Protein Chia Pudding – The Big Man’s World ®

make the perfect chia protein pudding every time with this foolproof recipe. Made with just five ingredients and five minutes, it’s a healthy, chocolaty, and satisfying breakfast idea.

I love desserts for breakfast. On weekends or weekdays, there’s always room for delicious breakfast sandwiches. Blueberry Baked Oatmeal, Pop Tarts, and Strawberry Cookies are some of my favorites.

And when it’s time to cook delicious yet healthy treats, I often return to desserts. If you’ve already tried my viral chia pudding recipe, I’m sure you’ll love this high-protein chia pudding.

Why you will love this recipe

• Quick and easy. You can make this pudding with minimal effort and basic cooking skills. It only takes five minutes to make, and all you have to do is mix (like overnight oats!).
• tasty and abundant. Like the protein oatmeal, this pudding is not only packed with chocolaty goodness, but because of the added protein powder, you won’t feel hungry until lunchtime.
• advance. You can make a big batch of chia pudding and have a healthy breakfast all week. Makes a fabulous meal prep breakfast.
• almost like dessert. It’s like having a chia protein pudding.

My favorite thing about this recipe is how thick, smooth, and sticky the texture is. Another wonderful thing about this chia pudding is that you can make it with so many interesting ingredients.

Ingredients needed

You’ll only need five simple ingredients to make this sweet and creamy chia pudding. This is what you will need:

• chia seeds. Use black or white chia seeds, whichever is available.
• cocoa powder. I have used unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe.
• Milk. I’ve used whole cow’s milk for this recipe, but you can opt for non-dairy milk like almond, coconut, or soy based on your dietary preference.
• Maple syrup. As a sweetener. You can change it for agave syrup or honey. I do not prefer to use processed sugar to make this pudding.
• protein powder. Use a vanilla protein powder to retain the chocolate flavor and also have a subtle vanilla flavor. I often use whey-based casein powder or plant-based protein powder in my breakfast.

How to make a delicious protein chia pudding

Making this chia pudding is a doddle. You can make this pudding quickly with a mixing bowl and simple ingredients.

1. make the pudding. Add the chia seeds, cocoa powder, and cocoa powder to a bowl and mix well. Add milk and maple syrup to the bowl and stir to make a smooth slurry.
2. Divide and refrigerate. Divide the pudding equally among four small jars or bowls and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. I refrigerate mine overnight to get the perfect texture and consistency.
3. decorate and serve. Mix the contents of the pudding and finish it with your favorite toppings. I often add a dollop of coconut cream and toasted nuts for a variety of textures.

Tips to make the best recipe.

• Mix the ingredients well. Mixing the chia and the mixture prevents the seeds from clumping in the pockets. Once combined, let it sit for 5 minutes on the kitchen counter and stir again. You won’t have any dried chia seeds in your final pudding when you set it up this way.
• adjust consistency. Before serving, add more liquid/milk for a thinner consistency.
• Choose the best protein powder. If you’ve never shopped for protein powder, making the right choice is daunting. Flavors like vanilla and chocolate work well in this recipe. Check the contents of the powder to avoid added sugars and off-flavors (see our protein cookies or protein biscuits for the best tips for working with protein powder).
• Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Add more or less maple syrup to satisfy your sweet tooth. Also, if your protein powder is sweetened, use less sweetener in the pudding.
• Use fresh chia seeds. Old seeds may lose their ability to absorb liquid and may not gel successfully. So always check the expiration date before using and try to use fresh seeds for this recipe.

flavor variations

• Add fruit toppings. Fresh berries and bananas complement the chocolaty flavors and add complexity to the pudding. I often go raspberries. You can also add frozen mixed berries as toppings.
• make it more chocolaty. Add chocolate chips and finish the pudding with chocolate shavings for an intense chocolate flavor and texture.
• make it creamier. Add a dollop of fresh or whipped cream or Greek yogurt for rich flavor. If you prefer dairy-free options, top the pudding with coconut cream.
• add flavors. Add flavors like vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and hazelnut extract to go well with the chocolate.

storage instructions

Store. Store chia pudding in the refrigerator for 5 to 6 days in an airtight container.

Freeze. For long-term storage, place in a freezer-safe jar and store in the freezer for up to six months.

More Pudding Recipes to Try:

Frequent questions