This High Protein Dark Chocolate Chia Pudding is a recipe for dark chocolate lovers! It is healthy enough for breakfast, and sweet enough for dessert!
This makes enough to power one chocolate loving BA through a Monday morning, but if you're in the mood for sharing, this would make a sweet little ending after a dinner for two. AND you deserve a gold medal for such an act of kindness and generosity.
This post was originally published in 2017, but has since been updated and improved.
I love this chia pudding both when the chocolate craving hits (approximately at 2:35 pm most days of the week) and as an alternative to my beloved overnight oats for a make ahead breakfast. I love the balance of bitter and sweetness that dark chocolate has, but if you're not a fan, feel free to use regular cocoa powder instead.
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Ingredients you'll need to make this
- chia seeds
- chocolate protein powder
- dark blend cocoa powder
- milk of choice
- vanilla extract
- maple syrup
- mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional)
Instructions
In a bowl or jar with a lid, add ¼ cup chia seeds, 1 scoop (about 2 tablespoons) of chocolate protein powder, 1 tablespoon dark blend cocoa powder, 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Stir until mixture is thoroughly combined. Replace lid on container.
Give the mixture another thorough stir, replace lid, and refrigerate for 4 hours, or overnight. Before enjoying, top with 1 tablespoon of mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs, if using, and enjoy.
Pro Tips
- If you're not a fan of dark chocolate, use regular cocoa powder instead.
- For extra crunch and nutrition, top with chopped walnuts.
- Adding protein powder if optional, and adds a little more chocolate flavor. If skipping, add a little bit more cocoa powder.
FAQs
How long does this chia pudding last?
If stored in a closed container in the refrigerator, this chia pudding is good for up to 5 days.
Can you freeze this?
Yes! You can double this recipe, portion out, and freeze in airtight, freezer-friendly containers for up to 1 month. Refrigerate overnight to thaw out before ready to enjoy.
Do I have to use protein powder?
Adding protein powder is optional. You may want to add a little extra cocoa powder for extra chocolate flavor. The nutrition information will change if skipping the protein powder.
Money Saving Tips for this Chia Pudding
Buy in bulk. If it makes sense for you, buy items you use more often in bulk, like chia seeds or cocoa powder. Buying larger containers of items is often more cost effective than smaller sizes.
Use store brands. Shop store brand for items like cocoa powder, milk, and maple syrup. Store brand options tend to be less expensive, without sacrificing flavor or quality.
more chocolate recipes
Chocolate Peanut Butter Covered Strawberries
Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie
Did you make this recipe? Leave me a comment and rating below to let me know how it came out!
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High Protein Dark Chocolate Chia Pudding
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1-2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A recipe for dark chocolate lovers! This chia pudding is healthy enough for breakfast, and sweet enough for dessert!Â
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder*
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened dark cocoa powder**
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional)
Instructions
- In a resealable jar or bowl, add chia seeds, protein powder, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla, and maple syrup.
- Stir mixture until fully combined. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Top with chocolate chips or cacao nibs if using and enjoy.
Notes
*Protein powder optional. May want to add a little bit more cocoa powder for more chocolate flavor if not using.
**If not a fan of chocolate, use regular cocoa powder instead.
nutrition information estimated
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Rest time: 4 hours
- Category: breakfast, snack
- Method: no-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: full recipe (no chocolate chips)
- Calories: 544
- Sugar: 23
- Sodium: 208
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 22
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 62
- Fiber: 28
- Protein: 31
- Cholesterol: 20
Inspired by Minimalist Baker
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers
Um, DEFINITELY chocolate over roses. This pudding looks great! I'm not a huge pudding fan - I think I was never a fan of the texture - but my husband looooves pudding so I'll be making this for him.
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables
You've got a MAJOR dark chocolate lover over here!!! Haha I haven't made a lot of chia puddings but this is definitely going on my to-make list! YUM!
GiGi Eats
HOW STINKIN' DELICIOUS!!!! I need this! Want this. MUST have this!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner
I have a hard time with the texture of chia seeds but this is making me want to try again! Looks delicious
abbey sharp
I love chia pudding, and the addition of chocolate just makes it that much better yum!!
Kerri McGrail
I am definitely a dark chocolate lover! And a lover of chia pudding- so this is right up my alley!
Chelsey
I'm OBSESSED with chia pudding and chocolate (duh) so I feel like this recipe was made for me!! YUMMM!!
Tara @ A Daily Dose of Fit
I'm not usually a fan of chia pudding, but I think this version might convince me otherwise.
Sarah
LOVE chia pudding, especially chocolate chia pudding packed with protein. I'm thinking this needs to be breakfast tomorrow!
Chrissy
I'm with you on the usual gifts. No thanks. But give me dark chocolate ANY DAY and I'm yours. This looks way way way too good to be healthy. No way am I sharing.
dixya @food, pleasure, and health
i love both chocolate and roses but it doesnt have to be on Valentine's day..I will happily take wine and La Croix also 😛
hope you guys are staying warm (or just move to Texas)
Mikki
Ahh! This looks so good!
I love all the ingredients too! Chia seeds pack such a great punch and can help with getting that filled feeling when eating.. and the chocolate is just a given bonus! Yum!
Kaleigh @ Lively Table
Oh girl, I am all over this! I am definitely a dark chocolate lover!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt
Oh no! That's a lot of snow! Luckily this recipe is genius! I'm a total chocolate lover.
Alannah Cook
Maybe I'm just really out of touch with current things , but what is a chocolate-flavored sweetener? I'm super interested in making this but I have no idea what that means. Thanks for your help!
Emily Cooper
Hi Alannah! They are usually stevia-based drops, and come in all different flavors, chocolate being one. You could use your favorite sweetener in it's place though!