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This Protein Chia Pudding is packed with 22 grams of protein per serving and is made completely without protein powder. It’s thick, creamy, and tastes just like a creamy cheesecake that will keep you full and energized.
Table of Contents
When I first shared this Protein Chia Pudding recipe on the Choosing Chia Instagram, it went viral with over 1.4 million views and more than 14,000 people saving the recipe to make later. It’s safe to say this one has become a community favourite.
Unlike most other high-protein chia puddings this version is made without protein powder gets its creaminess and protein from blended cottage cheese, like I use for my Protein Pancake Bowl, giving it a rich, cheesecake-like flavour. I love using cottage cheese in recipes like this because it creates the perfect thick and creamy texture without that chalky aftertaste that sometimes comes with protein powder.
When To Make This
- Busy mornings: Prep it the night before for an easy grab-and-go breakfast that can be enjoyed at home or taken on the go.
- Post-workout snack: With 22 grams of protein, and 9 grams of fibre, it’s perfect for refuelling after a workout. Enjoy it with a Banana Protein Ball on the side for an extra boost!
- Healthy dessert: The creamy cheesecake-like texture makes it taste like dessert but with nourishing ingredients.
- Weekly meal prep: Make a few jars and keep them in the fridge for healthy, high-protein breakfasts, snacks or treats all week.
Key Ingredients
*This is a recipe overview. The full recipe with measurements is below in the recipe card.
- Cottage cheese: I use 2% cottage cheese for this recipe but any percentage cottage cheese you love will work. Keep any extra cottage cheese to make a batch of Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese.
- Berries: This is optional, but I love adding a handful of berries to this chia pudding for added flavour and nutrients. I use raspberries, but you can also use strawberries like I use in this Strawberry Chia Pudding or blueberries like I use in this Blueberry Chia Pudding.
- Milk: Dairy milk, almond milk, coconut milk etc. all work. Pick your favourite!
How To Make Protein Chia Pudding
Step 1: Add the cottage cheese, almond milk, berries, maple syrup and vanilla extract to a blender.
Step 2: Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Add the blended mixture to a bowl with chia seeds.
Step 4: Mix to combine then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. Serve with your favourite toppings.
Variations And Toppings
- Chocolate: Blend 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder into the base instead of berries before adding the chia seeds for a rich, chocolatey version that tastes similar to my Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse.
- Peanut butter: Add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter to the blender for a creamy, nutty flavour.
- Toppings ideas: Fresh berries, sliced banana, a sprinkle of granola, crushed graham crackers, drizzle of nut butter or honey.
How To Store
Store the chia pudding in a sealed jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before serving and add your favourite toppings just before eating.
Jess’s Tips
- Blend until smooth: Make sure the cottage cheese mixture is completely smooth before adding the chia seeds. This creates that thick, creamy cheesecake-like texture.
- Chill long enough: Let the chia pudding sit for at least 3 hours, or overnight, to fully thicken and set.
- Adjust the sweetness: Taste the blended base before adding chia seeds and adjust the maple syrup to your liking.
- Add toppings before serving: Fresh berries, Peanut Butter Granola, or crushed graham crackers make the pudding taste like real cheesecake!
- Meal prep it: Divide into individual jars right after mixing so you have ready-to-go breakfasts for the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! If you want to make this recipe even higher in protein you can add a scoop of vanilla or unflavoured protein powder to it like I use in these Protein Powder Pancakes.
Yes. Greek yogurt will also give a creamy texture and add protein, though the flavour will be slightly tangier and less cheesecake-like.
This can be caused by stale chia seeds, or not mixing properly. Make sure to whisk the chia seeds and the liquid together until the mixture thickens slightly, then wait 5 minutes and whisk again before placing in the fridge.
Try These Chia Pudding Recipes Next!
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Lemon Chia Pudding
Chia Seeds
Chocolate Chia Pudding
Protein Chia Pudding
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This High Protein Chia Pudding is packed with 22 grams of protein without protein powder and taste like a creamy cheesecake!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/3 cup berries of choice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
Instructions
- Add the cottage cheese, almond milk, berries, vanilla extract, and maple syrup to a blender.
- Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl or jar and stir in the chia seeds until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight, until thickened.
- Stir before serving and top with extra berries, yogurt or graham cracker crumbs
Notes
- Blend the cottage cheese mixture well.
- Chill for at least 3 hours or overnight so the pudding thickens properly.
- Taste and adjust sweetness before adding chia seeds.
- Add your favourite toppings
- Divide into jars for easy grab-and-go breakfasts all week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 the recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 22g
So easy to make and tastes like cheesecake! Really great to meal prep and love having this chia pudding for a healthy breakfast or dessert 🙂