This gut-healthy Chia Cocoa Pudding is naturally sweetened and takes just 5 minutes to make. Plus, you need only 5 ingredients. This easy recipe is meal-prep friendly and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Serve it for breakfast, as a midday snack, or in place of dessert. Vegan and gluten-free.
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The best thing about this blended Chia Cocoa Pudding recipe is that it's ready to eat immediately. No more waiting for the chia seeds to gel.
Plus, it's naturally sweetened with dates, which are loaded with gut-healthy fiber. However, feel free to use maple syrup instead for a sweeter chia pudding. Drizzle with maple syrup for serving, or substitute the dates with maple syrup when blending.
The beauty of this 5-minute recipe is that the flavor possibilities are endless once you have the right chia seed-to-liquid ratio.
You might also enjoy my longevity anti-inflammatory energy balls, these Frozen Yogurt Bars, as well as my healthy Nutella recipe.
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👩🏼🌾 Ingredients
- Chia seeds may help with weight loss, as they are rich in fiber, which adds bulk to your meals and hence prolongs their satiety value. Plus, they slow down digestion and delay the release of glucose in the blood. This is for ground chia seeds. For maximum benefits, chia seeds should be blended.
- Use almond, soy, oat, or any milk for this Chia Cocoa Pudding recipe. Soy and oat milk are creamier, while almond milk is lighter. Coconut milk adds a rich, tropical flavor but is higher in saturated fats. Rice milk is allergen-free, and hemp milk offers omega-3s with a nutty taste, though it may be harder to find.
- Dates are nutrient-rich, providing fiber for digestion, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. For this Chia Cocoa Pudding, I used Medjool dates for their caramel-like flavor and soft texture. You can also use more Deglet Noor dates, which are smaller with a firmer, milder sweetness.
- Cocoa powder - regular cocoa flavanol consumption may have positive effects on facial wrinkles and elasticity. Use a high-flavanol brand.
- Optional anti-aging barberries and hemp hearts for serving. Barberries boost AMPK, an enzyme that induces autophagy. Autophagy is the natural process by which cells clean out damaged or unnecessary components to maintain their health and functionality. Barberries also help combat acne!
All longevity ingredients can be purchased using the link below. See the recipe card for quantities.
🍓 Substitutions
- Cocoa powder - omit as desired, or substitute with protein powder
- Medjool dates - Substitute with more Deglet Noor dates, or use maple syrup instead as desired.
- Nondairy milk - use almond, soy, oat, coconut, cashew, or hemp milk
- Hemp hearts: Add for serving for more protein
- Barberries: Top with barberries for their anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and acne-fighting benefits.
- Strawberry Powder: Add about 1 ½ tablespoons for natural sweetness and a boost of fisetin, which helps slow aging by reducing cellular senescence.
Make my Banana Chia Pudding in just 5 minutes. It's naturally sweetened and tastes incredible.
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Nisha's Longevity Ingredients
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📖 How to Make Chia Cocoa Pudding
For the full recipe with quantities, scroll down to the bottom of the post. This is an overview.
Step 1. Blend the milk, chia seeds, dates, cocoa powder, strawberry powder 9if using), and vanilla in the canister of a high-speed blender. Blend on high until the chia seeds are fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides as needed. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Step 2. Do NOT top with bananas like you see here! Cocoa powder is packed with flavanols which may lower cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure, and promote heart health. Bananas contain polyphenol oxidase which breaks down flavanols so you get less!
I prefer to add anti-inflammatory barberries, and hemp hearts for more protein.
✔️ Expert Tips
- Consume chia seeds in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, remember to drink plenty of fluids when consuming them, as they tend to absorb liquids and may cause digestive discomfort if consumed in excess without sufficient hydration.
- Chia seeds are incredibly versatile. Sprinkle them on cereals, add to smoothies, use them as an egg substitute in baking, or mix them into yogurt or puddings.
- Do not use expired chia seeds. They do not gel very well. Check the 'Use By' date before using them to make this Chia Cocoa Pudding. I store mine in the freezer or refrigerator.
- Do not reduce the quantities listed in the ingredients. The recipe requires a certain volume to blend well.
- Use whole dates. Remove the pits yourself for this recipe. Whole dates are more flavorful than pitted dates. I freeze mine for a delicious healthy treat. I soak the frozen dates in hot water for a few minutes before removing the pits for this recipe.
- Storage: Refrigerate before serving for the best-tasting Chia Cocoa Pudding. Store any remaining chia pudding in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🙋🏽♀️ Recipe FAQs
Chia pudding is very healthy. It is made with chia seeds which are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidants, and fiber. One tablespoon of dry chia seeds has about 60 calories, 5 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein. Chia seeds might be better at turning glucose (a type of sugar) into a slow-burning energy source, helping you feel full longer compared to flax seeds. This could be because chia has thicker fibers that take more time to digest.
In this study, ground chia seeds were shown to help overweight women reduce their waist size.
Almond milk tends to be lower in calories and saturated fats than cow's milk, fortified with nutrients, lactose, and dairy-free, vegan-friendly, and versatile. However, it is typically lower in protein than other nondairy milk alternatives, unsuitable for individuals with nut allergies, and does not contain some essential nutrients.
I prefer soy milk which is higher in protein and contains spermadine, which boosts autophagy, keeping us younger!
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Leave a review for my 5-Minute Chia Cocoa Pudding and share your creation with me on Instagram. It makes my day to see you recreate my recipes.
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Chia Cocoa Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond milk soy milk, oat milk, or milk of choice
- ½ cup chia seeds
- 4 to 5 pitted Medjool dates (preferably frozen)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional)
- 1 ½ tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder optional
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract optional
Optional toppings (per serving):
- Dash of hemp hearts
- 2 teaspoons barberries
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Instructions
- Blend: Transfer the milk, chia seeds, dates, cocoa powder, strawberry powder (if using), and vanilla to the canister of a high-speed blender. Blend on high until the chia seeds are fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides and add more milk as needed.
- For serving: Serve immediately or chill before serving. Top with barberries and hemp hearts as desired.
Notes
-
- Buy the ingredients here.
- Do not use expired chia seeds. They do not gel very well. Check the 'Use By' date before using them to make this Chia Cocoa Pudding. I store mine in the freezer or refrigerator.
- Medjool dates - Substitute with a larger quantity of Deglet Noor dates, or use maple syrup instead as desired.
- Nondairy milk - use almond, soy, oat, coconut, cashew, or hemp milk
- Do not reduce the quantities listed in the ingredients. The recipe requires a certain volume to blend well.
- Storage: Refrigerate before serving for the best-tasting Chia Cocoa Pudding. Store any remaining chia pudding in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
This information is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate. Nutritional values may vary depending on factors such as product types and brands used.
Kathy McD says
Delicious! Now I've got to get some dehydrated strawberries. I think that addition in this recipe would take it to the next level.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Yes! I love the strawberry in this. Enjoy:)
Maria says
Delicious!😋 This will be my new favorite healthy snack when I’m working the night shift at the hospital!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I just had some now and thoroughly enjoyed it:) Thank you.
Sarah says
Even better on day 2 eaten straight from the fridge with blueberries and a little healthspan powder
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Awww so happy you made my healthspan powder and are enjoying it! Thank you!
Chris says
I can’t wait to try this recipe. It looks so good. Quick question: my friend made chia pudding and had terrible stomach cramps. Are some people bothered by chia seeds? I don’t have this problem. Thank you!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Hi. I am not sure why she had that reaction. I would need to know more about her GI history to understand why she has that reaction. Chia seeds are safe and healthy for most people -but like most foods-in moderation. Digetstion issues can arise when people go overboard! This recipe is moderate!
Lorraine Folb says
Hi Nisha I have recently come across your Instagram posts. Now following you and appreciate receiving your amazing recipes! A question re the chia seeds in this recipe. I have prepped quite a large amount of soaked overnight chia seeds which have frozen into portions. Once defrosted would using the soaked chia seeds be okay or should I stick with your suggestions of unsoaked seeds?
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
You can certainly test it with your soaked seeds and see how it works. Using my way is also healthful.
Niraj says
this recipe is amazing! is there a way i can boost protein here without sacrificing the taste or the texture?
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Use unsweetened soy or pea milk. Add hemp hearts or try my protein powder. https://cookingforpeanuts.com/homemade-protein-powder/
Dalia says
Simplemente exquisita cremosidad!
Un deleite al paladar.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
So happy you enjoyed it. Thank you.
Christy Brockett says
I love to find recipes that are easy, tasty and nutritious. This is the yummiest chocolate pudding! I just had some for breakfast with banana and some granola for crunch.
The pudding has a thick and creamy texture almost like mousse.
I put the rest in a jar in the fridge and can’t wait to eat it again!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Makes my day to read this! Thank you for taking the time to let me know!
Valerie says
No need to soak chia seeds before ?
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
No.
B says
yummy recipe, great snack or dessert
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Thank you for leaving a comment. I'm so glad you liked it!
Maria says
Thank you, wonderful recipes
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Thank you for trying them out! I appreciate your comment.
MARIÁNGELES RIVERA says
SUPERB! YUMMY!😋 I MADE MINE W/BRAD'S ORGANIC COCONUT MILK BEC HERE IN THE CARIBE CHRISTMAS IS CELEBRATED W/ COCONUT RECIPES.
AAAND I FROZE 2 OF THE CUPS AND IT'S JUST LIKE EATING SUPER CREAMY ICE CREAM😋😋😋 TRY IT. YOU'LL LOVE IT. THNX A LOT AND FELIZ AÑO NUEVO🎊
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I'm so happy that you enjoyed it this much! Thank you for your lovely comment. FELIZ AÑO NUEVO:)
MARIÁNGELES RIVERA says
I FORGOT TO SAY 🎉FELIZ NAVIDAD🎊🎄
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Thank you! Happy Holidays to you!
MARIÁNGELES RIVERA says
REALLY YUMMY & EASY. THNX!😋😋😋
I MADE MINE W/ FULL FAT THAI COCONUT MILK & CHAI BLEND SPICES (CINNAMON, CLOVES, STAR ANISE, GINGER & CARDAMOM). I ALSO ADDED A FEW SPRINKLES OF CAYENNE PEPPER💥😊
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Wow this sounds truly amazing!!! Thank you for sharing for others to see!
Eric I says
Thanks for sharing this SUPER recipe! Although it is great as is, the second time I made a double batch, only used three cups of coconut milk and added a block of tofu and a big pinch of mineral salt. It turned out super duper creamy and upped the protein considerably. Thanks so much for all the fantastic recipes you share!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Wow! Sounds creamy and protein-packed! Thank you.
Luz says
Muy deliciosa, me encanto
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Muchas gracias.
Lav-anie says
This was delicious! And i’ll be making again for sure. I added some pumpkin seeds/pepitas and sunflower seeds too for a bit of extra protein and minerals. I’m also going to see if I can freeze as part of meal prepping. It sounds as if it would be okay. Thank you for the recipe.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Seeds and nuts are a great addition! Let me know how the freezing goes!
Catherine H. says
Delicious! Easy! The consistency is a lot like conventional pudding. The blending is key. I’ll be making this again!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it! Blending makes a huge difference! Thank you for commenting.
Pat says
So easy and delicious. Since I add fruit on top, I cut the sweetener/dates down by half and I find it to still be sweet enough for me.
Nisha Melvani says
So delicious with fresh fruit! Thank you for leaving a comment.
Jeena says
Hi! Can we use diary milk instead?
Thanks!
Nisha Melvani says
Yes!!!
Anita says
Can I use monkfruit powder instead of dates? If so, how much do you suggest?
Nisha Melvani says
Yes, you can. I'm not sure how much you should use. I would add it gradually to taste.
Leslie says
I've made it and absolutely loved it! Thank you!
Nisha Melvani says
Makes my day to hear that! Thank you.
Nisha Melvani says
So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.
Sally says
Very yummy! I’m still shocked that the chia seeds are ready to eat after a few minutes of blending. I’ve only consumed them after soaking in the past. This is a great chocolate treat! The dates made it plenty sweet but I think a touch of maple syrup or ripe banana would be good too. You really must try this if you’re craving dessert!
Nisha Melvani says
I/m so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.