Chia Seed Pudding takes minutes to make, is super healthy and so versatile it can be served for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert. It’s filled with healthy fats, fiber and protein but tastes like a special treat. You can find jars of Chia Seed Pudding in my fridge at all times!

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Our family has been sprinkling chia seeds on yogurt and cereal for quite some time, but it wasn’t until one of my girlfriends told me (years ago now) about her kids’ love of her pudding that I decided to try using them in a different way. Our life was changed! Now this overnight Chia Seed Pudding recipe is one of our go-to breakfasts and will be yours too! It’s the perfect recipe to help you take on the day feeling fully satiated and energized.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chia Pudding Recipe

  • Healthy and Filling: Chia seeds are known for their high level of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and antioxidant properties. They’re a great source of protein to keep you feeling full longer too!
  • Easy to Make: This recipe for chia seed pudding requires minimal ingredients and even less effort. All you need is chia seeds, a liquid (such as milk or plant based alternatives) and a sweetener. Whip up a batch of Chia Pudding in minutes and let the rest happen in the fridge overnight.
  • Customizable and Versatile: You can add your favorite toppings to your pudding to make it your own. Plus, chia pudding is so versatile you can serve it for breakfast or a snack, but it’s decadent enough to be a special dessert too!
  • Perfect For Meal Prep: Chia Seed Pudding will last in your refrigerator for up to 5 days making it a great breakfast to meal prep for the whole week!

Chia Pudding Recipe Ingredients

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  • Chia Seeds: Both black or white chia seeds will work in this recipe. Experiment with different brands and see which you like the best!
  • Milk of Choice: Cow’s milk or any plant based milk will work to make creamy chia seed pudding.
  • Honey: Add just a touch of sweetness. Feel free to substitute maple syrup if you prefer!
  • Vanilla Extract: This adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the pudding.

How to Make Chia Pudding

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Step 1: Place the chia seeds and milk in medium bowl and stir to combine. Alternatively you can add the ingredients to 1 large mason jar or divide evenly between 4 smaller mason jars with lids and shake to combine. For best results stir or shake covered jars after 5 minutes to prevent seeds from clumping.

Pouring vanilla into chia seed pudding.Pin

Step 2: Add the honey and vanilla and stir or shake again.

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Step 3: Refrigerate 2 hours, stirring or shaking the jar once halfway through.

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Step 4: Add toppings of choice and serve chilled or at room temperature.

The Best Liquid to Chia Seed Ratio for Chia Pudding

I think the perfect ratio for pudding is 2 tablespoons of chia seeds for every 1/2 cup of milk. If you want a thinner pudding you can add more milk, but this is the ratio I start with. You can make individual servings in mason jars by adding this ratio of milk to chia seeds along with a tablespoon of sweetener and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Shake to combine, refrigerator for 4 hours and shake again halfway through.

Chia Seed Pudding Topping Ideas

One of the best parts of chia seed pudding is getting to add your favorite toppings. The possibilities are limitless. Just make sure you add the toppings after serving. Here are some of my favorite:

  • Fresh Fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, slices of banana or any of your favorite fruit can be added on top of your pudding. My kids have always loved passion fruit on top of theirs!
  • Add a Crunch: Nuts like pistachios and slivered almonds or even unsweetened shredded coconut and bee pollen are great additions to pudding. You could also add your favorite granola on top for some crunch!
  • More Sweetness: Especially when I’m serving pudding for dessert I add some extra sweetness with chocolate chips, cacao nibs or an extra drizzle of honey on top. You could also add cocoa powder and follow this recipe for Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding!

How to Store Chia Seed Pudding

Store chia seed pudding in a mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving and feel free to add more milk if you need to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does chia pudding take to thicken?

It will take at least 2-4 hours for your pudding to thicken, but you’ll get the best results letting it sit overnight. 

What’s the best milk for chia pudding?

Any kind of milk will work to make chia pudding. My husband (after lots of experimenting) claims oat milk makes the creamiest chia pudding with almond milk being a close second. I personally like using full fat cow’s milk for this recipe, but it works well with any milk you prefer!

What is chia seed pudding texture like?

When mixed with liquid, chia seeds expand and take on a different texture, like gelatin. I would describe the texture of chia pudding as a thick, tapioca-like pudding.

Can I change the texture of chia seed pudding?

Yes! If you prefer an utterly smooth texture (like the consistency of a chocolate pudding or mousse), or have a little one who does, just blend your ingredients until smooth in the blender before pouring into jars and refrigerating.

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Is Chia Seed Pudding Healthy?

Chia Seed Pudding is considered a healthy snack because chia seeds are high in fiber, high in protein and contain healthy fats like omega-3s. Not to mention 2 tablespoons of chia seeds have only 130 calories.

  • Fiber is good for gut health and helps control blood sugar and cholesterol levels. 
  • Protein helps you feel full longer to keep you satisfied between meals and helps build lean muscle mass.
  • Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and are great for heart health and brain function.

More Recipes with Chia Seeds

Chia Seed Pudding couldn’t be easier to make and is the ultimate healthy breakfast to start your day off right. Or snack on it to keep you satisfied between meals! Kids and adults alike love it. If you make this recipe and love it, leave a rating and review below!

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Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding from Weelicious.comPin

Chia Seed Pudding

Chia Seed Pudding takes minutes to make, is super healthy and so versatile it can be served for breakfast, as a snack, even dessert. You can find tons of it in my fridge at all times.
4.22 from 32 votes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Prep Time 5 minutes
Soak Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients  

Ingredients for 4 Servings of Chia Pudding:

Ingredients for 1 Serving of Chia Pudding:

Instructions 

  • Place the chia seeds and milk in medium bowl and stir to combine. Alternatively you can add the ingredients to 1 large mason jar or divide evenly between 4 smaller mason jars with lids and shake to combine. For best results stir or shake covered jars after 5 minutes to prevent seeds from clumping.
  • Add the honey and vanilla and stir or shake again. 
  • Refrigerate 2 hours, stirring or shaking the jar once halfway through.
  • Add toppings of choice and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Video

Notes

To Store: Store chia seed pudding in a mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving and feel free to add more milk if you need to loosen it up.
For One Serving of Chia Seed Pudding: It’s easiest to make one serving of chia seed pudding in a mason jar. Add ingredients for one serving to a mason jar with a lid and shake. Refrigerate for 2 hours shaking again halfway through.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 167mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 286mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @Weelicious or tag #weelicious!

About the Author

Catherine is a mama of three. A Kentucky girl living in California. Here’s what I know: all kids can be great eaters and mealtime must be easy. I create simple, healthy recipes the whole family will love.

Comments

  1. correct, chia in touch with water creates a gelly substance, this can be used for a pudding as in the recipe above but can be used as a base for any kind of sause, including salty juices, meat juices, salad dressing etc etc. Last but not least, the high amount of fiber will make you eat less so a very healthy ingredient: chia!

  2. Shelf life is 2 years if stored in the right conditions (dry environment with temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius)

  3. Just got bags of chia seeds ! I’m making this now ! Quick question , what’s the best way to store them ? ( the seeds )

  4. This was surprisingly good! It reminds me of tapioca pudding. It was sweet with a wonderful vanilla flavor. Great with sliced strawberries! My somewhat picky 21 month old loved it as well and I feel good about giving him a dessert like this! Thank you!!

  5. Made this the other day and it was delicious! I added some blackberries on top. I might try it with almond extract next time : ) Thanks for the recipe, I have a whole pouch of chia seeds and didn’t know what to do with them!

  6. Same thing happened to me (wouldn’t set). Must have to do with the maple syrup. I threw it in the freezer and made “ice cream” My 2 year old gobbled it right up that way 🙂

  7. I tried this recipe today and used maple syrup but otherwise followed the recipe but my pudding didn’t set. Any suggestions?

  8. I tried my first chia seed drink yesterday and enjoyed it so I bought chia seeds today and made this! My overly picky 18 month old loved it! Thanks for sharing!

4.22 from 32 votes (29 ratings without comment)

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