Chocolate Yogurt is a quick, satisfying, and nutritious high-protein snack. Packed with high-quality protein for muscle recovery, heart-healthy fats to keep you full, and a rich, chocolatey flavor that feels like a treat, this easy recipe comes together in minutes. Whether you're refueling after a workout or just craving a wholesome snack, this creamy, delicious option delivers the perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence.
High-protein Chocolate Yogurt is a creamy, satisfying snack packed with muscle-supporting protein and fiber to keep you full longer while indulging your chocolate cravings.
This recipe was inspired by this Chia Cocoa Pudding on my site, as well as this Natural Protein Smoothie, and Quick Protein Vegan Biscuits.
Jump to:
👩🏼🌾 Ingredients & Health Benefits
- Yogurt: A study on fermented foods and gut health found that yogurt significantly boosted microbiome diversity, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy gut. When paired with a high-fiber diet, fermented foods also reduced several markers of inflammation.
- Hemp hearts - Two tablespoons of hemp hearts have about the same amount of protein as two egg whites. Hemp is also a great source of magnesium – 30 g of hemp seeds contains 210 milligrams (mg) of magnesium. For bones, magnesium contributes to bone density by supporting calcium absorption and activating vitamin D. Around 60% of the body’s magnesium is stored in bones, making it a critical mineral for maintaining their strength and structure.
- Flaxseed meal: The natural fats in flaxseeds enhance the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, making them even more beneficial. Additionally, flaxseeds are rich in anticancer lignans.
- Chia seeds may support weight loss due to their high fiber content, which helps increase the feeling of fullness after meals. They become ground in the blender and therefore do not require soaking. Additionally, grinding chia seeds enhances omega-3 absorption.
- Cocoa powder - regular cocoa flavanol consumption may have positive effects on facial wrinkles and elasticity. Use a high-flavanol brand.
- Dates: Some research indicates that dates can help lower blood glucose levels, reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase beneficial HDL cholesterol. They also appear supportive of a healthy gut microbiome.
- Soy, hemp, pea, almond, oat milk, or any type of milk, is suitable for this oatmeal recipe. Soy and oat milk are creamier, whereas almond milk is lighter. (Soy milk typically has the most protein.) Coconut milk has a rich, tropical flavor and a creamy consistency, but it is higher in saturated fats. Rice milk is a good option for allergies, as it is free from common allergens like nuts, soy, and gluten. Hemp milk has a slightly nutty flavor and is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, but it may not be as readily available as other non-dairy milk.
See the printable recipe card below for quantities.
🥛 Substitutions
- Yogurt - use a Greek-style yogurt for even more protein or use my homemade soy milk yogurt or cashew yogurt
- Hemp hearts - omit them as needed
- Nut butter - Add nut butter for more protien and creaminess. Adjust the milk accordingly.
- Nondairy milk - use soy, pea, almond, oat, hemp, cashew, or milk of your choice
- Dates - Medjool or Deglet Noor dates work, or substitute with a sweetener of your choice
- Cinnamon - a dash of cinnamon amplifies the natural sweetness of dates while deepening the chocolate flavor
- Amla powder - add a pinch for cholesterol-lowering benefits
For more healthy breakfasts and snacks, visit my Vegan Breakfast Recipes page.
📖 How to Make Chocolate Yogurt
This is an overview. The full recipe is at the bottom of the post.
- Soak the dates in boiling water for 5 minutes.
- Remove the pits and transfer them to the canister of a blender.
- Transfer the yogurt, hemp hearts, chia seeds, flaxseed meal, cocoa powder, and nondairy milk to the blender.
- Blend on high until smooth. Serve with fresh fruit for more fiber and antioxidants.
✔️ Expert Tips
- Soften the Dates for Better Sweetness – Soak your dates in warm water for 10 minutes before blending. This makes them easier to mix, creating a smoother texture and evenly distributing their natural sweetness.
- Boost Nutrient Absorption – Grinding flaxseeds and chia seeds before mixing enhances nutrient bioavailability, making omega-3s, antioxidants, and minerals more accessible to your body.
- Enhance Creaminess – Blend in a small amount of silken tofu or a splash of plant-based milk for a silky, protein-rich consistency.
- Customize the Texture – For a thicker, pudding-like consistency, let the yogurt sit in the fridge for an hour before eating.
- Make It an Easy Grab-and-Go Snack – Prep in advance and portion into small jars for a quick, protein-packed treat throughout the week.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🛒 Shop Recipe Cookware and Ingredients
Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nisha's Favorites
Get my tried-and-true products.
🙋🏽♀️ Recipe FAQs
Greek-style yogurt or skyr are excellent choices because they are naturally high in protein and have a thick, creamy texture. There are dairy-free plant-based options for both these types of yogurt.
Try natural sweeteners like mashed banana, date paste, or a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also add vanilla extract or cinnamon to enhance the flavor without extra sugar.
🍽️ Related Recipes
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Yogurt
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Cooking for Peanuts.
Ingredients
- 4 Medjool dates
- 2 cups unsweetened Greek-style yogurt
- 2 tablespoons hemp hearts
- 2 teaspoons ground chia seeds
- 2 teaspoons flaxseed meal
- 1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¼ cup nondairy milk soy, pea, almond, cashew, hemp, oat or milk of choice
Instructions
- Soak the dates in boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove the pits and transfer them to the canister of a blender.
- Combine: Add the yogurt, hemp hearts, chia seeds, flaxseed meal, cocoa powder, and nondairy milk.
- Blend on high until smooth adding more milk as needed.
Notes
Nutrition
This information is provided as a courtesy and is an ESTIMATE only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.
Lauren Caddell says
I am going to try this this weekend
Looks so good !
I have been making food from your cookbook...absolutely delightful!!
Thanks so much for being such a smart cookie 😀
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Awww thank you for your kind words and support. So glad you are enjoying the book!
Jeanette says
Fabulous 👌 recipe
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
So glad to hear! Thank you so much.
Rosa says
Hi, you say yogurt in this recipe not vegan yogurt right?
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I use vegan yogurt but any yogurt will work. Go for Greek-style for more protein.
Birgit says
Very yummy! Great to have a batch in the fridge for a quick snack.
Thank you for sharing this receipe.❤️
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
So glad! Great for protein and calcium too!
Nathan says
OMG! This is so yummy!! It's easy to make, tastes great and definitely helps to power through a workout!! Keeps well in the fridge too.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
So glad you enjoyed this workout snack! Thank you.
Suzanne says
What brand of dairy free yogurt do you use/recommended? Trying to avoid those with gums in them.
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I hear you! Sometimes hard to find. I use Kite Hill Greek-Style yogurt for the protein.
Sarah Thomson says
I'm a gut health nerd who loves chocolate, so I was thrilled when you posted this recipe! It was decadently delicious!
Next time I'd like to try it with homemade soy milk yogurt (I used Kite Hill this time). When the weather warms up, I want to try popping it in the freezer for some froyo! 🤎
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
It will be delicious frozen! Freezing slightly reduces those good bacteria which is why I left this one as is. So glad you enjoyed it.
Arissa says
Fantastic!cant wait to try it out ❤️🙏🏼
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
So glad! Thank you!
Jo says
Hi, this looks lovely! Anyway of cutting carbs as am diabetic..could I reduce the no of dates do you think? I know you mentioned before how dates did something to your body to help with metabolism/diabetes but cant find it now!
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
Yes! You can reduce the dates. Studies show that dates not not spike blood sugar as much as you might think! Much less than any other sweetener because they are high in fiber!
Diana Dyer says
Have you made this recipe using non dairy yogurt?
Nisha Melvani, RDN says
I only made it with nondairy yogurt- Greek-style (Kite Hill) and my homemade yogurt. My sister is not vegan and made it with regular Greek.