How to Make Chia Pudding – Simple Steps for a Nutritious Treat

Chia pudding is a versatile and nutritious snack or breakfast option that’s quick to prepare and endlessly customizable.

With its creamy texture and the health benefits of chia seeds, this recipe is perfect for meal prep, dessert, or a mid-day energy boost.

Serve it plain, with fresh fruits, granola, or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.

A glass of layered chia pudding garnished with fresh raspberries, white chocolate chips, and a sprig of mint, placed on a rustic wooden surface

Chia Pudding

Chia pudding is a nutritious and versatile snack or breakfast option that is easy to prepare and highly customizable. Made with chia seeds soaked in milk, it develops a creamy, pudding-like texture. It can be sweetened with honey, maple syrup, or agave and flavored with vanilla extract or other spices.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Global
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl or jar with a lid
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Airtight containers or serving jars optional

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup Chia Seeds
  • 2 cups Milk  dairy or plant-based
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup, honey, or agave Sweetener (optional)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract optional
  • Fresh fruits, nuts, granola, shredded coconut optional

Instructions
 

  • Combine Ingredients:
    In a medium mixing bowl or jar, combine the chia seeds, milk, sweetener, and vanilla extract if using. Stir well to ensure all chia seeds are evenly distributed and not clumped together.
    Let it Rest:
    Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes, then stir again to break up any clumps of chia seeds.
    A blue ceramic bowl filled with chia seeds, placed on a textured teal background
  • Chill:
    Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and expand, creating a thick, pudding-like texture.
    Serve:
    Once set, give the pudding a good stir and portion it into serving jars or bowls. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
    A rustic bowl filled with chia seeds and milk, accompanied by a wooden spoon, surrounded by scattered seeds and dried flowers

Video

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 8g
Cooking Tips:
  • Texture Control: Adjust the chia-to-liquid ratio to achieve your desired consistency. For a thicker pudding, use ⅔ cup chia seeds to 2 cups of milk.
  • Flavor Variations: Experiment with cocoa powder for chocolate chia pudding, or add fruit puree for a
    fruity twist.
  • Storage: Chia pudding can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it ideal for meal prep.
Keyword Chia Seed, Healthy, No-cook recipe, Weight Loss

Are there Any Alternatives for Ingredients?

If you’d like to experiment with alternatives for this recipe, there are plenty of options to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

For the chia seeds, you can substitute them with basil seeds, also known as sabja seeds, which have a similar gel-like texture when soaked.

If you want to lighten the pudding, you can use chia seed water by blending water with a reduced amount of chia seeds (about 1 tablespoon per cup of water) to create a thinner consistency while still enjoying the nutrient boost.

For the milk, any liquid works well, such as almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or regular dairy milk depending on your preference. Sweeteners can range from traditional options like honey and maple syrup to natural sugar alternatives like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.

Instead of vanilla extract, you might try almond extract, cinnamon, or nutmeg to give the pudding a different flavor profile. For toppings, consider dried fruits, dark chocolate shavings, or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for added crunch.

The Bottom Line

Chia pudding is a simple, wholesome recipe that fits seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle.

Its versatility allows you to customize it with a variety of flavors, textures, and ingredients, making it a favorite for many.

By following a few easy steps, you can create a nutritious treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.

With endless options to adapt to your preferences, chia pudding offers a balance of convenience and nourishment that’s hard to beat.