If you want to include more protein in your breakfast or snacks and want to avoid protein powders or yogurts, then this high-protein chia pudding without protein powder or yogurt is the perfect recipe for you.
This protein chia pudding recipe is not an ordinary one. It’s dairy-free, plant-based, high in protein, and doesn’t require any protein powder or yogurt. Yet, it will be creamy, satisfying, and ideal for a high-protein breakfast.
Besides giving you this easy, high-protein chia pudding without protein powder or yogurt recipe, I will also give you some ingredient substitutes, tell you how you can keep your pudding safe for a longer time, and some of my favorite and best toppings to try.
Why Make a High-Protein Chia Pudding Without Protein Powder or Yogurt?
The very first reason why I personally made this high-protein chia pudding recipe is that:
I go to the gym, and I need double the protein of my body weight, so I have to take it throughout the day and every time. I don’t want to have more than 2 scoops of whey protein in my diet because it is very expensive for me.
So, I always try to complete my daily protein intake needs through other meals and snacks.
As for yogurt, I like it, but I still did not include yogurt in my high-protein chia pudding recipe because I wanted to keep a different taste, not the sour tang.
However, even without additional protein powder or yogurt, this recipe will help you get your protein.
Chia seeds are rich in plant-based protein; they offer fiber, which is essential for your body, and they also contain Omega-3.
So you should make this high-protein chia pudding without yogurt or protein powder to avoid dairy-based protein in your diet, to save money on expensive protein powder, and for a different flavor than regular protein puddings.
My vegan chia pudding high protein recipe is creamy, dairy-free, gluten-free, fiber-rich, satisfying, and free of anything artificial.
It’s a great option if you’re following a plant-based or vegan diet.
Ingredients You’ll Need for High-Protein Chia Pudding
Here are all the ingredients that you will need to make this high-protein chia pudding recipe without yogurt or additional protein powder.:
Chia Seeds – 4 tablespoons: This is the main ingredient you’re gonna add; it’s high in fiber and plant protein and includes healthy fats. However, you use whole chia seeds, not ground, because they will form the gel when soaked.
Unsweetened Almond Milk – 1 cup: It’s light, dairy-free, and works well with chia seeds. However, you can also try soy milk if you want even more protein. I like both, but I tried almond milk for myself.
Nut Butter – 1.5 tablespoons (almond, peanut, or cashew): This is going to be the protein booster (as you’re not including additional protein powder). Nut butter will add creaminess and healthy fats to your pudding, plus I’ll also enhance flavors. Besides this, you can try peanut butter, too, which is a classic option, but almond butter keeps the flavor more neutral.
Hemp Hearts – 2 tablespoons: They have around 6g of protein per two tablespoons. They’re Soft, nutty, and a perfect addition to chia,
Maple Syrup or Honey – 1 to 2 teaspoons (optional): This is good if you want to add some sweetness. Totally adjustable or skippable. Btw, you can also try stevia leaves.
Vanilla Extract – 1/2 teaspoon: It is important to round out the flavors and give your high-protein chia pudding a more dessert-like taste.
Pinch of Salt: You just have to add in a very small amount to enhance everything.
Optional (But I recommend) Add-ins:
These ingredients are not really important, but to make your pudding a little different or more flavorful, you can try these options, if not now, then next time:
- Mashed banana (1/2 medium banana): It will add natural sweetness and texture to your high-protein chia pudding. Plus, it’ll be thicker.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1 tablespoon): it’s good if you want a chocolate version of chia pudding.
- Coconut Cream (1 tablespoon): If you want an extra creamy texture, you can include it. However, it’ll add some fats, too.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make It
This high-protein chia pudding without protein powder and yogurt recipe is as simple as mix, chill, and serve — perfect for meal prep, breakfast, or as a protein-rich snack.
Let me break it down clearly so you don’t miss anything.
Step 1: Mix the Base
First, you want to take a medium-sized bowl or jar and then combine all these ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons of chia seeds
- 1 cup of almond milk
- 1.5 tablespoons of nut butter
- 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds
- It’s optional: mashed banana, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla.
After adding them all to a bowl, you want to mix them well using a fork. However, you want to ensure that chia seeds aren’t clumped at the bottom.
My Pro Tip: You have to stir it well for at least 30 seconds, as nut butter takes time.
Step 2: Let It Rest, Then Stir Again
Once you’ve prepared the base and you notice that everything is properly mixed, then keep it at room temperature for 10 minutes to give it a rest.
After 10 minutes, you need to stir it again to break up clumps. This process will make sure that your chia seeds are starting to expand properly.
This second stir is important: After preparing the base, you must wait for 10 minutes to stir again; it’s not optional but important.
This will help prevent weird layering or dry spots in your pudding.
Step 3: Cover and Chill
Once you stir after 10 minutes, you want to seal the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and then keep it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
Btw, that’s the minimum time, but I made it in the evening so that I could keep it in the refrigerator overnight. And I consider it better.
When we keep that mixture overnight, the chia seeds will absorb the liquid, and your pudding will be thick and ready to eat in the morning, like breakfast.
Step 4: Stir and Serve
When you’re serving that high-protein chia seeds pudding recipe, make sure to give it a final stir.
If you find the pudding is too thick for your taste, you can add a little almond milk and mix again.
Then top with your favorites toppings and enjoy.
Topping Ideas for Extra Nutrition or Flavor
Without adding any extra material like toppings, the pudding is complete on its own.
However, these toppings can turn your chia pudding from a simple snack into a nutrient-dense, high-protein breakfast without powder.
Here are some things, some of my favorite topping ideas:
- Fresh Berries: You can try blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds; I’ve also tried it with pistachios as it’s one of my favorite nuts.
- Cacao Nibs: This is good for a crunchy and chocolate flavor.
- Coconut Flakes: You can use both toasted and raw
- Granola: If you want crunch, it works well too.
- Sliced Banana or Apple: Adds natural sweetness and also gives a different texture.
- Dash of Cinnamon or Nutmeg: I haven’t tried it with chia pudding, but I’m sure they’re good.
So you can now choose your favorite combos based on what taste you like: sweet, crunchy, fruit, etc.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients that I have mentioned above, or you just want to play with this recipe, then here is what you can change:
- Nut Butter: You can use seed butter like sunflower seed butter or even tahini if you’re allergic to nuts. These swaps will keep your protein chia pudding recipe high in nutrition.
- Almond Milk: Soy milk will increase the plant protein amount, and oat milk will give your pudding more creaminess — both are great for making a high-protein pudding without yogurt.
- Hemp Seeds: Use ground flaxseed if unavailable, but remember that protein content will be lower.
- Maple Syrup: You can replace it with dates (blended into milk) or stevia if you want sugar-free options; stevia leaves are also good to use.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
The good thing about this high-protein chia seed pudding is that you can make it in advance and eat it later.
For example, if you are a busy mom, you can make it on weekends or on Sundays and keep eating for the next few days.
Here are some things you need to keep in mind:
- Fridge: You can store high-protein chia pudding in an airtight container; it’ll be safe and ready to eat for up to 4-5 days.
- Mason Jars: it’s perfect for single-serve meal prep.
- Shake Option: You can put everything in a jar and then shake it instead of whisking, then chill.
Nutrition Info (Approximate for 1 Serving):
This chia pudding recipe is full of protein and other nutrients; let’s have a look at what you will get in one serving:
- Calories: ~310
- Protein: ~13-15g
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbs: ~20g
- Fiber: ~10g
- Sugar: 4-6g (depending on the sweetener used)
Btw, if you want to add more protein to this pudding, you can swap almond milk for soy milk or add extra hemp hearts. Each tablespoon of hemp will have around 3g more protein.
Why This Recipe Works (Without Powder or Yogurt)
Powder or yogurt are not the only two protein sources; there are too many, so I’ve included the best one that suits the chia pudding recipe.
- Chia Seeds
- Hemp Seeds
- Nut Butter
These are real, whole ingredients that are not only good in protein but also in fat and natural fiber.
So, you’re not only getting protein; you’re getting energy that lasts, with a texture that’s creamy and satisfying.
Plus, it’s plant-based and customizable.
When to Eat and Serve with Chia Pudding?
- Breakfast: I prefer eating a good amount of food in the morning for whole-day energy.
- Post-Workout: You can eat that with bread, a banana, or something else you like to refuel and support your muscle recovery.
- Afternoon Slump: It’ll quickly fill you up and keep you from grabbing junk.
- Dessert: Especially if you make the chocolate version using cocoa powder. It’ll taste like a healthy mousse.
Things that I recommend you eat with high-protein chia pudding
- If you have no problems with eggs, you can serve them with pudding, especially if you’re a gym-goer and want to boost protein intake. A whole egg will have around 6g of protein.
- Alongside your chia pudding, you can have a bowl of cottage cheese, which you can also top with sliced fruits or some honey.
- Smoked Salmon or Turkey are both good options, too.
However, I have personally tried this chia pudding for breakfast. I had two boiled eggs (I didn’t remove the white part) along with some nuts like pistachios, almonds, etc.
Final Thoughts
This high-protein chia pudding without protein powder or yogurt is easy, clean, and full of flavor and nutrition.
You don’t have to buy supplements like protein powder to add it to any of your recipes, like the chia pudding, to increase the protein amount. You just have to add other protein-rich ingredients that I discussed, plus you’ve to serve it with the right stuff, as I said, whole eggs.
However, you can make it once and keep it in your fridge for 4 to 5 days. And, the next time you feel hungry or in need of a healthy snack, you can eat that high-protein chia pudding recipe.
Besides this, you can also customize it according to your taste buds and flavors, and add your favorite toppings.
Can I blend it instead of eating it as-is?
Yes, this is the good thing about this high-protein Chia Pudding Recipe. You can blend it to give it a smooth and mousse-like texture. However, you need to do it after chilling it in the fridge for a few hours.
Can I add oats to make it thicker?
Yes, you can add oats to it or any other thing like mashed banana or something else that you personally like.
However, anything extra that you add to your chia pudding will change its texture. And if you are oats, I would recommend you try rolled oats before soaking them. One tablespoon is okay.
Is this okay for kids?
Yes! This chocolate chia pudding is okay for kids!
But I have a tip for you:
You might want to dial back the sweetness if you’re making chia pudding just for your kids.
As sugar isn’t good for our health, I don’t promote it, and since you have kids, it’s a good idea to help them avoid sugar addiction from an early age.
If you’re looking for alternatives, I’d recommend fruit-based sweeteners like mashed banana or stevia leaves.
Can I make it nut-free?
Yes, you can make it nut-free. You’ll have to use seed butter like tahini, coconut milk, or oat milk instead of almond milk.
High-Protein Chia Pudding Without Protein Powder or Yogurt
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1.5 tbsp nut butter almond, peanut, or cashew
- 2 tbsp hemp hearts
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey optional
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional Add-ins:
- ½ medium mashed banana
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp coconut cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix the Base
- Take a medium-sized bowl or jar and combine:
- 4 tablespoons of chia seeds
- 1 cup of almond milk
- 1.5 tablespoons of nut butter
- 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds
- (Optional) mashed banana, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla
- Mix them well using a fork. Make sure chia seeds aren’t clumped at the bottom. Stir it well for at least 30 seconds — nut butter takes time.
- Step 2: Let It Rest, Then Stir Again
- Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Stir again after 10 minutes to break up clumps. This step is important to avoid dry spots and layering.
- Step 3: Cover and Chill
- Keep in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight
Step 4: Stir and Serve
- Give the pudding a final stir before serving. If too thick, add a little almond milk and mix again. Add toppings if desired and enjoy.
Notes
As a passionate home cook and food enthusiast, I’m specialize in recreating popular café and restaurant-style chocolate recipes at home. I have experience in testing and customizing various chocolate-based dishes, I focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to make preservative-free, delicious treats. My goal is to help chocolate lovers enjoy their favorite recipes with a homemade touch and personalized twists.