Chia pudding: the ultimate dessert-like recipe that’s equally healthy and delicious. Despite tasting like a decadent treat, this easy-prep meal is packed with satiating fiber, plant-based protein, and nourishing healthy fats. Plus, it’s easy to customize for all your dietary needs or flavor preferences! Stir in a spoonful of superfoods, toss in some fresh or frozen berries, or mix in cacao powder for an antioxidant-rich chocolate infusion. Prep a big batch — it’s perfect for busy mornings, late-night sweet tooth cravings, and midday hanger pangs.
Ahead, we’re sharing all the reasons we love chia pudding and why you will too! Learn the health benefits, simple recipes, and yummy flavor variations. Grab a spoon and get ready to dig in!
The Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
These tiny seeds come with some mighty health benefits! Here’s why you need them.
- Rich in antioxidants
- Full of satiating fiber (nearly 10 grams per 1-ounce serving!) to support digestion
- Packed with plant-based protein (about 5 grams)
- Support weight loss and increase satiety
- Full of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids
How To Make Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is a creamy pudding made from chia seeds and creamy non-dairy milk. It’s full of satiating fiber and protein, and it’s easy to customize. The best part? How to make chia pudding is simple! It comes together in minutes and only requires a handful of simple ingredients.
You’ll need:
Chia seeds: the star ingredient! Black chia seeds are more commonly used, though white chia seeds work as a 1:1 replacement.
Non-dairy milk of choice: opt for an unsweetened brand, or make your own! P.S. The creamier, the better! We love almond, cashew, oat, or full-fat coconut milk.
Maple syrup: or your favorite natural sweetener such as raw honey.
Pure vanilla extract: to enhance the sweetness without added calories or sugar.
Optional Add-ins: such as fresh fruit, superfood powders, cacao, or nut butter.
Easy-Prep Chia Pudding Base Recipe
Use this simple chia pudding recipe as your base! It tastes delicious on its own, but feel free to make it your own with any of the below flavor variations. Plus, you can customize this base recipe based on your dietary needs or preferences. Use your favorite liquid base, swap maple syrup for your sweetener of choice (or skip the sweetener altogether), or stir in any add-ins!
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk, unsweetened (or favorite non-dairy milk of your choice)
- 2 tsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice, such as raw honey)
- ½ tbsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch sea salt, optional
Directions:
Step #1: Add the chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and sea salt to a medium-sized bowl. Whisk together until well combined, making sure to break up any clumps of chia seeds.
Step #2: Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes and give it another whisk. This will ensure a smooth and creamy mixture without clumps of chia. Option to blend your chia pudding for a smooth and creamy texture. This will yield more of a “ traditional pudding-like” blend versus a “tapioca-style pudding” texture.
Step #3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate to let the mixture thicken and set. Ideally, overnight, but at least 2-3 hours. The mixture should be a thick pudding-like consistency.
Step #4: Once fully set, remove from the fridge and give it another stir. Add in any additional add-ins, or serve with your toppings of choice!
6 Chia Pudding Flavor Variations to Try
#1 Chocolate Chia Pudding
Follow the base recipe above, adding in the following additions during step one:
- ¼ cup unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder
- 2 additional teaspoons of maple syrup (optional)
- ½ tsp cinnamon, optional
Liquid base recommendation: cashew milk, macadamia nut milk, oat milk, or almond milk
#2 Triple Berry Chia Pudding
Follow the base recipe above, adding in the following additions — mixed berries and yogurt! While the yogurt is optional, it takes the creamy factor to a whole new level. Mix the yogurt and frozen berries last during the first step. Then, follow the above recipe as directed.
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
- ¼ cup coconut, Greek yogurt, or full-fat yogurt of choice (optional)
Liquid base recommendation: full-fat coconut milk, cashew milk, macadamia nut milk, oat milk, or almond milk
#3 Almond Butter & Banana Chia Pudding
Follow the base recipe above, adding in the following additions during step one:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1-2 tbsp creamy almond butter (or nut butter of choice)
Note: You can mix the almond butter in during step one or add it as a topping once the chia pudding has fully set during step four!
Liquid base recommendation: almond milk, cashew milk, or oat milk
#4 Mint Chip Chia Pudding
Follow the base recipe above, adding in the following additions during step one:
- 2-4 tbsp cacao nibs
- Additional 2 tsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice), optional
- ⅛ tsp peppermint extract
- ½ – 1 tsp matcha or spirulina, optional
Liquid base recommendation: almond milk, cashew milk, full-fat coconut nut milk, or oat milk
#5 Mango Chia Pudding
Follow the base recipe above, adding in the following additions during step one:
- 1 small mango, peeled, chopped, and pureed
Note: To make the mango puree, simply peel, chop, and blend the flesh of one small mango. Option to add the pureed mango to the base mixture during step one or stir it in once the chia pudding has fully set during step four!
Liquid base recommendation: almond milk, full-fat coconut nut milk, cashew milk, or oat milk
#6 PB & J Chia Pudding
Follow the base recipe above, adding in the following additions during step four, once the chia pudding has fully set:
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup frozen raspberries, thawed and mashed
Liquid base recommendation: almond milk, cashew milk, full-fat coconut nut milk, or oat milk
Bonus Recipe: Try This Protein-Packed Overnight Chia Pudding Recipe!
Perfect for a post-workout meal, protein-rich breakfast, or satiating snack! Made with the addition of protein powder, this mouthwatering FitOn PRO Overnight Protein Chia Pudding recipe will be your new go-to.
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup oat milk
- 1 scoop protein powder
- ½ banana, mashed
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 handful mixed berries
- slivered almonds, to serve
Directions:
Step #1: Place the chia seeds in a bowl and cover with the oat milk. Add the protein powder, banana, cinnamon, vanilla, and pure maple syrup. Stir well.
Step #2: Place in the fridge overnight.
Step #3: Top with fresh berries and slivered almonds before enjoying.
The Ultimate Meal-Prep Staple
Now that you know how to make chia pudding (with ease!) feel free to get creative and make it your own. Add your favorite healthy toppings, mix and match flavor variations, and call on any healthy swaps! Make a big batch weekly and keep it on hand for all your needs — enjoy it as a quick breakfast option, post-workout snack, and satisfying dessert! Tasty, healthy, and unbelievably simple.
