Chia Seed Pudding (Easy Breakfast)

This chia seed pudding is so easy and simple to make, that it will easily become your next favorite healthy breakfast. It’s vegan and gluten-free, full of fiber, omega-3s and protein, it’s light and it’s super creamy! So if you’ve never gotten to try the chia seeds you purchased, it’s time to use them in this quick nutritious pudding recipe!

The base is made with only three ingredients: chia seeds, dairy-free milk, and a sweetener of your choice. If you know anything about chia, you can tell this recipe is loaded with protein, fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats. That’s right, those tiny seeds might look a bit scary, but they’re actually one of the healthiest foods you can eat!

Whether for a sweet breakfast or afternoon snack, this simple, but healthy chia pudding will boost your energy, fuel your day and satisfy your sweet cravings.

Best part? The toppings! Try various fruits and nut butters to make this recipe even brighter and more filling. What’s more, when you top the pudding with some fruit and nut butter, you will increase your vitamin and protein intake even further.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chia Pudding Recipe

You’ll love this creamy chia seed pudding because it’s:

• Really quick and easy to make. Just mix the ingredients and leave in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
• Perfect for a grab-and-go healthy breakfast, afternoon snack as well as a dessert.
• Super healthy. Chia seeds are high in fiber and help with gut health as well as cholesterol levels. They are also rich in protein and contain healthy fats.
• Excellent for meal prep. You can prepare several portions for the week ahead and then keep them in the fridge. 
• Versatile! You can challenge your creativity here and use a different topping each time you serve this easy chia pudding. Not only will it look and taste different, but you will add more healthy nutrients to your dish.

What’s more, the taste and flavor are simply amazing.

Chia Seed Pudding Base Ingredients

You need only three main ingredients for this easy chia seed pudding recipe. However, you can always add a topping of your choice.

• Chia seeds. These seeds may be small, but their nutritional value is huge. As a main ingredient in the Aztec and Maya diet, chia seeds have been cherished throughout the centuries because of their amazing health benefits. They form a gel-like texture when mixed with liquid and are so versatile, that you can use them in a variety of dishes like smoothies or vegan baking recipes.
• Plant-based milk. Use plant-based milk of your choice. Almond milk works really well, but you can make the pudding with oat, coconut, or rice milk as well. The best ratio for this chia pudding recipe is 2 tbsp chia seeds per 1/2 cup milk.
• Sweetener. Maple syrup is an excellent choice for a sweetener not only because it’s a natural product but also due to its high-in-mineral content. Only 1 tbsp of maple syrup provides you with 33 % of your daily value of manganese. It also contains zinc, copper, calcium, iron as well as potassium. More than that, unlike sugar, it mixes with the chia seeds and the nut milk seamlessly!

How to Make Chia Seed Pudding For Breakfast

Making this chia pudding for a quick grab-and-go healthy breakfast is like a piece of cake. The one challenge here is that you need to remember to mix the ingredients the night before!

Other than that, just follow the steps below and before you know it, you’ll have your sweet vegan breakfast ready and sitting in the fridge:

• Firstly, take a clean glass jar or another airtight container and add chia seeds, dairy-free milk and lastly the maple syrup into it. Remember to choose a bigger jar or container that allows for toppings if you’re going to eat the pudding on the go. You do not want to make a mess while you’re out and about!
• Next, mix well with a fork.
• Stop for a minute and be sure to let the seeds settle, before you start stirring once again. You’ll notice that stirring this way will allow the seeds to spread evenly throughout the milk. Furthermore, there won’t be any clumps of chia seeds in the jar.
• Now, if you see that the chia seeds have spread out evenly and that there are no clumps, it’s time to close the lid and put the jar in the fridge.
• Let the jar sit in the fridge overnight or at least 3 hours. During this period the chia seeds will soak up all the milk and will reach pudding-like consistency.

And that’s how you make the base!

Toppings

Now that you have the chia pudding, it’s time for the most wonderful part – the toppings!

I usually like to transfer the pudding into a bowl and top it with berries, banana, nut butter and some crunchy nuts. Some healthy granola would be great as well!

Now, if you’re a chocolate fan and your cravings are really intense, then some grated dark chocolate might be your ideal topping. 

Top your healthy chia pudding with whatever fruit and nuts you love, have or feel like eating. You can also use jam, coconut, seeds, or even sauteed fruit like apples. That is a great way to experiment with flavors, colors, and tastes!

How to Store & Meal Prep

If you’ve made more pudding than you can eat or just want to have some ready for your next breakfast, then you can store it in the fridge. Portion the pudding in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for as long as 3-4 days. Whenever you feel like you need an energy booster, just grab a jar, top it with your favorite fruit or nuts, or both, and enjoy!

More Healthy Breakfast Ideas

• Easy Healthy Granola Recipe
• 10-Minute Oatmeal Pancakes
• Flourless Breakfast Apple Cake