Meatless Monday: Chocolate Millet Pudding

Every once in a while, a recipe comes along that makes you question why we ever stopped eating certain ingredients. For me, millet is one of those quiet heroes—an ancient grain, deeply nutritious, naturally gluten-free, and somehow still humble enough to sit quietly on the bottom shelf of the grocery store like it’s hiding from the spotlight.

But bring it into your kitchen, pair it with cocoa, honey, and a splash of your favorite plant milk, and suddenly you’ve unlocked one of the easiest, silkiest chocolate puddings you’ll ever make… and yes, it’s good for you.

As a registered dietitian, I love recipes that let me serve dessert with a straight face—especially to kids, picky adults, or anyone trying to gently upgrade their eating habits without giving up the foods they love. This Chocolate Millet Pudding hits every mark: rich chocolate flavor, a creamy texture similar to classic pudding, and the nutritional perks of a whole grain that provides steady energy, B-vitamins, and plant-based protein.

Millet also has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with cocoa. When blended, it becomes dreamy and spoonable—like a cross between hot chocolate and rice pudding. It’s cozy when served warm and surprisingly refreshing when chilled and topped with berries.

If you’ve never cooked with millet before, this is the recipe that will convert you. It’s quick, forgiving, naturally sweetened, and endlessly customizable. Think of it as a dessert you can feel genuinely good about, whether you’re feeding toddlers, meal-prepping a better sweet snack for the week, or simply treating yourself to something comforting after a long day.

Chocolate Millet Pudding

Ingredient List

½ cup millet (3.5 oz / 100 g)
2 cups (475 ml) plant milk, plus more as needed
2 tbsp natural cocoa powder
2 tbsp honey
Handful of berries, for topping

Directions

Add millet and plant milk to a saucepan. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cook for 15 minutes, or until millet is soft and the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the cocoa powder and honey until fully combined and the cocoa dissolves.
Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend for about 2 minutes, until smooth and pudding-like. Add additional milk to loosen if necessary.
Enjoy warm or chilled. Top with fresh berries for brightness and a boost of antioxidants.
Makes 3 servings.

Nutrition Facts

Calories per serving: 212
Fats per serving: 3 grams
Protein per serving: 6 grams
Carbohydrates per serving: 40 grams

This recipe is taken from our Eat Lean: Vegetarian Delights cookbook featuring 58 flavorful recipes for a vibrant meat-free lifestyle.

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