Take your breakfast or snack game to a whole new level with these high-protein chia pudding recipes. Easy to make and great for busy days, these chia seed pudding recipes combine both fuel and indulgence. Dairy-free, gluten-free, and perfect for busy mom life.
Chia pudding is one of the best make-ahead snacks or breakfast recipes for super busy days. They’re made in about five minutes and just have to sit in the fridge to set. The result is an ultra creamy texture, often rich taste, and a whole lot of nutrients.
There’s only one problem: most chia pudding recipes have minimal amounts of plant-based protein in them.
Though chia seeds are powerful nutrient-houses (learn more about how to get chia pudding into your diet) and one of the crucial foods for toddlers I recommend, they’re still low.
When it comes to breakfast especially, you want to take in about 30 grams of protein (here's a bunch of high protein breakfast ideas). This is what will help keep you full and give you energy. Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to amp it up.
Though these recipes aren't that high, they’re a rich and fueling way to smash the day. And for the lower ones you could pair them with something like a gingerbread protein bar or a hard-boiled egg and call it even.
Why You'll Love These Chia Protein Pudding Recipes
Easy to make and ready the next day so you can grab and go just like these low-calorie protein balls.
Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free with some of them paleo too.
Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and honey to maximize flavor.
Choosing A Protein For Chia Pudding
The chia pudding recipes below use a mix of vegan vanilla protein powder and collagen powder to amp up their protein content.
I personally use both of these myself and with my clients.
Learn more about the difference between collagen and protein powder as well as choosing protein powders for your goals.
Cliff Notes On Protein
Collagen powder is better for your gut and is paleo, keto, and Wole30-friendly
Protein powder is a complete protein and absorbs much more liquid than collagen powder. Depending on the brand, the protein powder may not be paleo, keto, or whole30 approved.
High Protein Chia Pudding Recipe
All of the recipes below contain a protein in the chia pudding to bump up their totals. Of course, chocolate chia pudding is wonderful too it's just not protein-based.
So, scroll through these chia pudding recipes (and maybe these protein overnight oats) and grab some new ideas for busy mornings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protein Chia Pudding
Yes! Any non-dairy milk can and will work when it comes to chia pudding. Cashew milk, almond milk, and hemp milk are all popular. Oat milk chia pudding makes for a creamy texture that you’re sure to love.
It’s not common but like anything else, chia seeds can go bad. If you want to extend the life of your chia seeds, store them in a sealed jar in the fridge. Stored like that, chia seeds should last at least a year unless liquid gets into the jar as you use it. You’ll know your chia seeds have gone bad if they start to clump together. Otherwise, I wouldn’t worry about it
Though chia seeds are extremely nutrient-dense, they’re also calorie-dense. Make sure that the macros fit into your goals but know that you’d be better spacing out your chia puddings throughout the week.
For some people, chia pudding feels too slimy for their preference. To avoid this, blend the chia seeds with the other ingredients. This makes the chia pudding come out much more smooth (though sometimes not as thick)
Kimmy says
Wow, glad I found this recipe. From now on I will replace it with my daily meal plan, because yours is much better than Mine! It's delicious than my recipe that's why I'm so jealous about it! Highly recommend this recipe to everyone! Love it😋
fitasamamabear says
Glad you enjoy them!