Kid-Approved Chia Seed Chocolate Pudding Recipe

I vividly remember coming home from school as a kid and opening the fridge to survey my after-school snack options for the day. Fruits, veggies, maybe some string cheese…but I was always *the most* excited when I saw the single-serve Jello chocolate pudding cups. It was a no-brainer. I loved pudding (and still do!) but don’t typically buy the store bought kind. They’re usually loaded with more added sugar than I want to see in a snack!

So I thought: why not make my own?

I have a major sweet tooth, and my kids look to be following in my footsteps in that regard. So I try to make desserts that are both satisfying and nutritious. Don’t get me wrong- not all desserts have to be nutritious. They sometimes are just good for the soul!

But when I have the opportunity to make something at home that is still delicious and decadent but has more protein, fat, and fiber to keep me (and my kids) full, I take it. Plus, we can control the added sugar in this recipe so it’s not just a sugar bomb!

Enter, this chia seed chocolate pudding recipe. It comes together in a flash. All you need is a few ingredients and a blender and you’ve got yourself an after-school snack (or breakfast! Or dessert!) you can feel great about serving. 

Chia Seed Chocolate Pudding Recipe

Before we dive right into the recipe, let me tell you a little bit about chia seed pudding. It’s not exactly like the store bought puddings we see on the shelves at the grocery store because it features one of my favorite little nutrition hacks: chia seeds. Chia seeds have a ton of health benefits, so I try to add them into my foods where I can. Chia seed chocolate pudding, smoothies, oatmeal bowls, and yogurt parfaits are some of my favorite places to sprinkle some chia seeds. 

These little superfoods are what make this pudding a huge win for kids and adults alike. 

What Is Chia Seed Pudding?

Chia seed pudding is a great breakfast, snack, or dessert option that you can prepare in advance. It can be easily meal prepped, it’s a crowd pleaser, and you can even make some adjustments and serve it as a great food for baby led weaning.

It’s basically a milk of your choice blended together with chia seeds to make a pudding-like texture. This recipe will feature a chocolate-flavored chia seed pudding, but you can make tons of spin-off flavors if you like other types of pudding. 

Personally, I do not enjoy the texture of typical chia seed pudding. There’s just too much going on. But when you blend it, then it’s smooth and creamy like the pudding you know and love.

Is Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding Healthy?

Chia seed pudding is most definitely healthy! Chia seeds are a wonderful source of heart-healthy fats, fiber, and even some protein. You might not think something so little can pack such a nutritional punch, but chia seeds do! This pudding won’t leave you feeling sluggish or take you for a blood sugar rollercoaster. The fiber, protein, and fat will help keep you (and your kids!) full and energized, and the low added sugar will keep blood sugar swings at bay. 

How Many Calories In Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding?

While I’m always happy to share nutrition information on my recipes (and I do in the recipe card below), here’s a friendly reminder that a calorie is just a unit of energy. It’s fine to know how much energy a food will give you, but I certainly don’t recommend making food choices just based on whether or not something is low calorie. How much protein, fat, fiber, carbs, vitamins and minerals are in foods are all important things to know, too– not just calories!

How To Make Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

When I tell you this recipe is a cinch, I mean it. Dump all your ingredients in a blender, press ON, and that’s it. This comes together in about 5-10 minutes total! 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chia seeds
• 1.5 cups milk (I used 2% milk, but soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are good dairy-free options)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions 

Step 1: add all ingredients to a blender.

Yep, just dump ‘em in.

Step 2: blend on high powder for 30-60 seconds or until desired smoothness.

It’s up to you whether you still want it a little textured. My kids say, blend it into oblivion! So I do.

Step 3: eat immediately or add to a medium bowl/Tupperware with lid, cover and refrigerate for 4-5 hrs (or overnight).

I found that mine was thick enough to eat right away, but if you want it nice and cold, pop it in the fridge!

Most chia seed recipes require a soaking period so the seeds have time to plump up. But we like instant gratification! And smooth creamy pudding! So obviously this is the only chia recipe recipe you’ll need to try.

Step 4: top with chocolate chips and/or sprinkles!

This pudding is very lightly sweet, so my kids and I like it best with a sweet topping.

Expert Tip

Don’t be trendy and try adding dates instead of maple syrup. I tried it, and it was not good. MAYBE if you add like 10 dates but you’d also need to adjust the ratio of the other ingredients and it’s just not the way to go here. Save your dates for another day!

Picky Eater Modifications

This recipe is really lightly sweet as written so if you want it a little sweeter, feel free to add a bit more of your sweetener.

I personally topped it with chocolate chips and coconut for myself, and chocolate chips and strawberries for my kids. It felt like a dessert! You could do any other fruit, peanut butter, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Adding a little fun and familiar topping goes a long way for picky eaters, and they’re still reaping all the nutritional benefits of this amazing chocolate chia pudding recipe. 

Desserts are my happy place

I love this chocolate chia pudding. It transports me back to my childhood! It’s nostalgic and yummy and the bonus is that I feel great about offering it to my kids. It’s a hearty snack, a healthy dessert, and an all around 5-star recipe for my family! 

I must have a thing for chocolate pudding recipes, because I’ve also got this secretly healthy chocolate pudding that’s made with a secret ingredient….avocado! And finally, these healthy chocolate peanut butter balls are a freezer-staple in my house! 

Let me know if you try any of them!