Delish chocolate chia pudding with Greek yogurt for a protein boost! Prepped in 5 minutes and ready to eat in 30. It has a light, almost whipped texture and the rich chocolate flavor is SPOT ON...um, yes please. A super satisfying no-cook breakfast thanks to all that filling fiber. It's giving chocolate cheesecake!
This chia pudding checks all the boxes: totally irresistible flavor (trust me on the cheesecake comparison), super good for you, satisfying, and crazy easy. Flawless!
While protein surely is king these days (and this recipe has plenty!), I'm not backing down on my love for fiber, k?
As an RD, I love how filling this recipe is from the impressive fiber content (⅓ the daily value in one serving!) and the yogurt protein punch. Crazy delish yet so balanced, too!
Let's talk key ingredients
- Chia seeds: I found in testing that some brands are less absorbent than others and expired ones may not absorb at all, so if yours is super runny, get yourself a fresh bag. Hot tip: I get them in bulk at Costco and store the bag in the freezer with a little container for regular use in the fridge.
- Greek yogurt: I develop all my chia pudding recipes with Greek yogurt for epic cheesecake flavor, thickness, and more protein to make it breakfast-worthy. I use this trick in my peanut butter chia pudding with yogurt, too. Foolproof!
- Soy milk: My favorite milk here I tested in this recipe is unsweetened soy for it's protein content and supreme creaminess. I tested this with almond milk as well and it's delish, but far less protein. Make my coconut milk chia pudding if you want that specific flavor!
- Salt: Most chia pudding recipes don't call for salt, but mine sure do. Why? Cuz it's wild how much a pinch of salt adds to and rounds our the flavors here. Don't skip it!
Let's make it!
Storage
This will last up to 5 days in the fridge so feel free to make a double batch if you want to rock your meal prep with portable, nourishing breakfasts!
I hope you're as obsessed with this chocolate chia pudding recipe as I am!
I'd be super grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a quick star rating and review below. Comments mean the world to me and your honest feedback helps me to continue to share recipes you'll crave!
Feed your bod, feed your bacteria. GO!
Print
Creamy Chocolate Chia Pudding (higher protein!)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Decadent tasting chocolate chia pudding with Greek yogurt for a protein boost, prepped in 5 minutes and ready to eat in 30! It has a light, almost whipped texture and the rich chocolate flavor is SPOT ON. A super satisfying no-cook breakfast thanks to all that filling fiber. It's giving chocolate cheesecake!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened soy milk (or higher protein milk of choice, like dairy milk)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (I like 2%)
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, more to taste
- 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp fine sea salt
- ⅓ cup chia seeds
- 3 tbsp cacao powder
- For topping: chopped strawberries, cacao nibs, peanut butter
Instructions
- Place milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Add chia seeds and cacao powder. Whisk until very well combined. Taste and add more maple syrup if you want it sweeter.
- Let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes then whisk again. Portion into 2-3 containers. Refrigerate for another 20 minutes and enjoy or refrigerate for 4 hours to get it even thicker. When ready to eat, enjoy topped with strawberries, cacao nibs, and a drizzle of PB.
Notes
To make it even more filling, you could layer it with more Greek yogurt and make parfaits, yum! Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Lee H says
I love this recipe l have it every morning for breakfast so easy to whip it up l do put 1/2 cup of chia seeds l like it thicker and l serve it with stewed strawberries yum thank you have passed this on to my family and friends 🥰
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
YAYYY stewed strawberries sound incredible here, thank you so much Lee!
Deb says
I'm curious, could this be frozen?
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Yes! It can be frozen up to 1 month, though the texture may change a bit. Thaw in fridge overnight and stir it well before you eat.
Kathy says
Delicious !!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Thank you Kathy!!
Larissa says
So good!! The perfect amount of sweetness! I love adding peanut butter topping.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Amazing, PB sounds so good. Thanks Larissa!
Sarah says
After years of buying chia seeds to use in overnight oats and smoothies, I finally made this delicious pudding. What took me so long?? Yummm. It reminds me of the chocolate pudding of my youth but I feel fully satiated and I can eat it for breakfast!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Hahaha yessss! I feel the same way 😉 thanks so much, Sarah!
Stephanie S says
I have made these over 3 times now and they’re amazing. Even my chia hesitant husband keeps asking for more!!
I use soy milk and silk protein vanilla yogurt for creamiest higher protein results. Almond milk worked too though! I top with raspberries and coco whip when I’m feeling extra fancy
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Mmmm coco whip sounds superb. Thanks for sharing, Stephanie!
Madeleine says
Hi! Can I use regular cow milk instead of soy? Thanks!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Sure!
Linda says
The chia pudding was delicious and so easy to make. I added plain Greek yogurt to increase the protein and ate it for breakfast with a few berries. Will definitely make this again.
Thanks
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Yayyy so good work berries, right?! Thank you!
Renee says
This recipe is delicious! I make it ahead of time for a chocolatey dessert. A dessert with protein and fiber! I did add 1 extra tablespoon of Maple syrup for our sweet preference. It’s a great recipe for anyone who is used to the texture of chia seeds. Kind of like tapioca pudding. This recipe will be on my weekly rotation.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
This made me so happy, thanks Renee! Total dessert vibes right? Cheers!
Natalie says
Love the idea but I thought that you are supposed to soak chia seeds for 12 h before eating. This recipe is based on raw chia seeds. Am I missing something? Thanks
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Hey Natalie! Nope, there's no soaking rule. (I often mix them into my yogurt bowls for a fiber boost and eat right away.) They will of course absorb liquid and become gelatinous once soaked. If you could refrain from rating the recipe 3 stars until you've made and tasted the recipe, I'd appreciate it!
Natalie Abrams says
Got it. For my belly the minimum soak is 30 minutes. Usually I soak chea seeds at least 4 hours (overnight is ideal). I'd use 1.5 tbsp of chia seeds, not 2–3 tbsp to avoid the fiber overload. But I like the recipe.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Whatever works for you is great!
Cookin guy says
This was gross. Will never make it again.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Bummer to hear, do you normally like chia pudding? The texture can be an acquired taste. People usually love this one; you could add more sweetener to taste!
Cookin guy says
It was the first time I tried it. The texture was what got me.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Ya I've found compared to most chia pudding recipes (and I've tried a lot LOL), this one honestly tastes super good (check out other people's comments, too)! But the gelatinous texture can be off-putting for sure. If you're up to trying again, I'd encourage you to add a splash more maple syrup and see if that helps. Cheers!
Perpetua says
Love it! It’s a weekly staple for the family!!!
After the base, I add on another 2 scoops of yogurt, milo powder and crushed Oreo bits, strawberries and blueberries.
It’s an absolute hit and perfect for breakfast or a midday treat!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
That sounds sooooo good, thank you!!
Licia P says
LOVE this recipe! I was out of soy milk so I used homemade cashew milk. It was already delicious before refrigerating, but I didn’t have time to make my morning matcha, so - lightbulb! - I threw in 3 tsp of espresso powder and showered while the chia pudding was in the refrigerator. Now that I did that, I think I’ll spoon on extra Greek yogurt and more cacao powder on top. Did I just make it Tiramisu chia pudding cheesecake? Delicious!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Wowwww genius!! You did! I have definitley subbed some of the milk for chilled brewed coffee 😉
Kelly C says
It didn't thicken for me, but the flavour was good.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
That's so strange, it should be very thick! It may be your chia seeds are too old which causes low absorption or I've experienced certain brands don't absorb as much liquid so you can add more chia accordingly.
Sienna W says
Woooow, this pudding is delicious! It 100% tastes like chocolate cheesecake, and even better, I can eat it guilt free! I’m a new mama, and have been looking for easy recipes with high protein that I can meal prep, and this will definitely be added into my weekly rotation! It makes for a perfect little sweet treat after dinner.
Thank you for this awesome recipe!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
This made my day, Sienna! And huge congrats on becoming a mom 🩷🩷
Nikki says
I was very skeptical of this recipe at first. I had tried chia seed pudding once before and didn't like it, but I'm on a journey to eat healthier. So I decided to try again. I'm so glad I did! This pudding is so delicious and decadent. I forget that I'm eating something healthy. I've made it three times so far. It's perfect for a dessert or a make a head breakfast. I add a little peanut powder to mine.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
This made my so happy to read Nikki, thank you for letting me know and for leaving such a thoughtful review!
Heather says
Ok this was amazeballs!!! So creamy, so easy, just perfection!!! I will definitely be doubling the recipe next time as it got eaten way too quick. Texture was spot on! It will have a weekly spot in my food prep.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Ahhhh yes I’m so thrilled to hear this, thanks Heather!
Kori Daniel says
Wonderful and fun recipe! I loved having it with banana, chocolate chips & coconut flakes, & I ate it out of a pb jar.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Ok genius to eat it out of a pb jar!!
Ashley says
So easy to make, perfect for a quick snack. I love that it tastes like a rich dessert but is healthy and filling!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Me too, thanks so much Ashley!
Daniela says
Oh my!! This is officially my new favorite snack! I originally planned to have it for breakfast, but it's so delicious that I find myself enjoying it as a dessert or anytime I'm craving something sweet but don't want to feel guilty.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Hahaha amazing isn’t the flavor so good??
Lindsay says
Making this tonight for breakfast tomorrow, I can’t wait to try it! I subbed chocolate protein powder in for the cacao powder for a little extra boost of protein since the only milk I have on hand is almond.
Alexis Joseph, MS, RD says
Got it! I’d still stir in a couple tbsp of cacao or else the chocolate flavor won’t come through as well!