Chocolate Chia Pudding

• 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract or ¼ to ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoon maple syrup or honey if you're not on a vegan diet or another sweetener of choice such as monk fruit or stevia if you're on a keto diet. TIP: If using a granulated sweetener, please add a couple of tablespoon of water to dilute the cocoa powder.
• 2 scoops protein powder I used sugar-free whey isolate protein powder but you can use any plant-based protein powder (vanilla or chocolate flavor) or replace it with protein yogurt, regular or dairy-free. TIP: If using protein powder, make sure to add a little bit more milk so the chia seed pudding doesn't become too thick.
• 4 tablespoon chia seeds
• 2 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal optional
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk e.g. unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or even regular milk if not on a vegan diet, cold or warm. NOTE: If you are in a hurry, add warm milk so it will take about 5 minutes for the chia seeds to gel and thicken. You'll be able to eat the chia seed pudding right away. But if you intend to store the pudding for a few hours or overnight, add cold milk taking about 10-15 minutes for the seeds to gel.

For the toppings (optional):

• 2 tablespoon protein yogurt regular or vegan
• fresh berries or any chopped fresh fruit of your choice
• shaved chocolate dark or semisweet, vegan or regular (or mini chocolate chips)
• chopped pistachios or another nut