Need a healthy way to satisfy your chocolate craving? Try chocolate chia seed pudding! It’s a delicious dairy free dessert with some great health benefits.
Would you like to find a dessert-like breakfast that’s also healthy? Of course you would, right?
But generally, dessert isn’t the best way to start the day. However, this chocolate chia seed pudding is an acceptable breakfast in my book, because chia seeds are so good for you. Plus, it’s refined sugar free!
This chocolate chia pudding is sweet, chocolatey, and perfect when topped with fresh berries. It’s a great way to start your morning!
What are chia seeds?
Chia seeds come from a desert plant that is related to the mint family. These protein-packed seeds were a staple of the diet of the ancient Aztecs.
Of course, you may think of the sprouting chia seeds that were made popular by Chia Pets. We don’t have to sprout them to enjoy their many health benefits. 
Are chia seeds healthy?
They’re a good source of fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. They have even more omega-3 fatty acids than flax seeds, and they don’t have to be ground up for the body to absorb their nutrients.
You can learn more about the nutritional benefits of chia seeds here.
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 also sprinkle them on top of oatmeal, granola, or salads.
How do you make chocolate chia seed pudding?
It’s easy to do! Simply combine the ingredients for chocolate chia seed pudding in a mason jar.
Stir it together to combine, and place the jar in the refrigerator. After 30 minutes, take the jar out of the refrigerator. It will look like this:
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!
If you make this recipe, or any of my recipes, please share on Instagram, and tag me: @prettybeeblog. I love to see what you’re making!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding (Dairy Free, Vegan).
Chocolate chia seed pudding is a healthy chocolate treat to enjoy for breakfast or dessert!
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. Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days.
This post was originally published in August 2014. It has been updated with new photos and text.
Other chia seed desserts to try:
Cherry Peach Chia Seed Pudding
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!