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High Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding - A Creamy, Make-Ahead Treat

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chia seeds (1/4 cup): Whole black or white chia seeds.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tablespoons): Dutch-processed or natural.
  • Protein powder (1 scoop, about 25–30 g): Chocolate or vanilla works; choose whey, pea, or your preferred option.
  • Unsweetened almond milk (1 cup): Or any milk you like (oat, dairy, soy).
  • Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): 2% or 0% depending on your preference.
  • Maple syrup or honey (1–2 tablespoons): Adjust to taste; or use a zero-calorie sweetener.
  • Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the chocolate flavor.
  • Pinch of salt: Enhances sweetness and chocolate depth.
  • Optional mix-ins/toppings: Dark chocolate shavings, sliced strawberries, raspberries, banana, peanut butter, chopped nuts, cacao nibs, coconut flakes.

Method
 

  1. Whisk the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk chia seeds, cocoa powder, protein powder, and a pinch of salt to break up any lumps. This helps the cocoa and protein disperse evenly.
  2. Add the liquids. Pour in the almond milk, then add Greek yogurt, vanilla, and your sweetener. Start with 1 tablespoon sweetener; you can add more later if needed.
  3. Mix thoroughly. Whisk for 1–2 minutes until the cocoa dissolves and no dry pockets remain. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then whisk again. This second whisk prevents clumping and ensures a smoother set.
  4. Taste and adjust. Check sweetness and chocolate intensity. Add a bit more maple syrup or a teaspoon more cocoa if you like it darker. If it’s very thick already, splash in a little extra milk.
  5. Chill to set. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. Chia seeds need time to absorb liquid and create that pudding texture.
  6. Stir before serving. Give it a good stir in the morning. If it’s too thick, loosen with a few tablespoons of milk until it’s silky and spoonable.
  7. Top and enjoy. Finish with berries for freshness, nuts for crunch, or a drizzle of peanut butter for extra richness. A few cacao nibs or dark chocolate shavings add a pleasant snap.