Chocolate Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk

Chocolate pudding meets chocolate chia pudding! I absolutely loved chocolate pudding growing up (snack packs anyone?!). And while I haven’t had one of those in over a decade, my love for pudding still runs deep.

And that’s where this chocolate chia seed pudding comes in. A fun spin on a classic, made with simple whole food ingredients, and makes a delicious and healthy dessert option! If you have never made chia pudding you are in for a treat.

The beauty of chia pudding is that it requires little to no work. All you need to do is add all the ingredients to a jar, mix them up, add the chia seeds, and then wait. The longer you let the chia seeds sit, the more liquid they absorb.

Whether enjoying it for dessert or an easy snack, this chia pudding recipe is great for adults or kids! Topped off with a little whipped cream and strawberries – pure perfection!

What is chia pudding?

Chia seeds are small white or black edible seeds with a mild and slightly nutty flavor. They are crunchy as is, but when soaked with liquid, they absorb the liquid, soften, and turn into a pudding-like consistency. The texture is thick, creamy, and gelatinous, almost like a tapioca pudding.

What does chia pudding taste like?

Chia seeds don’t have too much flavor on their own, so whatever your liquid and mix-ins are will give your chia pudding its flavor. The consistency is like tapioca pudding. The possibilities are endless and you can use any liquid with whatever flavor additions you like!

Is chia pudding healthy?

Chia seed pudding is a great healthy and nutrient-dense snack to add to your diet as the health benefits of chia seeds are numerous. Chia seeds are filled with omega-3 fatty acids, loaded with antioxidants, and full of protein, fiber, iron, vitamin K, and calcium. And chia seeds are super absorbent – they can absorb up to 10x their weight in water. Mixed with fruit, spices, and liquid, chia seed pudding can make a filling and satisfying food.

Ingredients

• lite coconut milk – this adds a slight coconut flavor and makes it super creamy!
• dark cocoa powder – for a rich chocolate flavor
• collagen – optional, but gives it a little more protein
• maple syrup – for a touch of sweetness and to help balance out the chocolate
• cinnamon
• vanilla extract
• salt – just a pinch to help bring the flavors together
• chia seeds

How to make chocolate chia pudding

1. Make chia seed pudding. Add coconut milk, cocoa powder, collagen, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt to a large open-mouth jar or small mixing bowl. Whisk to combine, making sure to break up the clumps of cocoa powder. Stir in chia seeds until thoroughly combined.
2. Let rest. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. If desired, you can give the mixture a stir after 45-60 minutes to make sure the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
3. Enjoy! Eat as is or top with desired toppings.

Can you blend chia seed pudding?

If you don’t love the consistency of the gelled chia seeds, you can blend the mixture! This will make the texture smooth and creamy and more like your traditional pudding. Simply add the mixture to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth.

I find this works best if you double this recipe to have more in the blender.

Storage

• refrigerator – store in a sealable airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The longer it sits, the more liquid the chia seeds absorb. You may have to add a splash of liquid if help thin it out if it sits for a few days.

More healthy snack recipes

• pumpkin pie chia pudding
• protein baked oatmeal
• oatmeal chocolate chip muffins
• chocolate protein balls
• apple cinnamon overnight oats

If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!