PROTEIN CHIA PUDDING
on Jul 30, 2023, Updated Aug 30, 2024
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Thick, creamy, and protein-packed, this chia pudding is a gamechanger for those avoiding eggs, gluten, or dairy!
“Hey Olivia, can you share an egg-free, dairy-free, gluten-free breakfast that you love?”
If I had a dollar for every time I was asked this question, I’d be doing quite well!! All kidding aside, I’m asked this question fairly often.
As someone who has an egg intolerance and avoids gluten and dairy, coming up with a protein packed breakfast can be a struggle. When I teased this Protein Chia Pudding on my Instagram, I couldn’t get the video live fast enough!
Now, this isn’t your ordinary chia pudding. Because while they can be delicious, they aren’t always the most appealing from a texture POV.
This recipe is as creamy as it gets. I tested and modified the ratios several times to keep it from being too cakey or gloopy.
It also boasts 30 grams of protein thanks to the combo of protein powder, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and other delicious toppings which help balance blood sugar levels.
Chia pudding is ideal for meal prep. You can make a double batch and have 4 mornings of breakfasts ready and waiting for you to devour.
I seriously eat this 3 or 4 days a week with no complaints. I can’t wait for you to try it, so be sure to keep following for more protein-packed goodness over @olivia.adriance.
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Ingredients for the Creamiest Protein Chia Pudding
Here’s everything (yes, everything!) you’ll need for this breakfast recipe.
- Chia Seeds: Small but mighty, chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse! One serving contains nearly 5 grams of protein. They’re also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Protein Powder: Finding a protein powder that you love can be like finding a needle in a haystack… Some of my go-to brands are @truvani, @ritual, @sproutedliving, @bewellbykelly, and @formnutrition.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of all-natural sweetness. Yum!
- Nut Milk: Cashew (especially my Creamy Vanilla Cashew Milk), almond, or coconut work great here.
- Water: Save your precious nut milk for your morning beverage of choice. Adding a cup of water will thin out the liquid with the same creamy result.
- Sea Salt: Just a sprinkle helps bring all the flavors together.
- Toppings: My favorites are hemp hearts (another protein booster!), ground flax seeds, fresh berries, and almond butter. Go crazy with the topping combo—the more, the merrier, I say!
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Pin ItHow to Make High-Protein Chia Pudding
The night before you want to eat it (or at least 3 hours ahead of time), add the chia seeds, water, nut milk, protein powder, vanilla, and salt to a bowl. Thoroughly whisk the mixture until no lumps remain.
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. Whisk again until there are no clumps. I typically repeat this resting and whisking process two times to get the extra creamy pudding that I’m looking for.
Either cover and store as is in the large bowl, or divide into smaller containers or glass jars for individual servings. Store in the fridge overnight or at least 3 hours.
Once it’s set, top with ground flax, hemp hearts, cinnamon, fresh berries, and a dollop of almond butter. Eat and enjoy!
Tips & FAQ for Protein Chia Pudding
You can absolutely do 2 cups of the nut milk, but I tend to mix it with water. You still get the same amount of protein and can use that nut milk for your beverage of choice, such as a Spirulina Iced Matcha Latte!
I eat it cold, right out of the fridge. It’s perfect to take with you for those busy mornings when you’re up and out of the house extra early.
I’d say 3 to 4 days. If you’re having a particularly busy week, go ahead and make a few portions for the weekday mornings. Your future self will thank you!
This recipe is for two servings. It may seem like a lot of food, but keep in mind that 3 tablespoons of chia seeds is a single serving. You’ll feel full and satisfied until lunch hour rolls around. If you want to enjoy this as a snack, you can of course portion out smaller servings.
With the toppings, one serving will get you 30 grams of protein!
Other Chia Puddings You’ll Love:
PROTEIN CHIA PUDDING
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 scoop protein powder (I used Truvani)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 cup water
- 1 ¼ cups nut milk
- ½ tsp sea salt
Toppings:
- Hemp hearts
- Ground flax seeds
- Almond butter
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Add the chia seeds, water, nut milk, protein powder, vanilla, and salt to a bowl and whisk thoroughly until no lumps of chia seeds remain.
- Let the mixture settle for 5 minutes, then whisk again until there are no clumps (I usually repeat this process twice to create an extra smooth pudding).
- Cover and store in the fridge overnight or for at least 3 hours.
- When ready to eat, top with ground flax, hemp hearts, cinnamon, fresh berries, and almond butter.
- ENJOY!
So delicious! My favorite chia pudding recipe. I use a snickerdoodle protein powder and it’s the easiest way for me to get some protein in within 30 mins of waking up.
So happy to hear you’re enjoying the recipe!! Snickerdoodle protein powder sounds INCREDIBLE! I must try!