This blended chocolate protein chia pudding is easy to make and such a perfect healthy treat for kids and adults that's higher in protein. Made using wholesome and simple ingredients, such as raw cacao powder, chia seeds and protein powder, plus it is sweetened using maple syrup. Great for meal-prep and 100% vegan, dairy-free gluten-free.
When craving chocolate pudding, then I like to make this vegan cashew chocolate mousse. This time, I made a version that's still plant-based and healthy, but packed with protein: a blended chocolate protein chia pudding!
Since you will blend the chia seeds, it is the perfect recipe to try if you don't like the classic tapioca-like texture of chia puddings, but want to take advantage of all the health benefits from chia seeds.
Such a breeze to make and it has a lovely smooth and creamy consistency. We also loved the combo of dark chocolate vs maple flavors and blending the chia seeds with protein powder ensures that the texture isn't grainy at all yet packed with tons of protein to keep you satisfied and full.
This blended chia pudding is completely vegan and dairy-free, yet no one will be able to tell! Let me know if you give it a try! ❤️
If you love dark chocolate vegan treats that are high in protein, then check out these peanut butter chocolate bars and these chickpea truffles!
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❤️ Why you will love this recipe!
- Made with only 5 simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry!
- Very easy and quick to make
- Ultra creamy, rich and decadent texture
- Amazing dark chocolate flavor
- Perfect for snacking, as a lunch box snack or as a light dessert
- Lower-in-calorie and lower-in-fat
- Fits many diets: fully plant-based (vegan), dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free and naturally gluten-free
🗒 Ingredient notes (+ substitutions)
- Chia seeds: you can use either white or black whole chia seeds.
- Protein powder: I used the plant-based vanilla protein powder from the brand Orgain, but feel free to use your favorite!
- Oat milk: I used the oat milk from the brand Oatly. Use full-fat if possible for best creamy and rich texture. You can also use almond milk or soy milk.
- Cacao powder: less processed than cocoa powder, meaning that it is richer in antioxidants and minerals. It also gives a stronger dark chocolate flavor compared to cocoa powder. If you only have cocoa powder, then it's fine, use this instead!
- Maple syrup: sweetener of choice as it will give it such a deeper flavor. Agave nectar or brown rice syrup should work too, but if you can try not to substitute for granulated sugar.
⭐️ Full list of ingredients (+ quantities) down below in the recipe card!
📝 Variations
- Flavoring ingredients: feel free to add a dash of cinnamon or a teaspoon of vanilla to the blender.
- Coffee: you can add a shot of espresso without altering the consistency too much. This would deepen the chocolate flavor even more.
- Protein-packed: this pudding is already high in plant-based protein, thanks to the chia seeds and protein powder, but you can add a spoonful of your favorite nut butter for an extra protein boost and more flavor.
🍽 How to make blended protein chocolate chia pudding
Step 1: Start by pouring the milk in your blender, and then add the chia seeds, protein powder, cacao powder and maple syrup.
Step 2: Blend until smooth and creamy and take a break to scrape the bottom and walls of your blender to ensure everything was well incorporated.
Step 3: Transfer to a glass storing container and chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Step 4: Serve garnished with nuts, fresh fruit, whipped cream, shredded coconut or chocolate chips.
⭐️ Detailed recipe (+ video) down below in the recipe card!
💡 Helpful tips
- Pour the milk first into the blender before adding the rest of the ingredients, which can help prevent the chia seeds from sticking to the bottom.
- Plan ahead and make the pudding the night before you need it so it has plenty of time to thicken.
- Adjust the flavoring ingredients to your taste, especially the maple syrup. If your protein powder is pretty sweet already, then it might not need much more sweetener!
- If the pudding turns too thick after a few days in the fridge, then simply add a little more milk and whisk well.
🍴 Serving suggestions
This pudding is so delicious you will want to dig into the bowl straight from the fridge! But, you can also have some fun and serve it with a few yummy extras. Try to add some crunchy components to add more texture and contrast.
✅ Favorite toppings to try
- Vegan whipped cream (we love this oat-based whipped cream)
- Granola (if you are into sourdough, try garnishing with this sourdough discard granola!)
- Chopped nuts/seeds, such as almonds, pumpkin seeds or walnuts.
- Fresh fruits, such as raspberries, pomegranate seeds, strawberries and blueberries
- Shredded coconut or coconut flakes
- Mini chocolate chips or shaved dark chocolate or cacao nibs
❗️Storage tips
Keep this pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir well before serving. The pudding keeps better apart from any topping ingredients.
This recipe make for 3 servings, so don't hesitate to double the ingredients so you have more, especially if serving to your family.
❓ FAQs
If you have some already ground chia seeds, then simply use this instead and whisk well the ingredients in a bowl. You might have to add a little extra milk. You could also skip blending altogether and just stir in a bowl, although expect a tapioca-like texture from the chia seeds.
Yes! Just skip the cacao powder and add some vanilla extract or cinnamon. You might also want to start with a little less milk in this case.
Yes, this vegan chocolate pudding recipe is very nutritious! Chia seeds are naturally high in protein, packed in omega-3 and rich in fiber. It also provides lots of mineral, vitamins and antioxidants. Also, you can sweeten your pudding using less maple syrup if looking for a low-in-sugar treat.
🌱 More vegan chocolate recipes you might like
I hope you enjoyed this blended chocolate chia protein pudding recipe! If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below. Your feedback is so helpful!
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📖 Recipe
Blended Chocolate Protein Chia Pudding
Equipment
- Blender
- Glass storing container
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat milk (or your favorite plant-based milk)
- 2 ½ tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 scoop protein powder I used the plant-based vanilla protein powder from Orgain
- 3 tablespoon raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup or to taste, depending on your protein powder
Instructions
- Start by pouring the milk into your blender, then add the chia seeds, cacao powder, protein powder and maple syrup.
- Blend until smooth and creamy and take a break to scrape the bottom and walls of your blender to make sure everything is incorporated.
- Transfer to a glass storing container and chill for one hour (or overnight) before serving with your favorite garnishes.
Video
Notes
- Pour the milk first into the blender before adding the rest of the ingredients, which can help prevent the chia seeds from sticking to the bottom.
- Plan ahead and make the pudding the night before you need it so it has plenty of time to thicken.
- Adjust the flavoring ingredients to your taste, especially the maple syrup. If your protein powder is pretty sweet already, then it might not need much more sweetener!
- If the pudding turns too thick after a few days in the fridge, then simply add a little more milk and whisk well.
- Nutrition: please note that the nutritional information is an estimate per serving provided for informational purposes only (calculated by software) and accuracy is not guaranteed. Consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if you need precise nutrition calculations for health reasons.
Anonymous says
So delicious and easy!
jessica says
So glad you liked it! Thanks for your comment!