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Home By Meal Breakfast

Healthy Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

★★★★★ 17 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: Erin4/25/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

chocolate chia pudding
chocolate chia seed pudding

Healthy Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding is a wonderful option for breakfast, dessert, or snacking! Made with just six ingredients, this is an easy recipe that requires just 10 minutes to make.

chocolate chia pudding

The most delicious healthy chocolate pudding

I will always stand behind this: chocolate desserts are the best. I pretty much always opt for chocolatey over fruity, no matter the situation! There’s just something about chocolate treats that makes me feel happy and cozy.

Recently, I was on the hunt for a new chocolate dessert and racked my brain for something that I hadn’t created before. I looked through my pantry and saw some chia seeds, and the rest is history!

I absolutely love this chocolate chia pudding because it’s so versatile! It can be eaten as a quick morning breakfast, a yummy post-dinner dessert, or a mid-day snack. The options are endless! Plus, you can top it with a wide variety of different goodies, making it a customizable dish that’s perfect for serving crowds.

If you love pudding as much as me, you should bake my Pudding Cookies next!

chocolate chia pudding

Ingredients for chia seed pudding

To make healthy chia seed pudding, you only need six different ingredients! The best part about this recipe is that you probably already have all of these ingredients in your refrigerator and pantry!

  • Chia seeds
  • Cocoa
  • Salt
  • Almond milk
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla

Kitchen tools used to make healthy chocolate pudding

Only two items are needed to make this pudding recipe: a mixing bowl, and a whisk. Seriously… could this recipe get any easier? I sure don’t think so!

How to make healthy chocolate chia seed pudding

Chocolate chia pudding is ridiculously easy to make. It only requires four different steps! With just a bit of mixing and chilling, you’ll have a large bowl of deliciously chocolate pudding. You should only need 5-10 minutes of prep time.

First, mix the chia seeds, cocoa powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

With a whisk, stir in the almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla. Whisk until well combined.

Place in the refrigerator for one hour, and then stir. Next, let it sit for at least another two hours. Ideally, allow the pudding to form by letting it sit overnight.

When ready to eat, add a splash of almond milk and stir. Optionally, you can add fun toppings, but this isn’t required.

Most importantly, enjoy!

two cups of chia pudding

Optional topping ideas

Sometimes it can be fun to mix up your pudding and add some toppings! Here are some of my favorites. From crunchy to fruity and candies to marshmallows, here are some topping ideas for every preference!

Crunchy

  • M&Ms (classic or peanut)
  • Cereal
  • Granola
  • Chocolate chips (or white chocolate chips)

Fruity

  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Bananas
  • Coconut

Extras

  • Sprinkles
  • Marshmallows
  • Whipped cream

Chia pudding substitution options

Here are some commonly requested substitution options. Feel free to mix and match ingredients as desired. Note: I have not tried all of these so substitute at your own risk. No matter what you do, your pudding will surely taste great!

  • Cocoa: If you’re not a fan of cocoa, you can use baking chocolate. Look up the conversion for your specific brand to figure out the correct measurement to use.
    Note: You may have to melt your chocolate beforehand. Follow the directions on your package.
  • Almond milk: I always used almond milk in my pudding recipes, but you can use whichever non-dairy milk you prefer! Oat, cashew, soy… the list goes on. Use a 1:1 ratio when swapping this ingredient.
  • Maple syrup: If you’d like to use a sweetener other than maple syrup, you can use white or brown sugar, honey, or molasses. You’ll need to look up the exact measurement for your preferred ingredient.
overview of chocolate chia pudding

A healthier chocolate dessert option

Though cocoa, almond milk, and maple syrup are the easiest ingredients to swap in this recipe, they also happen to be the ingredients that make this recipe a healthy dessert option!

First and foremost, cocoa powder is an ingredient high in nutrients and antioxidants. It’s the purest form of chocolate and contains protein, fiber, and iron, making it a healthy, nutritious option.

Next up, almond milk is a great alternative to dairy milk and is rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin E. Plus, it adds a bit of delicious flavor to the pudding!

Lastly, maple syrup is used to sweeten this recipe. It’s an all-natural option that is much better than granulated sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Try these chocolatey desserts too!

If you’re like me and can’t get enough of chocolate, check out these healthy dessert ideas to satisfy your next sugar craving!

  • Paleo Chocolate Cake
  • Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
  • Vegan Mint Chocolate Tart
  • Dark Chocolate Banana Bread Muffins

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by Quarter Soul Crisis

chocolate chia pudding
★★★★★ 5 from 17 reviews

Healthy Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Healthy Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding is a wonderful option for breakfast, dessert, or snacking! Made with just six ingredients, this is an easy recipe that requires just 10 minutes to make.

Prep: 10Total: 10 minutes
Yield 2 servings 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup cocoa
  • pinch salt
  • 1 cup almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix together chia seeds, cocoa powder and salt.
  2. With a whisk, stir in almond milk, maple syrup and vanilla. Whisk until well combined. 
  3. Place in refrigerator for one hour, then stir. Then let sit at least two hours or overnight. 
  4. When ready to eat, add a splash of almond milk and stir.
  5. Add any toppings that you desire! We like banana and peanut butter.
Author: Erin MorrisseyCategory: breakfast, gluten-freeMethod: no-bakeCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free
chocolate chia pudding

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Margo says

    Posted on 2/21 at 10:26 am

    This looks yummy, but I have a question. When I let it sit for two hours, is it sitting on the counter or should I put it back in the refrigerator for 2 hours? Thank you. Can’t wait to try this recipe!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 2/21 at 6:07 pm

      Hi Margo, you’d want to put it in the refrigerator. Let me know how yours comes out!

      Reply
  2. Julia says

    Posted on 6/13 at 1:02 pm

    Used honey instead and it was delicious! Also I added some Cheerios on top and just that little crunch was so yummy. So fun and easy and I didn’t feel guilty eating it for breakfast😂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/13 at 2:17 pm

      Hi Julia, I am so glad you made it your own!!

      Reply
  3. Julia says

    Posted on 6/13 at 1:02 pm

    Didn’t use maple syrup but I subbed it with honey and it was delicious! Also I added some Cheerios on top and just that little crunch was so yummy. So fun and easy and I didn’t feel guilty eating it for breakfast😂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/13 at 2:16 pm

      Hi Julia, so glad you love it so much!!

      Reply
  4. Dejan says

    Posted on 5/28 at 3:40 am

    Thank you for this easy, healthy and delicious pudding! I prepared it for 12 people, topped with fresh strawberries, raspberries and banana…

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/28 at 12:33 pm

      Hi Dejan, so glad everyone loved it and great toppings!! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Lindsay says

    Posted on 4/11 at 9:57 pm

    The perfect guilt free snack and SO quick and easy to prepare! A go-to!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/12 at 8:39 pm

      Hi Lindsay, so happy you love it!

      Reply
  6. anna says

    Posted on 3/19 at 5:31 pm

    DELICIOUS. The only chia pudding i have made that actually tastes yummy!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/20 at 9:26 am

      Hi Anna, so happy you love it!!

      Reply
  7. Elizabeth says

    Posted on 1/22 at 11:15 pm

    I’ve never really been into chia pudding but this is a great recipe! Super chocolatey, lightly sweet, and delicious! Definitely a go to for dessert/breakfast/snack!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/23 at 7:13 pm

      Hi Elizabeth, I am so happy you enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Marie Elena says

    Posted on 1/4 at 1:54 pm

    I rotate prepping this and Erin’s PB overnight oats for my breakfasts during the week. So yummy and healthy!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/4 at 3:54 pm

      Hi Marie, thanks for sharing!!

      Reply
  9. Christine says

    Posted on 1/4 at 7:20 am

    Been craving a sweet treat for awhile. Made this last night and had it for breakfast. It was delicious and filling!! Great way to start the day. It wasn’t too sweet which was perfect for me. Will absolutely try again for a dessert later this week and see how my 4 year old likes it. If she doesn’t, more for me!! 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/4 at 3:36 pm

      Hi Christine, so glad you enjoyed it so much! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Maggie says

    Posted on 1/3 at 5:20 pm

    This is delicious! I make it ahead for a weeks worth of breakfast and it is the best taste of chocolate while still being healthy… I look forward to waking up during the work week because of this. Love to top mine with peanut butter!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/4 at 3:00 pm

      Hi Maggie, so happy you love it!!

      Reply
  11. Shaun Luberski says

    Posted on 10/7 at 3:12 pm

    This pudding was delicious! I made other chia seed recipes before, but this was my first time making a chocolate one. I even added in mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Highly recommend!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/9 at 11:44 am

      Hi Shaun! Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  12. Sarah Schweiker says

    Posted on 10/2 at 1:39 pm

    I didn’t use to like chia seed pudding but this completely changed the game for me!! It is sooo good and perfect with fruit in it.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/3 at 4:23 am

      Hi Sarah, I’m so happy that you enjoyed it! I agree! Chia seed pudding is perfect to experiment new toppings/add ins with!

      Reply
  13. Sam says

    Posted on 9/1 at 8:51 pm

    I tried a chocolate pudding years ago that came out not so wonderful but decided it was time to try again. SO GLAD I did. This chocolate chia pudding with a swirl of peanut butter is the perfect combo. The chocolate flavor is really amazing.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/4 at 12:40 am

      Hi Sam, I am so happy to hear that this recipe worked for you!! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  14. Emily says

    Posted on 5/17 at 7:42 pm

    This recipe is amaaaazing!! Super quick and easy with ingredients you prob already have in your fridge! If you’re weird about texture, you may not like this BC it’s primarily chia seeds.

    The flavor is rich and not too sweet, and way better than the store bought stuff. No guilt when eating this! Good job girl!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/4 at 9:58 pm

      Hi Emily! I’m thrilled you liked the pudding! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Allie says

    Posted on 5/15 at 6:03 pm

    I never liked chia pudding until I tried this recipe! I’ve made it twice now and it’s so good! Very healthy but tastes like an indulgent dessert 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/4 at 10:23 pm

      Hi Allie, I am so happy you like chia pudding now!! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Kathryn Mader says

    Posted on 5/9 at 3:27 am

    Good night, I’m glad I found your website! Just stumbled upon it and everything looks right up my alley! YAY!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/4 at 11:03 pm

      Hi Kathryn! Thank you for your kind words!! Happy to have you here and let me know how your pudding comes out!

      Reply
  17. Jessica says

    Posted on 5/4 at 1:16 pm

    Erin did it again, 5/5 stars from me! This recipe is so easy to whip up and I had to stop myself from eating the entire bowl immediately after it firmed up. I made a small mistake and added just a little too much liquid so it’s slightly runnier than I was hoping for, but the flavor is identical to stove top hot chocolate.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/4 at 11:29 pm

      Hi Jessica, thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed the pudding! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Megan says

    Posted on 5/3 at 3:01 pm

    I thought I didn’t like chia pudding until I made this. I’ve now made it 3 times and it’s definitely my new favorite dessert/snack 😍

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/4 at 11:36 pm

      Hi Megan! I am so happy you like chia pudding now!! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Mafer says

    Posted on 5/3 at 10:08 am

    I made this and it’s sooo yummy!! It’s perfect for a afternoon snack when you are craving something sweet. I had it with a cup of coffee and it was delicious and topped with strawberries!! Thank you for the recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/4 at 11:40 pm

      Hi Mafer, thank you so much for your kind words!! I am so happy you enjoy the pudding and made it your own! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Gina says

    Posted on 4/30 at 2:34 pm

    Very good and super chocolatey! This recipe made more than I thought but was perfect for my family of 3 since we do not tend to eat a lot for breakfast. Highly recommend!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/4 at 11:54 pm

      Hi Gina, thanks for your kind words! I am so happy your family enjoyed the pudding!! 🙂

      Reply

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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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