If you don't like the texture of chia seed pudding, try this blended chia pudding recipe! Packed with protein, fibre, and healthy fats—these pudding cups are the perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack that will keep you full for hours.
Want to enjoy the health benefits of chia pudding but can't get past the texture of regular chia pudding? Try this Blended Chia Pudding recipe and you will be pleasantly surprised!
These mini blended chia pudding cups are the perfect make-ahead breakfast, snack or dessert. The best part is they have a smooth, creamy texture with all the healthy fats, fibre, and protein to keep you full for hours.
This recipe demonstrates a chocolate flavor using cocoa powder and chocolate protein powder. You could simply swap the protein powder to make any flavor you want! This recipe is naturally gluten free, and easily dairy free and vegan by using a plant-based milk and protein powder.
These little pots eat just like a chocolate pudding, so if you think you don't like chia pudding, try blending chia first in this delicious recipe!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Smooth creamy texture just like a chocolate pudding.
- Full of healthy fats, fibre, and protein. There's 14g protein and 9g fibre per pudding! There are many health benefits of chia seeds.
- Quick to make using easy pantry staples.
- They'll keep in the fridge for days, so you can enjoy a quick breakfast on the go.
- You can customize the flavor to chocolate, vanilla, or anything.
- Allergy-friendly for everyone to enjoy. These pots are gluten free, dairy free, and vegan.
What is Chia Pudding?
Chia pudding has gained popularity in recent years for being a healthy and delicious breakfast packed with protein, fibre, and fatty acids. Chia pudding is typically made by mixing chia seeds with a milk of choice and additional flavorings. It is then left to sit in the fridge overnight to thicken. Chia seeds are very absorbent and overnight they form a pudding-like gel that is thick and eaten with a spoon. It can be topped with fresh fruit, nut-butters, seeds, etc.
While many know that it is a healthy breakfast option, the texture of chia pudding can be off-putting. The chia seeds swell to absorb the milk, creating a texture that is not smooth. I created this blended version of a chia pudding recipe to get rid of the chunky texture and allow you to eat the pudding just like a normal, smooth pudding.
Ingredient Notes
Here is everything you'll need to make these blended pudding cups:
- Chia seeds
- Hemp hearts: These add extra healthy fats and protein.
- Milk of choice: I typically use 2%, but any non-dairy milk such as almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, soy milk will all work for a vegan option.
- Chocolate protein powder: I use whey chocolate protein. You can use a plant-based protein powder if you prefer. You can also use any other flavor protein powder and omit the cocoa powder.
- Cocoa powder: I use dutch processed. Or use cacao powder.
- Maple syrup: You could use honey, coconut sugar, or 1-2 pitted medjool dates.
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Toppings: Top with your favorite fresh or frozen berries, nut butter, whipped cream, honey, cacao nibs, etc.
Tip: Make different flavors of these chia pudding by using a different protein powder and omitting the cocoa powder. Try vanilla protein powder and a splash of vanilla extract. Blend in some peanut butter or almond butter, or even nutella! Blend in some frozen fruit or use a fun-flavored protein powder like cookies and cream, caramel, or mocha.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Be sure to read the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and instructions.
(1) Add the chia seeds, hemp hearts, and milk to the bucket of a high speed blender. Let it sit for 15 minutes to thicken.
(2) Then add the rest of the ingredients to the high-speed blender.
(3) & (4) Starting on low and increasing speed as needed, blend until smooth.
(5) Transfer to 4 small jars, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
(6) When ready to eat, grab a jar and top with whipped cream, berries, cacao nibs, honey, nut butter, or any other toppings. Enjoy!
What to Eat With Chia Pudding
These blended chia pudding cups are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a simple dessert. With 14g of protein and 9g of fibre per pudding, they will keep you feeling full and satiated for hours, plus they taste delicious! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them.
- Meal prep a few jars and keep them in the fridge throughout the week for a quick and easy breakfast.
- Enjoy as a mid-afternoon snack to keep you full.
- Serve as a protein-rich dessert topped with fruit and whipped cream.
- Change up the flavors with suggestions in the Ingredients & Substitutions section to keep it interesting!
- Add your favorite toppings just before serving with whipped cream, nut butter, fresh or frozen fruit, cacao nibs, honey, maple syrup, chocolate, etc.
Storage
Chia puddings will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Meal prep for the week ahead!
Expert Tips
Here are some of my tips for perfect chia puddings:
- Let the chia seeds and hemp hearts sit in the bucket of the blender with the milk for a few minutes to start thickening before blending.
- Blend just until everything is combined, as whey protein can thicken up a little too much with long blending.
- Pour into 4 small jars with lids for individual portions, or add to one large container and scoop throughout the week. It is best the next day.
- Add toppings for more flavor! Try whipped cream, nut butter, honey, fruits, seeds—anything you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is important to give the chia pudding enough time in the fridge to fully thicken. Overnight is best. If it really isn't thick, there may have been too little chia seeds or too much liquid added, but it will still be delicious.
Potentially too many chia seeds were added. Using whey protein and blending for too long can also cause the mixture to coagulate. Blend just until smooth.
If you don't have hemp hearts, you could add 1-2 tablespoon of nut butter for more healthy fats. You could also add an extra 1 tablespoon of chia seeds to thicken the mixture. Or if you just omit the hemp hearts completely, you should still have a fairly thickened pudding.
Yes, chia seeds are known for being great for digestion. They have healthy fats and are a great source of fiber, meaning they are filling and will keep you satiated for a while. Their high fiber content can be great for digestion. It is advised to start with small amounts for your body to adjust to the high fiber.
These blended chia pudding cups are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast, snack, or lunch that are packed with protein, fibre, and healthy fats. Customize the flavor and make them how you like. Enjoy this chocolate chia seed pudding recipe with a creamy consistency!
More Breakfast Recipes
- High Protein Banana Pudding
- Non-Alcoholic Mimosa Mocktail
- Ninja Creami Orange Creamsicle Protein Ice Cream
- Gingerbread Banana Bread
Have you made these blended chia puddings? I'd very much appreciate it if you leave a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and review below, and tag me on instagram @fromoliviaskitchen!
Recipe
Blended Chocolate Chia Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup chia seeds
- ½ cup hemp hearts
- 2 cups milk of choice 2%, almond, oat, etc.
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add the chia seeds, hemp hearts, and milk to the bucket of your blender. Let it sit for 15 minutes to thicken.
- Then add the rest of the ingredients to the blender. Starting on low and increasing speed as needed, blend until smooth.
- Transfer to 4 small jars, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. When ready to eat, grab a jar and top with whipped cream, berries, cacao nibs, honey, nut butter, or any other toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Protein: I use whey chocolate protein. You can use a plant-based protein powder if you prefer. You can also use any other flavor protein powder and omit the cocoa powder.
- Vegan: Use a plant-based milk and protein powder.
- Toppings: Top with your favorite fresh or frozen berries, nut butter, whipped cream, honey, cacao nibs, etc.
- Storage: Chia puddings will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Meal prep for the week ahead!
Leila says
This recipe looks delicious but I want to make a banana pudding style. If I add banana instead of hemp hearts, how much banana should I add?
Olivia Parsons says
Sounds delish! I haven't tried it this way... maybe 1 banana if you're making the entire recipe?
Joy says
The texture has always gotten me too, so I can't wait to try this recipe! Where did you get your cute little containers?
Olivia Parsons says
They are from Amazon! https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08BZSS7XQ/
Joy says
Thank you so much! Got the ingredients this week and I’m making it as I type.