If you’re looking for a delicious chocolate snack or dessert, try chocolate chia seed pudding! This is a sweet treat that’s gluten free, dairy free, and very filling. Top it with your favorite berries, toasted coconut, or homemade granola and enjoy!
Sometimes I’m in the mood for a sweet breakfast, but I also don’t want to be hungry again in an hour. Breakfast foods like pancakes, cinnamon sugar waffles, or gluten free French toast are delicious, but sometimes they don’t have enough protein to keep me full.
This chocolate chia pudding is sweet, chocolatey, and perfect when topped with fresh berries. It’s a great way to start your morning!
Ingredient Notes
- Chia Seeds – You can use either black chia seeds or white chia seeds – either will work very well. Because of all the fiber in chia seeds, they make a kind of gel when combined with liquid, so that makes a great base for a pudding. You can’t substitute any other seeds in this recipe.
- Non-Dairy Milk – Use any non-dairy milk that works for your dietary needs. Try coconut milk, oat milk, rice milk, hemp milk, or even dairy milk if you don’t need to be dairy free.
- Cocoa Powder – We use Hershey’s Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. Feel free to use any brand that works for you.
- Maple Syrup – I like using maple syrup as a sweetener, but you could use honey or agave syrup if you like.
Step by Step Instructions
- Place the chia seeds, non-dairy milk, maple syrup, and cocoa powder in a mason jar.
- Stir everything together to combine, and place the jar in the refrigerator. After 30 minutes, take the jar out of the refrigerator. You will see that the cocoa powder and chia seeds are clumped together at the top. Stir the pudding to break up the clumps of chia seeds that are starting to form.
- Place the jar back in the refrigerator for at least 90 minutes to allow the chocolate chia seed pudding to thicken. When it’s ready, simply spoon into bowls and top with your choice of fruit, chocolate chips, or coconut whipped cream. Enjoy!
Toppings
You can top chia pudding with many different things! Try:
- raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries
- pumpkin seeds
- sunbutter
- toasted coconut
- chocolate chips
- dried fruit
- granola or cereal
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Recipe
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding (Dairy Free, Vegan).
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup non-dairy milk I used unsweetened coconut milk beverage
- pinch of salt
- raspberries for on top optional
- dairy free chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Put the chia seeds and the cocoa powder in a mason jar and whisk together.
- Add the non-dairy milk and maple syrup and stir to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a spoon to break up any clumps of seeds. Return the mixture to the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate for about 90 minutes or until the pudding is thick and spoonable. Spoon into serving cups and top with raspberries if desired.
sarah
Can I substitute the maple syrup for something with less sugar??
Kelly Roenicke
You can use any sweetener that works for your dietary needs.
Barb Williams
Sounds sooo easy & delish!!
Katie
Delicious recipe!
Nancy
I don’t like the crunchiness. Can I grind the chia seeds before making the pudding rather than blending the finished product?
Kelly Roenicke
Yes, or you can blend the pudding after it is done. It will have a slightly different flavor from grinding the seeds.
Caryl Smith
I will love your dairy free desserts. I’m off dairy as it affects my health so badly. You really are amazing with the way you film too. Everything is so Professionaly done Kelly. Sending love too❤️
Laura
I LOVE Chia seed pudding! It’s such a great healthy dessert or breakfast! This chocolate version looks amazing!
jen
Yes I WOULD like a dessert-like breakfast that’s good for me and I think this is IT! it sounds fantastic!
Leslee
I tried it today and it didn’t work for me :( it looks so good. I to use honey and coconut milk, its runny and the seeds are still crunchy and musky tasting. What did do wrong?
Kelly Roenicke
It sounds like the seeds weren’t good. That would be my guess. Sorry it didn’t work for you!
breakfastdramaqueen
I love chia seed pudding! And your photos are so beautiful!
olivia - Primavera Kitchen
Chocolate chia pudding is one of the best healthy dessert. This looks so delicious! Love the photos, too, Kelly!
theprettybee
Thanks, Olivia!
madparmors
Well I must have had my head in the sand because I’ve never heard of chia seeds. I first thought of the chia pets as well! You can bet I’ll be checking them out! My kids LOVE chocolate pudding, and this would be a great way to be able to give it to them in a healthier form. Parker will not like the texture, so I’ll just blend it for him. :) Kelly, where do you buy chia seeds? I’ve never even seen them before. :(
theprettybee
Chia seeds can be found at most grocery stores, usually in the “healthy living” area. I bought these at Kroger, and they are the store brand – Simple Truth. I did find a HUGE bag at Costco one time, but I’m not sure if they are still carrying them. If you do blend it, I would let it sit for a few hours to really gel together before blending, and then if it gets too thin, just throw a few more chia seeds in as you blend it up.
madparmors
I can’t have the maple syrup, so do you think I could substitute my sugar substitute for that?
Kelly
Yes, any type of sweetener should work! :)
sheilamm@comcadt.net
How about coconut sugar which doesn’t spike your sugar levels
Kelly
Coconut sugar should work just fine!
Sarah@WholeAndHeavenlyOven
I’m almost embarrassed to admit this but I have never had chia pudding in my life. I think I’ve been missing out on something pretty awesome, seeing how gorgeous this chocolate pudding looks! On my to-do list now! :)
theprettybee
Go get some chia seeds, lady! :)
Thalia @ butter and brioche
never would have thought to make a chocolate flavoured chia pudding.. definitely an idea i will be trying in my kitchen!
Caitlin
I’m definitely not over chia seeds! I love how you can have a pudding without dairy and the crunch is great. Chocolate pudding sounds perfect to me!
Julia
I always wonder when food trends are officially over, but my take on the whole thing, is if something is healthful and insane-o delicious, it can remain popular in my household foooorever! I LOVE chocolate chia seed pudding and your recipe is making me want to make a batch right now!
Becca from ItsYummi.com
Confession: I’ve never eaten chia seed. I can’t help but think of growing a chia pet in my stomach! LOL
This really looks amazing, though.
theprettybee
Oh yikes…I probably have a chia pet zoo living in my stomach by now! :)
Marisa @ Uproot from Oregon
I love tapioca pudding so the texture doesn’t bother me!
Strength and Sunshine
I have a huge bag of chia seeds so I HAVE to finally make chia pudding!
PumpkinnSpice
I love chia seed pudding! I am always amazed at how something so delicious can be healthy! And this chocolate pudding sounds amazing! Definitely trying this out!
Allison
I’m never over chia seeds! Chocolate chia pudding is one of the greatest things for a quick and healthy dessert. Love the photos, Kelly! The gold rimmed glasses are just adorable. And chocolate and raspberries? OMG!
theprettybee
Thanks, Allison!