Growing up, pudding cups were a staple — and the nostalgia hits hard. But these days I’m a little more intentional about what I’m feeding my kids, so when I figured out how to recreate that same creamy, chocolatey pudding flavor with real ingredients and a full scoop of protein powder, I was SOLD. My kids devoured it, my husband was obsessed, and I felt genuinely good about every single ingredient in it. That’s the dream, right?
The best part is that it tastes just like the pudding you grew up loving — rich, smooth, and chocolatey — but it’s actually working for your body instead of against it. Make it warm for a cozy treat, or pop it in the fridge and have snacks ready for the week.
We love this as a healthy dessert or even a bedtime snack. My kids sleep so much better when they have a nutrient-dense snack before bed — and when that snack is chocolate pudding, there are zero complaints!
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Why I use Equip Protein Powder
I am so picky about protein powder — the ingredients, the taste, the way it mixes. Equip checks every single box for me. It’s made with real food ingredients, no junk, and the chocolate flavor is genuinely delicious — not chalky, not artificial, just good. It blends beautifully into this pudding without any weird texture.
It’s made with beef protein isolate, which means no bloating, no digestive issues, none of that uncomfortable feeling you can get with whey. It digests so cleanly and my stomach is so much happier for it. If you’ve ever had issues with other protein powders, this is worth trying. One scoop also has as much protein as a 4oz piece of steak — which is wild and also amazing.
They also have two sweetener options depending on your preference — a low sugar version made with coconut sugar and monk fruit, and a no sugar version made with stevia. So whatever works for you and your family, they’ve got you covered.
If you want to try it, use code ASHLEYG for a discount here!
What’s a Slurry?
A slurry is just a starch mixed with liquid before adding it to a hot pot — it prevents clumping and helps everything thicken evenly. For this recipe, I scoop out some of the warm milk already in the pot, whisk in the cornstarch or arrowroot until fully dissolved, then pour it back in. Easy!
Cornstarch vs. Arrowroot
Both work great here! Cornstarch is easy to find and gives a classic pudding texture. Arrowroot is a great grain-free option and works just as well — I’ve made it both ways and honestly love them equally. Use whatever you have on hand.
High Protein Chocolate Pudding (Tastes Just Like Snack Packs!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the 2.5 cups of milk, pinch of salt, protein powder, and maple syrup or honey (if using) to a medium saucepan. Whisk everything together over medium heat until smooth and combined.
- Warm the milk until it’s hot but not boiling — just steaming.
- Make the slurry: Scoop out about ½ cup of the warm milk from the pot into a small bowl. Add the cornstarch or arrowroot powder and whisk until completely dissolved with no lumps. Using warm milk here is the trick — it dissolves so much faster than cold! But you could totally leave out the 1/2 cup of cold milk at the start and just mix your cornstarch into the cold milk.
- Slowly pour the slurry back into the saucepan, whisking constantly as you add it.
- Continue whisking over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until the pudding thickens to that perfect snack pack consistency. You’ll feel it change — it’ll coat the back of a spoon and ribbon off the whisk.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour into a glass dish or individual serving bowls. Eat it warm right now (seriously, do it) or cover with a lid or press plastic wrap so it doesn't form a skin, then refrigerate until set.
