Picture this: It’s the end of the night, you’re cuddling up under a blanket, maybe binge-watching another episode of Outlander. And that familiar craving hits, and hits hard. You know the one. You want some ice-cream. But cookies would also work. Maybe a brownie. Or half a can of whipped cream. Enter: My 5-minute chocolate protein pudding.
The only thing better than a decadent dessert is a dessert that ALSO helps you meet your macros goals. And at 81 calories, 9 grams of protein, 10 grams of carbs, and 0.5 gram of fat – this chocolate protein pudding will definitely give you that little boost of protein at the end of your day.
The best part? You can whip this up in FIVE MINUTES.
This is definitely a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.
How to Make Chocolate Protein Pudding
In a large bowl, you’ll want to add a box of sugar-free chocolate pudding mix. I’ve tested this recipe with JELLO brand pudding, generic store-brand chocolate pudding, and even the “Baker’s Corner” brand from Aldi. Note: this recipe needs instant pudding, the cook-and-serve just won’t work!
Then, add in 1/2 cup of skim milk, a ready-to-drink chocolate protein shake (my favorite is Fairlife, but I’ve also tested this with Premier Protein) and beat with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. You can eat it right away, or let it set up a bit in the fridge.
Why We Love This High-Protein Pudding
- The macros! Higher-protein desserts can be hard to find. This chocolate protein pudding is low cal, high-protein, and totally delicious.
- It’s FAST. Have 5 minutes? You can eat some chocolate pudding.
- It actually tastes like dessert! I’ve tried a bunch of desserts that use protein shakes or protein powders in the recipe and most of them taste…”healthy”. You know what I mean – gritty, card-board-y, and just not indulgent. This chocolate protein pudding is delicious!
Chocolate Protein Pudding Tips and Tricks
Sometimes chocolate protein pudding can be a bit lumpy, and I’ve found the best way to combat that is to mix the sugar-free chocolate pudding with the milk first, and then add in the shake. Or you can do my husband’s method – he dumps all the ingredients in the bowl and whips it up for a few extra minutes until everything is nice and smooth.
This chocolate protein pudding makes 5 generous servings (roughly 125 grams per serving). It keeps well in the fridge, and it’s a great recipe to use for meal prep!
I love to portion my servings out into these glass 2-cup containers and have on hand for when those cravings hit!
Elevate Your Chocolate Protein Pudding
Want a little more ‘oomph’ in that guilt-free dessert? Some of my favorite toppings and mix-ins include:
- Whipped topping/whipped cream
- A crumbled Fiber One brownie
- Mini chocolate chips
- PB Fit powder
- Getting bored of chocolate? Check out all the fun flavor options of sugar free pudding. My husband loves the sugar free butterscotch pudding with a salted caramel Fairlife shake.
If you loved this chocolate protein pudding, give my chocolate protein cake a try too. It’s decadent and low in calories!
5-Minute Chocolate Protein Pudding
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 box Instant sugar-free chocolate pudding mix (1oz box) (any brand)
- 1 ready-to-drink chocolate Fairlife Protein shake (11.5oz) (you can sub in another brand of ready-to-drink protein shakes)
- 125 grams (1/2 cup) skim milk
Instructions
- Place Instant sugar-free pudding mix into a large bowl.
- Add skim milk and chocolate protein shake.
- Using a hand mixer, beat together until well mixed and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Optional: You can place chocolate protein pudding in the fridge for a few minute to firm it up if desired.
NOTE
Nutrition information for this recipe is provided below. For more information on the nutrition facts provided on this site, please visit our nutrition disclaimer.
Can u use almond milk?
Yes, almond milk would work as well, but you will want to use half as much as the almond milk makes the pudding more watery. Note the fairlife shakes do have dairy in them though.
Can you use cook and serve pudding instead of instant?
Must be instant pudding. We aren’t cooking it, so the regular won’t set right.
SO GOOD
Can you use protein powder instead if a protein drink?
Yes you can! The fairlife shakes are 11.5oz, so you’ll want to follow the instructions on your protein powder to make about 11.5oz. Make sure it is well shaken/blended, as you don’t want chunks of protein in this recipe.
It says 1 protein shake, but how much is 1 protein shake? Are we talking a small fairlife bottle? A bigger bottle?
Sorry, didn’t realize there was more than one size. This would be the 11.5oz one. I updated the recipe, thanks for pointing that out!
Can you use just protien drink instead of milk? I am out of milk and only have protien shake…
Hi! I haven’t tried it that way, but you should be able to do that. It will just make a thicker pudding, so you may need to add in a splash of water. Almond milk would also work if you have that?
Are you using the large or small box of instant
pudding
The standard 1oz sized box.
Can you use a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken it,instead of jello instant pudding? Looking for a healthy way no chemicals?
Can this be frozen to an ice cream?