You’d think mornings with so many kids would be absolute chaos around here. However, I have learned to slow down and Plan ahead It really cuts down on the chaos. I have a lot of quick breakfasts and snacks in my back pocket, and this Chocolate Chia Pudding is the newest one.
It has protein, healthy fats, natural sweetness from honey and pure energy from cacao. And chia. Chocolate Chia Pudding is sweet enough for dessert, but healthy enough to eat with breakfast.
Sometimes I put the whole dish in the fridge after it is mixed, but usually I put them in jars for individual meals. That way the kids (or me!) can easily grab one as needed. Chocolate Chia Pudding is the perfect grab-and-go snack or dessert.
How to make chocolate chia pudding with coconut milk
The recipe is simple and basically just throwing and mixing the ingredients. If you are using gelatin, be sure to let it “rise” first to prevent swelling. Freeze for several hours or leave the chocolate chia pudding in the refrigerator overnight.
You can add any toppings you like before serving. Some favorites in our house are fresh berries, nuts or cacao nibs. Shredded coconut, a spoonful of nut butter or a slice of banana is also delicious!
I chose canned coconut milk because it’s so rich and creamy. Raw milk adds more nutrition and helps to get the quality right. Although if you want to make this completely dairy-free, then unpasteurized almond milk works as a substitute for raw milk. I haven’t tried it, but I bet macadamia, hazelnut or other nut milk would be delicious too! You can make chocolate chia pudding with just almond milk, but it’s not as rich or creamy.
Healthy Chocolate Chia Pudding
Pure ingredients make a delicious and nutritious dense chia seed pudding. Cacao powder is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols to fight inflammation. You also get minerals including magnesium and heart and brain health benefits.
Coconut milk is rich and creamy and full of healthy and filling medium chain triglyceride fats (MCT). Coconut milk It also improves brain health, the immune system and reduces inflammation.
I added gelatin for added health benefits and a bit of protein. Gelatin is my go-to for healthy hair, skin and nails. It is also beneficial for gut health and digestion. Gelatin helps thicken the pudding a bit (along with chia seeds), but you can use collagen instead. Collagen doesn’t add fat, but it does add some pure protein and the same health benefits as gelatin.
Here’s how to do it!

Chocolate Chia Pudding Recipe
A delicious chocolate chia pudding perfect for a snack, breakfast or dessert. Packed with nutrients, healthy fats and rich chocolate.
-
If you are using gelatin, place the gelatin layer over 2 tablespoons of cold milk in a small bowl and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes. If you are using collagen peptides, skip this step and add them directly in the next step.
-
In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the coconut milk, remaining milk, cocoa powder, honey, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon until smooth and completely combined. If you’ve soaked the gelatin, beat it in now.
-
Stir in the chia seeds and mix well to distribute well. Do not skip this step or you will be collected below.
-
Leave the mixture for 10 minutes, then give it another good stir to break up the lumps that have formed.
-
Pour into each jar or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, until thick and pudding-like.
-
Give each jar a stir before eating.
Nutrition facts
Chocolate Chia Pudding Recipe
Amount per service provider (1 time)
Calories 348
261 calories from fat
% Daily Value*
Fat 29 g45%
Saturated fat 22 g138%
Trans fat 0.02 g
Polyunsaturated fat 3 g
Monounsaturated fat 2g
Cholesterol 4 mg1%
Sodium 227 mg10%
Potassium 436 mg12%
Carbohydrates 21 g7%
Fiber 8 g33%
Sugar 11 g12%
Protein 8 g16%
Vitamin A 56IU1%
Vitamin C 3 mg4%
Calcium 139 mg14%
Metal 3 mg17%
* Percent daily values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- If desired, add fresh berries, a drizzle of raw honey, shredded coconut, or cacao nibs.
- Store this pudding in the refrigerator and eat it within 3-5 days.
Chia seed variations and supplements
There are many toppings that work well with this chocolate chia pudding recipe. My kids love to customize it with their favorites. Here are a few to try:
- Sliced bananas
- Peanut butter or almond butter
- Fruit jam
- Roasted or chopped nuts
- Chocolate chips
- Cacao nibs
- Berries
- Shredded coconut
Looking for some more chia seed recipes? Here are some of our favorites:
What are some of your favorite ways to use chia seeds? Leave a comment and let us know!
