This is the simplest high protein chia pudding you can make: just chia seeds, milk, and Simply Desserts Vanilla Protein Pudding mix whisked together and left to set in the fridge. The sugar-free dairy pudding mix makes the base genuinely creamy (no chalky protein-powder texture) and adds real protein, while the chia seeds thicken it into that classic spoonable pudding. Whisk it before bed, wake up to a make-ahead breakfast or snack with about 21g protein per serving and only the natural sugar from your milk. This is the flagship base recipe: master it once, then riff on it forever.
Recipe: Protein Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 box Simply Desserts Vanilla Protein Pudding Mix
- 2 cups milk (dairy, oat, or almond all work)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds (about 40g)
- Optional: fresh berries and a few mint leaves to top
Instructions
- Whisk the Simply Desserts Vanilla Protein Pudding mix into the milk for about 2 minutes until completely smooth.
- Add the chia seeds and whisk again so they are evenly suspended, not clumped at the bottom.
- Let the mixture rest at room temperature for 5 minutes, then whisk one more time to break up any seeds that have settled.
- Divide between two jars or containers and cover.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until thick and set.
- Stir, top with fresh berries and mint if using, and serve cold.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 21g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Fiber | 7g |
Why This Recipe Works
Chia seeds are the engine here: they absorb liquid and swell into a gel, which is what turns thin milk into thick pudding with no cooking and no gelatin. The Simply Desserts Vanilla Protein Pudding mix is what makes it taste like dessert instead of soaked seeds. Its milk protein base, emulsifiers, and vanilla flavour give the whole thing a smooth, creamy body and a sweet vanilla finish without any added sugar (it is sweetened with erythritol and stevia). Together they deliver protein from two sources, the milk protein in the mix plus the protein in the chia and milk, so each serving lands around 21g. The only sugar in the base is the natural lactose from the milk, so the base carries no added sugar, just the milk lactose. Honest note: the pudding mix is dairy (milk protein), so this base is not vegan, even if you use a plant milk.
Simply Desserts is a real dessert brand, not a protein supplement company trying to make dessert. That means genuine flavour, creamy texture, and clean ingredients. Each serving delivers about 21g of protein, and the Simply Desserts pudding base stays sugar-free (any sugar comes from your mix-ins).
Variations
Chocolate Protein Chia
Swap the vanilla mix for Simply Desserts Chocolate Protein Pudding mix for a chocolate chia pudding, still sugar-free in the base.
Berry Chia
Layer the set pudding with fresh or mashed berries, or blend a handful of berries into the milk before whisking for a fruity twist. Whole berries add a little natural sugar.
Peanut Butter Chia
Whisk a tablespoon of natural peanut butter into the milk before adding the chia for a richer, nuttier pudding (this adds calories and fat).
Banana Chia
Use Simply Desserts Banana Protein Pudding mix as the base, or mash half a ripe banana through the set pudding. Banana adds natural sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make high protein chia pudding?
Whisk 1 box of Simply Desserts Vanilla Protein Pudding mix into 2 cups of milk until smooth, stir in 1/4 cup chia seeds, let it rest 5 minutes and whisk again, then chill at least 4 hours or overnight. The pudding mix adds milk protein and a creamy vanilla flavour, so each serving comes to roughly 21g protein.
How long does chia pudding last in the fridge?
Chia pudding keeps for about 5 days in a sealed container in the fridge, which is what makes it such a good make-ahead. Made with dairy milk, treat it like any dairy dish and eat it within that window. Plant milks can last a touch longer, but 5 days is a safe rule. Give it a stir before serving as it can thicken further over time.
What is the ratio of chia seeds to liquid for pudding?
A reliable ratio is about 1 part chia seeds to 5 to 6 parts liquid by volume. This recipe uses 1/4 cup chia to 2 cups milk, which is roughly 1 to 8 because the Simply Desserts pudding mix also thickens the base, so you need fewer seeds. For a thicker, firmer pudding add another tablespoon of chia; for a looser, pourable one add a splash more milk.
Is chia pudding good for weight loss?
It can fit a weight-loss diet, but it is not magic. Chia seeds are high in fibre, which helps you feel full, and this version adds protein from the Simply Desserts pudding mix and milk, which also supports satiety. The base has no added sugar: the only sugar is the natural lactose from the milk. What matters most is your overall calories: keep an eye on toppings like nut butter, granola, and honey, since those add up fast. As a higher-protein, lower-sugar swap for sugary breakfasts, it is a sensible choice.
Is this protein chia pudding vegan?
No. Simply Desserts Vanilla Protein Pudding mix is dairy based (it is made with milk protein and is certified Kosher Dairy), so the pudding is not vegan or plant-based even if you make it with oat or almond milk. It is not whey either, it is milk protein. If you need a plant-based pudding, this is not the base for it.
Try Vanilla Protein Pudding
20g protein per box. Zero sugar. Real dessert flavour. Ready in 2 minutes.
