Medically reviewed by Shahzadi Devje, Registered Dietitian (RD) & Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
Need an excuse to eat chocolate chia pudding? Look no further. This easy and healthy chocolate chia pudding is perfect as a breakfast, snack or dessert. Vegan and naturally sweetened with dates, this is one sweet recipe you will make again and again. Made with brazil nuts and perfect as a make-ahead recipe to power you through the week.
I started off this week with a lip-smacking creamy Vegan Pasta, packed with veggies, and joyfully stretched our chocolate obsession with this super-moist Vegan Chocolate Cake
It's been an amazing week!
What is Chia Pudding?
Chia pudding is a dessert or snack made with chia seeds and some form of liquid, usually water or milk.
When chia seeds are mixed with liquid, they absorb it very quickly and thicken over time. It’s a great way to thicken desserts and preserves - without using extra sugar or a thickening agent, like gelatin.
How Healthy is Chia Pudding?
This Chia pudding is a nourishing recipe that can be eaten for breakfast, as a snack or dessert. "Chia" means strength, and in some cultures, these tiny seeds are used as a way to boost energy. And rightly so, as chia seeds are high in soluble fibre, it gives you a slow release of energy and promotes fullness. We know from research that these fibres may reduce blood cholesterol levels and keep blood sugars in check.
Chia seeds are also packed full of antioxidants, are regarded as a complete protein, and contain calcium, making them a great addition to a healthy balanced diet.
Although chia seeds contain 25 - 40 percent fat, the fat is derived from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. In fact, they are the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids.
How to Make Chocolate Chia Pudding in 3 Easy Steps
- Blend Brazil nuts, water, dates, mint, salt, cinnamon and cacao in a high-speed blender until you get smooth, creamy milk.
- In two clean and dry mason jars, add an equal amount of chia seeds.
- Pour the Brazil nut milk into the jars equally and stir to combine. Let them sit several minutes (or overnight) in the fridge until desired thickness is reached.
Top Tips for Making Chocolate Chia Pudding
- You can use any milk to make this chia pudding; oat, coconut or nut milk (soy) would work well.
- Make sure to use unsalted Brazil nuts.
- The longer you leave this pudding, the thicker the consistency will become.
- Mint goes perfectly with chocolate, but if you’re not a fan, you could try using orange zest, which would also work well.
- Make sure to use pure, unsweetened cacao powder for best results and nutritional benefits.
- Use Medjool dates if you're after a sweeter taste!
Nutrition Highlights
One serving* of this Chocolate Chia Pudding is:
- An excellent source of fibre
- Very high in iron
- A high source of calcium
- A good source of potassium
It also contains no added sugar.
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
If you choose to enjoy this recipe as a snack, remember to adjust the serving size and the nutritional analysis. I tend to portion out the chocolate chia pudding into smaller jars so they're ready to grab and go. Detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
More Delicious Recipes You Might Like:
Tell me, what is your favourite way to enjoy chocolate? Have you tried my chocolate chia pudding before? Leave me a comment below!
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Chocolate Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup Brazil nuts unsalted
- 5 dates Medjool
- 4 mint leaves medium/large
- ½ cup chia seeds
- 2 tbsp cacao powder unsweetened
- ½ tsp cinnamon powder
- ¼ tsp sea salt iodized
Instructions
- Blend Brazil nuts, water, dates, mint, cacao, salt and cinnamon in a high-speed blender until you achieve a smooth, creamy milk consistency.
- In two large clean and dry mason jars, add ¼ cup chia seeds. If making snack-size versions, add 2 tbsp of chia seeds to four small mason jars.
- Divide the Brazil nut milk equally among the two large jars. If making snack-size versions, divide the milk among the four small jars.
- Stir well, place the lid and refrigerate for at least three hours or overnight to achieve a thick and creamy consistency. Serve and enjoy with fresh strawberries or your favourite fruits!
Notes
- You can use any milk to make this chia pudding; oat, coconut or nut milk (soy) would work well.
- Make sure to use unsalted Brazil nuts (or nuts of choice)
- The longer you leave this pudding the thicker the texture will become.
- Mint goes perfectly with chocolate but if you’re not a fan you could try using orange zest which would also work well.
- Make sure to use pure, unsweetened cocoa powder for best results and nutritional benefits.
Please note the nutritional analysis values are estimates and suggestions. This nutrition facts table does not know your life - your body, including your hunger and satiety cues, change daily. It's okay to eat more or less. Say no to food guilt and instead embrace mindful eating.
Shahzadi is an award-winning registered dietitian (RD) regulated by the College of Dietitians of Ontario and certified diabetes educator (CDE), approved by the Canadian Diabetes Educator Certification Board. A YouTuber and notorious foodie, she's dedicated to helping you end your cooking wars, transform your health, and be the best version of yourself! Shahzadi is an on-air nutrition expert for CTV Your Morning and a regular contributor for Global News and other national media outlets.
Love this recipe. It’s tasty—just sweet enough, with interesting flavor notes. And the nuts are a unique twist that makes the pudding more satiating than other chia puddings I’ve tried.
Oh I'm thrilled to hear that dear Mitra! Thanks for sharing this feedback. So happy you enjoyed this one. Love, Shahzadix
Healthiest chia pudding!
thanks, Gen! Glad you think so!! 🙂