If you love chia pudding but always forget to make it the night before, this recipe is about to change the game. This Instant Chocolate Chia Pudding is creamy, chocolatey, and packed with 50 grams of protein. You can whip it up in minutes and stay full for hours. It tastes like dessert but fuels you like a balanced meal, making it perfect for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or even a healthy late-night treat.
Chia seeds bring healthy fats and fiber, Greek yogurt adds protein, probiotics and creaminess, and high-quality whey protein (we recommend Promix grass-fed vanilla whey) loads this recipe up with protein, making it a breakfast that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing. Add in cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor, and you’ve got a pudding that feels indulgent but actually helps you hit your goals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- About 50g protein – keeps you full, energized, and supports recovery.
- Instant – no overnight soak or blender required.
- Rich chocolate flavor – dessert vibes but healthy!
- Nutrient-packed – omega-3s from chia, probiotics from yogurt, antioxidants from cocoa, and high-quality protein.
- Gluten-Free – as long as you skip gluten-based toppings.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 cup very hot water
- 3/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 serving chocolate or vanilla protein powder (I use promix Madagascar Vanilla or Chocolate – use code CLAIRE for 10% off!)
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- Optional toppings: sliced strawberries, mini dark chocolate chips, granola, almond butter drizzle
Instructions
- Gel the chia: In a small bowl, combine chia seeds and very hot water. Stir for about 30 seconds until they start to gel.
- Mix: Add Greek yogurt, protein powder, and cocoa powder. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Top & enjoy: Add your favorite toppings like fresh strawberries or chocolate chips. Eat right away – no fridge time needed!
My Favorite Protein Powder
I’ve tried sooo many protein powders over the years, and Promix is the one that wins by a mile. It’s made from grass-fed whey, has no artificial sweeteners, and it never causes bloating. The Vanilla Whey is my go-to for baking (like these muffins), oats, and smoothies, while the French Vanilla Vegan Protein is an amazing plant-based option.
With Promix, I always feel my best – mentally because I know it’s clean and made without any junk, and physically because it fuels me with the highest quality whey protein. It also makes the best ingredient in recipes that use protein powder, so huge bonus points for that!
Swaps & Substitutions
- Protein powder: Use chocolate, vanilla, or unflavored protein. A plant-based protein works too.
- Yogurt: Any type of Greek yogurt (nonfat, low-fat, or whole milk) works. For dairy-free, use thick coconut yogurt.
- Cocoa powder: Swap for cacao powder for a deeper flavor.
- Fruit: Strawberries are my favorite topping, but raspberries, banana slices, or blueberries are delicious too.
- Toppings: Granola, almond butter drizzle, shredded coconut, or cacao nibs.
Nutrition (per serving, without toppings)
- Calories: ~365
- Protein: ~50g
- Carbs: ~25g
- Fat: ~10g
