I love chia seeds and use them all the time. These little powerhouses contain more calcium than milk, more antioxidants than blueberries, and more omega-3s than salmon. That’s quite an accomplishment for a little seed!
The texture takes a little getting used to, but it’s versatile, and I love that it’s also packed with protein and helps thicken recipes.
What is Chia Seed Pudding?
Chia seed pudding is a simple and delicious way to easily get the benefits of chia seeds, which are rich in healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s similar to overnight oats, but without the grains.
It’s packed with enough protein and nutrients for a quick, on-the-go breakfast that can be made in minutes. It’s also gluten-free and easy to remove dairy from. For a low-carb, ketogenic-friendly version, add almond milk and sweeten with stevia.
You can also put chia pudding in reused baby food jars. Small Mason jars, or Squeeze Pouch For school lunches.
Blended and Whole Chia Seeds
Chia seed pudding comes in two texture options: I prefer it whole as I love the texture of chia seeds, but if you prefer a smoother texture like a “regular” pudding, you can go for the blended version.
Here’s how to make chia seed pudding:
- Whole Seed VersionMix the ingredients together, leaving the seeds intact. If you are adding flavors (berry, chocolate, etc.), you should mix them into the liquid first – this ensures the flavor is evenly distributed.
- For blended (smooth) puddingPlace all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until smooth. I like to blend it with chocolate and colored ones, as a simple vanilla recipe will turn gray when blended.
Additional mix-ins and toppings
We’ve listed some recipe options below for different flavors, but here are a few more ideas: Some of these toppings taste best when added just before serving.
- Chocolate chips
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 spoonful almond butter or other nut butter
- Homemade coconut granola
- Raspberries, blueberries, or other chopped fruit
My favorite way to eat them is with chopped soaked nuts, fresh fruit, or shaved chocolate – they make a great healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
Packed with protein, omega-3s, antioxidants and calcium, this delicious and healthy chia seed pudding takes less than five minutes to make.
Chia seed pudding
-
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed for 1 to 2 minutes until completely smooth.
-
Pour the mixture into a jar or glass container and leave in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to gel.
Chia seed pudding
-
Blend all ingredients except the black chia seeds (including any added flavors, fruit, or chocolate) in a blender until smooth. Add the chia seeds and beat until smooth.
-
Pour the mixture into a jar or glass container and leave in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to gel.
-
Shake or whisk a few times within the first hour to ensure even gelling.
Nutrition facts
Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
Amount per serving (1 serving)
calorie 382
Calories from Fat 279
% Daily Value*
fat 31 grams48%
Saturated Fat 22g138%
Trans Fatty Acids 0.03g
Polyunsaturated fat: 5g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
sodium 20mg1%
potassium 382mg11%
carbohydrates 26 g9%
Fiber: 7g29%
12g sugar13%
protein 6 grams12%
Vitamin A 12IU0%
Vitamin C 1 mg1%
calcium 178mg18%
iron 5 mg28%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- This recipe is endlessly customizable! Try some of the variations below.
- Each serving is approximately 3/4 cup of pudding.
Did you like this recipe? Check out my new cookbookOr personalize all of my recipes (over 500!) Click here for weekly meal planner!
Chia Pudding Recipe and Variations
The great thing about this recipe is that there are dozens of ways to customize it – you can change the flavor, texture, sweetener, color, or any other part of the recipe – it’s nearly impossible to go wrong.
A variety of sweetener options
Raw honey can be used in place of pure maple syrup. For a lower glycemic option, try stevia or skip the sweetener entirely. Stevia is healthy if minimally processed. I Sweet Drops Brand They come in a variety of flavors, my favorite flavor for this recipe is English Toffee Stevia.
You can also mix dates or bananas into the liquid before adding the chia seeds. Although agave syrup is popular and touted for its health benefits, I recommend leaving it out.
Milk options
I use coconut milk here because it’s healthy, allergy-friendly, and tastes great. Some recipes call for soy or oat milk, but I don’t recommend it (here’s why). If you don’t like the idea of using coconut milk for chia seed pudding, try these instead:
Mix Flavors
I love a basic vanilla chia seed pudding, but I also love vanilla ice cream, and if vanilla isn’t your thing, try these great flavor options:
- chocolate: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the blended version of this recipe and add stevia for chocolate flavor.
- strawberry: Add 1/2 cup fresh strawberries to any blended recipe. Or try blending fresh strawberries into juice and using it as part of the liquid in a whole chia seed recipe.
- Chai: For a chai flavor, add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom and cloves.
- Peanut butter and jam: Here’s a recipe for our favorite peanut butter and blackberry jam chia pudding.
- Pecan pie: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the base recipe and, optionally, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Stir 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans into the finished pudding.
- MatchaAdd 1 tablespoon Matcha powder When mixed together, it gives a natural bright green color (a great idea for St. Patrick’s Day).
Chia seed pudding with protein
Add more protein to this recipe, especially for breakfast, by adding 2-4 tablespoons of collagen protein powder. This adds protein and skin- and hair-strengthening collagen without changing the taste.
How long can chia seed pudding be stored?
This recipe uses all natural ingredients and is not processed. It tastes best within 2 days of making it. I like to make it the night before with some meal prep so it’s ready to eat the next morning. This delicious pudding disappeared very quickly in our house, but I needn’t have worried.
What are your favorite flavors and mixes to use in your chia seed pudding? Leave a comment and let me know!
Love this recipe? Try our Chia Seed Juice Squeeze Pouches too!
