Chia Seed Pudding

Chia Seed Pudding is a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack. With a creamy consistency and toppings like fresh fruit and peanut butter, it almost feels like dessert! But, it has a great balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. It is also a great gluten-free breakfast. It takes just a few minutes of hands-on time, and then sets up in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. I love to meal prep chia pudding for quick and easy meals on the go.

Ingredients

A basic chia seed pudding recipe has only three ingredients!

Chia Seeds – You can use black or white chia seeds. Some brands of chia seeds will absorb liquid faster than others. Liquid – The most common liquid to use for chia seed pudding is regular dairy milk. You can also use non-dairy milks like almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, and soy milk. Sweetener – I like to use maple syrup. However, you can use other sweeteners like honey, sugar, brown sugar, or agave. Jar or Bowl with Lid – Because the pudding has to set up in the fridge for a few hours, you will need a jar or bowl with a lid. Mason jars work great, or just a regular bowl covered with plastic wrap.

Ratio of Chia Seeds to Liquid

Typically, the ratio of ingredients is 2 tbsp chia seeds and 1 tsp sweetener for every half cup of liquid. If you want a thicker pudding, then add more chia seeds If you want a thinner pudding, then add more liquid. You can also adjust the amount of sweetener to your taste.

What is the Texture of Chia Seed Pudding?

Chia seed pudding definitely has a unique texture. It is a bit like the consistency of tapioca pudding. When the chia seeds become wet, the outside of the seed breaks down and forms a gel-like substance. The inside of the seed, however, keeps a bit of the crunch. If you are looking for a very smooth consistency, try putting the finished pudding into a blender. Blend until smooth. This will produce more of a mousse texture.

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia Seeds are often referred to as a “superfood” because they have so many functional health benefits! They are rich in omega-3s. Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can improve heart health, lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, and decrease inflammation. Chia seeds are actually the best plant-based source of omega-3s so they are great for a vegan or vegetarian diet. Chia seeds also contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein. Four tablespoons of chia seeds contains 8 grams of protein. The fiber in chia seeds, soluble fiber, can also help to lower cholesterol and aid in digestion. Also, chia seeds contain antioxidants that can reduce risk of developing certain chronic conditions.

Chia Pudding Recipes

Chia Seed Pudding is the perfect backdrop for so many yummy flavor combinations! Try one of our suggested combinations below, or try something completely your own! If you have any favorites, then let us know in the comments!

Very Berry – raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberriesChunky Monkey – bananas, peanut butter, chocolate chipsBig Red – strawberries and raspberriesCrunchy – granola, almonds, and blueberriesAlmond Joy – coconut flakes, almonds, and chocolate chipsVanilla Chai – vanilla extract, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, and gingerPina Colada – pineapple chunks, coconut flakesLemon Raspberry – lemon zest, raspberriesBanana Nut Muffin – bananas, pecans, cinnamon Nuts About Berries – raspberries, blueberries, sliced almondsDouble Chocolate Chia Pudding – cocoa powder, chocolate chipsTropical – mango, pineapple, banana, coconut flakesPB&J – peanut butter and jellyChocolate Covered Strawberry – strawberries and chocolate chipsMaple Walnut – maple syrup and walnutsApple Pie – apples and cinnamonPumpkin Pie – pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg

Chia Seed Pudding