. Chia is a great recovery option because it's full of protein and healthy fats. The carbohydrates you can get from the fruit, granola, or other toppings are also great for refueling after a workout. 

What ingredients do you need?

Chia Seeds

You can’t make chia pudding without chia seeds! If you haven’t purchased chia seeds before, they are a great staple pantry item. There are so many ways you can incorporate chia seeds into other recipes throughout the day–you can add them to smoothies, protein balls, and overnight oats as a few examples. One great option is to purchase chia seeds in bulk from Costco–it’s a great deal and will last you a long time. However, if you’re not quite ready to commit to a big bag of chia, you can always find a smaller bag at most other grocery stores. 

Almond milk or another non-dairy alternative

Almond milk and coconut milk are my two favorite options for this recipe. If you’re a fan of coconut flavor, the coconut milk can give the pudding a slight coconut taste. For almond milk, I prefer to use an unsweetened option (especially if you choose to sweeten your chia pudding using maple syrup or honey). Did you know that you can also make your own almond milk? I’ve liked making my own using the Almond Cow machine and three simple ingredients–almonds, water, and a dash of salt.

Protein Powder

Below we have included two recipe options-–an option with added protein and an option without added protein. When making chia pudding with protein powder, I typically choose a vanilla-flavored option. However, you can try different protein flavors for variety. The protein powder I recommend is Truvani. I have used it for the last three years and love the clean, organic ingredients.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is optional. However, I love using it to add flavor whenever I get the chance. The two brands I have used are Simply Organic and Costco’s Kirkland brand. 

What equipment do you need?

All you need is a container and a fork or whisk to help mix the chia pudding together. The whisk is particularly helpful if you are using protein powder–it can help to reduce clumps. You can also eliminate the need for a fork or whisk altogether by using a mason jar when prepping the pudding. Simply toss all the ingredients in the jar and give it a good shake until everything is mixed well. Then, the next morning add the toppings to the jar, and it’s ready to go!

How do I make chia pudding?

I have included two separate recipes, one with added protein and one without. Notice that the measurements are different; when you add the extra protein powder, you need additional liquid to ensure that the chia pudding has enough to absorb for the best consistency. 

Start by measuring and adding your choice of milk and adding it to your container. Next, if you choose the protein option, add your protein to the milk and mix well until the mixture is smooth and free of clumps. After this step, you will add the chia, vanilla, cinnamon (optional), and salt (optional). Mix all of the ingredients together well.

Let the chia rest in the fridge for at least three hours, preferably overnight. You can shake the jar once through the resting process to aid absorption.

If the texture is what is holding you back from trying chia pudding, you can try putting the chia mixture in the blender for a few seconds to create a smoother consistency. Every other step will remain the same as far as preparing and refrigerating the chia, with the addition of the blending step at the end.

What are the best toppings for chia pudding?

While I do love chia pudding, I have to admit that the toppings you choose are what really makes it.

Topping ideas include: 

• Fruit (strawberries, bananas, peaches, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
• Granola or other crunchy cereal (try our favorite homemade coconut granola!)
• Honey
• Nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, macadamia butter)
• Chocolate chips
• Shredded coconut

In my perfect chia pudding, I have fresh berries, homemade granola, honey, almond butter, and a sprinkle of sea salt to tie it all together! However, in the summer, I love to slice up fresh peaches and pair the chia pudding with homemade granola and macadamia coconut butter. It’s heaven!

Is this recipe dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian?

This recipe can easily fit any dietary restriction. This recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply exclude the honey from the toppings. You should also ensure that the specific ingredients and toppings you use fit any dietary needs you may have. 

If you make this easy chia pudding recipe, please let us know how it turns out in the comments below and/or rate the recipe! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram to show us your finished product—it makes our day every time we see you trying the recipes we love!

The nutrition label above is for the option with added protein. The recipe can be found on My Fitness Pal by searching "BWB Chia Pudding (with added protein option)." The nutrition information for the recipe without added protein powder can be found on My Fitness Pal by searching "BWB Chia Pudding (no added protein)."

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.