Chocolate Chia and Flaxseed Pudding (High Protein!)

This chocolate chia and flaxseed pudding with protein powder is a super tasty, high-protein and high-fiber breakfast to start your day right!

If you love creamy chia pudding, then you'll likely love this chia and flaxseed pudding with chocolate protein powder. It's thick and creamy, sweet and chocolaty, and delicious when paired with your favorite toppings. Flax seeds are an ideal addition to chia pudding since they enhance the flavor, texture and nutritional profile.

Chia seeds and flaxseeds serve as excellent sources of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, flaxseeds include a good amount of protein. And when you add protein powder to the mix, the pudding becomes a high-protein breakfast. Breakfasts that are high in protein and fiber are ideal since they help keep you satiated for longer periods of time.

This chia flaxseed pudding is just as easy to make as regular chia pudding, too. You simply combine almond milk with chia seeds, ground flax seeds, chocolate protein powder, and sweetener. Then, you give it a good mix and let it sit overnight so the seeds can thicken the milk. Quick and simple!

Similar to breakfast oats, chia pudding tastes divine when you add toppings for additional flavors and textures. There are so many yummy toppings you can add, such as nuts, berries, low-carb granola cereal and unsweetened coconut flakes.

This chia and flax seed pudding is an ideal take-and-go breakfast since you can prep it the night before and simply grab it to go in the morning.

More About Chia Seeds & Flaxseeds

Chia seeds are tiny black or white seeds that are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein and various micronutrients. When chia seeds are soaked in water, they absorb, swell and thicken the liquid around them.

Flax seeds are small, crispy seeds with a mild nutty flavor. Like chia seeds, flax seeds serve as an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and protein. Flax seeds also thicken liquid since they're water soluble and become gelatinous when soaked.

Both chia and flax seeds are low in carbs, keto-friendly, gluten-free, paleo-friendly and vegan.

Ingredients

Just a few notes on key ingredients.

• Almond milk: To make a low-in-carb, high-protein pudding, we use unsweetened, vanilla-flavored almond milk. However, you can substitute another type of low-carb milk like unsweetened macadamia milk or coconut milk.
• Chia seeds: Be sure to use fresh chia seeds that are black or white. We typically get Bob's Red Mill Organic Chia Seeds.
• Ground flaxseed meal: Be sure to get ground flaxseed or flaxseed meal instead of whole flaxseed which is harder for the body to process. We buy Bob's Red Mill Golden Flaxseed Meal.
• Low-carb, chocolate whey protein powder: We use a low-carb, chocolate whey protein powder to make this pudding high in protein with a yummy chocolate flavor. Our favorite chocolate protein power is Quest Chocolate Milkshake. However, you can use your favorite chocolate protein powder of choice!
• Sugar-free sweetener: We use powdered Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener, but you can use another sweetener of choice. Other options could include sugar-free maple syrup, regular maple syrup, honey, stevia, etc. Check out this sweetener conversion chart.

How to Make

STEP 1: Combine the ingredients in a mason jar. Secure the cap and shake well until thoroughly combined. Let rest for 10 minutes. Then, shake again or stir with spoon.

STEP 2: Secure lid and store in fridge for several hours or, ideally, overnight.

STEP 3: Remove from fridge and stir. Top with your favorite toppings like berries, nuts, low-carb granola, unsweetened coconut chips, etc. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips for the Best Pudding

• Be sure to use ground flaxseed or flaxseed meal (instead of whole seeds) since they're easier for body to process.
• Fresh chia seeds (black and white) are best for creating a thick and creamy pudding.
• Be sure to use a chocolate protein powder that you actually enjoy. We use Quest Chocolate Milkshake since we actually like the taste of it and it's low in carbs.
• After shaking all the ingredients, let the pudding sit for 10 minutes and then shake or stir again before refrigerating to help prevent clumping.
• For a thicker pudding, add one more tablespoon of chia seeds when combining ingredients.
• Although you can eat after several hours in the fridge, it's best to let it sit overnight in the fridge for the best results.
• After removing from fridge, be sure to stir well before serving.
• Don't forget tasty toppings to enhance flavor and texture (like berries, nuts, coconut flakes, etc.)
• You can keep pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to a week.

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