The Only Chia Seed Pudding Recipe You’ll Ever Need (2024)

The Only Chia Seed Pudding Recipe You’ll Ever Need (1)

Active Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

8 hrs 10 mins

Servings:

1

Nutrition Profile:

Sesame-FreeDiabetes-AppropriateDairy-FreeSoy-FreeHigh-FiberHeart-HealthyVeganVegetarianEgg-FreeGluten-Free

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Notes

Is Almond Milk Good for You?

Almond milk can be a good replacement for cow’s milk if you have a dairy allergy. With that said, almond milk does not offer all the same nutritional benefits as cow’s milk does, especially in the protein department. The calcium and vitamin D are comparable to cow’s milk, since almond milk is fortified (although homemade almond milk most likely will not offer much of these nutrients). Choose unsweetened almond milk, as the sweetened varieties will boost your added sugar content for the day. One nutrient that almond milk has that cow’s milk lacks is vitamin E, which supports immune function and cardiovascular health. And the calcium and vitamin D in almond milk help support bone health.

Are Chia Seeds Healthy?

Chia seeds are some of the most nutrient-dense foods you’ll find. Packed with fiber, healthy omega-3 fats, antioxidants and protein, these tiny packages also provide calcium and iron. That’s a whole lot of nutrition packed into those tiny seeds! Regularly eating chia seeds has been associated with a healthy heart, lower cholesterol levels, reduced chronic inflammation and better blood sugar control.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

Can I Use a Different Type of Milk?

Yes, you can. Our recipe calls for almond milk, but feel free to swap it for another nondairy milk such as rice or soy milk or unsweetened coconut or cashew milk. Or you can use whole milk or reduced-fat (2%). Whatever changes you make to this recipe, note that the flavor and consistency of the pudding may differ due to varying protein and fat content, so you might have to experiment with flavorings and add more or less liquid for an ideal texture.

Can I Make Substitutions in This Recipe?

Absolutely. This is a perfect recipe for experimenting. In addition to swapping out almond milk for another milk, you can use either black or white chia seeds, or a mix of both, for visual appeal—they both taste the same. We like pure maple syrup, but you can choose honey or another sweetener, including white or brown sugar or jam. Try replacing the vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon or ground cardamom. And there’s no reason to only add berries, as any number of fresh fruit combinations will work, including sliced bananas, diced apple and diced mango. Flaked coconut is an excellent addition as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Store Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds stay fresher and last longer stored in sealed glass or plastic containers in the fridge, and storing them this way will also help preserve their nutritional integrity for up to a year. If you see chia seeds with white or multicolored powdery patches and/or they smell musty, toss them.

What Is Chia Seed Pudding?

Tiny chia seed pearls are from a flowering desert plant native to central and southern Mexico. They plump up and gel when added to recipes with a lot of liquid and allowed to set up. It gives this pudding recipe a lovely thick and creamy consistency much like tapioca pudding.

Is Chia Seed Pudding Meal-Prep-Friendly?

Yes, it is! It freezes so well that you might want to quadruple the batch. Thawing takes about 15 minutes, if that. Portion chia pudding into individual-serving containers and store in the freezer for up to three weeks. Just make sure you give the chia seeds enough gelling time before transferring the pudding to the freezer.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds

  • 2 teaspoons puremaple syrup

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/2 cup fruit, such as sliced strawberries, blueberries or raspberries

  • 1 tablespoon nuts, such as sliced almonds, chopped pistachios or pecans

Directions

  1. Stir almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup and vanilla together in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 3 days. When ready to serve, top with fruit and nuts.

    The Only Chia Seed Pudding Recipe You’ll Ever Need (3)

To make ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

EatingWell.com, January 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

249Calories
12g Fat
28g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe1
Serving Size1 cup
Calories249
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate28g10%
Dietary Fiber11g39%
Total Sugars13g
Protein7g13%
Total Fat12g16%
Saturated Fat1g5%
Cholesterol0mg0%
Vitamin A57µg
Vitamin C51mg57%
Vitamin D1µg
Vitamin E6mg38%
Folate37µg
Vitamin K2µg
Sodium100mg4%
Calcium455mg35%
Iron3mg16%
Magnesium122mg29%
Potassium401mg9%
Zinc2mg16%
Vitamin B120µg
Omega 34g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Powered by the ESHA Research Database © 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The Only Chia Seed Pudding Recipe You’ll Ever Need (2024)

FAQs

What happens to your gut if you eat chia pudding? ›

Chia seeds can absorb 10-12 times their weight in liquid, which is what makes chia pudding so filling. ”This keeps hunger at bay, meaning chia can be good for weight management,” says Soutter. Plus, soluble fibre lowers blood levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol, feeds 'good' bacteria in your gut, and bulks up stools.

Is it OK to eat chia seed pudding everyday? ›

Chia seeds are highly nutritious, boast a long list of health benefits and can be a healthy dietary addition for most. However, moderation is key, as eating too many may cause side effects. To prevent this, start with 1 ounce (28 grams) daily and assess your tolerance before slowly increasing your intake.

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 is the best time to drink chia seeds for weight loss? ›

However, there are a few things to keep in mind to maximise their benefits. 🥣If you're looking to lose weight, it's best to consume chia seeds in the morning. They are high in fibre, which keeps you feeling full for longer, reducing the chances of overeating throughout the day.

Who should not eat chia seeds? ›

If you're taking medication for hypertension or diabetes, talk to your doctor before adding chia seeds to your diet, as they may affect your blood pressure and blood sugar. In addition, if you have preexisting GI issues, you may also want to use caution when adding fiber-rich foods, like chia seeds, into your diet.

What not to mix with chia seeds? ›

Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is known that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking chia seeds with foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

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.

Is 2 tablespoons of chia seeds a day too much? ›

Chia seeds as part of a healthy diet

There is no RDA for chia seeds. Still, they can be safely eaten in amounts of 50 grams daily, which is about five tablespoons. Two tablespoons provide all of the nutritional benefits listed above. Soaked chia seeds have a gel-like texture.

Which seeds burn belly fat fast? ›

5 Seeds That May Help Cut Belly Fat
  • Chia Seeds. Flax seeds are another excellent source of fibre and omega-3 fatty acids. ...
  • Flax Seeds. Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are packed with nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and protein. ...
  • Pumpkin Seeds. ...
  • Sesame Seeds. ...
  • Sunflower Seeds.
Jul 19, 2023

Does chia seeds help in hair growth? ›

Chia seeds are bursting with essential amino acids and they do some great work from inside the scalp. They inhibit hair fall and give a boost to new hair growth. They also help fight inflammation. Zinc and copper prevent thinning of hair, thus helping hair growth.

What does chia seeds lemon and honey do for you? ›

Consuming chia seeds regularly can help keep your heart healthy and prevent heart disease. Lemon water is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it by adding chia seeds. This drink can help you lose weight, detoxify your body, improve heart function, and prevent many illnesses.

What is the side effects of chia seeds? ›

Chia seeds are loaded with fibres and when it is consumed in lots of quantities the body may find it difficult to digest it properly. One should stick to an ideal quantity of chia seeds in a day and not consume more. Consuming more of these tiny seeds can cause diarrhea, bloating and stomach cramps.

How many tablespoons of chia seeds should I eat a day to lose weight? ›

Chia seeds have impressive benefits and are a very versatile ingredients. Do not exceed 1-2 tablespoons per day and always hydrate them in water or milk before use. Remember chia alone cannot cause weight loss. It has to be part of a well-balanced diet and effective exercise routine.

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 Chia pudding easy on the stomach? ›

Whether this means adding them to a drink, whipping up some chia pudding, or simply soaking them in water before adding them to a meal, this process will make them easier to digest and help avoid any stomach discomfort associated with large amounts of fiber.

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.

Is Chia pudding good to eat every morning? ›

This easy chia seed pudding recipe is a perfect healthy breakfast or snack! It tastes like dessert, but it's filled with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Now that the weather's warming up, this chia seed pudding recipe has become my go-to breakfast/afternoon snack.

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