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.
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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!
Why we love this chocolate chia pudding recipe
- so decadent tasting!
- packed with fiber – each serving has 10 grams of fiber
- macro-balanced – a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats for stable blood sugar and energy levels
- great for meal prep – make a batch or two at the beginning of the week for an easy and healthy snack or dessert.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Substitutions
- lite coconut milk – any kind of dairy or non-dairy milk will work (cashew milk, almond milk, oat milk, or even whole milk).
- dark cocoa powder – regular cocoa powder or cacao powder will work.
- collagen – leave this out to keep it vegan. You can also add more or swap it out with your favorite protein powder.
- maple syrup – honey will work instead of maple syrup. Add more if you want it sweeter.
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!
Chocolate Chia Pudding
ingredients
- 1 cup lite coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons collagen (20 grams)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 3-4 tablespoons chia seeds (depending on how thick you want it – see notes)
- optional toppings – whipped cream, fresh fruit, cacao nibs/chocolate chips, coconut flakes, cinnamon…
instructions
- 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.
- Let chill. 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.
- Enjoy! If needed, add a splash of milk to thin it out. Eat as is or top with desired toppings.
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notes
nutrition
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Love it and its good for you
Thanks, Dan!
Can I use almond milk instead of coconut milk? Looks good!
Yes, that works great! It just won’t be as thick but still delicious!
This looks phenomenal!
How would I adjust this if I were to substitute a scoop of protein powder for the cocoa powder?
Can Not wait to make this. I always cross my fingers the kiddos will like things like this, will let you know.
Hey Erin! I think it would work almost the same as the consistencies are somewhat similar. You may need to add a little more liquid though. I would make it and then check on it after 1-2 hours and add some liquid if needed. You can also add some in after it sets to thin it out. Hope that helps!
Is the collagen necessary?
No, you can leave it out. It just adds a little protein. You might have to adjust the liquid down just a tad if leaving it out.
Looks good and good for you
Sure is! You would love it!