Chocolate Chia Pudding Cups (Healthy & Creamy)

By Karyl Laeving. Updated December 22, 2025. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 108 votes

These Chocolate Chia Pudding Cups are ultra creamy, deeply chocolatey, and naturally sweetened with simple pantry ingredients. If you are searching for the healthiest chocolate chia pudding cups that still taste rich and indulgent, this recipe delivers every single time.

Chocolate Chia Pudding Cups (Healthy & Creamy)

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• Author: Karyl Laeving
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x

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Description

These Chocolate Chia Pudding Cups are thick, creamy, and naturally sweetened. Made with chia seeds, cocoa powder, and milk, they set up in the fridge with zero cooking and are perfect for meal prep breakfasts or healthy desserts.

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Ingredients

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1 cup (240 ml) milk of choice

2 tablespoons (10 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 ml) maple syrup (or honey), to taste

1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract

Pinch of salt (optional, boosts chocolate flavor)

1/4 cup (40 g) chia seeds

Optional toppings: berries, Greek yogurt, shaved dark chocolate, nut butter drizzle

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk the milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until completely smooth and glossy.

2. Stir in the chia seeds until evenly distributed.

3. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumps and ensure even thickening.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4 to 8 hours, until thick and creamy.

5. Stir once more, then portion into cups or jars. Add toppings and serve chilled.

Notes

Do not skip the second stir after 5 minutes. It makes the texture much creamier and more even.

If your pudding is too thick after chilling, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons milk before serving.

If it is too thin, stir in 1 tablespoon (10 g) chia seeds and chill 30 to 60 minutes more.

For an ultra-smooth texture, blend the mixture before chilling.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Healthy Desserts
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

About This Recipe

What It Is

Chocolate chia pudding cups are a no-cook, chilled dessert or breakfast made by soaking chia seeds in chocolate-flavored milk until thick and spoonable. The result is a pudding-like texture that feels decadent while staying nutrient-dense.

Why It Works

Chia seeds absorb up to 10 times their weight in liquid, creating a creamy gel without cooking, cornstarch, or eggs. When combined with cocoa powder, the flavor turns rich and dessert-like while remaining naturally balanced.

When to Make It

This recipe is perfect for meal prep Sundays, quick weekday breakfasts, post-workout snacks, or healthy desserts when chocolate cravings strike.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chia Pudding Cups Recipe

• Naturally sweetened with no refined sugar
• Rich chocolate flavor with a creamy, luxurious texture
• No bake, no cooking, and no blender required
• Perfect for meal prep and make-ahead snacking
• Easily customizable for dairy-free, vegan, or high-protein diets

Key Ingredients & Notes

Chia Seeds

Use black or white chia seeds, both work equally well. They are the thickening agent and provide fiber, omega-3s, and structure. Fresh chia seeds are essential for proper gelling.

Milk

Any milk works here. Dairy milk creates a classic creamy texture. Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk work beautifully for dairy-free options. Full-fat coconut milk gives the richest result.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Choose a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa gives a smoother, darker taste, while natural cocoa is slightly sharper. According to cocoa science explained by Healthline, cocoa powder adds antioxidants without excess sugar.

Natural Sweetener

Maple syrup is ideal for clean flavor and smooth texture. Honey works well too. Adjust sweetness to taste since cocoa brands vary in bitterness.

Vanilla Extract and Salt

Vanilla enhances chocolate depth. A tiny pinch of salt makes the cocoa taste fuller and more balanced.

How to Make Chocolate Chia Pudding Cups

Step 1: Mix the Chocolate Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup (240 ml) milk, 2 tablespoons (10 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 ml) maple syrup, ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt. Whisk until fully smooth with no cocoa clumps.

Step 2: Add Chia Seeds

Stir in ¼ cup (40 g) chia seeds. Mix thoroughly so the seeds are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Rest and Stir Again

Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again. This second stir prevents clumping and ensures an even pudding texture.

Step 4: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4 to 8 hours, until thick and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble Cups

Stir once more, then spoon into serving cups or jars. Add toppings if desired and serve cold.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Always whisk cocoa powder with liquid before adding chia seeds to avoid bitterness pockets.
2. Do not skip the second stir after 5 minutes. It guarantees a smooth texture.
3. If your pudding is too thick, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons milk before serving.
4. For ultra-smooth pudding, blend the mixture before chilling.
5. Chill overnight for the creamiest consistency.
6. Taste after chilling and adjust sweetness if needed.
7. Use glass jars for meal prep to keep flavors fresh.

Variations & Substitutions

• High-Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding Cups: Stir in Greek yogurt after chilling, inspired by this Greek Yogurt Protein Cups (20g High Protein Snack) on FlavorAndRecipes.com.
• Vegan Version: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk and maple syrup.
• Mocha Chia Pudding: Add ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate: Swirl in nut butter like the flavors used in No-Bake Peanut Butter Yogurt Cups (High Protein).
• Dessert Style: Layer with yogurt and berries similar to No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups (Fresh & Creamy), a trending reader favorite.

Serving & Storage

Serving

Serve chilled straight from the fridge. Top with berries, shaved dark chocolate, yogurt, or whipped coconut cream.

Storage

Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended as the texture becomes grainy after thawing.

Reheating

This recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make chocolate chia pudding cups without cocoa powder?

Yes, but the chocolate flavor will be missing. You can substitute cacao powder or melted dark chocolate, adjusting sweetness as needed.

Why is my chia pudding watery?

This usually means too much liquid or old chia seeds. Stir again and chill longer or add 1 tablespoon chia seeds and rest 30 minutes.

Is chocolate chia pudding healthy?

Yes. It is high in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. According to BBC Good Food, chia seeds support digestion and sustained energy.

Can kids eat chocolate chia pudding cups?

Absolutely. This recipe is naturally sweetened and family-friendly.

How long does chia pudding take to set?

It thickens after 2 hours but reaches optimal creaminess at 4 to 8 hours.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chia Pudding Cups prove that healthy desserts can be creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this recipe is a reliable favorite you will come back to again and again.

If you make this recipe, leave a rating, drop a comment, and share your photos. Do not forget to subscribe to the Flavor & Recipes newsletter for more trending healthy treats.