This delicious chocolate protein chia pudding is a great high protein breakfast idea or anytime snack. It's quick to prepare in advance for meal prep, and each serving has only 3 g net carbs!
Like traditional chia seed pudding, this high protein recipe is made with plant-based milk and chia seeds. Adding chocolate protein powder to the milk before adding the chia seeds gives us the protein boost we want in a healthy breakfast or snack.
You may also enjoy these other chia seed recipes: We have this delicious cookie recipe with chia seeds. And we used a tablespoon of chia seeds in this recipe for super seed protein bread.
Chia pudding has a similar consistency to rice pudding or tapioca pudding. The chia seeds expand and gel up as they absorb liquid.
Although this Chocolate Chia Protein Pudding is delicious on its own, I like to sprinkle a few cacao nibs on top for the added crunch. I love adding raspberries or other fresh fruit, too. Give it a try!
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Ingredients
- Chia seeds: These tiny seeds are packed with fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. They expand and create a gel-like consistency when mixed with liquid.
- Almond milk: I used 30-calorie unsweetened almond milk, but any kind of milk will work. Almond milk adds a creamy texture without many calories.
- Alcohol-free vanilla extract: I prefer alcohol-free vanilla extract or low-alcohol vanilla extract for unbaked recipes for a rich vanilla flavor without an overpowering taste of alcohol.
- Chocolate protein powder: I used this natural chocolate whey protein, but plant-based protein powder also works (choose a pea protein blend like this Orgain protein powder or this KOS Superfood Protein). I chose whey protein because it is generally creamier than plant-based protein powders.
- A pinch of sea salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
The recipe card below has the amounts and all the details.
Equipment needed for high protein chia pudding
It's best to mix the protein into the almond milk with a high speed blender. A shaker bottle can also work, or even just a whisk.
Other than that, you'll need a bowl and/or food container. I usually use this glass food storage container for my chia pudding.
I also highly recommend using a kitchen scale for accurate measurements and best results.
How to make chia pudding with protein
Chia pudding is easy to make, and this protein version just requires an extra step to blend the protein and milk.
- You'll start by setting aside the chia seeds in a bowl or food storage container.
- Then you'll blend the remaining ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the chia seeds, and wait for the magic to happen!
It'll take about a half hour for the chia seeds to start to swell up and absorb the milk mixture. Left overnight, it will thicken up even further.
Substitutions
Milk
Any kind of milk will work here, so choose your favorite. Dairy milk and Fairlife milk will (obviously) give a different flavor than a plant-based option like coconut milk, for example. Experiment, and see what you enjoy!
Protein powder
I like whey protein here because it is smoother and generally tastes better than vegan protein powder (in my opinion), but you can also used plant-based protein powder here. I would go with a pea protein blend that you enjoy as a shake. For me, that is this Orgain protein powder or this KOS Superfood protein.
If you have a whey/casein blend on hand like Quest protein powder or PEScience Select, these will also work. You may need extra almond milk, however, as the casein will thicken the pudding more than using just whey.
Variations of chia protein pudding
Add a superfood chocolate boost with a tablespoon of cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder.
Or switch up the flavor! Just swap out the chocolate protein for another flavor.
This strawberry whey protein would be great, and I would top the chia pudding with fresh strawberries.
This vanilla cinnamon whey protein would be great as well.
Storage
🥶 Chia pudding should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
More high protein breakfast ideas
- These Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins pack 31g protein in each muffin!
- Chia Almond Protein Cookies This plant-based protein cookie recipe is easy to make and the cookies have great flavor and texture.
- For a super simple make-ahead breakfast that is packed with flavor and protein, try these Peanut Butter Overnight Oats.
- For pumpkin-everything season, get your fix with these easy Pumpkin Protein Pancakes.
More recipes with chia seeds
If you enjoy this chocolate chia pudding recipe, you may also enjoy the following chia seed deliciousness:
- This Strawberry Collagen Smoothie Recipe with Chia Seeds is cool and refreshing while having a collagen peptide boost.
- These Chia Almond Protein Cookies are made with almond butter and are flavorful and filling.
- This Coconut Chia Pudding is a delicious protein chia pudding recipe with a tropical twist.
🥣 Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup chia seeds 64g
- 1.5 cups almond milk (360ml) I used 30-calorie unsweetened almond milk
- ½ teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- ¼ cup natural chocolate whey protein 23g
- a pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Put chia seeds in a bowl or food storage container, set aside.
- Blend the almond milk, vanilla extract, chocolate whey powder, and salt until combined.
- Pour mixture over chia seeds, and stir.
- Let pudding sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. If you can, stir every 10 minutes (this helps avoid clumps of chia seeds).
- Refrigerate and enjoy!
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