This recipe has been my most popular Instagram post ever! And for good reason, I think. These chocolate chia puddings are super easy to make and have a whopping 20g of protein and 10g of fibre per small portion.
These puddings are a great option for a quick breakfast or dessert. I like to blend the puddings so that you get a firmer texture. You can just soak the chia without blending, if you prefer. Either way they are really delicious.
Are chia seed puddings high in protein?
These ones are! And you don’t have to use protein powder either! Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against protein powder and use them quite often. However, I know some of you have asked for high protein recipes without protein powder. So here is a great option for breakfast, snacks and dessert.
I’ve used both hemp and chia seeds, which are both nutritional powerhouses and are great sources of plant based protein. Hemp seeds, in particular, are very high in protein. They also make sure you get a good amount of omega 3 fatty acids as both hemp and chia seeds are high in omega 3s.
Do these chocolate chia seed puddings contain refined sugar?
No, they’re refined sugar free and just sweetened with the banana. If you have a sweeter tooth, you can of course, add a little maple syrup or another sweetener.
How easy is it to make chia puddings?
They are very easy to make. For these ones I’ve blended the chia to get a smooth pudding texture. You simply put all of the ingredients into a blender and blend for a minute. transfer to a serving dish or jar and leave to set. You can eat straightaway, however, I like to let them sit for an hour in the fridge to thicken up.
What are the ingredients for chocolate chia puddings?
- Shelled hemp seeds
- Chia seeds
- Banana
- Almond butter
- Cacao powder
- Soya milk
Shelled Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are a protein powerhouse, with around 6 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons. They are also rich in essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which are important for brain function, skin health, and inflammation regulation. Hemp seeds are also a great source of magnesium and iron. Hemp is a complete protein, providing all 9 essential amino acids.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds may be small, but they pack a huge nutritional punch. With around 4 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons, they are a great source of plant-based protein. A bit less than hemp seeds but still amazing. They are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and antioxidants. Unlike hemp, chia seeds will swell up and make the pudding really thick and creamy. This can help you feel fuller for longer due to this high fibre content.
Banana
Bananas are the perfect base for any pudding, offering a natural sweetness and creamy texture. They are rich in potassium, and they provide a good dose of vitamin C and B6. The fibre content in bananas helps with your digestive health, making them a great ingredient to keep you satisfied between meals.
Almond Butter
Almond butter helps give these puddings great flavour and texture. Almonds are an excellent source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats. They are also rich in vitamin E as well as good sources of fibre and protein.
Cacao Powder
This is the unprocessed form of cocoa, which means it retains more of its natural nutrients and antioxidants. Cacao is also rich in magnesium, iron, and calcium, making it a really nutritious and delicious addition to your diet.
Organic Soya Milk
Soya milk is an excellent source of plant-based protein. The organic one I use has about 9 grams of protein per cup. It’s also packed with essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium. I know some people avoid soya products as the soy crops can be heavily sprayed with pesticides. As long as you look for an organic non-GMO brand, this will make sure you avoid that.
Storage & Shelf Life
These healthy chia puddings are a great option to make ahead and perfect for meal prep.
They will last in the fridge for about 3 days.
Recipe tips
- Almond butter: If you don’t want to add the almond butter you can leave this out. It will change the taste slightly but not the texture. Or swap it for another nut butter.
- Toppings: The toppings are optional but adding the extra yoghurt ups the protein count even more and the nibs add a bit of extra crunch.
- Shelf life: They will last for 3 days in the fridge, once jarred up with the toppings, so are great for meal prep.
- Banana: if you don’t like banana you can swap for a couple of dates or some fruit puree.
- Milk choice: You can use any milk you like for these. I use organic soya milk as I like the extra protein it gives.
If you enjoyed these chia puddings, why not try:
High Protein Snickers Smoothie
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Equipment
- Blender *affiliate link
Ingredients
Pudding ingredients:
- 1 large banana
- ½ cup shelled hemp seeds (60g)
- ⅓ cup chia seeds (55g)
- ¼ cup cacao powder (25g)
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 1½ cups milk (or unsweetened soy milk, if dairy free) (375ml)
Optional toppings:
- Greek yoghurt (or soy yoghurt if dairy free)
- Banana slices & cacao nibs
Instructions
- Put all the pudding ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into 3 glasses and refrigerate for an hour or overnight.
- When ready to serve, top with an optional 2 tbsp of yoghurt, some banana slices and a sprinkle of cacao nibs.
Notes
- The nutritional information is based upon the pudding without the optional toppings.
- They will last for 3 days in the fridge once jarred up with the toppings.
- You can use any milk you like for these. Either dairy or organic soy milk will provide the most protein.
Tried this for breakfast, tasted absolutely amazing! Will definitely make again
Can I use almond milk instead of Soya?
Yes you can
What about coconut milk?
You can use any milk with this recipe
Hi, amazing recipe! Are the nutritional values per portion (3) or for the whole pudding? Thanks so much!
Glad you like it! It’s per portion.
Hi, can I substitute hemp seeds with linseed?
Hi Hanna, you can try but I haven’t tested it. It will change the taste but the texture should be fine.
Can I use oats instead of hemp seeds pls
I haven’t tried it with oats. I think it would really change the consistency so I wouldn’t recommend for this one.
Can you use flax seeds instead of hemp seeds?
Hi Rachel, flax seeds will swell up and hold more water so it will change the texture (and the taste).
Thanks, Helen! These are delicious and perfect for breakfast. I like to add vanilla and maple sirup when my bananas are not ripe enough. I also like to split the mixture in 5 little containers for snacks. I am breastfeeding and I love having these handy when I need a protein packed snack.
Hi Maude, great add ins and good idea to split into 5 for more puds! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Is there a substitute for bananas? I am allergic. Thank you!!
It’s mainly there for some natural sweetness so try a date or two or a little maple syrup instead.
How much sugar?
about 6g per portion. From the banana.
Will try it if I can find it all here. Looks yummy
Thanks – hope you try it.
Just tried this. Super easy and can’t wait to have some tomorrow.
Enjoy!
How long can I keep it in refrigerator?
About 3 days.
Can i do without the hemp seed? Suggested alternatives?
They really add to the protein of the recipes. You could add some ground flax instead but I haven’t tested it.
Thenk you for the recipe in grams.
The grams measurement are in brackets on the recipe card.
Aggie Topia
Hi Helen, is the chocolate protein pudding 363 calories the complete desert or each of the 3 portions?
Yes per portion, although if preferred you could make 4-5 smaller portions as it is quite rich. Hope that’s helpful.