chocolate banana chia protein pudding — Makes: *1 Serving*
Per Serving: *25g Protein | 250 Cal*

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Whether you’re trying to get more protein in first thing in the morning or you’re doing your best not to sabotage your goals when snacking (or you just need a little protein-boosted sweet treat at the end of the day), it can sometimes feel difficult to find something that meets your needs without being the usual boring options. Luckily, this Overnight Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding is a total game-changer. If you love overnight oats, you've got to try this chocolate banana chia pudding recipe. In just five minutes of prep time, you can have a tasty, nutritious treat ready to fuel your day. Perfect for those busy mornings when you need something healthy but don’t have time to cook.

A healthy breakfast is so important to start your day off right and this chocolate chia pudding is an ideal decadent yet healthy recipe that you can make any day of the week.

Ingredients

1 scoop of your favorite chocolate protein powder (use plant-based protein for vegan version)
1/2 cup 0% fat Greek yogurt (use a non-dairy version if you're vegan)
1.5 tablespoons chia seeds (you can find these at Trader Joe's and lots of other major grocery stores)
1/4 ripe banana, sliced
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or another non-dairy milk like coconut milk or soy milk
1 teaspoon stevia drops or your favorite 0-calorie sweetener
Optional: Add 1 tablespoon of cacao powder for extra chocolate flavor or cacao nibs for sprinkling on top
Optional: Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for even more flavor

Directions

Stir the protein powder, yogurt, sweetener, and chia seeds with almond milk.
Place banana slices on top.
Place in the fridge overnight or for a couple of hours to set.

Pro Tip: You can substitute the chocolate protein powder with any flavor to switch it up! Banana cream is a delicious alternative. And if you're not a fan of protein powder, no worries – this recipe is still high in protein thanks to the Greek yogurt and chia seeds.

recipe graphic with a photo of the finished overnight chocolate banana chia protein pudding and the recipe title

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy Prep: With just five minutes of prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into any busy schedule. Simply mix, refrigerate, and enjoy.

2. High in Protein: This pudding packs a protein punch with the combination of Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and protein powder, helping you stay full and energized.

3. Customizable: Swap out the chocolate protein powder for your favorite flavor or add extra toppings like nuts, berries, or coconut flakes to switch things up a bit.

4. Healthy and Delicious: With the natural sweetness of banana and stevia, this pudding satisfies your sweet tooth without added sugars.

5. High Fiber: Thanks to a hefty serving of chia seeds, this breakfast is packed with fiber and omega 3s - just what you're looking for in a healthy snack.

Meal Prep Tips

Make Multiple Servings: Prepare several servings at once by multiplying the ingredients and using a mixing bowl to stir your pudding together. Store each serving in a separate container so you can grab and go throughout the week.
Use Mini Mason Jars: A mason jar is the perfect vessel for storing this pudding. It's airtight, which helps keep your pudding fresh, and easy to stack in the fridge.
Add Toppings Later: To keep toppings like nuts, coconut flakes, or fresh fruit from getting soggy, add them just before eating.
Label Your Containers: If you’re making different flavors, label your containers with the type of protein powder or toppings you’ve used to make it easy to grab the one you’re looking for.
Stir Well Before Eating: Give your pudding a good stir before enjoying to ensure even distribution of all the yummy ingredients.

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

If chia seeds aren't a regular part of your diet, you might not know that much about them. These tiny seeds are a small but mighty addition to your diet, adding all kinds of potential health benefits. Here are a few:

Rich in Nutrients: Chia seeds are packed with essential nutrients including fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and important micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
High Fiber: With about 10 grams of fiber per ounce, chia seeds help promote digestive health and keep you feeling full longer, which can aid in weight management if that's part of your wellness journey.
Loaded with Antioxidants: Antioxidants in chia seeds help fight free radicals in your body, reducing inflammation and potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Excellent Source of Omega-3s: These seeds are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health and brain function.
Supports Healthy Bones: The high levels of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in chia seeds contribute to maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Boosts Energy and Metabolism: The combination of protein, fiber, and fat in chia seeds provides sustained energy and helps regulate metabolism.

Chocolate Banana Chia Protein Pudding

Watch the Tutorial

FAQs

Absolutely! Just replace the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and ensure your protein powder is vegan.
For the best texture, let it set overnight. However, if you’re in a rush, a couple of hours in the fridge will do the trick.
Yes! The beauty of this recipe is that it's oh so customizable. If you're not feeling the banana slices, consider a drizzle of almond butter or peanut butter, shredded coconut, cacao nibs, or even a handful of chocolate chips.
Yes! Feel free to use your preferred sweetener. Honey, a touch of maple syrup, or a bit of agave syrup are great alternatives if you’re looking for something else to sweeten your pudding.
If the texture of chia seeds isn’t your favorite, you can use a food processor to blend the mixture before refrigerating it for a creamy texture.
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want to make and store each serving in an airtight container. It’s a great way to meal prep for the week.

Enjoy this chocolate chia seed pudding any time of day. It's the best healthy breakfast or simple dessert. It’s an easy, healthy recipe that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.