Love high protein breakfasts? Try my protein oatmeal, protein overnight oats, protein bagels, and protein cinnamon rolls next. Chia seed puddings have an unfair stigma for being gloopy and unappealing, but once you try my high protein chia pudding, you’ll be swayed! My recipe is perfect if you’re looking to increase your fiber and protein first thing in the morning, and the best part? It tastes delicious!
Why I love this recipe
Quick and easy. All you need is a couple of minutes to prep the mixture, and voila- you are done! Super filling. The chia seeds pack in tons of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamins (source) and adding protein will keep you full until lunch! Make ahead. I often prep 5-6 servings on the weekend, so I have breakfast sorted for the week ahead. Easy to customize. My recipe is a blank slate for you to add various toppings, mix-ins, and more.
Ingredients Needed
Chia seeds. Use either black or white chia seeds, whichever is available. Milk. I used unsweetened almond milk, but any milk works. If you can find Fairlife milk or another protein-enriched dairy milk, use that to amp up the protein even more! Protein powder. As there is some sweetener in the pudding already, you can use unflavored protein powder or one that is vanilla or chocolate flavored. Maple syrup. Adds some natural sweetness. Honey or agave nectar will also work. Cocoa powder. It is optional, but I love some chocolate first thing in the morning!
Find the printable recipe with measurements below. “This is part of my weekly meal prep- You’ve nailed the texture of the pudding too” – Olga
How to make protein chia pudding
Step 1- Make the pudding. Add all the ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined. Step 2- Divide and refrigerate the pudding for 2-3 hours, or overnight. Step 3- Garnish and serve. Mix the contents of the pudding and finish it with your favorite toppings.
Arman’s recipe tips
Adjust the consistency. Before serving, add more liquid/milk for a thinner consistency. Choose the best protein powder. If you’ve never bought protein powder, making the right choice is overwhelming. Vanilla protein powder is always a safe choice, as is vegan protein powder. Check the contents of the powder to avoid added sugars and unpleasant flavor. TL: DR- use a protein powder you like the flavor of. Adjust the sweetness to your liking. I only add a dash of maple syrup because I don’t like things too sweet, but add more if you have a raging sweet tooth. Add high-protein toppings like nuts, nut butter, Greek yogurt, and hemp seeds.
Storage instructions
To store. Store the chia pudding in the fridge for 5-6 days in an airtight container. As mentioned earlier, my pudding is pretty much a blank canvas, so dress it up any way you like. Here are 5 flavors I have on rotation:
Peanut butter cup. Fold through one tablespoon of peanut butter and 1/2 a tablespoon of mini chocolate chips. Mixed berry. Add blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries to the mixture, along with an extra 1/4 cup of milk. Lemon blueberry. Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, a pinch of lemon zest, and 1/2 cup of blueberries. Double chocolate. In addition to the cocoa powder, add some mini chocolate chips. Coconut. Use coconut milk and add some finely shredded coconut on top before serving.
To freeze. For long-term storage, put it in a freezer-safe jar and store it in the freezer for up to six months.
More recipes with protein powder
Protein mug cake Protein donuts Protein muffins Protein cookie dough Or any of these protein powder recipes
Originally updated July 2023, updated and republished June 2024
