• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Real + Vibrant logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Tips
  • Cookbook
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Tips
    • Cookbook
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Snacks & Appetizers

    Chocolate Chia Pudding

    Published: Apr 24, 2019 · Updated: Apr 30, 2020 by Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC · 12 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A glass of chia pudding with fresh blackberries and strawberries on top.

    Chocolate chia pudding is a delicious and easy-to-make snack that's satisfying for any sweet tooth. It's made with chia seeds, cocoa powder, almond milk, and naturally sweetened. Make a single serving of this tasty vegan recipe or prep a larger batch for the week!

    A glass of chocolate chia pudding with fresh blackberries and strawberries on top.

    A few years ago, after I started making a chia seed pudding every morning, I started making different flavors to it keep it interesting. This chocolate chia pudding requires only one additional ingredient but completely transforms the plain chia seed pudding.

    If you love chocolate and are looking for easy ways to work it into your day without going overboard on sweet treats, you're going to love this chocolate chia pudding.

    Chocolate chia pudding is simple to make and a powerhouse of nutrients. You can enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert!

    What you'll need

    What I love about this recipe is that it's thick, creamy, chocolatey, and seriously tastes like dessert. You'll need a few simple ingredients to make the perfect chocolate chia pudding:

    • Chia seeds
    • Milk: I use almond milk, but regular dairy milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, and oat milk are other options.
    • Cocoa powder
    • Vanilla extract
    • Maple syrup: Or any other sweetener of choice, such as honey.
    • Sea salt
    A glass of chia pudding with fresh blackberries and strawberries on top.

    How to make chocolate chia pudding

    Detailed ingredient measurements, instructions, and notes can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page. Here’s a summary:

    1. Whisk ingredients: In a bowl or glass jar, whisk ingredients. Let it sit for a few minutes and then whisk again to prevent the chia seeds from clumping together as they absorb the liquid.

    2. Chill 30 minutes or overnight: Cover and let the mixture chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

    3. Stir and serve: When you're ready to enjoy the chia pudding, gently mix and scoop into a bowl. Enjoy plain or add a few extra toppings. See below for a list of topping options.

    Optional toppings

    Add more flavor to your chocolate chia pudding with a few toppings. Here are some of my favorites:

    • Fresh berries, including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
    • Slices of banana
    • Coconut flakes or shredded coconut
    • Cacao nibs
    • Hemp seeds
    • Whipped cream
    • Slivered or chopped almonds
    A glass of chia pudding with fresh blackberries and strawberries on top.

    Storing for later

    To store: Store the chocolate chia pudding in an air-tight glass jar in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

    To freeze: Alternatively, you can also freeze it and thaw it out about an hour before you're ready to enjoy it.

    Top tips and suggestions

    Stir multiple times: Before letting the mixture sit in the fridge overnight, be sure to mix it a few times with a few minutes of rest in between. This will prevent the chia seeds from clumping together as they start to absorb the liquids.

    Blend the mixture for a smoother texture: If you do not enjoy the texture of chia pudding, blending it in a mixer is another option to explore. It will create a pudding-like texture instead of the tapioca-like texture it normally has.

    Don't use old chia seeds: If you notice that your chia seeds aren't plumping, they are most likely old. I normally buy chia seeds in smaller batches so they don't last too long in my kitchen.

    Adjust the amount of liquid: if you find that you prefer a thicker pudding texture, experiment with using less liquid. If you want a thinner texture, use more liquid.

    More easy snack recipes

    • Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
    • Breakfast Cookies
    • Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
    • Chia Seed Pudding with Fresh Berries
    • Avocado Toast with Pesto

    I hope you love this chocolate chia pudding recipe as much as I do! Sign up for email updates to receive new recipes delivered to your inbox or check out my new cookbook Plant Power Bowls.

    Glass of chocolate chia pudding with fresh berries on top.

    Chocolate Chia Pudding

    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep time: 5 minutes
    Total time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 162kcal
    Author: Sapana Chandra
    Chocolate chia pudding is a delicious and easy-to-make snack that's satisfying for any sweet tooth. It's made with chia seeds, cocoa powder, almond milk, and naturally sweetened. Make a single serving of this tasty vegan recipe or prep a larger batch for the week.

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup almond milk
    • ¼ cup chia seeds
    • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • pinch of sea salt

    Instructions

    • In a bowl or glass jar, whisk ingredients. Let it sit for a few minutes and then whisk again to prevent the chia seeds from clumping together as they absorb the liquid.
    • Cover and let the mixture chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
    • When you're ready to enjoy the chia pudding, gently mix and scoop into a bowl.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 162kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 168mg, Potassium: 185mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 6g, Calcium: 301mg, Iron: 2mg
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Tried this recipe?Mention @realandvibrant and hashtag #realandvibrant!
    « Instant Pot Chickpeas
    Cauliflower Tikka Masala »
    21.7K shares
    • Yummly
    • Share
    • Tweet

    About Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC

    Sapana Chandra is a certified health coach, author of Plant Power Bowls, and founder of Real +Vibrant. Here you’ll find simply delicious vegetarian recipes with step-by-step photo instructions – recipes you’ll be excited to enjoy and share with your loved ones.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sharon says

      July 21, 2020 at 6:31 pm

      Can I make this with chocolate almond milk?

      Reply
    2. Beth says

      May 15, 2020 at 6:44 am

      Easy and satisfying!! I made it with carob powder, so it's caffeine-free.5 stars

      Reply
    3. Terri says

      April 29, 2020 at 1:46 pm

      can I make this with unsweetened vanilla almond milk?

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        April 29, 2020 at 4:33 pm

        Yes, absolutely!

        Reply
    4. Alex says

      April 28, 2020 at 3:14 pm

      Can this be made with ground chia?

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        April 29, 2020 at 4:34 pm

        Yes, it will give the pudding a different texture but still works!

        Reply
    5. Michelle Murphy says

      April 01, 2020 at 12:44 pm

      Very good and easy to make. It gives you your chocolate fix.5 stars

      Reply
    6. Jessica says

      March 14, 2020 at 8:41 am

      Delicious! Too it with bananas and coconut5 stars

      Reply
    7. Kristen says

      June 01, 2019 at 11:13 am

      I'm in chocolate heaven!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 9:26 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it, Kristen!

        Reply
    8. Pam says

      May 31, 2019 at 9:10 am

      It turned out perfect, thanks!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 9:27 pm

        So happy to hear, Pam!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Sapana Chandra

    Hi, I'm Sapana! I’m a recipe developer and author of the cookbook Plant Power Bowls. Here you'll find simple, delicious, vegetarian recipes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Learn more about me

    As seen on

    Sites that Real + Vibrant has been featured on.

    Spring favorites

    • Mango Salsa
    • Grapefruit Margarita
    • Pesto Pasta Salad
    • Vegan Blueberry Scones

    Get your copy

    Cover for Plant Power Bowls Cookbook

    Popular recipes

    • Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
    • Coconut Chickpea Curry
    • Overnight Oats with Superfoods
    • Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

    Footer

    Featured In

    As Featured On

    Information

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms of Use
    • Affiliate Disclaimer

    About

    • About Sapana
    • Press
    • Cookbook
    • Work with Me

    Follow

    • Contact
    • Newsletter
    • Instagram
    • Facebook

    ©2022 Real + Vibrant • All Rights Reserved

    21.7K shares