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How to Make Chia Pudding

Need a sweet but healthy breakfast or a dessert? Here is a quick tutorial on how to make chia pudding that will suit your taste buds.

Are you trying to keep a healthy diet but still craving something creamy, sweet, and filling? Chia seed pudding is your answer.

cup of chia pudding

Chia pudding is not only creamy, sweet, and filling, but it’s also very healthy. In fact, it can even be part of a weight-loss diet.

The pudding can be easily adapted to fit your current dietary needs. For example, you can use nut milk or real dairy.

You can add different flavors and toppings, as well. Let’s read on to discover how to make chia seed pudding and all of the different ways to make it a delicious breakfast, dessert or even a snack.

two cups of chia pudding with toppings

Best Milk to Use for Chia Pudding

For chia seed pudding to bind together and create the pudding consistency, you must mix the seeds with milk. There are various kinds of milk you can use for chia seed pudding.

Some of the best healthy options are dairy-free, nut milk such as almond or cashew milk. Another great option is coconut milk.

Almond milk is a great option that is easily accessible. It can be found in many supermarkets in the dairy section or among the coffee and tea shelves.

Additionally, almond milk is still a great source of calcium while being high in Vitamin E.

how to make chia pudding

Cashew milk is another excellent option if you would like to use nut milk. Cashew milk contains healthy fats and protein. Also, cashew milk has a range of vitamins and nutrients.

If you are looking for a creamier option, you might want to consider using coconut milk or coconut cream. Coconut milk is another readily available milk option.

Coconut cream should be used if you want the pudding to be extra creamy. Keep in mind, though, coconut cream does have a higher fat percentage than most non-dairy options.

Additionally, coconut milk and cream may be a good option if you have a nut allergy. It is recommended to check with your doctor first before making the swap.

It’s important to note that you should choose unsweetened milk options. You should control the sweetness of your recipes when you are trying to maintain a healthy diet.

Don’t worry! There are healthy ways to add sweetness to your food.

chia pudding cups with bananas and granola

Best Toppings to Use

 

One of the best ways to add sweetness to your chia seed pudding is to play around with different toppings.

Since we are sticking to healthy options, it’s important to remember a few things. Such things include avoiding toppings with artificial ingredients and added sugars.

Some healthy topping options include:

  • Keto-friendly granola – A low carb, low sugar granola option is an excellent option for adding flavor and crunch. This granola is a good option that has 3g net carbs per serving.
  • Chopped fruit – Fresh fruit is a great way to add flavor, texture, and color to your chia seed pudding recipe.
  • Unsalted nuts – Chopped nuts add extra protein to your chia seed pudding. Adding nuts is especially good when also adding the chopped fruit.
chia pudding cup topped with granola

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chia seeds – The main ingredient, not to be missed or substituted. Chia seeds are high in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Almond milk – Be sure to choose unsweetened almond milk for the best health benefits. Again, substitutes can include coconut milk, cashew milk, or another favorite nut milk.

Vanilla extract – Vanilla extract is a great way to add delicious flavor without adding additional sugar or artificial ingredients. When choosing vanilla extract, try to buy pure vanilla extract and not the fake kind.

Maple syrup – 100% maple syrup is the best option when sticking to a healthy diet. If you cannot find maple syrup, you can substitute it with agave or honey.

Salt – Salt is an ingredient that helps boost flavor when used in moderate amounts. In fact, a pinch here and there is no harm at all to your healthy diet.

how to make chia pudding

Vanilla protein powderAdding vanilla protein powder is a great way to boost the chia seed pudding’s nutrient level. It adds extra flavor, as well.

Toppings (Optional)

Banana – Bananas are a great way to add protein and potassium to your diet. But, you can also substitute another one of your favorite fruits if you want.

Granola – Again, be sure to find a low sugar, low carb granola option if you are sticking to a healthy eating plan. There is an assortment of great options available online or at your local supermarket.

ingredients for chia pudding

How to Make Chia Seed Pudding

After putting together all of your ingredients, it’s time to start preparing the chia seed pudding.

First, mix the chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and protein powder. It’s essential to mix the ingredients very well so that everything is incorporated.

mixing bowl with chia mixture

Next, you will cover the bowl that you mixed everything in with plastic wrap. Now place the bowl in the refrigerator.

Allow the chia seed pudding to chill and thicken for at least two hours. After the chilling period, the pudding should be thick and not liquidy.

If the pudding has not thickened to your desired consistency, you can quickly fix it. All you need to do is add a few more teaspoons of chia seeds and allow it to chill another thirty minutes or so.

plastic wrap over bowl

Lastly, remove the chia seed pudding from the refrigerator and portion it out into serving cups.

If desired, top with banana and granola.

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chia pudding cups with bowl of granola

How Often Should You Eat Chia Pudding?

Chia seed pudding is perfectly fine to consume regularly. You can enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert.

Keep in mind the high fiber content of the chia seeds. Understandably, if you consume a high fiber diet, there is a possibility you might have digestive side effects.

The suggested amount of chia seeds is about 20 grams (or 1.5 tablespoons) twice per day, according to Healthline.com.

side view of chia pudding cup

Do You Eat Chia Pudding Hot or Cold?

This specific recipe is for enjoying chia seed pudding while cold or even at room temperature (after the chilling process). But can you enjoy chia seed pudding warm?

Yes, you can! Instead of chilling the chia seed pudding, you can alternatively heat it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Not only does this speed up the thickening process, but it also creates a much different snack. Try this method instead for a cozy, warm treat.

Remember that if you chose to heat up the pudding, you could omit the chilling process. Heating the pudding on the stovetop or in the microwave for a few minutes will still achieve a pudding-like texture.

chia pudding with spoon

Chia Pudding Recipes You Might Want to Try

or check all of them on the video here:

chia pudding recipe

How to Make Chia Pudding

Yield: 2 glasses
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Additional Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 11 minutes

Learn how to make chia pudding just the way you like. This particular recipe is for a vanilla chia pudding. It's vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup chia seeds
  • 2 cups of almond milk
  • 3 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp vanilla protein powder

Toppings (Optional)

  • 6 slices of banana
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened granola

Instructions

  1. In a separate bowl, mix together all the ingredients.
  2. Cover the bowl with cling film and keep in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Once removed from the refrigerator, divide into 2 cups or glasses. Top with slices of banana and granola.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 glasses Serving Size: 1 glass
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 407Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gUnsaturated Fat: 15.1gCholesterol: 1.3mgSodium: 99mgCarbohydrates: 45gNet Carbohydrates: 27gFiber: 18gSugar: 18gProtein: 16g

Nutritional values were obtained with automatic software using the amounts of products used. To get the most accurate representation of the nutritional values, you should calculate them with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for the nutritional information obtained to be accurate.

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albert Leggs

Tuesday 9th of February 2021

I Also add cooked rice to make a great tasting rice chia pudding. Oh yeah !!

Karo @ AllNutritious

Tuesday 9th of February 2021

Nice idea, Albert! :) That can be done for sure, although rice is pretty high in carbs that aren't that complex so it wouldn't be as nutritious. Just something to have in mind! :)

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