I’ll be honest: my love for chocolate runs deep. But when I started focusing on healthier eating habits, especially high-protein meals to support my workouts, I had to get a little creative.
That’s how this high protein chocolate banana chia pudding was born. It started on a Sunday evening when I had an overripe banana staring at me from the counter, a scoop of chocolate protein powder in my pantry, and zero motivation to cook.
So, I did what any lazy foodie would do: I mashed the banana, stirred in the rest, and popped it in the fridge.
By the next morning, what I found wasn’t just a passable healthy snack—it was a rich, creamy, dessert-like pudding that satisfied every craving without any guilt.
The natural sweetness of the banana, the deep flavor of the cocoa, and the texture of chia seeds made it feel like I was having a cheat meal, even though it was packed with nutrition.
Now, this pudding has become a part of my weekly rotation. Whether I need a quick breakfast, a pre-gym fuel-up, or something chocolatey after dinner, it always delivers. And the best part? It requires almost no effort. You just mix, wait, and enjoy.
This recipe is perfect if you’re trying to balance healthy eating with a love for sweet flavors. I make it ahead in jars so I can just grab one and go. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a treat, but your body will thank you for it.
What is High Protein Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding?
High protein chocolate banana chia pudding is a no-cook, nutrient-dense treat made by combining chia seeds, mashed banana, cocoa powder, and protein powder in milk or a plant-based alternative. As the chia seeds soak, they expand to create a pudding-like texture. The result is a thick, creamy, naturally sweet dish that’s perfect as a breakfast, snack, or dessert—with a generous boost of protein and fiber to keep you full.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
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No added sugar needed – The banana naturally sweetens the pudding.
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Great source of protein and fiber – Keeps you satisfied and energized.
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Meal prep friendly – Make it once, eat it for days.
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Deliciously chocolatey – Feels indulgent, tastes amazing.
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Vegan and gluten-free – Easily adaptable to your dietary needs.
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Perfect texture – Like a thick, creamy mousse when chilled.
Ingredients Needed to Make High Protein Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding
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1 ripe banana (medium-sized)
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3 tablespoons chia seeds
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1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
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1 scoop chocolate protein powder
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1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
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Optional toppings: dark chocolate chips, banana slices, granola, peanut butter drizzle
Instructions to Make High Protein Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding
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Mash the banana: In a medium bowl or jar, mash the ripe banana until smooth and creamy with no large chunks.
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Add wet ingredients: Stir in the almond milk and vanilla extract. Whisk well to combine.
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Mix in dry ingredients: Add the protein powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk until fully blended—make sure there are no lumps from the protein powder.
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Add chia seeds: Stir in the chia seeds. Mix thoroughly so the seeds are evenly distributed.
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Let it sit: Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again. This prevents the chia seeds from clumping at the bottom.
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Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
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Serve: Give it a stir before serving and top with your favorite add-ons like banana slices, nuts, or a spoonful of peanut butter.
High Protein Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana medium-sized
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: dark chocolate chips, banana slices, granola, peanut butter drizzle
Instructions
- Mash the banana: In a medium bowl or jar, mash the ripe banana until smooth and creamy with no large chunks.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the almond milk and vanilla extract. Whisk well to combine.
- Mix in dry ingredients: Add the protein powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk until fully blended—make sure there are no lumps from the protein powder.
- Add chia seeds: Stir in the chia seeds. Mix thoroughly so the seeds are evenly distributed.
- Let it sit: Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again. This prevents the chia seeds from clumping at the bottom.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
- Serve: Give it a stir before serving and top with your favorite add-ons like banana slices, nuts, or a spoonful of peanut butter.
Notes
What Goes Well with High Protein Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding
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Fresh fruit: Bananas (of course), strawberries, or blueberries
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Nut butters: Peanut, almond, or hazelnut butter for richness
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Crunchy toppings: Granola, chopped nuts, or cacao nibs
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Dairy-free yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang
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Coconut flakes: For a tropical twist
My Tips to Make the Best High Protein Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding
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Use a very ripe banana: The riper, the sweeter—no need for extra sugar.
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Whisk twice: Once initially and again after 5 minutes to avoid clumps.
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Consistency control: If it gets too thick, stir in a splash of milk before serving.
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Make it smooth: For a creamy texture, blend the mixture before adding chia seeds.
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Layer it up: Turn it into a parfait with layers of fruit, yogurt, and nuts.
Easy Variations of High Protein Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding
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Mocha banana: Add 1 tsp instant coffee for a caffeine boost.
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Coconut chocolate: Use coconut milk instead of almond milk.
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Berry banana: Mix in mashed raspberries or strawberries.
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Peanut butter swirl: Add a spoonful of peanut butter and stir lightly for a swirl effect.
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Oat-chia combo: Mix in 2 tablespoons of rolled oats for extra texture.
Best Way to Store High Protein Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding
I like to portion mine into small jars with lids. They keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just give it a stir before eating. You can even prep different variations in each jar so you don’t get bored. Freezing is not ideal for chia pudding—the texture won’t hold up.
Nutritional Value (approximate per serving)
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Calories: 300–340
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Protein: 18–25g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Fat: 10g
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Fiber: 9g
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Sugar: 10g (from banana and optional toppings)
FAQs
Can I make this without protein powder?
Yes! It won’t be as high in protein, but it’ll still taste great. Add Greek yogurt or extra chia for more protein.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, just thaw and mash them before using.
Is it sweet enough without added sugar?
For most, the banana adds enough sweetness. But feel free to add a touch of maple syrup if needed.
Can I blend everything?
Absolutely. Blend all ingredients except chia seeds, then stir them in afterward.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, as long as your protein powder and milk are plant-based.
Conclusion
There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking simple, wholesome ingredients and transforming them into something that tastes like dessert. This high protein chocolate banana chia pudding has truly become a comfort recipe for me—easy to make, nourishing, and delicious enough to cure any craving. I love how it strikes that perfect balance between health and indulgence. It’s like giving my body a hug and my taste buds a high five.
It also reminds me how creative we can be when we work with what we have. This pudding didn’t come from a fancy recipe book—it came from a single banana I didn’t want to waste. And now, it’s a staple I genuinely look forward to every week. There’s something oddly therapeutic about mixing it up in the evening, knowing that by morning, a jar of chocolatey goodness will be waiting for me.
I’ve played around with different versions over time—some with extra peanut butter, others with a dash of cinnamon or a spoonful of granola on top. No matter the twist, it never disappoints. And that’s the beauty of it—it’s a canvas you can personalize to your heart’s content.
If you’ve never tried chia pudding before, or if you’ve been let down by bland versions, I hope this one changes your mind. Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and most of all—enjoy it. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, and this recipe is proof. Let me know how you make it your own—I’d love to hear your variations!
