Favorite Chia Pudding Recipe (3 Ways!) | Feasting on Fruit (2024)

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My favorite chia seed pudding recipe with just the right ratio and ingredients for ultra creamy texture – for dessert, breakfast, or a make ahead snack!

Favorite Chia Pudding Recipe (3 Ways!) | Feasting on Fruit (1)

Hello January.

Hello post-holiday back to normal life time. Still chilly but less everywhere cheery time. Still having fun with food but less frosting and sprinkles time. Still need snacks but make it snappy time.

A.k.a. chia pudding time.

Favorite Chia Pudding Recipe (3 Ways!) | Feasting on Fruit (2)

Happy new year/month/week all at once, friends.

I will not be giving up a single thing this month. There will be baking and sugar and probably more gingerbread because that still sounds yummy and this cake deserves a round two. There will of course be fruit-sweetened recipes, but I do those year round. There will be healthier treats and chocolate too. Hell I may even eat extra ice cream to make up for all the neglected pints the rest of the internet is giving up.

Tastebuds don’t understand it’s suddenly a new year so cookies = over and veggies = on deck. Bodies don’t work like that, at least not mine and not happily. I don’t regret a single cookie I ate last month and I won’t regret a single cookie I eat this month (because yes there will be cookies!). I don’t feel the need to balance out the holidays with with nothing but green smoothies and zoodles now. I crave a continuous balance of both. You know what makes a nourishing, colorful, whole foods dinner taste the best? A 4pm cookie snack beforehand so my sweet tooth is content and ready for real food.

Yeah yeah, I know – balanceis the mostcliche and overused word of January. But it’s true. I for one don’t want to be ravenous for ALL THE THINGS by January 29th, so I’ll take my sugar and non-whole foods all month long please.

I didn’t know that was going to turn into a mini rant. But sometimes when it feels like we are swimming upstream it helps to shout extra loud, even if only for our own conviction.

Favorite Chia Pudding Recipe (3 Ways!) | Feasting on Fruit (3)

On to this seedy stuff though.

After a five days of minimal computer time last week, I was out of my recipe flow. I had a lot of ideas, but none of them were jumping and shoutingPICK ME! from the list.

So I ditched the list, consulted the fridge, and realized that I have been making chia pudding non-stop for weeks now in JUMBO batches without sharing my (dare I say) perfect recipe/ratio. I’ve made more than a dozen batches by now, so thoroughly tested is an understatement here.

Favorite Chia Pudding Recipe (3 Ways!) | Feasting on Fruit (4)

My problem with 75% of chia pudding recipes out there is texture – since when doespudding meansoup? Chia pudding should stay on the spoon in a bite-shaped blob. Toppings should not sink in. A straw should feel very inappropriate.

This recipe has THE texture – thick and creamy and layers in jars like a dream. Because of two things:

  1. A 4:1 ratio of liquid to chia seeds. So 1 cup liquid to 1/4 cup chia seeds, which is a tiny bit higher than most.
  2. A mix of canned coconut milk and almond milk (or any milk in a carton). Coconut milk solidifies when chilled, so a mix of both makes it thick but not too thick. Just the perfect pudding texture.

Favorite Chia Pudding Recipe (3 Ways!) | Feasting on Fruit (5)

Sweetening. The coconut milk is naturally sweet, so you don’t need much. I use 2 tablespoons of maple syrup per batch, and one batch easily makes 3 servings. You could also blend in a couple of medjool dates, or use honey or agave instead. I’ve even made the vanilla version with no sweetener before, and with fruit on top it’s still very yum.

Optional protein. I typically make mine with 2-4 scoops of collagen peptides added in (which makes it extra frothy!) Skip if vegan, or add a couple of scoops of vegan protein powder instead. Protein powder does make the pudding thicker so consider adding an extra 1/4 cup milk.

Favorite Chia Pudding Recipe (3 Ways!) | Feasting on Fruit (6)

Flavors. Maybe I do make chocolate chia pudding approximately every single time. Maybe I don’t. But you can mix it up with all kinds of additions – cinnamon spiced, maca boosted, peanut butter instead of protein powder, apple juice instead of milk, berries blended in…

My three personal favorites are vanilla, matcha, and chocolate. Vanilla because it goes with all the toppings, matcha because I’m obsessed, and chocolate because chocolate. Oh, and when I say chocolate I mean SALTED chocolate. Add a generous pinch of salt to your next batch of chocolate chia pudding and you’ll see why it’s the one I make again and again.

Favorite Chia Pudding Recipe (3 Ways!) | Feasting on Fruit (7)

Make multiple servings at the same time. Check.

Store in matching glass jars. Check.

Take photo for instagram. Check.

Feel like my life is more organized even though really it’s just my snack life and I still have a two foot tall pile of empty boxes in my living room to recycle, my closet is vomiting a confusing mix of winter and summer clothes, and yesterday I found a spoon in my freezer I didn’t even know was missing. Not gonna lie, kinda check.

This is as close to #mealprep as I’ll probably every be.

Favorite Chia Pudding Recipe (3 Ways!) | Feasting on Fruit (8)

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Favorite Chia Pudding Recipe (3 Ways!) | Feasting on Fruit (9)

Favorite Chia Pudding

★★★★★4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Author: Natalie
  • Yield: 3 servings 1x
  • Category: snack
  • Method: no bake
  • Cuisine: american
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Description

My favorite chia seed pudding recipe with just the right ratio and ingredients for ultra creamy texture – for dessert, breakfast, or a make ahead snack!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 cup (240g) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup (220g) almond milk (*)
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup (**)
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Optional: 2 scoops vegan protein powder (or collagen peptides (not vegan)***)
  • 1/2 cup chia seeds
  • For vanilla: 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For chocolate 2 tbsp cacao powder ((a little extra salt doesn’t hurt!))
  • For matcha: 1 tsp matcha powder

Instructions

  1. In a blender combine the coconut milk, almond milk, maple syrup, salt, and optional protein powder/collagen. Blend until combined.
  2. Add the vanilla, cacao, or matcha powder. Blend to combine.
  3. Add the chia seeds and pulse them in. Pulse briefly every 1-2 minutes until the pudding starts to thicken and the seeds remain evenly distributed as opposed to settling to the bottom. 3-4 pulses is usually enough.
  4. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
  5. Serve with toppings of choice and enjoy!

Notes

*You can use any kind of non-dairy milk in a carton, but I do not recommend using all canned coconut milk or it will be too thick. **You can sub any liquid sweetener or even 2-3medjool dates. ***THIS is the collagen I used. And THIS is the vegan protein powder I used. If you use the protein powder, it will be thicker so consider adding an extra 1/4 cup milk.

Keywords: snack, meal prep, vegan, dairy-free, chia, dessert, breakfast

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Favorite Chia Pudding Recipe (3 Ways!) | Feasting on Fruit (2024)

FAQs

Is it okay to eat chia pudding every morning? ›

Limited research in animals and humans has found that taking chia seeds daily can lead to greater weight loss and bone mineral content ( 14 , 24 ). That said, eating too many can cause some side effects, so start with a small dose, like 1 oz (28 g) daily, and make sure to drink plenty of water.

What does chia pudding do to your gut? ›

Chia seeds are a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion. The omega-3 fatty acids and caffeic acid in chia seeds may reduce inflammation in the gut. This can alleviate symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

What not to mix with chia seeds? ›

Medicines: Avoid taking chia seeds if you are taking medications like anticoagulants and antiplatelets (prevent blood clots), anti-hypertensive (treats high blood pressure), anti-cancer, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, as chia seeds might interact with these medicines.

How long does chia pudding last in fridge? ›

Chia pudding is an awesome meal prep option because it will stay good in the fridge for 5-7 days. For meal prep, just place the pudding in airtight jars or meal prep containers and store in the fridge.

Do chia seeds reduce belly fat? ›

Both Chia seeds and Ginger have been shown in some studies to help suppress appetite. Feeling fuller for longer may lead to reduced calorie intake, which can contribute to weight loss, including fat loss in the belly area.

What happens when you start eating chia seeds every day? ›

Although chia seeds offer a variety of health benefits, eating too many may lead to complications: Digestive issues. Because of their high fiber content, eating too many chia seeds may cause constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas.

What happens when you eat chia pudding for 2 weeks? ›

In addition to lowering blood sugar, chia seeds are effective at reducing blood pressure. In one study, eating chia seeds for 12 weeks decreased blood pressure, along with markers of blood sugar and inflammation ( 26 ).

Are chia seeds good for your colon? ›

Seeds are a healthy snack food that helps care for your colon while also keeping you feeling fuller for a longer period of time. For example, one teaspoon of chia seeds is equal to 10 grams of fiber. Beans and lentils, also known as legumes, have tons of fiber and can reduce your risk of colon cancer.

Do chia seeds clean out your colon? ›

Unique in their nutritional profiles, flax and chia seeds have fats and fiber that help promote healthy digestion and a clean colon. Fiber moves stool through your colon. It removes waste, toxic chemicals and other substances like cholesterol.

Is there a downside to chia seeds? ›

One of the most common side effects of consuming chia seeds in excessive amounts is digestive issues like bloating, gas, and constipation. This is because the high fibre content in chia seeds can lead to stomach discomfort and digestive problems.

What does Mayo Clinic say about chia seeds? ›

Chia is rich in lignans and omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular health. These seeds also contain magnesium, an important mineral for brain, digestive tract and heart health. Add chia to cereal, yogurt, salads and smoothies, or use it make puddings for a nutrient-dense snack.

How to tell if chia seeds are bad? ›

One of the most noticeable signs that chia seeds have gone bad is a rancid or musty smell. Fresh chia seeds have a mild, nutty aroma. If you detect any off-putting odors when you open the container, it's a clear indication that the seeds have spoiled and should not be consumed.

How to tell if chia pudding has gone bad? ›

The first is to check for signs of moisture or mold. Mold grows very quickly in chia seeds that have gotten moist, so if you see any dampness at all, you can conclude that the seeds are no longer edible. Next, look for seeds that have clumped together, as this is a sign that the oil inside the seeds is rancid.

How often should you eat chia pudding? ›

In terms of how much chia to eat each day, it's smart to stick to the 2-tablespoon serving size. You'll probably want to break this up throughout the day, adding a teaspoon or two to your smoothie, another teaspoon in your mid-morning yogurt, and the rest in recipes like chia pudding.

Why didn't my chia seeds turn into pudding? ›

For the best chia seed pudding, you want to let it sit overnight. Why didn't my chia seed pudding thicken? It's possible that you didn't stir the mixture enough. It's important to stir, wait and then stir a couple of times until there are no clumps of chia seeds before you store it in the fridge.

What time of day is best to eat chia pudding? ›

Chia pudding makes a delicious dish that can be eaten for breakfast or as dessert. If you don't like the seeds' texture, try blending the pudding to give it a smoother finish.

How many days is chia seed pudding good for? ›

Note: Chia pudding keeps for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. The pudding will continue to thicken as it sits. If you prefer a slightly thinner pudding, add a splash of milk and stir before serving.

How many times a week can I eat chia? ›

To stay safe, stick to one serving of chia seeds per day. ‌Soak them in water, fruit juice, smoothies, almond milk‌ ‌or other liquids‌ before consumption. Add them to soups, oatmeal, puddings and even sauces to get more nutrients in your diet.

References

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