The ultimate craving buster. This chocolate Dairy-Free Protein Pudding is made in just minutes and with only 4 ingredients. It’s deliciously rich, thick, and totally dairy-free. Use it as a dessert-like snack when you’re craving sweets but still want to rock your goals.
"The coconut milk gives it such a creamy texture, and the chocolate flavor is so rich. And it's dairy-free so it's perfect for my dairy allergy. This is now my new fave dessert!" - Jhai
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ⏲️Ready In: 5 minutes
- 👪Serves: 2
- 🍽 Calories and Protein: 316 kcals and 22 grams of protein
- 📋 Main Ingredients: Coconut milk, protein powder, vanilla extract, and almond milk.
- 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, and can be either vegan or paleo.
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: Deliciously simple to make and with a thick, rich texture, this protein chocolate pudding recipe is the perfect to curb a craving.
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When those chocolate cravings hit hard, this chocolate protein pudding is your answer. It’s rich, creamy, and indulgent, but also happens to be a dairy-free protein dessert you can feel good about. Thanks to the type of coconut milk, it’s ultra-thick and satisfying, while the added protein keeps energy levels steady (no sugar crash in sight).I love having it prepped and ready when those hectic days hit.
It’s one of those recipes that feels like a treat but secretly fuels you, just like my 3-ingredient protein balls and chocolate protein granola. If you want more easy, dessert-style snacks like this, check out the Strong and Sweet Protein Guide or grab the 100 Grams of Protein Playbook to learn how to hit your protein goals without boring meals.
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💭Why You’ll Love The Protein Pudding
Easy to make: 4 ingredients and one blender, that’s all you need for this recipe!
Allergy-friendly: this chocolate protein pudding is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and paleo. Depending on the protein powder you use it can easily be made vegan also.
Protein-packed: one little jar comes with a whopping 22 grams of protein. Not bad for something so chocolate-y.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Most protein pudding recipes are made with Greek yogurt and protein powder (like this 3-ingredient protein pudding recipe). It’s easy and quick- just like peanut butter protein cups. This recipe, however, is far more rich and dessert-tasting.
Canned coconut milk: Make sure to use full-fat coconut milk from a can and drain any water (using only the cream on top). It’ll make the protein chocolate pudding recipe much richer tasting, as well as giving it a mousse-like texture.
Protein powder: The protein powder you choose makes a huge difference to the taste and texture of the chocolate protein pudding and this banana protein pudding. Make sure you use one you love or you won’t enjoy the taste. I made mine with Transformation Chocolate Lava Protein Powder initially but have since used a beef-based protein powder with great results.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
The chocolate protein pudding recipe is great as-is to make a healthy snack. Most frequently, though, I top mine with melted chocolate chips to create a delicious chocolate magic shell on top. Below are a few other ways to vary the dairy-free protein pudding recipe.
- Additional toppings: Toasted pecans, shredded coconut, or swirled homemade peanut butter.
- Vanilla berry: Use a vanilla protein powder for the pudding and then mix fresh or frozen berries into it.
How To Make Dairy-Free Protein Pudding
Step 1: Place the wet ingredients into a mini blender.
Step 2: Add the protein powder.
Step 3: Process for at least 45 seconds.
Step 4: Portion into mini jars and chill.
Expert Tips
For the coconut milk, you want the milk in the can and ideally, one that is solid. Drain the water from the can and know that you only want to use the thick cream part.
If you have a can that is liquid and the water is mixed in, know that your pudding will need to be in the fridge a bit longer so that it thickens.
The type of protein powder you use can make a big difference in how this pudding turns out:
- Using a pea-based or vegan protein powder? You’ll likely need to add a little more almond milk to get the right texture.
- Is your protein powder unsweetened? Add a drizzle of maple syrup to bring out the flavor—there are no other sweeteners in this recipe, so your protein needs to taste good!
- Using whey protein? Start without the almond milk. Whey doesn’t absorb liquid the same way vegan powders do, so only add milk if the texture needs loosening after mixing.
- Subbing in collagen powder? Collagen works well here, but you’ll want to skip the almond milk and add a sweetener like maple syrup or honey to balance the taste.
- Update: I’ve personally switched to using Beef Protein Powder for health reasons, and it works great in this pudding! My go-to is Equip Prime Protein, it blends well, doesn’t need to set as long in the fridge, and tastes best when you let it sit at room temp for about 20 minutes before eating. Bonus: use code MAMABEAR on Equip Protein Powder to save some money if you try it.
Troubleshooting tip: basically, adjust the chocolate protein pudding as per your taste. Too runny? Add more protein? Too thick, add more almond milk. Not sweet? Add in maple syrup.
How To Store It
This chocolate protein pudding is best stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to put a lid on the jar or wrap it with a beeswax wrap.
As coconut milk will thicken like crazy in the fridge, I recommend letting it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before enjoying it.
The chocolate protein pudding cannot be frozen.
Dairy-Free Protein Pudding FAQs
It depends on your macros and goals. Protein pudding can be a great way to boost overall protein intake and curb cravings. However, it can also be calorie-dense. As long as it fits into your macros it can be part of a healthy diet.
Given that this healthy indulgence has 22 grams of protein, no added sweeteners, and still a great flavor, it can definitely be good for you. Especially if you’re prone to chocolate cravings, this pudding can be a great way to stick to your goals while still indulging.
Any protein powder can work to make protein pudding, but vegan powders like pea or rice absorb liquid better and give a thick texture. Whey and collagen work too, just start with less milk and add a sweetener if needed. Beef protein powder will result in a smooth, ready-to-eat option.
More Easy High Protein Snacks
Want ot make a high-protein diet easy and delicious? Grab my Strong and Sweet Protein Guide. High-protein snacks that taste like dessert but have 17 grams of protein or more.
If you tried this Dairy Free Protein Pudding Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
4 Ingredient Chocolate protein Pudding (dairy-free)
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Canned coconut milk
- ½ cup Chocolate vegan protein powder
- 1.5 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Almond milk
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender with the coconut milk in first.
- Process for at least 45 seconds until smooth.
- Portion the pudding into mini mason jars.
- Top with chocolate sauce if you wish and pop in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Aimee says
I make this smoothie almost daily now! So energizing and delicious! Thanks for sharing.
GRETA says
I was craving something sweet, and I was so happy I found this chocolate pudding. This was a very fun dessert to make. It was quick and perfect. Loved its rich texture. Thanks x
fitasamamabear says
Happy to help!
Glenda says
I love this creamy, dreamy treat! If coconut milk and chocolate are involved, I always know I'm going to be so happy about trying a new recipe. Yours did not disappoint! Thanks so much Shelby for giving me ideas for healthy snacks that seem positively decadent.
fitasamamabear says
Right?! Best combo!
Michelle Price says
This is such a quick and easy dessert. I love the chocolate flavor to it and don't feel bad about eating it because of all the protein and no sugar. The coconut milk makes it so creamy!
fitasamamabear says
Quick and easy is my life motto haha
Jhai says
The coconut milk gives it such a creamy texture and the chocolate flavor is so rich. And it's dairy-free so it's perfect for my dairy allergy. This is now my new fave dessert!
fitasamamabear says
Coconut milk makes everything yummier!