Chocolate chia pudding makes an excellent meal prep breakfast or snack. This method improves the texture of the traditional chia pudding and means you don't have to wait for it to gel!
I have wanted to share a chia pudding recipe with you guys for a long time, but I just couldn't do it...because I've had an issue with the texture. Until now!
Traditional chia seed pudding reminds me of tapioca...which I just can't do. My friend used to call tapioca pudding 'fish eye pudding' and that, friends, was the end of it for me.
I don't know why I didn't think to blend chia seed pudding...the texture is SO much more agreeable, and this still makes FOUR meal prep breakfasts in under 10 minutes. The bonus to blending your chia seed pudding? It sets immediately...these photos were taken within minutes of blending. Look how thick it gets immediately!
These are vegan, gluten-free, and oh...did I mention? CHOCOLATE.
We love this chocolate chia pudding recipe because
- you can have four breakfasts ready in under 10 minutes
- customize with your favorite fruit
- it's vegan, gluten-free, and easy to make keto-friendly
Recipe video
Watch the video below to see exactly how I prepped this recipe. It’s so easy! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel, or on Facebook.
How to make it
Simply combine chia seeds with almond milk (or dairy milk), cocoa powder, vanilla, sweetener of choice, and some flavorings...for this recipe I added cinnamon and a touch of espresso powder to bring out the chocolate flavors even more!
- For a traditional chia pudding, just mix the ingredients together, portion out into containers, and let them sit overnight
- For a less 'tapioca pudding' type of texture*, blend it all together using an immersion blender, then portion out. You can enjoy right away because it thickens immediately!
*note- this is not silky smooth like most puddings
Can I make chia pudding keto? Absolutely! Simply swap the sweetener for a keto-compliant sweetener like stevia or monk fruit sweetener reduces the net carbs to just 3 g per serving.
How long does this recipe last in the fridge? I enjoyed my chia pudding for four days (and it tasted just as good on day 4 as on day 1!). I wouldn't store for longer than that.
Can I make it with dairy milk? Yes! You can use almond, dairy, cashew, coconut or really any liquid you'd like!
Flavor variations
- Try making it 'fruit on the bottom' like these overnight oats
- Change up the fruit you add. Some suggestions: mango, strawberry, blueberry, banana, pumpkin and applesauce or steamed apples
- Add some nut butter: almond, peanut or cashew butter would be great
- Sprinkle seeds on top: hemp seeds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds would add a nice crunch
Tips & equipment
- I used these chia seeds
- Here's my favorite immersion blender
- Pictured are these 12.5 oz Weck Jars
, but any 1 pint jar
or 2 cup meal prep container will work great
- Looking for more easy breakfasts? Try these Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats, these Baked Egg Cups and my Ultimate Breakfast Burrito
Chocolate Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup chia seeds
- 3 cups almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup (honey or low carb sweetener may be subbed)
Instructions
- Working in two batches (if using the cup that comes with your immersion blender; you may also be able to use a high powered blender), blend up the ingredients until most chia seeds are broken down. It should become thick and creamy.
- Portion out into jars and top with fruit of choice.
Storage
- Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Enjoy cold.