Chocolate Chia Pudding

4.83 from 67 votes

Chocolate Chia Pudding is a healthy dessert made with chia seeds, milk, cocoa powder and maple syrup. It's a sweet, chocolatey and low-carb feel good treat!

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Close up of two glass jars of chocolate pudding
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My Chocolate Chia Pudding is So Good!

This Chocolate Chia Pudding is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves chocolate. I’ve been making my 3-ingredient Chia Pudding for so many years and I’ve perfected the ratio of chia seeds to milk with just the right amount of sweetness. This chocolate version builds on that with the addition of cocoa powder and maple syrup so it’s a rich and sweet snack but has all the great health benefits of chia seeds.

If you love chia pudding and you’re looking for a variation of it. It’s easy to make, rich, creamy and actually has the consistency of pudding chocolatey version.

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a superfood because they are loaded with nutrients and have scientifically proven health benefits. Here are the key benefits:

  • Loaded with antioxidants. It’s an essential part of any healthy diet.
  • Good source of high-quality protein. Chia seeds have more than most plant-based foods, so you’ll feel satiated longer.
  • High in good fats. That includes omega-3 fatty acids, more than even salmon!
  • Made mostly of fiber. In fact, almost all the carbs in chia seeds are fiber, which may help to keep things moving smoothly and promote regularity. Who knew indulging in chocolate chia pudding could help support healthy digestion?

Ingredient Notes

Process shots showing the maple syrup and vanilla extract getting added to cocoa powder and then getting mixed.
  • Chia seeds: Chia seeds absorb the liquid and create a gel-like texture, which gives pudding its creamy consistency. But make sure the chia seeds are fresh and not expired for best results.
  • Milk of choice: I like using coconut milk for this recipe because it adds a rich and creamy texture but feel free to use your favorite milk of choice, such as cashew or almond milk.
  • Cocoa powder: Mix it with the chia and milk for a chocolate flavor. You can swap cocoa powder which cacao powder which is cold-pressed raw cacao beans and usually less processed, but either one works.
  • Maple syrup: Use your favorite liquid sweetener for a touch of sweetness. I find that maple syrup pairs well with the chocolate but raw honey or agave syrup are great options too.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds a deep vanilla flavor to the pudding which really goes well with chocolate but you can leave it out.
  • Mix in fruit puree. Add 1-2 tablespoons of fruit compote, chia seed jam, or even pumpkin puree to enjoy this during the cold months. Fruit adds freshness and natural sweetness that goes well with the chocolate chia pudding.
  • Add nut butter. Try 1-2 tablespoons of almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter. It also helps create an extra creamy texture.
  • Top with something crunchy. Some great options are whipped cream, fresh berries, sliced bananas, cacao nibs, crushed nuts and seeds, and shredded coconut. But don’t stop there – the possibilities are endless!

How to Make Chocolate Chia Pudding

Milk, chia seeds, cocoa powder, maple syrup and vanilla in a bowl before mixing.
Step 1: Add coconut milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract to a medium bowl or storage container.
Vigorously whisking together ingredients to combine.
Step 2: Whisk vigorously to combine well, making sure to incorporate any cocoa powder sticking to the sides and bottom of the bowl.
Recipe i a bowl before after mixing before chilling.
Step 3: Cover the chia pudding and refrigerate until thick and creamy.
Spoon lifting up some of the chilled chia pudding to show thickened consistency.
Step 4: Give it a good stir and divide it into individual servings.

My Best Chocolate Chia Pudding Tips

  1. Adjust the ratios to suit your preferences. I like to have a thicker chia seed pudding, so I use a ratio of 1:4 chia seeds to milk. But if you prefer a thinner version, use fewer chia seeds and adjust accordingly.
  2. Stir multiple times. It’s not enough to just stir the chocolate chia pudding once and then set it in the fridge. I recommend stirring it well, then letting it sit for 5-10 minutes and stirring it again, making sure there are no clumps. And then, it’s ready to be transferred to the fridge.
  3. Use a blender to blend the mixture for a smoother consistency. I recommend this if you’re not a fan of the tapioca-like texture of chia seed pudding. It’s not necessary, but it will create a more creamy texture.
  4. Freeze any leftover chia pudding. Did you know you can freeze chia pudding and thaw it for a few hours or overnight in the fridge? Just make sure to freeze it in individual servings and use a freezer-safe ziplock bag or glass mason jar.
Large bowl of the chocolate chia pudding after it sets with small bow of chocolate chips on the side

Recipe Help & FAQs

How should I store chocolate chia pudding?

Store the pudding in a closed mason jar or tulip jelly jar in the fridge. Chia pudding is a great option for meal prep and make-ahead breakfasts because it can last up to 7 days. So you’re welcome to make a big batch to savor it all week long. However, for best flavor, enjoy it within 5 days of mixing.

Can I freeze chia seed pudding?

Yes, chocolate coconut chia pudding freezes well. Portion into individual serving size airtight containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight for a quick snack.

Why didn’t my chia seed pudding thicken?

Make sure you are using fresh chia seeds. Expired chia seeds do not expand or absorb as much liquid as fresh. To keep your chia seeds extra fresh, store them in the freezer.

How long does it take for chia seeds to absorb the milk?

Chia seeds typically take around 2-4 hours to absorb the liquid and achieve a pudding-like consistency fully. However, for the pudding to set firmly, I recommend overnight refrigeration.

Top view of chocolate chia pudding in glass jars with bite taken out of one of them

More Chia Seed Recipes

If you’ve tried this healthy-ish feel good Chocolate Chia Pudding recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!

Chocolate Chia Pudding

Chocolate Chia Pudding is a healthy dessert made with chia seeds, milk, cocoa powder and maple syrup. It's a sweet, chocolatey and low-carb feel good treat!
4.8 from 67 votes
Servings 2 servings
Course Snack
Calories 268
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Resting Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes

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Ingredients
  

Instructions

  • Vigorously whisk the milk, chia seeds, cocoa powder, maple syrup and vanilla extract in a medium bowl or storage container, being careful to incorporate any cocoa powder sticking to the sides and bottom.
  • Cover the chia pudding and refrigerate until thick and creamy, at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  • Give it a good stir and divide into two servings. Enjoy with fresh coconut whip cream and berries, if desired.

Notes

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will last up to 7 days in the fridge but best within 5 days of mixing.
Freezer Instructions: Did you know you can freeze chia pudding? You can freeze it for up to 3 months in individual servings. Use freezer-safe ziplock bags or small mason jar containers. To thaw, just place in the fridge overnight.
Sourcing: You can find chia seeds at all major grocery stores, usually located with the grains or with oatmeal.
Substitutes: For best results, follow the recipe as is. However here are some common substitutes that would work well in this recipe.
  • Instead of coconut milk, you can use any other plant-based milk or regular milk. 
  • Replace maple syrup with honey, agave syrup, granulated sugar or another sweetener or choice.
Product Reference: I use these mini tulip shaped jelly jars when I make chia pudding. The chia pudding fills up about half the jar, leaving room for toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 268kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.03g, Sodium: 91mg, Potassium: 296mg, Fiber: 11g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 11IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 170mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine American
Course: Snack
4.83 from 67 votes

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Comments

  1. Denny R says:

    I make a keto low-carb version using Fairlife High Protein drink (chocolate or vanilla) in place of any milk. 4 grams carbohydrates and 30 g protein.

    1. Yumna J. says:

      That’s awesome, thanks for sharing!

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