FIT Cocoa Coconut Chia Pudding
CATEGORY: DESSERT | SERVES: 1 | PREP: 5 Mins | TIME: SET 1-4 hours
A Proper Treat That Works With Your Body
Sometimes after a long day you just want something rich, comforting and chocolatey. This cacao and coconut chia pudding delivers exactly that, with none of the blood sugar spike that usually follows. Fibre-packed, naturally sweetened and genuinely delicious, it works just as well as a planned dessert as it does for those evenings when cravings hit and you need something that won't undo your progress.
Ingredients
200ml coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk
1 tbsp raw cacao powder
2 tbsp chia seeds
½ tsp maple syrup or raw honey (optional)
Pinch of sea salt
Optional toppings
Coconut yoghurt
Cacao nibs
Coconut flakes
Fresh berries
Drizzle of nut or seed butter
Method
In a jar or bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, cacao powder, sweetener if using and sea salt until smooth.
Stir in the chia seeds thoroughly to prevent clumping.
Leave for 10 minutes, then stir once more.
Refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours or overnight until thick and creamy. Short on time, it's enjoyable after 20 to 30 minutes too.
Top with coconut yoghurt, cacao nibs and your choice of toppings. Serve chilled.
Why It Works
Raw cacao is rich in magnesium and polyphenols, supporting mood, stress resilience and antioxidant protection. Chia seeds provide soluble fibre that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, along with omega-3 fats that help regulate appetite and blood glucose. Coconut milk contributes satisfying healthy fats that slow sugar absorption and support hormone balance. Together this combination makes a dessert that genuinely supports your body rather than working against it.
Late-night cravings are often linked to stress, poor blood sugar control, under-fuelled days or hormonal shifts. A balanced snack like this supports calm, sleep and recovery without triggering inflammation.
Easy Variations
For extra protein, stir in a scoop of vanilla or chocolate plant protein powder along with an extra two tablespoons of coconut yoghurt. For a berry boost, layer with mashed raspberries or strawberries for additional antioxidants. For a mocha version, add half a teaspoon of coffee with collagen such as Ancient and Brave. For a low-FODMAP option, use almond milk with lactose-free coconut yoghurt.
FIT Tip
Make three jars on a Sunday and keep them in the fridge for the week ahead. They keep well for up to three days and are ideal for grab-and-go snacks or a stress-free evening dessert when you need something quick and satisfying.
This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free and naturally sweetened. For clients following a personalised elimination plan, always cross-reference your specific intolerance results.
Want More Recipes Like This?
The Gut Glow-Up Guide is Becki's free resource packed with gut health science, smart food swaps, a plate-building framework and more recipes designed to help you feel genuinely better, with proper science behind it.
If you want to understand how food is really affecting your energy, digestion and skin, the best place to start is with proper testing, not guesswork.
Take the quiz or book your free health review with Becki.
About Becki Hawkins
Becki Hawkins, BSc (Hons), mBANT, CNHC, is the founder of FIT Nutrition & Testing Clinic and a Registered Nutritional Therapist with over 20 years of experience. She specialises in evidence-based personalised nutrition and functional testing, helping clients uncover the root causes of digestive issues, hormonal imbalances and unexplained symptoms. Every FIT recipe is designed around the same principle: real food that works with your body, not against it.