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High Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding - Creamy, Satisfying, and Easy

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

Ingredients
  

  • Milk (1 1/4 cups): Any kind works—almond, oat, soy, or dairy. Choose unsweetened to control sweetness.
  • Chia seeds (1/4 cup): Black or white chia both work. These are the thickening powerhouse.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (2–3 tablespoons): Adjust for how dark you like your chocolate flavor.
  • Protein powder (1 scoop, about 25–30g): Whey, casein, or a plant-based blend. Chocolate or vanilla are great choices.
  • Sweetener (1–2 tablespoons): Maple syrup, honey, agave, or a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Adjust to taste.
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor.
  • Pinch of salt: Makes the chocolate pop.
  • Optional add-ins: Greek yogurt (2–3 tablespoons for extra creaminess), espresso powder (1/4 teaspoon for mocha vibes), cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder for a twist.
  • Optional toppings: Fresh berries, sliced banana, cacao nibs, chopped nuts, nut butter drizzle, or a dollop of yogurt.

Method
 

  1. Whisk the dry ingredients first. In a medium bowl, whisk cocoa powder, protein powder, and salt until there are no lumps. This helps everything blend smoothly later.
  2. Stream in the milk. Slowly add about half the milk while whisking to form a smooth paste. Then whisk in the remaining milk until fully combined.
  3. Add flavor and sweetness. Stir in vanilla and your sweetener of choice. Taste and adjust now; it won’t get sweeter as it chills.
  4. Add the chia seeds. Sprinkle chia seeds over the liquid, whisking as you go to prevent clumping. Keep whisking for 30–60 seconds.
  5. Rest and re-whisk. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, then whisk again to break up any settling seeds. This step ensures an even, pudding-like texture.
  6. Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. It will thicken significantly.
  7. Adjust the texture. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of milk. If it’s too loose, add another teaspoon of chia and chill 15–20 more minutes.
  8. Serve. Spoon into bowls or jars, add toppings, and enjoy cold.