When that chocolate craving kicks in, we’re diving straight into a bowl of rich and creamy vegan chocolate chia pudding.
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It’s the perfect balance of indulgent and nourishing, sweet enough to feel like a treat, but packed with fiber, protein, and plant-based goodness to keep you full and satisfied. Plus, it’s great for meal prep. Just mix, chill, and scoop whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.
The beauty of chia pudding is how customizable it is. You can keep it simple or go all out with toppings. I love mine with sliced roasted almonds, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, a touch of vanilla, a drizzle of maple syrup, and fresh strawberries.
At just 137 calories per serving, this treat is light, energizing, and loaded with nutrients like omega-3s, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. It’s a go-to that checks all the boxes—easy, filling, and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This
- Easy to make: Just toss the ingredients into a blender, blend, and let it chill. That’s it, no cooking, no fuss, just two quick steps and done.
- Allergy-friendly: This chocolate chia seed pudding is dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, keto-friendly, refined sugar-free, and nut-free
- Perfect for on-the-go: Make a big batch, store it in the fridge, and scoop out a serving whenever you need a quick snack or meal. Just top and enjoy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Soy Milk: Any non-dairy milk works here. Almond, oat, coconut, or cashew are all great choices. Even water will do in a pinch. For an extra creamy pudding, go with canned coconut milk.
- Chia Seeds: Use white or black chia seeds, both work the same, so just grab what you’ve got.
- Cocoa Powder: This is where the rich, chocolatey flavor comes from. For a smooth, mellow taste, I recommend Dutch-process cocoa powder.
- Pitted Dates: Naturally sweet and fiber-rich, dates are a great way to sweeten the pudding. Not a fan? Swap with maple syrup, stevia, or skip altogether and sweeten with toppings like fruit or chocolate chips.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
- Stir, then stir again: After mixing the chia seeds with your liquid, give it another stir a few minutes later to break up clumps and create a smooth texture.
- Chill overnight for best results: A couple hours in the fridge will work, but overnight gives you that thick, creamy, pudding-like consistency we all love.
- Go for quality cocoa: For a deep, rich chocolate flavor without the bitterness, use Dutch-process cocoa powder. It’s smoother and more decadent than the regular stuff.
- Sweeten your way: Blend in dates, drizzle maple syrup, or keep it unsweetened. You can always lean on toppings like fruit or chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness.
- Don’t skip the toppings: Fresh berries, granola, nut butter, or toasted coconut can take your chia pudding from simple to next-level. Think texture, crunch, and creaminess!
What to Serve with Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seed pudding is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make it even more satisfying.
For a protein boost, enjoy it with a handful of nuts or a dollop of peanut or almond butter. Fresh fruit like sliced bananas, berries, or mango adds natural sweetness and a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture.
If you’re craving something crunchy, top it with granola or toasted coconut flakes. For a more indulgent twist, drizzle a little melted dark chocolate or pair it with a warm slice of whole-grain toast slathered in nut butter.
Whether you keep it simple or get creative, chia seed pudding is a versatile treat that goes well with just about anything!
How to Store Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
To keep your chocolate chia seed pudding fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep! For easy grab-and-go servings, divide the pudding into individual jars or containers before chilling.
If the pudding thickens too much over time, simply stir in a splash of non-dairy milk to loosen it up. While freezing is an option, it may slightly alter the texture, so for the best consistency, enjoy it fresh from the fridge.
Recipe FAQs
This no-cook recipe comes together easily by blending all the ingredients until smooth. Once mixed, transfer it to a container, cover, and let it chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Stored in an airtight container, chia seed pudding stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack.
On its own, chia seeds have a mild, nutty flavor, meaning the pudding will take on the taste of whatever you add. In this case, expect a sweet, chocolatey treat with a thick, creamy texture and a slight grittiness from the chia seeds.
Using Dutch-process cocoa powder gives a smoother, less bitter taste, while natural cocoa powder can be more intense. If your pudding tastes too bitter, try adjusting the sweetness with maple syrup or dates.
More Recipes with Chia Seeds
Did you try out this Vegan Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding? Please leave a comment below, share it, rate it, or tag a picture @plantbasedandbroke on Instagram and hashtag it #plantbasedandbroke. Show off that creation with us!
Vegan Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients
- 4 cups soy milk
- ½ cup chia seeds
- ½ cup cocoa powder Dutch-processed
- 8-12 pitted dates Adjust depending on desired sweetness
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender, until smooth.
- Next, pour the mixture into a container, cover with a lid, and chill in the refridgerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. Serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- If the dates are tough and dry, soften them up in minutes.
Lisa
We hope to eat healthier!
Aly Michell
You can totally do it! Rooting for ya!