Creamy, refreshing, and packed with protein, this Lemon Protein Chia Pudding is an easy way to boost your daily protein while enjoying a bright citrus flavor. Made with coconut and lemon, it’s a simple meal prep breakfast you can make ahead for a quick, energizing start to the day.
"This chia seed pudding is not only delicious, but the use of lemon zest adds a punch of aroma making it uplifting and energizing too." -Sonia
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ⏲️Ready In: 4 hrs 5 mins
- 👪Serves: 1
- 🍽 Calories and Protein: 327 kcals and 18 grams of protein
- 📋Main Ingredients: Chia seeds, fresh lemon juice, collagen powder, almond milk and maple syrup.
- 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, Paleo-friendly, high protein, refined sugar-free.
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: This creamy lemon chia pudding is a bright, refreshing, high-protein snack you can prep ahead for busy mornings.
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This high-protein chia seed pudding is a wicked way to gain a burst of energy first thing in the morning or throughout the day!Made with protein-packed chia seeds and fresh lemon juice, this high-protein snack is a delicious and refreshing way to stay full, especially when paired with dark chocolate bliss balls.
In fact, chia seed puddings are often snacks I include in my Strong and Sweet Protein Guide because they're so full of nutrients but can be made super indulgent. Between the collagen powder and natural protein in chia seeds, recipes like this are a great way to bump up your protein intake. Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to amp it up.
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💭Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy to make: Chia pudding is classically simple to whip up and can be popped in the fridge in about 5 minutes.
Meal prep: Since this kind of pudding will stay fresh for 3-4 days, it makes a great meal prep recipe so that you always have something to snack on. Actually, this is the whole idea behind my Rise and Chill Breakfast E-Book
Healthy: Naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and paleo, this chia seed pudding also has 17 grams of protein to keep you full.
Texture: Thanks to a secret technique and added coconut milk. the high-protien chia seed pudding is ultra creamy with a bright, fresh flavor.
Ingredients and Substitutions
A wicked high-protein snack, this protein chia seed pudding comes together quickly, too with a handful of gluten-free pantry staples!
- Chia seeds: These little powerhouses are one of the three foods I think every kid should have in their diet. Make sure to grab whole seeds, though, and not ground, and use up extras in these healthy muffins for toddlers.
- Dairy-free milk: We use homemade hemp milk, but any almond milk or dairy alternative will work (learn more about dairy-free swaps). Oat milk chia pudding can be especially creamy!
- Fresh lemon juice & zest: You want to use fresh as this is what gives the pudding (and this soba noodle bowl) its intense flavor. Lemon is a wonderful pick-me-up and works just as beautifully in these gluten-free lemon cookies!
- Collagen powder: One of the cleanest sources of protein, collagen powder is a staple in my diet. Learn about the differences between collagen powder and protein powder when it comes to high-protein snacks (like this high-protein pumpkin pudding).
- Coconut milk: Adding extra coconut milk to the high-protein chia pudding is optional, but it makes it SO much more indulgent! Learn everything you need to know about types of coconut milk and which one to choose for the recipe.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
- Citrus: In place of lemon, try using fresh orange juice or even grapefruit for a twist.
- Nutty: If you like a nutty flavor, add some almond extract to the chia seed pudding as you mix it.
- Toppings: The protein chia seed pudding recipe is amazing all on its own (just like this keto chia pudding). Top it with granola with cinnamon ornut free granola for extra crunch. I do this when making a Greek yogurt bowl, as well.
How To Make Protein Lemon Chia Pudding
Step 1: Whisk together the chia seeds, coconut, and collagen powder.
Step 2: Add in the remaining ingredients and mix well.
Step 3: Let it sit for five minutes and then mix again.
Step 4: Portion it into a jar and let it chill for four hours or more. Then top the protein chia pudding with your favorites and enjoy!
Expert Tips To Make It
Don’t skip the step about waiting five minutes and re-stirring the protein chia pudding. This is the secret to ensuring that it doesn’t clump at the bottom. I do this with all my protien chia pudding recipes).
A high-quality collagen powder is important. I personally use the one from Perfect Supplements because they're so transparent on how they source it. If you try it, use code mamabear10 to save some money.
For this recipe, you can't replace collagen powder with vegan or beef protein powder unless you adjust the liquid in the recipe (add more) as both will absorb liquid and make the chia pudding too dense.
Store protein chia seed pudding in jars in the fridge for 3 days without toppings. Give the chia pudding a stir and top it with your favorites before enjoying.
Protein Lemon Chia Pudding FAQs
Protein chia pudding will last roughly three days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.
Yes, you can add protein powder to chia pudding but each protein whill alter the taste and texture of the chia seed pudding as they all absorb liquid differently.
Yes, 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.
Any non-dairy milk will work in chia pudding; it may just alter the texture a bit. Chia pudding with oat milk will be creamier than a recipe with almond milk. However, the nut milk one will have a healthier fat profile. Use what you have on hand.
If you tried this Lemon Chia Seed Pudding Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
High Protein Lemon Chia Seed Pudding
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 tbs Chia seeds
- ¼ cup Fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbs Unsweetened coconut
- 3 tbs Almond milk
- 2 tbs Collagen powder
- 1 tbs Maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon Lemon zest
- 1.5 tbs Coconut cream optional
Instructions
- Whisk together the chia seeds, coconut, and collagen powder.
- Add in the remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Let it sit for five minutes and then mix again.
- Portion it into a jar, add in the coconut cream on top if using and let it chill for four hours or more.
- Top the protein chia pudding with your favorites and enjoy!
Notes
- You can either mix the ingredients in a bowl and then portion them into a jar, or you can add the ingredients into a jar and shake it to combine.
- Don’t skip the step about waiting five minutes and re-stirring the chia seed pudding. This is what helps make sure it doesn’t clump at the bottom!
- If you’re using coconut cream to make this chia seed pudding more indulgent, you can add it right on top of the jar before refrigerating. This is optional but it makes the high protein chia pudding SO much more indulgent!
- If using the coconut milk, you can also split this into two mini snack-size portions (topping with 1.5 tbs of coconut milk in each).
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Stacey Crawford says
I love a creamy, zesty, sweet lemon treat! This is so simple and healthy too.
fitasamamabear says
Lemon is just so refreshing! I love it too!
Cynthia says
I love this for the extra boost of collagen! Such a healthy dessert when you just want a little "something"!
fitasamamabear says
Thank you! Collagen works in EVERYTHING lol
Tianna says
Great recipe for the morning make ahead and grab and go thanks for the post
Jan says
The flavours of this chia pudding really hits the spot! I just love lemon and coconut. Thank you!
Jess Selensky says
So delicious and refreshing!
Heidi Bruaw says
This was amazingly delicious and just the recipe I needed to jump start my low carb journey!
fitasamamabear says
Ohh so excited for you!
Emily says
Perfect! and the coconut cream was a MUST... delish
fitasamamabear says
Haha coconut cream makes it so nicely indulgent!
Sonia says
This chia seed pudding is not only delicious, but the use of lemon zest adds a punch of aroma making it uplifting and energizing too.
fitasamamabear says
Right?! Lemon just perks you up so nicely!
Jere Cassidy says
I love your recipes for some healthier foods and your tips are also helpful. I am switching over from protein powder to collagen powder, thanks to your info.
fitasamamabear says
That's amazing you're making the switch, and thanks so much for the support!