What is Chia Pudding?
Chia Pudding is a simple and healthy breakfast or snack that you can meal-prep ahead of time and enjoy all week long. The gel-like texture created by soaked chia seeds is a thickened, creamy delight that lends itself to endless topping possibilities and is a healthy and tasty way to begin your day.
Chia pudding only takes minutes to make and is the perfect quick, on-the-go breakfast option. Make in batches and forget the fuss during those busy weekdays. Chia pudding keeps in the fridge for many days ahead making it an easy meal-prep recipe.
This colorful breakfast has all the nutritional benefits of chia seeds with the ability to keep you feeling fuller for longer and energized throughout the day.
There are a multitude of different ingredients that you can choose to accompany this snack and it’s a healthy treat no matter how you choose to serve it. Make this recipe dairy-free, gluten-free, low-calorie, low-sugar, even vegan!
Chia pudding is my go-to healthy breakfast most mornings. I love creating the different flavor combinations that make such a visually appealing and delicious meal. Enjoy chia pudding as a snack, for breakfast even as a dessert!
What does chia pudding taste like?
Chia seeds themselves are very mild in flavor and have a subtle nutty taste. Although, chia pudding instead is reliant on the sweetener or liquid that is used in combination with the chia seeds to create a complimentary tasting chia pudding.
Chia pudding has a creamy, thick consistency when combined with popular options such as coconut or almond milk. If you prefer a smooth consistency, simply blend up the concoction in a powerful blender.
Chia pudding is versatile in taste and to create a flavorsome pudding you can add an array of spices or sweeteners of your choice.
Healthy benefits of chia seeds
Chia seeds are often referred to as a “superfood” and are packed with nutritional value containing protein, fiber and healthy fats.
These tiny little seeds are the perfect addition in so many dietary requirements such as vegan, gluten-free, paleo or keto.
Low in sugar and incredibly filling, chia seeds will satisfy you in between meals. Along with their healthy benefits, they also aid in digestion.
Chia seeds are healthy options to include in any recipe or diet.
The different types of chia seeds
There are multiple types of chia seeds, most popularly known are the black and white seeds. The different colors hold similar nutritional value.
How to make Chia Seed Pudding
In a mason jar, pour 3 to 4 tablespoons of chia seeds with 1 cup of the liquid of your choice and optional sweetener.
Stir the mixture well ensuring all chia seeds are absorbing the liquid. Leave the mixture to sit for 5 minutes.
Once again, stir chia pudding thoroughly to break up any clumps that may form at the bottom and top of the jar. All seeds should be floating evenly.
Close the mason jar and refrigerate for a minimum of an hour or overnight. Once set, it will form a thick pudding texture. The chia pudding should not be watery, if this is the case simply add another tablespoon of chia seeds, stir and refrigerate for an additional minimum of 30 minutes.
In a mason jar, pour 3 to 4 tablespoons of chia seeds with 1 cup of the liquid of your choice and optional sweetener.
Stir the mixture well ensuring all chia seeds are absorbing the liquid. Leave the mixture to sit for 5 minutes.
Once again, stir chia pudding thoroughly to break up any clumps that may form at the bottom and top of the jar. All seeds should be floating evenly.
Close the mason jar and refrigerate for a minimum of an hour or overnight. Once set, it will form a thick pudding texture. The chia pudding should not be watery, if this is the case simply add another tablespoon of chia seeds, stir and refrigerate for an additional minimum of 30 minutes.
How to make a layered chia seed pudding
Select frozen or solid ingredients to create volume and dimension
Make chia seed pudding in advance to achieve optimal thick gel-like texture
Limit the amount of liquid, you want the layers to have a compact consistency as opposed to watery
Pour components slowly as you don’t want the layers to sink into each other.
Select frozen or solid ingredients to create volume and dimension
Make chia seed pudding in advance to achieve optimal thick gel-like texture
Limit the amount of liquid, you want the layers to have a compact consistency as opposed to watery
Pour components slowly as you don’t want the layers to sink into each other.
How long does chia pudding take to thicken?
Chia seeds absorb liquid fairly quickly, but to achieve the perfect gel-like consistency I recommend refrigerating for a minimum of 1 hour if you are in a rush or leaving overnight, given the time.
The longer the chia seeds are given to soak in the liquid the more chance you allow for the pudding to create an ideal thicker consistency.
This is another fantastic reason in making chia pudding for meal prepping as you can make many recipes in advance.
Blended Vs whole chia seeds
When making chia pudding there are two alternatives to the desired texture. I myself prefer keeping the chia seeds whole as I enjoy the balance of bubbly texture and the smooth, gel-like quality. Whereas some may prefer a silky smooth consistency where the seeds are unnoticeable. If this is the case simply blend ingredients until smooth.
Meal prep chia pudding
Chia pudding is a fantastic meal prep option as it will last in the fridge throughout the week when stored correctly. Make the mixture in advance and simply add fruits, granola and healthy toppings to your desire.
It’s my go-to quick breakfast and the perfect nutritional snack that takes no time to make. Minimal planning involved as you can create most recipes spontaneously with fresh produce and panty essentials.
Healthy ingredients to serve with chia pudding
To create a healthy tasty chia seed pudding it is often accompanied by an array of additional flavors. Chia seed pudding in its simplest form can be fairly bland but when combined with complementary ingredients, can elevate all recipes to a gratifying colorful mouth-full.
Top healthy ingredients to flavor chia pudding:
Superfoods: maca, cacao, acai berry, desiccated coconut, LSA, protein powder
Fruit: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mango, banana, apples
Spices: nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, chai blend, cinnamon,
Sweeteners: maple syrup, agave, manuka honey, stevia, vanilla bean extract
Dairy alternatives: coconut milk, almond milk, rice milk
Nuts and seeds: almonds, cashews, flaxseed, hazelnut, sunflower seeds, walnuts
Superfoods: maca, cacao, acai berry, desiccated coconut, LSA, protein powder
Fruit: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mango, banana, apples
Spices: nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, chai blend, cinnamon,
Sweeteners: maple syrup, agave, manuka honey, stevia, vanilla bean extract
Dairy alternatives: coconut milk, almond milk, rice milk
Nuts and seeds: almonds, cashews, flaxseed, hazelnut, sunflower seeds, walnuts
How long can you keep chia seed pudding?
Chia seed pudding recipes use all natural ingredients which allows it to last in the fridge for over a 2-3 day period. Most recipes do not use processed ingredients so for optimal freshness and taste it is best consumed within 2 days.
7 Healthy Chia Pudding recipes you will love for everyday of the week
There is an unlimited amount of ways to customize a chia pudding recipe. I enjoy creating new flavor combinations with healthy ingredients whether it be with fruits, sweeteners, nuts, superfoods or spices. The ways in which to make a chia pudding are endless.
These 7 quick and easy recipes will have you eating a different flavor each day of the week:
