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Chia seed pudding is one of the easiest things I make and one of the most useful. Five minutes the night before, and breakfast (or dessert or an afternoon snack) is already done. I’ve been keeping jars of it in my fridge for years, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.

Chia seed pudding in jars with berries and pistachio toppings.Pin
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My family has been sprinkling chia seeds on yogurt and cereal for years, but it wasn’t until one of my girlfriends told me about her kids’ love of chia pudding that I decided to try making it. It was a revelation. Now I keep jars of it in the fridge all week and it’s one of Gemma’s all time favorite lunches in her lunchbox. It works for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, and takes about 5 minutes to put together the night before.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chia Pudding Recipe

  • Secretly Nutritious: All three of my kids have been eating this since they were little and are still obsessed (and I am too because it’s so good for them!). Chia seeds are packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, but this pudding tastes like dessert, so nobody’s complaining.
  • 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

Chia seed pudding ingredients.Pin
  • 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

Pouring milk into mason jar with chia seeds.Pin

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.

Hand holding jar of chia seed pudding.Pin

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

Jars of Chia Seed Pudding on serving tray.Pin

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.

FAQs

How long does chia pudding take to thicken?

It will take at least 2 to 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. 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, 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 gelatin-like texture. I’d describe it as a thick, tapioca-style pudding. Creamy and satisfying rather than firm or rubbery.

Can I change the texture of chia seed pudding?

Yes. If you prefer a completely smooth texture, like a chocolate pudding or mousse, just blend all the ingredients before pouring into jars and refrigerating. It’s also a great option for younger kids who are sensitive to texture.

Four mason jars of chia seed pudding topped with blueberries, raspberries, granola, and pistachios on a serving tray.Pin

More Recipes with Chia Seeds

This is one of those recipes I genuinely make every single week without thinking twice. Once you get in the habit of throwing a batch together the night before, you’ll wonder how you ever did mornings without it. Leave a rating and comment below if you make it!

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Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding from Weelicious.comPin

Chia Seed Pudding

The easiest overnight chia seed pudding with the perfect ratio every time. Works with any milk (regular, whole, or plant-based) and can be prepped in 5 minutes.
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
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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. Whole milk has about 150 calories per cup, and honey has about 80 calories per tablespoon, vanilla extract you do not need to worry about, and chia seeds have about 110 per ounce which may seem like a lot but they are packed with omega 3s and other great nutrients

  2. Can’t wait to have this for breakfast tomorrow it sounds delicious! I’m counting calories though so does anyone know how many calories this recipe is?

  3. Yummy! I think I’ll mix some of this up right now! Can you put peaches in before you refrigerate or after?

  4. […] bread with sliced meat of choice, cheddar cheese and greens Snack: Chia seed pudding with fruit (Great recipe here!) Dinner: Salmon Cakes over amaranth & a green […]

  5. Hello, they way I made my pudding is I substituted the milk and sweetener with pure coconut milk and added a hint of cinnamon. It came out just wonderful. .

  6. […] prep time–and the payoff is huge, both taste-wise and nutritionally. I found this recipe on Weelicious, and we make a vegan version as […]

  7. Just made this recipe and I have to say I really enjoyed it! We tried almond milk and added a dash of cinnamon for twist on rice pudding! yummy! Thanks for this!

  8. I made this last night and it’s AWESOME! Mine set just fine with maple syrup. Whole family loved it, 13-month old included. I sprinkled some cinnamon on it too. I want to try it with coconut or coconut/almond milk next…. It completely reminds me f tapioca, which I LOVE! Will try with some vanilla creme stevia for myself when I make it again.

  9. Made this over the weekend delicious, althought my son wasnt so into it. Wondering if you have a recipe for a chocolate chia pudding?
    Thanks:)

    1. 4 stars
      Thank you for the delicious recipe. It came out great! Next time I will do less honey since I don’t prefer it as sweet.

  10. Shanti Salon & Day Spa | Stefanie has just discovered Chia Seeds! | Shanti Salon & Day Spa says:

    […] Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding by Weelicious […]

  11. I just made this with plain almond milk, lemon extract and vanilla liquid stevia and it is amazing! Mine set in 30 mins and I noticed settling within 5 so I stirred every 5 mins for the first 20 and the texture is lovely. 🙂

  12. Not sure if the calories are too high but would this and some sliced berries be ok for breakfast or should this be a dessert item only?

  13. I do not have that information yet, but am working to provide nutritional information on all my recipes!

4.22 from 32 votes (29 ratings without comment)

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