How to Make Protein Chia Pudding

📌 Overview and Key Takeaways

This is a Nutrition Coach’s recipe for protein chia pudding.

Discover how to make delicious chia pudding with protein powder.

drink wholesome founder
Last Updated
May 22, 2026
Author and Medical Reviewer

Written by Jack, CNC

Jack is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Nutrition Coach.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before making changes to your diet.

Protein Chia Pudding Recipe

Protein Chia Pudding Recipe

PREP TIME

2 min

COOK TIME

4 hrs

SERVES

1

Ingredients
  • 1 ½ cups plant milk
  • ½ cup chia seeds
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp Drink Wholesome Protein Powder 

 

Instructions

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) before eating.

What Is Chia Pudding? 

Chia pudding is a simple, nutritious dish made from chia seeds soaked in liquid, typically milk or a plant milk like almond milk.

Soaking causes the seeds to expand and form a delightful, gel-like consistency.

It is a popular choice for a healthy breakfast, snack, or even dessert due to its simplicity, versatility, and nutritional benefits.

Why Should You Make Chia Pudding With Protein Powder?

I know that I am late to the chia seed bandwagon, but this recipe is just too good to keep to myself!

With minimal effort, plant milk, protein powder, and just a handful of chia seeds, you can make a high protein breakfast or snack.

It turns out chia seeds are a superfood for a reason.

Not only are they rich in fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, but they are also easy to prepare.

All you need to do is let them sit in liquid for a few hours.

Moreover, chia seeds used to be a niche ingredient that you could only find at health food stores, but now you can find them everywhere.

Head on over to your local grocery store and get yourself some today.

This high protein recipe is calling your name!

a woman making protein chia pudding with drink wholesome protein powder

Here is a summary of the benefits of making protein chia seed pudding:

  1. Convenience: Chia pudding is easy to prepare in advance, making it a convenient option for busy mornings or a quick snack. It also requires minimal ingredients and can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.
  2. Versatility: You can customize your pudding with various flavors of protein powder and different add-ins like fruits, nuts, or spices. This makes it easy to avoid flavor fatigue.
  3. Compatibility: Whether you are on a low-carb, high-protein, vegan, or gluten-free diet, this chia pudding recipe can be adapted to fit your dietary needs.
  4. Digestion: The fiber in chia seeds can improve overall digestive health and prevent issues like constipation.

In short, you cannot go wrong with this simple, nutrition-packed recipe.

It is easy to make, easy to customize, and easy to digest.

The only thing you have to worry about is choosing the right protein powder.

Not all protein powders are created equal, and some make better chia pudding than others.

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Why Should I Use Drink Wholesome?

We make our Protein Powders from whole food protein sources like egg whites and almonds.

Our Ingredients

egg whites

egg whites

coconut

coconut

vanilla

vanilla

monk fruit

monk fruit

NOT Our Ingredients

  • acacia gum

  • acesulfame potassium

  • artificial flavors

  • carrageenan

  • erythritol

  • guar gum

  • inulin

  • maltodextrin

  • 'natural' flavors

  • silica

  • soy lecithin

  • sucralose

  • xanthan gum

  • xylitol

Other protein powders are made from ultra-processed protein concentrates and isolates, which have been mechanically and/or chemically stripped of everything but the protein.

As a result, they have a chalky aftertaste and rubbery texture. 

Whole foods, on the other hand, taste like real food.

It is worth adding that we sweeten our protein powders with monk fruit – a small, melon-like round fruit native to Southeast Asia.

We like monk fruit because it is sweet like sugar.

Other sugar substitutes, including artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, and stevia activate bitter taste receptors (J Agric Food Chem, 2016).

As you can imagine, this aftertaste might ruin your recipe!

Order Samples to taste (and feel) the difference.

Sources

  1. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (J Agric Food Chem). Docking and Molecular Dynamics of Steviol Glycoside-Human Bitter Receptor Interactions. 2016.

Editorial Guidelines


This article was written by a Certified Nutrition Coach and reviewed by a Registered Dietitian. We rely on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources, and regularly update our content to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for chia pudding to set?

Chia pudding typically takes about 2-4 hours to set in the refrigerator. For best results, let it sit overnight.

Can I make protein chia pudding ahead of time?

Yes, protein chia pudding can be made well ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I use water instead of milk?

Yes, you can use water, but using milk or a plant milk (such as almond or oat milk) adds creaminess and additional nutrients.

What other ingredients can I add to chia pudding?

You can add various ingredients like fruits, nuts, seeds, spices (such as cinnamon) for extra flavor and nutrition.

Can I heat protein chia pudding?

Chia pudding is typically eaten cold, but you can warm it if preferred. Keep in mind that heating might alter the texture.