This chocolate protein powder chia pudding is a simple, healthy, and delicious meal prep option. It’s packed with plant-based protein, rich cacao flavor, and topped with fresh tropical fruits like dragonfruit and blueberries. The recipe is quick to assemble and perfect for busy mornings or an on-the-go snack.
If you love adding protein powder to your meal prep breakfast or snacks, then make sure to check out some of my other protein powder recipes such as:
- Mango Protein Powder Chia Pudding
- Chocolate Flourless Protein Powder Brownies
- Raw Vegan Carrot Cake With Protein Powder
- Gluten Free Buckwheat Flour Banana Bread With Protein Powder
- 4 Ingredient Protein Granola Made With Protein Powder
- 3 Ingredient Protein Powder Peanut Butter Bar
Or if you were wondering how to make a chia pudding without the protein powder then make sure to check out my 3 ingredient dragonfruit chia pudding recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Protein chia pudding is the ultimate combination of convenience and nutrition. It’s an easy, no-cook recipe that you can prepare in minutes, making it perfect for meal prep. Chia seeds are a fibre rich plant protein source and also provide healthy omega-3s. Combined with cacao powder for a healthy chocolate taste and additional vanilla pea protein powder, this is the perfect healthy, nutritious, plant protein meal prep idea!
Plus, the vibrant topping of dragonfruit and blueberries not only make it beautiful, but also add natural sweetness to the pudding.
Ingredients Needed for Chocolate Protein Chia Pudding with Dragonfruit and Blueberries
Chia Pudding Base
- Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds expand in liquid, creating a pudding-like consistency while offering fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein.
- Vanilla Pea Protein Powder: A plant-based protein powder that adds a thick creamy texture and satisfying nutrition boost. Depending on your protein powder, this will also add sweetness to the pudding.
- Cacao Powder: For a rich chocolate taste and an antioxidant kick. I like to use cacao powder combined with vanilla protein powder instead of chocolate flavoured protein powder. This is because cacao powder is a superfood on it's own but also because I prefer the taste of vanilla protein powders over chocolate flavoured protein powders.
- Milk of Choice: Soy milk works wonderfully as it’s a high-protein plant milk, but feel free to use almond, oat, coconut milk, or any milk of your choice
- Maple Syrup (Optional): A natural sweetener to taste, but you can skip it if the protein powder is already sweetened. I like my vanilla protein powder so much that I don't add any maple syrup.
Fresh Fruit Topping
- Dragonfruit: Adds a tropical flair and vibrant pink hue, plus it’s loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.
- Blueberries: Juicy, sweet, and bursting with flavor, they pair beautifully with the creamy pudding and chocolate flavours.
How to Make Protein Powder Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon chia seeds
- 25 grams vanilla pea protein powder
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1 cup milk of your choice (soy milk recommended)
- 1–2 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
- ⅓ dragonfruit, diced
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Blend the Base: Add protein powder, cacao powder, and milk to a blender. Blend until smooth. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness with maple syrup if desired. This can also be done with a protein shaker or electric mix. I personally always use a blender for my protein shakes because I want it 100% completely lump free.
- Combine with Chia Seeds: Pour the blended mixture into a jar or container. Stir in the chia seeds thoroughly.
- Stir and Wait: Wait 5 minutes, then stir vigorously to break up any clumps. Repeat stirring after 15–20 minutes to ensure an even texture.
- Set in the Fridge: Cover with a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Add Toppings: Before serving, top the pudding with diced dragonfruit and fresh blueberries.
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Chocolate Protein Powder Chia Pudding
- Early Stirring: Stir the chia seeds within 5 minutes of mixing to prevent clumps. Don't wait any longer or it will be too late to fix!
- Consistency Check: Stir again after 15–20 minutes to ensure a smooth texture. This is not necessary but I like to do it just to be sure that the consistency is consistent throughout the pudding.
- Separate Fruit Storage: Store toppings separately if meal prepping to keep them fresh. Only top the puddings with the fresh fruit once they have set. Otherwise the fruit will sink into the pudding and the fruit won't stay as fresh.
- Taste Test: Adjust the sweetness of the milk before adding chia seeds to suit your taste. Do this by adding maple syrup or any other sweetener of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protein Powder Chia Pudding
Can I use a different protein powder?
Yes! You can use any plant-based or whey protein powder, but I have personally found that pea protein works best for chia puddings and overnight oats. This is because pea protein powders tend to thicken better.
How long can I store this pudding?
It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add fresh fruit just before serving.
Can I make this without a blender?
Yes! You can make the liquid mixture like any other protein shake, using a protein shaker or electric whisk. I personally like to always use a blender for my protein shakes because I hate lumps!
Variations
- Fruit Options: Swap dragonfruit and blueberries for strawberries, raspberries or banana. All of these fruits combine well with chocolate.
- Nut Butter: Stir in almond or peanut butter for a creamy, nutty flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making This Recipe
- Skipping the Initial Stirring: This will cause clumps of chia seeds that are impossible to break apart later.
- Adding Fruit Too Early: Wait until the pudding has set before storing in the fridge with the fruit on top. This will help keep the fruit fresh.
- Not Tasting the Base: Always taste the milk mixture for sweetness before adding chia seeds.
Why This Is a Great Meal Prep Recipe
This chia pudding is perfect for busy lifestyles. It takes just minutes to prepare, stores well in the fridge, and provides a healthy grab-and-go breakfast or snack. The combination of protein, fiber, and antioxidants keeps you full and energized, while the tropical fruit toppings make it feel like a special treat every time.
Let's Meal Prep!
Ready to try this easy and delicious meal prep recipe? Make sure to leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you!! For more easy and healthy recipes like this one you can follow me on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Enjoy!
Chocolate Protein Powder Chia Pudding (Meal Prep)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 cup milk of your choice I like to use soy milk
- 1 tablespoon cacao or cocoa powder
- 25 grams vanilla pea protein powder
- 1-2 tablespoon maple syrup optional, refer to blog notes
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- ⅓ dragonfruit diced
Instructions
- Blend the Base: Add protein powder, cacao powder, and milk to a blender. Blend until smooth. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness with maple syrup if desired. This can also be done with a protein shaker or electric mix. I personally always use a blender for my protein shakes because I want it 100% completely lump free.
- Combine with Chia Seeds: Pour the blended mixture into a jar or container. Stir in the chia seeds thoroughly.
- Stir and Wait: Wait 5 minutes, then stir vigorously to break up any clumps. Repeat stirring after 15–20 minutes to ensure an even texture.
- Set in the Fridge: Cover with a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Add Toppings: Before serving, top the pudding with diced dragonfruit and fresh blueberries.
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