This chocolate chia pudding is the perfect healthy chocolate treat. It is gluten free, dairy free, and it tastes delicious. You can pair it with fruit (for example: blueberries and raspberries) Nutella, chocolate chips, oatmeal, yogurt, and much more. The possibilities are endless.
Why will you love vanilla chia pudding?
- Easy to make – It will only take 5 minutes to make and can be ready as soon as 15 minutes.
- Healthy – It is loaded with plant based goodnes such as fiber, plant protein, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. The ingredients are chia seeds, any unsweetened milk you like, cocoa or cacao, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
- Customizable – You may substitute the maple syrup with agave, erythritol, stevia, granulated sugar such as coconut sugar, pure cane sugar or any sweetener you like.
- Satisfying – it is refreshing, light, and yet satisfying; and it is lightly sweetened but still it gives the chocolate kick to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
- A family favorite – your family and friends will love it because it is so easy to have as a healthy snack by itself or paired with their favorite fruits.
Key ingredients and items you need for this vanilla chia pudding
Ingredients
- Chia seeds: use black or white. I used Navitas Organic Chia Seeds.
- Cocoa or Cacao: cacao powder unsweetened. We used Hershey’s cocoa powder, and we also like Navita’s organic cacao powder.
- Unsweetened almond milk: you can substitute with any plant-based milk or any milk you love such as coconut, oat, soy, or your favorite. Select an unsweetened milk so that you have control over your sugar intake.
- Vanilla extract: try to use good quality organic vanilla extract, vanilla bean, or ground vanilla. The real thing tastes way better, guaranteed! We used Trader Joe’s Burbon vanilla and we also like the Simply Organic vanilla.
- Sweetener: you can use maple syrup, agave, or any sweetener you like.
Items
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Whisk or mixing spoon
- A jar or a container with a lid to store
What makes this chocolate chia pudding “healthy” and what are the nutritious benefits?
Chia (Salvia hispanica) is an ancient oilseed used by Mexico and Guatemala natives and an important staple for the Aztecs and Mayans. The word chia means “strength” in Mayan (1). The color of these tiny seeds can range from white to black. In addition, they are considered one of the top superfoods on the planet due to its high content of fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acid, essential minerals, antioxidants, and micronutrients.
Omega-3 and Omega-6
Chia seeds have high content of heart healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (2). Studies have shown that omega 3s have numerous health benefits (3) including helping improve brain health, heart health, depression, ADHD, and more.
Great as thickening and gelling
Chia seeds have the ability to absorb water, which makes them a great choice in cooking, especially in plant-based cuisine, to form gels, thicken sauces, puddings, or as an egg replacement (4, 5).
High in minerals
The abundant minerals of chia seeds are manganese, phosphorus, copper, selenium, Iron, magnesium, and calcium (6).
High in plant-based protein
Chia seeds contain of all nine essential amino acids which makes them a source of high-quality plant-based protein (7).
How to make chocolate chia pudding step by step
- In a medium bowl mix the chia seeds, almond milk, cocoa or cacao powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the cacao or coca is completely dissolve. It will take a few minutes whisking but do not give up.
- Let the mix rest in for about 10-15 minutes and give it another whisk.
- Store in a container or jar with a lid in your refrigerator and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
- Consume within 5 days
Useful tips and tricks for a perfect chocolate chia pudding
- Creamier consistency – Use coconut milk or a very creamy milk for a richer consistency.
- Whisk well – the chia absorbs water at a fast rate and thus creates clumps very fast. Make sure to whisk your chia pudding frequently and very well to make sure no clumps are formed. If you get some clumps, don’t panic, you can use a fork and press down to separate the clumps and add more milk if necessary. Also, the cocoa or cacao powder takes a few minutes to dissolve, so do not give up. Just keep whisking and soon it will incorporate with the rest of the ingredients.
- Gel consistency – Leave your chia pudding resting in the refrigerator overnight. I promise you; it will be delicious with a gel consistency. If it is too thick for you, add some more milk, one tablespoon at a time and give it a whisk.
- Use your favorite milk – The chia pudding will absorb all liquid and flavor you add to it. Make sure you add a good quality milk, cocoa, and vanilla extract that you absolutely enjoy.
- Too thick? – Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, and give it a whisk until it reaches the consistency you like.
- Your chia seeds did not get fluffy? – I have seen cases where the chia seeds do not absorb water and do not reach a pudding consistency. This is because the chia seeds are old. Try a different brand and check the expiration date in the package. I use Navitas Organic Chia Seeds and they have never failed me.
- Optional Add-Ins and Variations
- You can add in 1 tablespoon of vegan melted chocolate for extra chocolate flavoring.
- How to serve or what to serve it with? Serve with your favorite toppings. We suggest pairing it with berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries to give this super food an extra load of antioxidants.
- Yogurt
- Vegan Nutella with Cashews
- Berries
- Fruits
- Jams
- Compotes
- Nut butter
- Nuts and seeds
- Granola
- How to store: Store your yummy chocolate chia pudding in a sealed container or jar in the refrigerator for up to five days. The chia will most likely continue to absorb liquid and will thicken even more, but this is normal. Feel free to add more milk and mix again. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also freeze it, and simply allow to defrost before serving. However, by experience, my chia pudding is gone by the second day!
More recipes you may like
Share, comment, rate, & tag us
Hey there! If you’ve tried our recipe, we’d love to hear your thoughts and rating. Your feedback helps us improve! Follow @bonlemonkitchen on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more culinary journeys and nutrition tips. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive recipes and freebies. Thanks for your support!
This post may contain affiliate links. For Details see our Privacy Policy and Disclosure.Chocolate Chia Pudding
This chocolate chia pudding is the perfect chocolate treat for all your family. It is gluten free, dairy free, and it tastes delicious. You can pair it with fruit, chocolate spreads like Nutella, chocolate chips, oatmeal, yogurt, and the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a medium bowl mix the chia seeds, almond milk, cocoa or cacao powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the cacao or coca is completely dissolve. It will take a few minutes whisking but do not give up.
-
Let the mix rest in for about 10-15 minutes and give it another whisk.
-
Enjoy with your favorite toppings.
-
Store in a container or jar with a lid in your refrigerator and enjoy within 5 days.
Note
Use a creamier milk for a velvety consistency such as coconut milk or soy milk.
If your pudding is too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. On the other hand, if your pudding is too thin, add more chia seeds, 1 tablespoon at a time and let it rest for 15 minutes minimum.
Chia seeds absorbs liquid until about they are 10 times their size. They will expend at their most when they are left overnight in the refrigerator.
Add more sweetener if you like. I recommend adding 1 teaspoon at a time until it is as sweet as you prefer.
You can serve with your favorite fruit and adaptogens to make it a more nourishing breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
