Protein Chia Pudding

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Creamy, smooth, and thick, this protein chia pudding recipe is an easy and nutritious option for breakfast or as a snack. Made with only four ingredients, this chia pudding with protein powder is the perfect grab-and-go recipe for busy days!

If you need an easy breakfast or snack recipe, this protein chia pudding is just what you need. It’s sweet, creamy, and protein-packed! It’s like having dessert for breakfast AND it’s good for you!

A cup of protein chia pudding topped with fresh blueberries with more scattered around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s simple, healthy, and only requires four ingredients! It’s an easy, breezy way to get your protein in first thing in the morning!
The consistency of this protein chia pudding is like a delicious creamy dessert pudding. Who doesn’t want a dessert that’s healthy?
When making this chia pudding with protein powder, it will taste like whatever protein powder you use. The pudding itself is neutral in flavor so you can use your favorite protein powder!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients needed to make protein chia pudding.

chia seeds — you can buy them at almost any major grocery store. They come in both black and white seeds, but there is no difference in nutritional content. They’re also an excellent source of plant-based protein!
maple syrup — you can also use honey if you prefer.
protein powder — use your favorite protein powder! I’m using 100% Whey Protein Isolate in cookies and cream today, but I usually use vanilla as I have a huge bag of that.
milk — you can use any milk of your choice, from cow’s milk to non-dairy milk. I personally prefer whole milk, but it’s up to you!

How to Make Protein Chia Pudding

Set of two photos showing chia seeds, maple syrup, protein powder, and milk added to a bowl.

Add the chia seeds and maple syrup to a bowl.
Add the protein powder and milk to the bowl.

Set of two photos showing ingredients stirred together and set.

Mix together until well combined. Let it set for a couple of minutes (5-10 minutes) in the fridge before going back in and giving it a second stir.
Let the chia pudding set in the fridge for at least two hours or overnight.
Give it a stir before serving, and add in your favorite toppings, such as yogurt, fruit, nuts, and/or seeds.

A cup of protein chia pudding with two more in the background and blueberries scattered around.

Recipe Tips and Notes

You can easily make this protein chia seed pudding vegan-friendly by using non-dairy milk and vegan protein powder.
For a thicker pudding, you can add an extra spoonful of chia seeds to the mixture.
You can add a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt to add even more protein and make the chia pudding even creamier.
Use a good-quality protein powder, as the protein powder you choose to use will affect the overall flavor of the chia pudding. If you dislike the flavor of your protein powder, the chia seed pudding will unfortunately not mask the flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Meal prep: store the creamy protein chia seed pudding without any toppings in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezer: to freeze chia pudding, portion out the pudding in small containers, then freeze! Thaw the chia pudding in the fridge for 6-8 hours/overnight before you’d like to eat it. You can store chia seed pudding in the freezer for up to 2 months.

A cup of protein chia pudding with fresh blueberries on top.

What are chia seeds?

Chia seeds are tiny seeds from the plant Salvia hispanica. You may recognize them from those cute little chia pet commercials from way back when but other than a cute terra-cotta pet, the seeds are packed with healthy goodness. Despite being tiny little seeds, an one-ounce (28 grams) serving of chia seeds contains 11 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, and 9 grams of fat (5 of which are omega-3s).

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