Date & Cocoa Protein Pudding (TikTok Trend)
Protein pudding went so viral in Saudi Arabia that it sold out on supermarket shelves and racked up millions of TikTok views. Here is a homemade version sweetened with dates instead of sugar, made creamy with milk and Greek yogurt.
It cooks in 10 minutes and keeps in the fridge for 3 days — a ready snack after work or the gym.
Why you'll love it
- About 20 g protein per cup
- Sweetened with dates, no white sugar
- Raw cocoa rich in antioxidants
- Filling and kills sweet cravings
Date Protein Pudding
Ingredients
- 3 cups low-fat milk
- 8 pitted Medjool dates
- 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla whey protein (halal)
- 3 tbsp unsweetened raw cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp vanilla powder (alcohol-free)
- Pinch of salt and ground cardamom
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt to top
- Fresh raspberries
Method
- Blend the milk and dates until completely smooth.
- Pour into a pan, add cocoa, cornstarch, salt and cardamom and whisk well before turning on the heat.
- Stir over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Take off the heat, cool 5 minutes, then quickly whisk in the protein and vanilla.
- Divide into 4 cups, cover and chill 2 hours. Serve with a spoon of Greek yogurt and berries.
Tip
Don't add the protein while it's on the heat or it will clump — let it cool a little first. Use vanilla powder rather than alcohol-based extract to keep it fully halal.
Why protein pudding went viral
People want a sweet snack that still has protein, and ready-made protein puddings got so popular they sold out in Saudi Arabia. The homemade version is cheaper and you control the sugar and ingredients.
Approximate nutrition per cup
Figures are estimates and vary with your protein powder and milk.
- Calories: ~230 kcal
- Protein: ~20 g
- Carbs: ~30 g (mostly from dates and milk)
- Fat: ~4 g
Tasty variations
- A teaspoon of peanut butter on each cup
- Vanilla version: skip cocoa, add more cardamom and saffron
- Almond milk instead of dairy if lactose-sensitive
Frequently asked questions
Can I make it without protein powder?
Yes — increase the Greek yogurt to a cup and stir it in once the pudding cools. Protein drops to about 12 g per cup.
Is this protein pudding halal?
The ingredients here are halal — just check your protein powder carries a halal mark and use vanilla powder instead of alcohol-based extract.
Is it OK for diabetics?
It contains dates (natural sugar), so stick to half a cup and check with your doctor, or reduce to 4 dates.
How long does it keep?
Up to 3 days in covered cups in the fridge.
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⚠️ For general education only. If you have a health condition or allergy, consult your doctor.