I want chia seeds and use them all the time. These mini powerhouses contain more calcium than milk, more antioxidants than blueberries and more omega-3s than salmon. That's quite an achievement for a small seed!
Their quality can take some getting used to, but they are versatile. I also love that they are high in protein and can help thicken recipes.
What is Chia Seed Pudding?
Chia seed pudding is a simple and delicious way to easily get the benefits of chia seeds. These seeds are high in healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids. It's similar to overnight oats, but without the grains.
It takes minutes to make and has plenty of protein and nutrients for a quick, on-the-go breakfast. It's also naturally gluten-free and easily dairy-free. For a low-carb, keto-friendly version, use almond milk and stevia to sweeten.
You can put chia pudding in reused baby food jars, small mason jars, or even squeeze bag for school lunches.
Blended against whole Chia seeds
There are two texture options for chia seed pudding. I prefer to keep chia seeds whole because I like their texture. If you prefer a smoother texture similar to “regular” pudding, then you might like yours mixed.
Here's how to make chia seed pudding:
- For all seed version, just leave the seeds whole and mix the ingredients together. If you are adding flavors (berries, chocolate, etc.) you will need to mix them into the juice. This helps to maintain the same taste.
- For mixed (smooth) pudding., place all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until smooth. I prefer to make this with chocolate or colored options since the plain vanilla recipe is gray when mixed.
Mixing and filling to add
I've included a few different flavor recipe options below, but here are some more ideas. Some of these toppings work best if added right before serving.
- Chocolate pieces
- Coconut flakes without sugar
- A tablespoon of almond butter or other nut butter
- Homemade Coconut Granola
- Raspberries, blueberries or other chopped fruit
My favorite way to eat it is chopped soaked nuts, fresh fruit, or even chocolate chips. It makes the perfect healthy breakfast, snack or dessert.
Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
Delicious and healthy chia seed pudding packed with protein, omega-3, antioxidants and calcium. It takes less than 5 minutes to make!
Pudding mixed with Chia seeds
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Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth.
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Pour the mixture into a jar or glass container. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to gel.
Whole Chia Pudding
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Blend all ingredients except black chia seeds in a blender until smooth, including any added flavors, fruit or chocolate. Throw in the chia seeds.
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Pour the mixture into a jar or glass container. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to gel.
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Shake or whisk several times within the first hour to help it gel evenly.
Nutrition facts
Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
Amount per serving (1 serving)
Calories 382
Calories from fat 279
% Daily Value*
Fat 31 g48%
Saturated fat 22 g138%
Trans fat 0.03 g
Unsaturated fat 5 g
Monounsaturated fat 2 g
Sodium 20 mg1%
potassium 382 mg11%
Carbohydrates 26 g9%
Fiber 7 g29%
Sugar 12 g13%
Protein 6 g12%
Vitamin A 12 IU0%
Vitamin C 1 mg1%
Calcium 178 mg18%
Iron 5 mg28%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- This recipe is infinitely customizable! Try some of the following variations.
- Each serving is about 3/4 cup pudding.
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How to make Chia Pudding with variations
The beauty of this recipe is that there are dozens of ways to customize it. You can change the flavor, texture, sweetener, color, and practically every other part of the recipe. It's almost impossible to mess up.
Various sweetener options
Raw honey works well in place of pure maple syrup. For a low-glycemic option, try stevia or omit the sweetener altogether. Stevia can be healthy if processed minimally. I like it Sweet Drops brand and they have many different flavors. My favorite flavor in this recipe is their Stevia English Butterscotch.
You can also mix some dates or bananas into your juice before adding the chia seeds. Although popular and touted as healthy, I would skip the agave syrup.
Milk options
I use coconut milk here because it's healthy, allergen-friendly, and it tastes good. Some recipes call for soy milk or oat milk, which I don't recommend (here's why). If you don't want chia seed pudding with coconut milk, then try one of these:
Stir in the Flavor
I prefer the basic vanilla chia seed pudding, but I've also always been a vanilla ice cream kind of person. If vanilla isn't your thing, here are some great flavor options you can try:
- Chocolate: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the blended version of this recipe and/or add chocolate flavored stevia.
- Strawberry: Add ½ cup of fresh strawberries to the blended recipe. Or, try blending fresh strawberries into a juice and use as part of the juice in the whole chia seed recipe.
- Chai: Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom and cloves for a chai flavor.
- PB&J: Here's a peanut butter and blackberry jam Chia pudding recipe we want.
- Pecan pie: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the base recipe and an optional ½ teaspoon of almond extract. Stir ½ cup chopped toasted pecans into the finished pudding.
- Matcha: Add 1 tbsp matcha green tea powder in the mix for a natural bright green color (great idea for St. Patrick's Day!).
Chia seed protein pudding
I would add more protein to this recipe, especially if it's for breakfast. Add 2-4 tbsp collagen protein powder. This adds more protein and collagen which strengthens the skin/hair without changing the taste.
How Long Can You Store Chia Seed Pudding?
This recipe uses all natural ingredients and is not a processed food. It tastes best within two days of being made. I prefer to prepare the meal and make it at night to have it ready the next morning. This delicious pudding disappears so quickly in our house even though I've never had to worry about it!
What are your favorite flavors and mix-ins to use with chia seed pudding? Leave a comment and let us know!
Do you like this recipe? Try these chia seed juice squeeze pouch also.
