Decadent and Healthy Dark Chocolate Chia Pudding

Satisfy any chocolate craving with this healthy creamy and rich dark chocolate chia pudding.  The chia seeds absorb the liquid overnight to create a pudding-like consistency that can be a satisfying and nutritious breakfast, snack, or dessert. It’s a great make-ahead option.

You’ll get fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants from the chia seeds and dark chocolate. We've used unsweetened cocoa powder and a natural sugar substitute to keep the added sugar low, making it a great choice for those managing blood sugar levels. Healthy fats and fiber support fullness and help stabilize blood sugar for lasting energy and weight management. 

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Have the pudding on its own, add a high-protein side, or choose from a variety of toppings like fruit, nuts, or seeds for more texture and nourishment.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Before serving, top your pudding with a colorful mix of berries like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for extra antioxidants and vitamins.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons per serving of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a satisfying crunch and a boost of healthy fats. Pumpkin or sunflower seeds are another good choice!
• Add ½ cup of sliced or chopped fresh or frozen mango, pineapple, or peach for sweetness and antioxidants. 
• For extra protein, serve with 2-4 scrambled egg whites or a hard-boiled egg.
• For fiber and whole grains, top with ¼-½ cup of unsweetened whole-grain cereal or oats.
• For a satisfying protein bowl, blend your pudding with ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt before serving. 
• For more protein, use fat-free cow’s milk instead of almond milk. You’ll add 40 calories and 4 grams of protein per serving.

Recipe for Healthy Dark Chocolate Chia Pudding

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients: 

• ¼ cup chia seeds
• 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1-2 tablespoons of natural sugar substitute, or to taste, such as stevia, or 1 tablespoon of honey
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions: 

1. In a medium bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together the chia seeds, almond milk, cocoa powder, sugar substitute, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Make sure there are no clumps of cocoa powder and the mixture is well combined.
2. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, then whisk again to break up any clumps that may have formed.
3. Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, until the pudding has a thick, gel-like consistency.
4. To serve, divide the pudding into two bowls or glasses. Add any desired toppings. 

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Nutrition information per serving (with 1/2 small banana and 1 tablespoon of chopped walnuts): 285 calories, 17 grams of fat, 2.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 mg of cholesterol, 165 mg of sodium, 31 grams of carbohydrates, 15 grams of sugar, 13 grams of dietary fiber, 8 grams of protein.