Protein Chia Pudding - 3 Ways (2024)

Leave a Comment / Recipes / ByJackie Silver MHSc, RD

Protein Chia Pudding - 3 Ways (1)

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Protein chia pudding is a simple, quick, and delicious dish that you can enjoy for breakfasts or lunches. It also makes a great meal prep breakfast or snack if you double or triple the recipe. Summer is all about cool, refreshing recipes and chia pudding definitely fits the bill. Chia pudding is also super versatile – you start with a plain base and you can turn it into as many different flavour combinations as your heart desires. I’ve got THREE different combos for you in this post: matcha, peanut butter chocolate, and fruit and nut.

What are Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds originate from the desert plant, Salvia hispanica, which is part of the mint family. These seeds were a staple in the ancient Aztec diet and are believed to have originated from Central America. They are small black seeds that resemble poppy seeds and they have a neutral taste.

When soaked in liquid (such as water, milk, or yogurt) and allowed to sit for at least an hour, chia seeds absorb the fluid and develop a gelatinous texture making it a great thickener for puddings and other dishes.

Protein Chia Pudding - 3 Ways (2)

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds truly are a superfood. They are high in:

  • Fiber (Just 2 tbsp of chia seeds contains 10g of fiber! That’s a third of what you need in a day)
  • Omega-3 fats (supports brain health and inflammation)
  • Protein (2 tbsp contains 6g of protein making it a great way to boost the protein content of your meals)
  • Calcium (supports bone health)
  • Important minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc

More research is needed on the health benefits of chia seeds but the high fiber content helps to improve constipation and promote bowel regularity. It may also help reduce one’s risk of diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

Protein Chia Pudding is excellent for people with disabilities because…

  • The calcium from the chia seeds, milk, and yogurt support bone health.
  • The fiber content from the chia seeds is great for those with constipation from neurogenic bowel
  • The high protein content from this recipe makes it a filling meal or snack so you won’t be hungry soon after. Those who are healing from pressure wounds have higher protein needs so this is a great snack to support wound healing. Protein acts as a building block in the body and helps rebuild skin tissue damaged from pressure wounds.
  • It’s a simple, quick recipe that you can easily batch to have on hand for easy breakfasts and snacks throughout the week. Store it in a fridge safe container like this one. It’s also great to bring along when you’re on the go.

If you’re looking for organic chia seeds, try the Inari Organic Black Whole Chia Seed from Amazon!
This adaptive bendable spoon will make eating this protein chia pudding more enjoyable!

This Protein Chia Seed Pudding is…

  • High in fiber
  • High in protein
  • A great source of calcium
  • A filling breakfast or snack
  • Vegetarian (and can be made vegan by omitting the yogurt)
  • Easy and quick to make (the only tools that you need are measuring cups, measuring spoons, a small bowl, and a mixing spoon!
  • Great for meal prep
  • Perfect for when you’re on the go
  • 4-6 ingredients
  • DELICIOUS

Protein Chia Pudding - 3 Ways (4)

Protein Chia Pudding – 3 Ways

Protein Chia Pudding - 3 Ways (5)Jackie Silver MHSc, RD

Here are 3 ways to make this delicious protein chia pudding!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine Pudding, Vegetarian

Servings 1 serving

Ingredients

Ingredients (this serves as the base for all 3 variations)

  • 1/2 cup milk (or nondairy alternative or kefir)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (For a dairy free version, omit yogurt and just use ½ cup nondairy milk alternative. It will have a thick consistency so add more milk if you want it to be a bit thinner. Any of the variations below can be made dairy-free)
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Additional Ingredients for Variations

    Matcha Chia Seed Pudding

    • 1-2 tsp matcha powder
    • 1 tbsp melted white chocolate
    • 1 tbsp maple syrup (or other sweetener of choice; optional)

    Peanut Butter Chocolate Chia Pudding

    • 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
    • 1 tbsp peanut butter (plus more to drizzle on top)

    Fruit and Nut Chia Pudding

    • 1 cup fruit of choice (blueberries, cherries, raspberries, mango, etc.; can use fresh or frozen)
    • 3 tbsp nuts or seeds of choice (ie. walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds)

    Instructions

    Chia Pudding Base

    • Mix the milk and yogurt* together until it forms a unified, thick liquid. There shouldn’t be many clumps of yogurt.

    • Add in the vanilla and chia seeds. Stir.

    • Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours to thicken up, but ideally overnight. The longer you let it sit, the thicker it will get. You can tell it is ready when it reaches a pudding-like consistency and the chia seeds swell and look gelatinous.

    • Feel free to eat it plain, top with favourite toppings, or make one of the flavour variations below.

    • Store in the fridge for 3-4 days.

    Matcha Chia Seed Pudding

    • Before mixing all base ingredients together, heat up ¼ cup of the milk (or water) and mix the matcha powder in it until it dissolves.

    • Now you can mix all the ingredients together and store in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight.

    • Top with fruit and some extra white chocolate or white chocolate chips.

    Peanut Butter Chocolate Chia Pudding

    • Mix base ingredients together with cocoa powder and peanut butter (alternate version: omit peanut butter from the pudding and drizzle on top if you prefer to keep the pudding purely chocolate flavoured).

    • Once it’s ready to serve, drizzle extra peanut butter and fruit, if desired. Optional: Top with sliced banana.

    Fruit and Nut Chia Pudding

    • Make the chia pudding base.

    • When ready to serve, top with a variety of fruit and nuts of your choice.

    Video

    Notes

    *For the dairy-free version, omit yogurt and use ½ cup nondairy milk alternative. It may be too runny if you use more than ½ cup of liquid. For a higher protein, vegan version, use soy beverage or pea beverage. You can also add a scoop of protein powder if you’d like but this will change the taste and consistency.

    **To turn this into a meal prep recipe, make a double or triple batch to last you for 3 days worth of snacks or breakfasts.

    Keyword calcium, Chia seeds, chocolate, fiber, healthy breakfast, healthy snack, meal prep, peanut butter, plant based, protein, vegetarian

    Protein Chia Pudding - 3 Ways (6)

    The Jade Leaf Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder from Amazon is perfect for the Matcha Chia Seed Pudding!

    If you decide to try out this Protein Chia Pudding, make sure to let me know by sending me a DM on Instagram! Want more high protein recipes? Check out my High Protein Blueberry Pie Smoothie and Protein Overnight Oats!

    Video by Julia Hop Hing

    Photos by Julia Hop Hing

    Protein Chia Pudding - 3 Ways (7)

    About Jackie

    Jackie is a Toronto-based Registered Dietitian whose mission is to empower and support the neurodivergent and physically disabled communities through nutrition. Jackie runs a virtual private practice and blog which has simple recipes and health information tailored to these communities. She loves cooking, exercising, traveling, journaling, and spending time with family and friends.

    Check out her full bio here →

    Protein Chia Pudding - 3 Ways (2024)

    FAQs

    Is it OK to eat chia seed pudding everyday? ›

    Chia seeds are highly nutritious, boast a long list of health benefits and can be a healthy dietary addition for most. However, moderation is key, as eating too many may cause side effects. To prevent this, start with 1 ounce (28 grams) daily and assess your tolerance before slowly increasing your intake.

    What not to mix with chia seeds? ›

    Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is known that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking chia seeds with foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

    What is the best combination with chia seeds? ›

    Simply combine chia seeds with your choice of milk (dairy or plant-based), add a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, and let the mixture sit in the refrigerator overnight. The result is a creamy, nutrient-dense pudding that can be topped with fruits, nuts, or spices for added flavor and health benefits.

    How much protein is in a cup of chia seed pudding? ›

    Simple Chia Seed Pudding Recipe (1 serving)

    Calories 152*. Fat 10g. Protein* 5g. Fiber 11g.

    What does chia pudding do to your gut? ›

    Chia seeds are a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion. The omega-3 fatty acids and caffeic acid in chia seeds may reduce inflammation in the gut. This can alleviate symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

    Is 2 tablespoons of chia seeds a day too much? ›

    These tiny seeds can provide fiber that helps lower cholesterol, boost your heart health and reduce your risk of developing chronic disease. That said, because chia seeds are packed with fiber and are calorie dense, stick with no more than 2 tablespoons per day.

    Is there a downside to chia seeds? ›

    Side effects of chia seeds: What are they? Eating too many chia seeds may cause side effects, such as digestive issues, allergic reactions, or weight gain. In moderation, however, chia seeds can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.

    Can chia seeds reduce belly fat? ›

    Both Chia seeds and Ginger have been shown in some studies to help suppress appetite. Feeling fuller for longer may lead to reduced calorie intake, which can contribute to weight loss, including fat loss in the belly area.

    Are chia seeds inflammatory? ›

    Caffeic acid, an antioxidant found in chia seeds, can help to fight inflammation in the body. Eating chia seeds regularly may also help to reduce inflammatory markers, which often indicate the presence of an inflammatory disease. A 1-ounce serving of chia seeds has 39% of your recommended daily allowance of fiber.

    How to get a flat tummy with chia seeds? ›

    Eating one ounce of chia seeds per day can help with your weight loss plan. That one ounce of chia seeds provides 10 grams of fiber. Research shows that eating more fiber can result in weight loss.

    Can I put chia seeds in yogurt? ›

    For raw chia seeds, you can soak chia seeds with warm water first and then use them or sprinkle a spoonful of chia seeds directly into yogurt, wait 15-20 minutes for the chia seeds to bloom and then use. Can be used with many other fruits such as watermelon, strawberry, mango, ... to make the dish more attractive.

    What are the benefits of chia seeds for females? ›

    They help in regulating the female hormones and make it easier for women to get pregnant. Chia seeds are also good sources of zinc, iron, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants. All these have benefits for female fertility in the following ways: Producing healthy eggs and red blood cells.

    What does Mayo Clinic say about chia seeds? ›

    They are high in Omega 3s. With the diets the average American consumes, they are top heavy in Omega 6s- not good. Chia seeds are a great source of fiber.

    Does chia pudding spike insulin? ›

    The American Heart Association claims that incorporating these seeds into your diet can help reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels. In fact, several studies have shown that consuming a 1 oz mixture of chia seeds and water reduced blood sugar levels by as much as 39%.

    Is chia pudding better than oatmeal? ›

    Although chia seeds provide healthy protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, whole-grain oats are a heartier source of vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy antioxidants, and are generally considered more filling.

    How often should you eat chia pudding? ›

    In terms of how much chia to eat each day, it's smart to stick to the 2-tablespoon serving size. You'll probably want to break this up throughout the day, adding a teaspoon or two to your smoothie, another teaspoon in your mid-morning yogurt, and the rest in recipes like chia pudding.

    Can you eat too much chia seed pudding? ›

    Because of their high fiber content, eating too many chia seeds may cause constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Chia seeds may also cause flare-ups with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease. Choking hazard.

    What happens if I eat chia seeds every day? ›

    Eating too many chia seeds may cause side effects, such as digestive issues, allergic reactions, or weight gain. In moderation, however, chia seeds can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.

    Is Chia pudding good to eat every morning? ›

    This easy chia seed pudding recipe is a perfect healthy breakfast or snack! It tastes like dessert, but it's filled with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Now that the weather's warming up, this chia seed pudding recipe has become my go-to breakfast/afternoon snack.

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