This High Protein Chia Pudding is like a creamy little power-up in a jar – thick, creamy, indulgent, and packed with protein to keep you full and energized. Made with just four simple ingredients, it’s ready in five minutes, and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert.
This recipe is my easy, feel-good take on the classic chia pudding. It’s quick, fuss-free, and endlessly customizable, making it the perfect canvas for your favorite flavors. Think vanilla with fresh berries, chocolate with banana, or caramel with crunchy granola. Whether you’re meal-prepping for a busy week, looking for a post-workout snack, or simply craving something wholesome and satisfying, this pudding proves that healthy eating can be simple, delicious, and totally enjoyable.
The best part? You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days, so a breakfast, snack, or dessert is always ready to go. With each spoonful, you get a creamy, indulgent texture with a subtle chia crunch, plus a boost of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s a delicious treat that feels luxurious, keeps you full, and can easily adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand – truly a little jar of happiness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 4 ingredients – Just Greek yogurt, milk, protein powder, and chia seeds. Simple, wholesome, and fuss-free, with no complicated shopping lists or fancy extras needed.
- Protein-packed goodness – Greek yogurt and protein powder keep you satisfied and fueled for hours, so you can start the day strong (or recover from a workout without feeling hungry again in an hour).
- Totally customizable – Top it with your favorite berries, a drizzle of nut butter, or a sprinkle of crunchy seeds. Every spoonful can be exactly how you like it.
- Perfect for meal prep – Make a few jars ahead and your breakfasts (or snacks!) are sorted for the week. Healthy eating, made effortless.
- Creamy & comforting – Smooth, luscious, and a little bit indulgent, with just the right chia crunch to make each bite fun.
- Guilt-free treat – Naturally sweet, wholesome, and totally nourishing. A little jar of happiness that feels like a treat without the sugar overload.
What makes this chia pudding healthy?
Greek Yogurt = Protein & Probiotics – Thick, creamy, and full of high-quality protein, Greek yogurt keeps you feeling full and supports muscle recovery. The probiotics are gentle on your gut and help support digestion, making this a breakfast (or snack) that’s nourishing from the inside out.
Milk = Calcium & Protein – A splash of milk not only adds natural creaminess, it also provides calcium and vitamin D to support strong bones and teeth. Plant-based options like almond, oat, or soy milk work beautifully too, keeping the pudding smooth and luscious while adding subtle flavour undertones.
Protein Powder = Extra Protein Boost – Ideal for active mornings, post-workout recovery, or simply to help keep you full until lunch. Any flavor works: vanilla, chocolate, or coffee-infused, and each variation adds a subtle depth of taste while giving a strong protein punch.
Chia Seeds = Fiber & Omega-3s – Tiny but mighty, chia seeds are packed with fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. They naturally thicken the pudding and add a fun, slightly crunchy texture while keeping you satisfied for hours. Plus, they help balance the creaminess of the yogurt for a perfectly textured bite every time.
Ingredients Needed
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this High Protein Chia Pudding. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Greek Yogurt – Thick, tangy, and full of probiotics, Greek yogurt gives the pudding its smooth, indulgent texture. It’s the perfect foundation for a breakfast or snack that feels like a treat but fuels your day.
Milk – Adds creaminess and helps the chia seeds hydrate properly. Use dairy or plant-based milk – almond, oat, soy, or coconut – to achieve that silky texture. Each option brings a subtle nuance of flavor that complements the yogurt and protein powder beautifully.
Protein Powder – Any flavor works! Protein powder adds staying power to your breakfast or snack while subtly enhancing the sweetness and richness of the pudding. It’s a simple way to make this recipe feel more filling and energizing.
Chia Seeds – Fiber, omega-3s, and antioxidants in every spoonful. Chia seeds thicken the pudding naturally, add a fun crunch, and make it more satisfying, helping keep hunger at bay.
Ingredient Substitutions
Greek Yogurt: Skyr, coconut yogurt, or any high-protein alternative works beautifully. Each option keeps the pudding thick and creamy while adding its own subtle flavor twist.
Milk: Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk keeps it plant-based and dairy-free, while still adding the smooth creaminess needed for perfect pudding texture.
Protein Powder: Any flavor or plant-based protein powder works. Vanilla, chocolate, or coffee flavors are all delicious, and even unflavored powders are great if you want a more neutral base to add your own toppings.
Chia Seeds: Flax seeds, hemp seeds, or a combination can be used instead. They thicken the pudding similarly while offering slightly different textures and nutrient benefits.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl or Jar – Perfect for combining the yogurt, milk, and protein powder before adding the chia seeds. A jar works especially well if you want to make it directly in your serving container.
- Spoon or Whisk – For stirring everything together evenly so the protein powder fully blends with the yogurt and milk. A whisk helps keep the mixture smooth and lump-free.
- Refrigerator – For chilling the pudding. This allows the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into that creamy, spoonable texture we all love.
How to Make This High Protein Chia Pudding
Here is a detailed summary of how to make this recipe. I’ve also included some photos, and you can find the recipe video in the recipe card. At the bottom of this page is a summarized version that can be printed.
Step One:
Add the Greek yogurt, milk, and protein powder to a bowl or jar. Mix thoroughly until completely smooth and creamy, making sure there are no lumps. This is the base of your pudding, so take a moment to enjoy the silky texture!
Step Two:
Stir in the chia seeds until evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Make sure the seeds are well combined – they will swell and thicken the pudding as it chills, so an even mix ensures perfect texture.
Step Three:
Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The chia seeds absorb the liquid and expand, creating a thick, spoonable pudding. For a more even consistency, stir the pudding once halfway through chilling.
Step Four:
When ready to serve, spoon the pudding into bowls or jars. Add your favorite toppings such as fresh berries, sliced banana, granola, nuts, or a drizzle of nut butter for extra indulgence. Each topping adds texture, flavour, and an extra nutrient boost.
Tips & Notes:
- Mix flavors and toppings to keep breakfast exciting and new every day.
- Make the pudding the night before for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or snack.
- Stir halfway if leaving overnight to ensure the chia seeds are evenly hydrated.
- Add crunchy toppings just before eating to keep them crisp and enjoyable.
- Experiment with spices like cinnamon, cocoa, or vanilla extract to add subtle flavor variations.
How to store Chia Pudding
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep or a quick weekday breakfast.
Freezer: Not recommended as the texture may change and become watery upon thawing.
Frequently asked questions:
Can I make this pudding vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative like coconut or soy yogurt, and use almond, oat, or soy milk. Make sure your protein powder is plant-based as well to keep it fully vegan. The chia seeds will still thicken beautifully.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pudding is perfect for meal prep. Make a few jars in advance and store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The flavours often deepen over time, and it’s ready to grab-and-go for busy mornings or post-workout fuel.
Can I use flavored protein powder?
Yes! Vanilla, chocolate, caramel, or berry-flavored protein powders all work wonderfully. Flavor your pudding according to your mood or what toppings you plan to add. Just keep an eye on sweetness if your powder already has added sugar.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it’s packed with protein! Greek yogurt and protein powder give a satisfying boost, helping you feel full for hours. Pair it with a handful of nuts or seeds on top to increase protein and healthy fats even more.
Can I change the milk or yogurt type?
Definitely! Full-fat, low-fat, or plant-based milks and yogurts all work. The milk affects creaminess slightly, and plant-based yogurts can give a slightly different tang or sweetness, but the pudding will still thicken perfectly thanks to the chia seeds.
Are chia seeds really healthy?
Absolutely! Chia seeds are rich in fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein. They support digestion, heart health, and satiety, while adding a fun, slightly crunchy texture to this creamy pudding.
more meal-prep breakfast recipes for you:
- PB & J Blended Overnight Oats
- Ferrero Rocher Overnight Oats
- Carrot Cake Baked Oats
- Overnight Weetbix (5 ways)
Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also, let me know on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!
High Protein Chia Pudding (only 4 ingredients)
Equipment
- Bowl or jar
- Spoon or whisk
- Refrigerator for chilling
Ingredients
- 100 g Greek yogurt – ½ cup
- 60 ml milk – ¼ cup
- 25 g protein powder – ¼ cup
- 20 g chia seeds – 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Mix Greek yogurt, milk, and protein powder until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in chia seeds until fully combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Serve with toppings of choice like berries, granola, or a drizzle of nut butter.
Video
Notes
- Switch up the flavor: Use any protein powder flavor you love – vanilla, chocolate, or caramel all work beautifully.
- Prep ahead: Make it the night before for a ready-to-go breakfast, snack, or post-workout boost.
- Texture tip: Give it a quick stir halfway through chilling to keep the chia seeds evenly distributed.
- Top it your way: Add fresh fruit, berries, granola, or a drizzle of nut butter for extra texture and flavor.
- Stay creamy: If the pudding thickens too much, add a splash of milk and stir before serving.
- Add a flavor twist: Mix in cinnamon, cocoa powder, or vanilla extract for an easy upgrade.
- Meal prep: Store in sealed jars for up to 3–4 days – perfect for busy mornings or snack breaks.
Nutrition
Let me know in the comments below if you make this High Protein Chia Pudding!
