With so many kids, you’d think it would be completely chaotic here in the morning. But I’ve learned that taking a moment to slow down and plan ahead reduces confusion. I have a lot of quick breakfasts and snacks in my back pocket, and this chocolate chia pudding is the latest.
Contains protein, healthy fats, the natural sweetness of honey, and the clean energy of cacao and chia. Chocolate chia pudding is sweet enough to serve as dessert but healthy enough to eat with breakfast.
Sometimes I put the whole bowl in the fridge after mixing, but I usually just put it in individual jars. This makes it easy for the kids (or me!) to grab them as needed. Chocolate chia pudding is the perfect take-out snack or dessert.
How to Make Chocolate Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk
The recipe is simple and basically just dumps the ingredients and mixes them together. If you use gelatin, let it “bloom” first to prevent lumps. Let cool for a few hours or place in the refrigerator overnight to make chocolate chia pudding.
You can add any toppings you like before serving. A favorite food in our house is fresh berries, nuts, and cacao nibs. Shredded coconut, a spoonful of nut butter, or a banana slice are also delicious!
I chose canned coconut milk because it is so rich and creamy. Raw milk adds nutrition and helps maintain proper texture. However, if you want to go completely dairy-free, use unsweetened almond milk as a raw milk substitute. I haven’t tried it, but I think macadamia, hazelnut, or other nut milks would be delicious too! You can make chocolate chia pudding with just almond milk, but it won’t be as rich or creamy on its own.
Healthy Chocolate Chia Pudding
Clean ingredients make this delicious, nutritious, dense chia seed pudding. Cacao powder is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that fight inflammation. You’ll also find minerals, including magnesium, and its heart and brain health benefits.
Coconut milk is rich, creamy, and rich in healthy, filling medium-chain triglyceride fats (MCTs). Coconut milk may also support brain health, the immune system, and reduce inflammation.
We also added gelatin for additional health benefits and a slight protein boost. Gelatin is my favorite product to use for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Additionally, it is good for intestinal health and digestion. Gelatin helps thicken the pudding slightly along with the chia seeds, but you could also use collagen instead. Collagen doesn’t increase consistency, but it adds clean protein and provides many of the same health benefits as gelatin.
Here’s how to make it!
Chocolate Chia Pudding Recipe
This delicious chocolate chia pudding is perfect for a snack, breakfast or dessert. Packed with nutrients, healthy fats, and rich chocolate.
If using gelatin, sprinkle a layer of gelatin evenly over 2 tablespoons of cold milk in a small bowl and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes. If you are using collagen peptides, skip this step and add them directly in the next step.
In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the coconut milk, remaining milk, cacao powder, honey, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon until smooth and fully combined. If the gelatin has bloomed, whip it now.
Add the chia seeds and mix well to distribute evenly. Don’t skip this step. Otherwise it will clump up on the floor.
Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, then stir once more to break up any lumps.
Pour into individual jars or cover a bowl and refrigerate until thick and pudding-like, at least 4 hours or overnight.
Stir each bottle before eating.
Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Chia Pudding Recipe
Amount per serving (per serving)
calorie 348
calories from fat 261
% Daily Value*
province 29g45%
22g saturated fat138%
Trans fat 0.02g
3g polyunsaturated fat
2g monounsaturated fat
cholesterol 4mg1%
sodium 227 mg10%
potassium 436mg12%
carbohydrate 21g7%
8g fiber33%
11g sugar12%
protein 8g16%
Vitamin A 56IU1%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
calcium 139mg14%
steel 3mg17%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- Top with fresh berries, raw honey, shredded coconut or cacao nibs, if desired.
- Store this pudding in the refrigerator and eat within 3 to 5 days.
Chia seed variations and toppings
There are many toppings that would go well with this chocolate chia pudding recipe. My kids love customizing them with things they like. Here are a few things you can try:
- sliced banana
- Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
- fruit jam
- Roasted or chopped nuts
- chocolate chips
- Cacao Nibs
- Berry
- shredded coconut
Looking for more chia seed recipes? Here are some of our favorites:
What is your favorite way to use chia seeds? Let us know by leaving a comment!
