The ultimate craving buster. This chocolate 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.
You know those days when you just want ALL things sweet, rich, and totally indulgent? They normally pair with days you’re low in energy and want a quick fix.
Well, this chocolate protein pudding was MADE for those days.
It’s ultra-thick thanks to the coconut milk and high enough in protein that it won’t cause a sugar crash. Definitely a win to me as a Certified Nutrition Coach.
Plus, you can enjoy it freshly made or meal prep it for busy, stressful days when you know you’ll need chocolate.
Staying fit and healthy doesn’t have to mean avoiding all things delicious. Check out the Protein Power ebook to have more dessert-like snacks or the Thrive wellness bundle for an all around approach.
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 You Need
Most protein pudding recipes are made with Greek yogurt and protein powder. It’s easy and quick. This recipe, however, is far more rich and dessert-tasting.
Canned coconut milk: make sure to use full-fat coconut milk as it’ll make the protein pudding much richer tasting as well as giving it a mousse-like texture. Learn more about coconut milk and choosing the best kind.
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.
Vanilla extract: the higher quality vanilla you use the better as there are so few ingredients. Learn more about how to choose a vanilla extract for your goals.
Almond milk: any non-dairy milk will work here. Personally, I use homemade hemp milk.
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 iin the fridge a bit longer so that it thickens.
Protein powder makes a difference. If you use a pea-based protein powder you’ll probably need to add in a bit more almond milk.
Likewise, if your protein powder isn’t naturally sweet, add some maple syrup in place of the almond milk. Since there’s really no other sweeteners here, you need to love your protein.
Major 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 Make It
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.
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.
Choosing A Protein Powder
I have made this with two protein powders: Transformation Chocolate Lava as well as Botanica Perfect Vanilla.
I love Transformation protein because it’s a blend of egg whites, collagen powder, and pea protein. This means some wicked gut-healthy perks but also that it doesn’t absorb too much liquid. The flavor is delicious as is and I find you don’t need to add much.
For a vegan protein powder, Botanica is one of my favorites in flavor as it doesn’t have a gritty taste or texture. It’s deliciously sweet too.
Just know that the protein powder you choose will affect the protein pudding. Learn more about how to choose a protein powder for your lifestyle.
Toppings
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.
Other tasty add-ins or toppings are:
- Toasted pecans
- Chunky coconut
- Swirled peanut butter
- Chocolate chips
- Fresh berries
Substitutions
If you plan to use whey protein powder, know that you probably won’t need the almond milk. Whey protein doesn’t absorb like vegan powder does so you’d be best to only add it after trying the texture first.
The same goes for collagen powder. If you want to use collagen in place of protein you’ll need to cut out the almond milk but add in some sweetener (maple syrup or honey works). Adjust the amount of coconut milk and collagen powder based on texture (see the hot tip from above).
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth & Fuel Your Body
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Inside the Strong and Sweet Guide, you’ll discover exactly how much protein you need each day, how to choose the right protein powder, and enjoy over twenty-five easy ultra-simple snack recipes, each packed with 17 grams of protein or more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protein Pudding
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.
Other Easy High Protein Snacks
4 Ingredient Chocolate protein Pudding (dairy-free)
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.
Video
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Jhai
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
Coconut milk makes everything yummier!
Michelle Price
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
Quick and easy is my life motto haha
Glenda
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
Right?! Best combo!
GRETA
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
Happy to help!
Aimee
I make this smoothie almost daily now! So energizing and delicious! Thanks for sharing.