This protein pudding is a healthy snack that is thick so it sticks with you for a while, only uses 4 simple ingredients, and can be ready in just a few minutes! You can use different flavors of protein powder for different high protein desserts that satisfies a sweet tooth!
High protein desserts have become very popular lately, and with good reason! Protein is essential for keeping us satisfied and helping us maintain muscle mass. I love this high protein pudding recipe because it uses a full serving of protein powder which typically has around 30 grams of protein. The addition of chia seeds gives some much needed fiber and is a great way to make our protein pudding nice and thick.
The protein content of this protein pudding makes it the perfect workout snack. It is keto and low carb friendly and if you choose a gluten free protein powder, it would be gluten free as well. This is the low sugar creamy chocolate protein pudding recipe you have been looking for!
I've seen recipes using cottage cheese, cool whip, or plain Greek Yogurt, but I really don't think those give that traditional pudding texture we are looking for.
Ingredients needed
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for this protein pudding recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For a printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
¾ cup water or plain unsweetened almond milk - a sugar free cow's milk or any milk alternative will work for this healthy dessert recipe as well. Choose a high protein option for a protein boost!
1 serving protein powder - I use premier protein powder but be sure to use a protein powder that tastes good. You can use any flavor variations you want! whey protein powder is what I prefer, but vegan protein powder works for this recipe, too. If you want a keto friendly high protein dessert, find one with little to zero carbs and refined sugar free. You can use vanilla protein powder, chocolate protein powder, or even peanut butter! The taste of the protein powder is what matters most for the best flavor or your healthy protein pudding!
1 ½ tablespoons chia seeds - I love finding new ways to use chia seeds. Chia seeds are full of fiber and almost zero net carbs. I love using them in this protein pudding and in chia pudding recipes.
1 tablespoon cocoa powder - This is optional. I like to add the cocoa powder when I am making a chocolate protein pudding recipe.
sugar free chocolate chips for serving - also optional. You could also serve with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries. Other toppings could be almond butter or any other nut or seed butter. This would also add some healthy fats and a little bit of extra protein!
How to make protein pudding
This section explains how to make this high protein dessert recipe, step by step. For a full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Step 1 - Add all ingredients to a blender jar or magic bullet, making sure to add the liquid first. Blend until the chia seeds are completely blended and a thick mixture forms. If you do not have a blender jar or magic bullet, a food processor will work as well.
Step 2 - Serve immediately or let chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour until it is the right texture. Top your delicious pudding with with chocolate chips. Make the recipe today and then store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This is a great meal prep option for busy mornings!
Tips to make the best high protein dessert
- Make sure you use a protein powder that you enjoy drinking...any protein powder flavors will work! There are so many flavors of protein powder out there now so make this recipe your own and experiment! I want to try birthday cake next time!
- A good quality blender jar will be best to blend up the chia seeds. A magic bullet should do the trick.
- If your protein pudding isn't as thick as you like, you can put it in the refrigerator to thicken up for about an hour up to overnight.
More high protein recipes
- Protein Pancakes
- Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins
- Keto Protein Waffles
- Keto Double Chocolate Protein Cookies
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Protein Pudding Recipe - 30 Grams of Protein!
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup Water or Almond milk
- 1 Serving Protein powder
- 1.5 Tablespoons Chia Seeds
- 1 Tablespoon Cocoa powder (optional if making chocolate pudding)
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar free Chocolate Chips, optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender jar or magic bullet, making sure to add the liquid first. Blend until the chia seeds are completely blended and a thick mixture forms.
- Serve immediately or let chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Top with chocolate chips (optional)
Notes
- Make sure you use a protein powder that you enjoy drinking...any flavor will work! There are so many flavors of protein powder out there now so make this recipe your own and experiment!
- A good quality blender jar will be best to blend up the chia seeds. A magic bullet should do the trick.
- If your protein pudding isn't as thick as you like, you can put it in the refrigerator to thicken up for about an hour up to overnight.
Nutrition per serving
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy only. Please re-calculate on your own with the ingredients and amounts you used for the most accurate data.
Becky Bink says
This is a nice “dessert” with cacao nibs. It thickened up while I blended it in the Bullet
BC says
Net carbs Please! Love your recipes!
Debbie B says
Could I use tapioca starch? I do not like the taste of chia seeds and have tried many recipes to cover the flavor.
jenniferbanz says
I am not sure. Please let me know if you try!
Zoe says
Fab recipe. I do exactly what the recipe says and I get a tasty chocolate protein pudding! Sometimes I don’t chill it, just eat it straight away. Thanks Jennifer!
Kassie says
Didn’t thicken up at all. Just tasted like a regular chocolate protein shake with a ton of chia seeds in it. Disappointed cause I was hoping for something new to try.
Kobun37 says
Might have been the age of the chia seeds. If they're too old they don't thicken up. You might try again with fresh ones.
Jodie says
Same for me super thin. 🙁
jenniferbanz says
It sounds like your chia seeds didn't get properly blended.
Amber says
Trying this today!!
nancy sharma says
I am SO EXCITED I just saw this recipe!!! Like overly excited. I have recommended your website to countless ppl. It's truly the only site where every single recipe has turned out. I can't tell you how hard it was starting the keto journey with so many failed recipes. Your site gave me encouragement. thank you so much!
xoxo Nancy
Mariolga says
I did same ingredients except I added tablespoon of hemp seed (more protein value) and shredded coconut unsweetened and high quality protein shake vegan ARBONNE chocolate flavor (mariolgaramseyarbonne)
Izzy says
Amazing . Thanks so much. Delicious ... wowowowowow
For the person who wrote it did not thicken just leave it longer in the mixer . After almost 3 minutes mine was still liquid took almost 4 minutes
Claire says
This is amazing, I make it all the time! Thanks for the recipe!
Gab says
Amazing! I’m not a huge fan of chia, but after trying this with flax and not getting the right texture, I went for it with chia and this is just delicious, amazing macros, and it feels like an splurge-worthy dessert! I used mutant iso-surge chocolate brownie protein!
Doshima says
My favorite of this recipe: Ice cream sundae approach- Add splenda to vanilla protein powder and chill. I topped with a bit of chocolate sauce and chopped peanuts. Jam is good too!
jenniferbanz says
Did you add the chia seeds? That should thicken it up
Toni says
This is so good!! Everyone at my house loved it!
Nicole @ The Granola Diaries says
This looks so delicious and I love that it is sugar free!
Tonje says
I made the chocolate version, SO GOOD!
Dannii says
Oooh, I would have to go for chocolate I think.
Emmeline says
This protein pudding looks so delicious! Would love to try it, but I have an issue with all protein powders tasting kinda like meat? Kinda? Which I don't mind when it IS meat but not in chocolate 😉 Do you have any suggestions for a good (chocolate) protein powder that doesn't have this weird taste?
Kelly says
Legion whey protein, the best!
soy says
i tried this with a paleo protein and added vanilla and almond extracts - and it worked out just great. thank you!
Joe C says
Very good. I used the cheap optimum nutrition brand of whey, and threw in an avocado for added fat
Naomi says
Can you use flax seeds instead of Chia?
jenniferbanz says
I think that would work
Michele S. says
Made this for friends and family. We all enjoyed it immensely! The icing really was a delicious addition. And it was so easy to make!
Jorie says
I threw in peanut butter with the rest blended it up and man that’s good. Thinking next time of doing vanillia with berries mixed in. Great recipe
jenniferbanz says
That sounds great!
Lane Patten says
I love the consistency of this! I'm not usually a protein powder fan, but in this pudding, I liked it!
Joanie says
This is such a wonderful recipe! I was so happy to have found a dessert recipe that I don't feel a bit guilty eating. The chocolate flavor is intense and I absolutely love it!