Whether you’re privy to hemp milk, oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk, this protein-infused chia pudding recipe (vegan) is a versatile concoction that can be made with many different ingredients. And with any vegan chia pudding recipe, it’s probably best topped fresh fruit, cinnamon, nut butter, coconut flakes, and anything in between.
Because chia seeds and plant milk alone is a little boring, it only seemed natural to jack-this-recipe-up with some vegan protein powder. So in this chia pudding recipe, we used one of our favorite products, PlantFusion Complete Protein. It adds a nice layer of sweetness, creaminess, and taste with heady dose of BCAA-rich protein. But because this product has 4 grams of sugar (and the recipe as whole as 6 grams), you could also make a very low sugar option using a keto-friendly protein powder.
The dynamic duo that’s really easy to make and even easier to keep on hand for quick breakfasts, snacks, and post-workout recovery meals.
Leveraging this vegan chia pudding recipe is a simple secret weapon to keep on hand, especially if you’re athletic and don’t want to compromise recovery and nutrition. Personally, I am not always interested in blending a proper smoothie, so with this pudding already prepared in the fridge, I can literally mix in protein powder and a bit more milk to call it complete.
Although this protein chia pudding recipe is both easy and adaptable to whatever you have on hand, we do provide a proper step-by-step instruction using some of our favorite ingredients and ratios. While this recipe is simply a foundation (and does not actually include berries), here’s a picture of this vegan chia pudding with some raspberries and blackberries. Isn’t that nice?
What’s different about this concoction versus other vegan chia pudding recipes is that it’s very vanilla forward. The use of vanilla extract and vanilla flavored protein powder makes for a delightful combination, especially when using a quality product like PlantFusion protein powder. Alternatively, you could spin this chia pudding recipe by using a chocolate flavored protein powder. Now that would be amazing with some peanut butter!
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups plant milk
- 3/4 cup of chia seeds (or 12 tablespoons)
- 1 scoop of vegan protein powder=
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
Directions
Before you add protein powder, you’ll want to ensure your chia seeds have rested in milk for a couple hours, ideally 3 for large batches (1-2 if you’re in a big ass hurry.)
- Prepare you chia pudding base by whisking 4 cups of the plant milk with the chia seeds and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes and then whisk again. Do this again at least one more time before letting the mixture rest. Cover the bowl (or add to a large jar), and let sit for 3 hours or refrigerate over night.
- To complete the protein chia pudding, stir or whisk in a scoop of protein powder and ½ cup of plant milk. Add additional plant milk for desired viscosity.
- Enjoy your vegan protein chia pudding. Keep in the fridge for up to 5-7 days, depending on how savage you are. Great toppings include berries, banana, nut butters, coconut flakes/shavings, cacao nibs, more chia seeds, cinnamon, maple syrup, hard boiled eggs and granola. Just kidding about the eggs.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information for vegan chia pudding in the photos is based on Califia Unsweetened Almond Milk and PlantFusion Complete Protein.
1,099 calories, 80g carbs, 69g fat, 50g protein, 1,140mg sodium, 6g sugar
More About the Protein Chia Pudding Vegan Recipe
Have you ever had Health Warrior Chia Bars? The coconut flavor is fantastic. I like to think of this chia pudding recipe as the pudding version of those bars. It’s got texture. It’s got protein. It’s got chia seeds. Awww chia!
What’s awesome about this chia pudding recipe is that it’s a basic, foundational recipe. It gives you permission to experiment with your own variations, whether you’re looking to enjoy for breakfast, as a snack or healthy dessert. It’s entirely vegan, gluten-free, paleo and even keto-friendly depending on the protein powder that you choose to use.
For many of us, chia seeds are a staple in our diets. They are loaded with fiber and omega three fatty acids, and also contain a nice dose of magnesium. The nice thing about chia seeds now compared to 5-10 years ago is that they’re very accessible and far more affordable. Almost all grocery stores now carry chia seeds, and you can typically find them for $4-5 per pound.
Chia seeds combined with any liquid (but ideally milk for its creamy texture) provide an easy base for limitless creativity. We’ve found adding a delicious tasting vegan protein powder to offer an easy way to enhance a simple chia pudding recipe. We hope you dig it!
Legends never die.
