If you're looking for a quick and easy make-ahead breakfast that actually keeps you full, this healthy chocolate chia seed pudding is a Whole Lotta Yum! You can layer it with a fruity Greek yogurt blend for a flavor boost or keep it simple and low carb. So sweet and creamy!
🌟 What You Need to Know
- Great for meal prep
These chia puddings last up to 5 days in the fridge, making them ideal for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks. - High protein and fiber
Each serving delivers 25 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber to help keep you full longer. - Easy to customize
Add a fruity yogurt layer, swap in your favorite toppings, make it dairy free, or keep it low carb by skipping the extras. We used almond milk but you can use any kind of dairy or plant-based milks.
✨ Grab your free printable list of high protein foods to help plan more protein packed meals like this!
👉 Click here to get the list
How to Make Chia Seed Pudding with Almond Milk
Mix the chia pudding
In a bowl, whisk together the milk, sweetener, vanilla, chia seeds, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir again to prevent clumps.
Chill
Divide the mixture between jars or containers, cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight until thickened.
Chia Seed Pudding with Greek Yogurt (Optional Layer)
Blend defrosted frozen berries or cherries, then stir them into plain Greek yogurt. You can also just use fruit flavored Greek yogurt. Spoon the mixture over the chilled chia pudding.
Tip: Blend the fruit separately before mixing it with yogurt. Blending yogurt on its own can make it too runny.
Chia Seed Parfait Topping Ideas
Once your chocolate chia seed pudding is set, the fun really starts. Whether you're making a full-on chia seed parfait or just want to add a little something on top, there are plenty of ways to dress it up without overdoing the sugar or carbs.
Here are some of our favorite topping ideas:
- Whipped cream - Try oat milk or coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option
- Mini chocolate chips - We like stevia-sweetened chips to keep it low sugar
- Nut butter drizzle - A spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter adds healthy fat and flavor
- Fresh berries - Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries work great if you want a fruity finish
- Granola - Look for a high protein or low sugar version to keep it macro-friendly
- Chopped nuts - Walnuts, almonds, or pecans add a little crunch and extra protein
- Coconut flakes - Unsweetened flakes are best if you're watching carbs
- Greek yogurt swirl - Add a spoonful of fruit-flavored or plain Greek yogurt on top for extra protein
You can keep it simple with just one or two toppings or layer a few to build a more indulgent chia seed parfait. Either way, you'll end up with something that looks like a treat but still fits your goals.
Storage Tips & Meal Prep
- Store in jars or airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Wait to add toppings until you're ready to eat
Can you heat up overnight chia pudding?
Yes, you can gently heat up overnight chia pudding if you prefer it warm. Use the microwave in 15 to 20 second intervals or warm it on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently and avoid overheating, since chia seeds can thicken even more when hot. Keep in mind that heating may change the texture slightly and isn't recommended if your pudding includes a yogurt layer.
Recipe FAQs
How do I keep the chia pudding from getting clumpy?
Stir the mixture once after 5 minutes to make sure the seeds are evenly distributed.
Is chocolate chia pudding healthy?
Definitely. It's high in fiber and protein, easy to prep ahead, and keeps you full without added sugar. It also fits with many healthy plans like gluten free, low carb, high protein, macro friendly, and keto.
Can I make chocolate chia pudding with almond milk?
Yes, almond milk works great for chia pudding and is what we used. It keeps the recipe dairy-free and light, and it still allows the chia seeds to thicken properly. You can also use oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or dairy milk.
Can I make chia pudding smooth instead of textured?
Yes. Blend the mixture after it sets to create a smooth, pudding-like consistency. You can also blend the chia seeds before using them.
Can I make chia pudding keto-friendly?
Definitely. To make chia seed pudding keto friendly, make sure you're using unsweetened almond milk, full-fat Greek yogurt (which is lower in carbs than low fat yogurt) and a sugar-free sweetener instead of the maple syrup to keep it low in carbs.
✨ Grab your free printable list of high protein foods to help plan more protein packed meals like this!
👉 Click here to get the list
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Recipe
Chocolate Chia Pudding (Healthy High Protein)
Equipment
- 2 mason jars
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk (240 mL)
- 1-2 teaspoon maple syrup (10mL) or to taste
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoon chia seeds (48g)
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch fine sea salt
Fruit Yogurt Layer
- 1 ½ cups low fat Greek yogurt (340g) unsweetened
- ½ cup frozen cherries or berries (80g) defrosted
Optional Toppings
- whipped cream oat milk or coconut milk
- mini chocolate chips we used stevia sweetened chips
- peanut butter or almond butter drizzle
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the almond milk, honey, vanilla extract, chia seeds, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.
- Let the chia pudding set for 5 minutes and stir it again. This is to prevent clumping of the chia seeds.
- Divide between two jars or small bowls. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Make a Yogurt Layer (optional)
- Blend the defrosted fruit in a blender.
- Combine the blended fruit and Greek yogurt. Divide it evenly between the two chia seed puddings.
- Top with optional garnishes like whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, fruit, granola, peanut or almond butter, or nuts. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- The recipe makes 2 chia puddings, you can cut this in half to make 1 portion, or feel free to double it to make 4 puddings.
- Instead of making a fruit layer, you can also use fruit flavored yogurt from the store. Or you can skip the yogurt entirely, and just make chocolate chia pudding.
- For best results, blend the fruit separately from the yogurt and mix it in, Greek yogurt turns runny when blended.
- These will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add the garnishes when you're ready to serve them.
- total weight 282 g, 141 for each chia pudding
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