This dark chocolate chia pudding with pistachio is the perfect example of a scrumptious after-dinner treat that will leave you feeling satisfied; plus, it also makes a delicious breakfast. The chia seeds provide protein and fiber, while the cocoa powder and honey contribute antioxidants. And who can resist the sweetness and crunch of pistachios? Prepare this easy pudding for a special occasion or any day when you're in the mood for something sweet. Enjoy!

Have this fantastic treat as a healthy vegan breakfast or an easy vegan dessert. Same way as you would have our brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal, creamy pumpkin overnight oats, or the blueberry version.
Jump to:
🧾 Ingredients
- chia seeds
- dark cocoa powder
- pistachio cream
- almond milk
- pure maple syrup
- nutmeg

Optional:
Crushed pistachio
🔪 Instructions
To make chocolate chia pudding mix the chia seeds with the almond milk, followed by the cacao powder and the rest of the ingredients but the pistachio cream in a mason jar and let the mixture sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Let the chocolate chia pudding sit for a minimum of 2 hours

Add your favorite toppings
Serve. When ready to eat, you can make a layered chia pudding, simply adding one tablespoon of pistachio cream to each chocolate chia seed pudding and optionally top with crumbled pistachio, unsweetened cocoa powder, cacao nibs, or vegan mini chocolate chips.
We also like using vegan yogurt flavored with vanilla or pistachio.
You can also top the cocoa chia pudding with fresh fruit like fresh berries.

📖 Variations
Pistacchio cream - we love using pistachio-flavored plan-based yogurt on top, which comes with extra protein and fewer calories. You can also use coconut cream.
If you love pistachios, check out our vegan pesto pistachio, de-li-cious!
Flavoring - instead of using pistachio, you could use your favorite nuts and nut butter, such as vegan Nutella chia pudding, peanut butter, or almond butter, then go for the alternative nuts, like crushed hazelnuts, peanuts, or almonds as toppings.
Vanilla and almond extract also pair well with this chocolate chia pudding recipe.
Plant milk - use your favorite non-dairy milk option; we like almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, rice milk, and coconut milk. You can also use vegan chocolate milk and skip the cocoa powder as well.
Chia seeds - you could make a very similar recipe, a tapioca pudding, following exactly the same steps but using tapioca instead of chia seeds, or a combination of the two.
Mocha - make a coffee chia seed pudding, a super yummy treat! Add espresso powder to the chia pudding mix.
Sweet flavor - instead of maple syrup, use agave nectar, stevia, coconut sugar, or brown sugar. Pure maple syrup is our sweetener of choice for making chocolate pudding as it complies with a WFPB diet.
More protein - to make a high-protein chia pudding, you can add a scoop of vanilla-flavored, chocolate-flavored, or unflavored clean protein powder (affiliate link)to the chia pudding mix before letting it sit in a mason jar.

🫙 Storage
This chocolate chia seed pudding can be stored for 2-3 days in mason jars in the fridge. Always put a lid on it. Otherwise, it will dry up.
❓ FAQ
Although a chia seed pudding is much better when fresh or stored only for a couple of days if you make a large batch as meal prep, you can freeze it in portions and thaw it overnight as needed.

✅ What are the benefits of chia seeds?
When it comes to health benefits, chia seeds are a true powerhouse. They’re an excellent source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are important for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Chia seeds are also high in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
Additionally, these tiny seeds are a good source of protein and calcium, making them ideal for vegetarians and vegans who may be lacking in these nutrients.
So what does all this mean for you? Including chia seeds in your diet can help you lose weight, lower your cholesterol levels, improve your blood sugar control, and reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
💭 Calories in chia pudding
An almond chia pudding made with 3 tablespoons of chia seeds plus 1 cup of almond milk has 210 calories, 16 grams of Carbohydrates, 7 grams of protein, and 14 grams of fats, 13 grams of fiber.
An oat milk chia pudding made with 3 tablespoons of chia seeds plus 1 cup of oat milk has 303 calories, 39 grams of Carbohydrates, 10 grams of protein, 14 grams of fats 14 grams of fiber.
📚 More healthy sweet snacks
Hungry for more chia pudding recipes? Try our oats and chia pudding, 3-ingredient oat milk chia pudding, and creamy cardamom rice pudding, and soon will be sharing our raspberry chia pudding.
Do you want more healthy vegan chocolate recipes? Try out our Vegan Lava Cake and Nut Roman Cake, perfect for the holiday season.
⭐ If you try this recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
📋 Recipe

Dark Chocolate Chia Pudding with Pistachio cream
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons chia seeds
- 4 teaspoons cocoa powder organic dark
- 2 tablespoons pistachio cream or pistachio butter
- 1 ½ cups almond milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ sea salt fine
Optional toppings
- 2 tablespoon pistachio crushed
- 1 plant-based yogurt pistachio flavored
- chocolate chips sugar-free dark, or cacao nibs
Directions
- Mix. Mix all the ingredients but the pistachio cream in a mason jar and let the mixture sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Serve. When ready to eat, add one tablespoon of pistachio cream to each chia pudding and optionally top with crumbled pistachio, yogurt, or cacao nibs.
Nutrition Facts
🌡️ Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking points to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
Michelle says
I make chia pudding often but this was next level!!
Gus says
Hey Michele, I am very glad you liked the chocolate pudding! 🙂
nancy says
this dark chocolate chia pudding with pistachio was delightful. It was super creamy and easy to make. i had no idea that chia seeds in my pudding would be so filling!
Melanie says
Warm and chocolatey flavors make this a delightful treat any time of day! Yum!
Holly says
Excellent flavor pairing! I served this pudding as a dessert and the family loved it!
Gus says
That's great Holly! I am glad you all loved it! 🙂
Natalie says
Your recipes always make me hungry guys! This is such a delicious pudding recipe, you are awesome!
Kushigalu says
This pudding was amazing and super rich. Looks delicious and great pics.
Gus says
I am glad you enjoyed the dark chocolate pudding, Kushigalu!
Irena says
Looks like something you'd get at a fancy restaurant or cafe. Gorgeous colours and flavours!
Kris says
This totally satisfied my cravings! Rich, flavorful and easy! Thank you. 🙂
Gus says
I am glad you liked it, Kris! We love munching on a. nice chocolate chia pudding as a healthy snack!
Anjali says
This pudding was so delicious and I loved that it was a healthy dessert too!!
Tara says
Oh yum! So many delicious things packed into this pudding. It looks so good and I love the texture from the chia seeds.