Last year, I first ventured into the world of vegan eating, and one ingredient that truly caught my attention was chia seeds. They are often called a "superfood," packed with nutrients that are perfect for those of us on plant-based diets.

I've found chia seeds to be a great snack addition, especially since they're so versatile and nutrient-dense.

And while chia seeds may seem unassuming—just tiny black seeds resembling sand grains—they actually pack a punch in terms of Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber. It's one of the best sources of protein for vegans.

Chia seeds are flavorless, which is a bonus because they absorb liquids so well. They can be added to all sorts of recipes. Personally, I often sprinkle them into my yogurt or overnight oats, but I recently discovered another amazing use for them: chia seed pudding!

The Magic of Chocolate Coffee Chia Pudding

Now, chia seed pudding is a pretty common recipe in the vegan world, especially the version with nut milk and vanilla. But when I came across a chocolate coffee version, I was instantly intrigued! It seemed like such an unexpected and delicious combination, so I decided to try it out.

I did tweak the recipe a bit, mainly to cut down on the sweetness. I reduced the maple syrup (I don't have a sweet tooth) and used the coffee I had on hand, which was a light roast filter coffee. I was excited to see how it turned out, and I wasn't disappointed!

The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You can prepare it in under five minutes! Yes, you heard that right. All you have to do is mix the ingredients, put everything in a container, shake it up, and leave it in the fridge overnight. That's it!

This chocolate coffee chia pudding is creamy, slightly bitter from the cacao powder and coffee, and has just the right balance of flavors. After chilling in the fridge, the chia seeds soak up all the liquid, making the pudding thick yet smooth, with a soft, jelly-like texture. It's like eating a fancy, more refreshing tapioca pudding. I topped mine with a few roasted almond slices and a sprinkle of cacao nibs to give it an extra crunch but feel free to get creative with your toppings.

The combination of rich cacao powder and the subtle aroma of coffee gives this pudding a grown-up, sophisticated taste. It's perfect if you're someone who enjoys a bitter-sweet flavor profile rather than a super-sweet dessert. The chia seeds give the pudding a pleasant chewiness, and the texture is so satisfying. It's light, refreshing, and a great way to end a meal or enjoy as a snack.

I promise, that once you take your first bite, you'll be hooked. It's a new favorite in my recipe rotation!

How to Make Chocolate Coffee Chia Pudding

Now, let's get to the good part—the recipe! You'll need:

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

• 120 ml (½ cup) chilled coffee (I used light roast filter coffee)

• 120 ml (½ cup) plant-based milk or any milk you prefer

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp almond butter

• 1 tbsp cacao powder

• 1.5 – 2 tbsp maple syrup (or another natural sweetener of your choice)

• 4 tbsp (¼ cup) chia seeds

Instructions

1. Start by measuring all your ingredients and placing them in a mixing bowl. Add the coffee, milk, vanilla extract, almond butter, cacao powder, and maple syrup. Stir everything until well combined.

2. Pour the mixture into an airtight container or jar. Then, add the chia seeds and cover it. Shake the container well so the chia seeds are evenly distributed throughout the liquid.

3. Place the container in the fridge and let it chill overnight, or at least for 6 hours, to give the chia seeds time to absorb the liquid and form a pudding-like texture.

4. When you're ready to enjoy, take it out and add any toppings you like. I love adding cacao nibs and roasted almonds, but feel free to customize it to your taste!

Enjoy a Healthy and Delicious Snack!

This chocolate coffee chia pudding is the perfect treat for any time of day. It's vegan, healthy, and full of flavor. Plus, it's so easy to make that it's become one of my go-to snacks. If you're new to chia seeds, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. Once you do, you'll fall in love with the taste and texture.

Let us know in the comments if you've tried it or if you have any tweaks to share with us, Lykkers! Happy eating!