Chocolate Chia Pudding Recipe – healthy afternoon chocolate fix!
Posted: 02/01/2017
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Pudding with protein and fiber and only 100 calories? It’s true! This chocolate chia pudding is the perfect afternoon chocolate fix!
Have you guys tried chia pudding yet? It’s a magical thing, really, when hard little chia seeds turn into a soft, creamy pudding similar in texture to tapioca. I’ve posted two other versions – maple cinnamon chia pudding recipe, and chai spiced chia seed pudding recipe.
This chocolate chia pudding is a sweet and chocolatey treat without being overly sweet or packed with calories. Chia seeds are full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and are also a good source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants. Pudding made with chia seeds is really a great way to get that afternoon chocolate fix (am I the only one that craves chocolate every afternoon?). It’s filling and good for you but tastes sweet and indulgent.
I love enjoying this pudding with fresh berries or sliced bananas…or a bit of whipped cream. Like I mentioned, it isn’t super sweet, so if you like things on the sweeter side, I’d recommend adding more maple syrup to this chocolate chia pudding or eating it with sweet fresh fruit.
The best part of this chocolate chia pudding recipe is that it is so ridiculously easy to make. You just whisk all the ingredients together and then let it set overnight in your fridge. I recommend giving it a stir a few times to avoid clumping and to help it thicken. No need to set an alarm in the middle of the night to stir, but one time before you go to bed and maybe once again in the morning will help it thicken into a pudding texture.
I use skim milk for this recipe but whole milk, almond milk, or any milk substitute you like would also work.
I also love my mom’s more traditional homemade chocolate pudding. If you’re used to canned pudding or pudding made from a boxed mix, you’re in for a real treat if you make homemade pudding. There’s really no comparison. Another good recipe to try is homemade vanilla pudding.
PS: I just read that if you have a sesame seed allergy (like my son) or a mustard seed allergy, you are more prone to chia seed allergies. Good to know!
Looking for more uses of chia? Try:
- Tropical Smoothie Bowl
- Popcorn Snack Mix
- Yogurt Popsicles with Berries and Chia
- Breakfast Quinoa with Chia and Cinnamon
- Savory Granola – perfect as a nut-free salad topping, or a snack
- Homemade Pizza Sauce with Chia
- Savory Chia Oats with Salsa, Avocado and Fried Egg by Hummusapien
- Banana Overnight Oats Recipe with Chia Seeds by No Spoon Necessary
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
servings
Pudding with protein and fiber, and low in calories? It's true! This chocolate chia pudding is the perfect afternoon chocolate fix.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (see note)
- ⅓ cup chia seeds
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup, or sweetener of your choice (see note)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, optional
- ¼ teaspoon espresso powder, optional
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, fruit (see note)
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Let sit for 5 minutes, stir again. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight. Pudding will thicken considerably as it chills.
- Serve with additional cinnamon or desired toppings.
Notes
- Nutrition information is based on 2% milk. Any type of milk can be substituted, including non-dairy.
- Instead of maple syrup, try honey, brown sugar, agave, or any sweetener you prefer. Add more or less, to taste. This pudding isn’t very sweet but it's easy to customize if you prefer more sweetness.
- If desired, divide the pudding into two (or more) bowls or jars before refrigerating so it’s ready to eat in the morning!
- Try topping the chia pudding with fruit or spoon the pudding over berries or bananas for a healthy snack.
- Recipe card revised 11/3/2022.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 0.75cup, Calories: 246kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 9mg, Sodium: 63mg, Potassium: 463mg, Fiber: 14g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 136IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 342mg, Iron: 4mg
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Husband’s take: He loves this! My kids were not fans, I don’t think they could get past the texture.
Changes I would make: None are necessary!
Difficulty: So easy! It pretty much makes itself.
Jane says
The serving size is 1/4 cup? That is a small amount!
Rachel Gurk says
You can definitely eat more! ;)
Mom says
Like mother, like daughter. Gotta have that dark chocolate every afternoon, along with my cup of green tea.
I will have to try the pudding again. Didn’t thicken up for me the first time I made it.