Treat yourself to a high protein snack or meal with Chocolate Chia Protein Pudding! Plus a Peanut Butter Chocolate Chia Option!
It’s dairy free, gluten free, sugar free and contains no tree nuts or peanuts.
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If chocolate isn’t your flavor try Blueberry Vanilla Chia Pudding or Dairy Free Strawberry Chia Pudding; both are delicious!
What makes this chia pudding different?
Chocolate Protein Chia Pudding has added protein in the form of collagen from grass-fed cows. The texture is different due to the chia seeds being “powdered” due to placing them in the blender. (Keep reading for the benefits of collagen & chia seeds!)
Sugar-free Options! You can keep this pudding totally sugar-free by using a non-dairy milk and omitting the toppings.
Toppings are endless; you can gentle sweeten with raw honey and coconut flakes or sprinkle it with your favorite granola. My family likes Amazing Gluten Free Granola and Purely Elizabeth Ancient Grain Granola.
Add bananas for a mild sweetness and additional potassium! My preference is Amazing Homemade Granola!
I recommend using non-dairy milk to reduce inflammation and keep your sugar content as low as possible. For three non-dairy milk recipes visit Dairy Free Milk Options.
Generous serving size and convenient: Bellemain Porcelain Ramekins, set of 6 (White, 4 oz)
Granola makes a wonderful topping! You can transform this pudding into a healthy breakfast option or fulfilling snack option.
As I mentioned earlier, granola is my preferred topping. I like several homemade recipes on chia pudding. Another favorite recipe is Gluten Free Maple Granola. As far as store-bought granola goes, Purely Elizabeth is the best. They use quality ingredients with just the right amount of sweetness. Try this pack of four different Purely Elizabeth flavors: Purely Elizabeth Vegan Gluten-Free Ancient Grain Granola Variety Pack (4 Pack) In Sanisco Packaging
Fruit is a nutritious natural sweetener. Raspberries, blueberries and strawberries are among the top nutrient dense foods! They are naturally sweet and turn this pudding into a delightful treat.
Check out Powerful Nutrients in Berries to learn more about how our body benefits from adding them to our diet.
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
I found it interesting that black chia seeds are a member of the mint family, and originate in Central and South America. These little black seeds have a history of being used by the Aztecs and Mayans as an incredible source of energy.
Here is a quick list of 10 health benefits from consuming these seeds:
- High fiber. Two tablespoons contain 11 grams of fiber.
- Low calorie.
- Loaded with nutrients: manganese, magnesium and phosphorus.
- Good for our bones due to high nutrient content.
- Contains plant-based calcium.
- Source of omega-3’s which makes for a healthy heart.
- Easily digestible and great for colon health.
- Provides protein and essential amino acids.
- Lowers chronic inflammation.
- Aids in weight loss due to leaving us satiated.
Chia seeds can be used in granola bar recipes like Gluten Free Chocolate Mint Granola Bars. One reason I love these granola bars is they are high in protein.
Health Benefits of Collagen
As we age, we naturally lose collagen each day! Adding collagen to your diet has many benefits.
Just to name a few: repairs our gut, stronger nails & hair, improved cardiovascular health & reduces wrinkles and cellulite.
Read more at 10 Ways Your Body Benefits fro Collagen. You’ll learn how we lose collagen, why it’s important and what sources contain collagen.
Two reputable collagen sources I currently purchase and can recommend: Collagen Powder Protein by Ancient Nutrition, Multi Collagen Chocolate Protein Powder, 40 Servings, with Vitamin C, Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides Supports Skin and Nails, Gut Health, 16.65oz and Great Lakes Gelatin, Collagen Hydrolysate, Unflavored Beef Protein, Kosher, 16 Oz Can.
The only piece of equipment you need is a high powered blender. I’ve used this one for over ten years: Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender, Professional-Grade, 48 oz. Container, Black
Free Printable Recipe: Chocolate Chia Protein Pudding
Chocolate Chia Protein Pudding
Gluten free, dairy free, grain free and sugar free.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. coconut milk, unsweetened or homemade dairy free milk
- 4 T. chia seeds organic
- 2 T. collagen powder
- 2 T. raw cacao powder
- 1 tsp. raw honey optional
- 1/4 c. strawberries optional
- 1 banana slices optional
- 2 T. shredded unsweeteend coconut optional
- 1/4 c. raspberries optional
- 1/4 c. Purely Elizabeth granola optional
Instructions
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In a high speed blender, add your chia seeds, non-dairy milk, collagen and cacao powder. Blend for 30-60 seconds.
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Pour into a 3 or 4 cup canning jar, and cover with a lid.Place in the refrigerator overnight to thicken.
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Distribute into small containers and add your toppings.
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Chia Pudding stays fresh in the refrigerator for several days.
I like to order my non-dairy coconut milk, chia seeds, and collagen online through a discount health food company called Thrive Market. Homemade Dairy Free Milk Recipes here.
Chocolate Chia Protein Pudding with PEANUT BUTTER
In a small mixing bowl, add 1/4 c. natural peanut butter and 1 tsp. of raw honey. Mix and divide it up among your servings.
Additional topping: Crush unsweetened natural Virginia peanuts & dairy free (Enjoy Life or Lily’s ) dark chocolate. Sprinkle on top. Enjoy!! It’s like eating a chocolate chia peanut butter cup!!!!
Chocolate Chia Protein Pudding
Enjoy the simplicity of making these chia pudding! It contains 4 common ingredients and requires no baking.
I honestly do not know my favorite topping, they are all very delicious! The days I need a more substantial pudding, I add granola or honey and coconut flakes.
Share with other readers how you like to eat your chocolate chia protein pudding!
Pursuing Better Health Together,