If you are looking for a healthy and delicious breakfast (or snack or dessert even!) that you can make ahead and will be excited to eat every day of the week then I would love for you to give this chocolate chia parfait a try.

You are going to love it…

The combination of the rich chocolate chia pudding and that creamy peanut butter infused yogurt is just plain delicious and the fact that there is no added or artificial sweeteners in this parfait is kind of tough to believe. This nutritious breakfast that tastes more like a dessert is actually a high protein meal full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants and I love that.

It has become my go-to breakfast/afternoon snack. It’s cool, creamy, and lightly sweet. Topped off with fresh fruit, homemade granola, and a drizzle of nut butter it tastes like dessert, but it’s packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

The humble chia pudding, star of the overnight breakfast, now adapted into an easy and delicious protein-rich recipe! With less than 10 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for a stress-free start to your day.

Another reason I love this chia pudding? It keeps in the fridge for about 5 days. So if you are a fan of meal prepping, this recipe is for you. Make a batch of chia seed pudding on the weekend, and portion it into individual jars or containers. You will have a quick, healthy breakfast ready for every day of the week!

Chia seed popularity has surged due to growing consumer interest in health-promoting “superfoods,” driven by their rich nutritional profile including high fiber, omega-3s, and protein content, as well as their versatility and ability to be incorporated into various dietary trends like plant-based and gluten-free diets.

Social media platforms, health influencers, and wellness campaigns have further fueled this trend, spreading awareness of their benefits for heart health, digestion, and weight management.

This delightful chia pudding is basically an alternate (and much more delicious!) way of getting your protein shake in. So, whatever protein powder you already use for your before/after gym/bed shake will work. This recipe is a simple and tasty protein-rich snack or dessert that is loaded with 20+ grams of protein!

Chia seeds have high amounts of calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, selenium and copper. Often referred to as one of the world’s most nutritious foods they pack a mighty punch, aiding digestion, supporting heart health, and providing a sustained source of energy throughout the day.

For example…

2 tablespoons of chia seeds has:
64% more potassium than a banana
5 times more calcium than milk
41% of your daily fibre
3 x more iron than spinach
2 x the antioxidants of blueberries
100% more omega-3 than salmon

Indulge guilt-free in this healthy dish that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also supports your well-being.  Its a delicious way to treat yourself while nourishing your body from the inside out.

One of the best thing about chia pudding for me is…the toppings! I can go simple, over-the-top, or somewhere in between – whatever I’m feeling that day and I never get bored with the same thing day after day. On its own, chia pudding is creamy, rich, and lightly sweet. But let’s be honest: the best part of any chia seed pudding recipe is the toppings! Load up your chia seed pudding for a healthy breakfast or snack! If you are meal prepping, wait to add the toppings until right before you eat.

Really, it’s more than just a recipe to me. Along with overnight oats, chia seed pudding is part of the foundation of my healthier way of eating. It’s one of the simple, nourishing dishes that started it all and holds a special place in my heart.

It may seem silly to feel nostalgic about some chia seeds and milk, but I do. Every time I make this, I can’t eat it without thinking back to the early days of experimenting with recipes, figuring out what worked, and how far this journey has come.

Needless to say this chia seed pudding has stuck with me through the years for many reasons – it’s easy, wholesome, and I can make it taste like whatever I’m craving. Hope it works for you too.  😊

Chocolate Chia Protein Parfait

Don’t want to spend your mornings in the kitchen? Make this simple, 8-ingredient chia seed pudding that's thick, creamy and delicious. It tastes like dessert, but it's filled with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Loaded with nutrients and perfect for breakfast, dessert or a snack.

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword chia breakfast protein pudding, chocolate chia protein pudding, creamy chocolate chia protein pudding, easy healthy breakfast

Servings 2

Ingredients

Chocolate Chia Pudding

• 1 cup coconut or almond milk
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 scoops protein or collagen peptides powder
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Peanut Butter Yogurt

• 1/2 cup thick Greek-style yogurt, plain or vanilla
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter

Toppings Optional

• Granola
• Crushed, roasted peanuts
• Chocolate chips or shavings
• Fresh fruit or berries
• Shredded coconut

Instructions

Chocolate Chia Pudding

• In a medium bowl, whisk the milk, chia seeds, cocoa powder, protein powder, honey and vanilla extract until well combined. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, then whisk again to prevent the chia seeds from clumping.

  Cover the chia pudding and refrigerate until thick and creamy, at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.  

Peanut Butter Yogurt

• Whisk peanut butter into the yogurt until fully combined

  Once the chocolate chia is set, layer into 2 small glasses and garnish with salted peanuts, granola, chocolate chips or chosen toppings to serve.

Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites