Healthy Chia Pudding Recipe

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This is the best chia pudding recipe! This chia seed pudding is made in 5 minutes with 4 ingredients in one bowl! It’s easy to customize to comply with your dietary needs (Paleo, vegan, etc.)! Serve it with your favorite toppings for a healthy dessert, breakfast or snack.

front photo of two jars of chia pudding


I’m always looking for healthy ways to satisfy my raging sweet tooth, and this Chia Pudding recipe is just perfect (along with these black bean brownies and healthy peanut butter blondies). Chia seed pudding is easy to make in one bowl with only four ingredients, and tastes like the tapioca pudding I’ve loved since I was a child but is so much healthier. 

This recipe is easy to customize to comply with your dietary needs by choosing your favorite milk and sweetener (Paleo, vegan, etc.)! Serve it with your favorite toppings for a healthy dessert, breakfast or snack.

two jars of chia pudding with berries and honey

Chia Pudding Recipe: Ingredients & Substituions

Let’s discuss the four ingredients in this chia pudding recipe, as well as possible substitutions. 

overhead photo of the ingredients in this chia pudding recipe
  • Milk. You can use any milk in this recipe with great results. I usually opt for unsweetened vanilla almond milk, coconut milk or whole milk. 
  • Honey. Maple syrup is a great vegan sweetener option. When I make this recipe for myself I use 2 TBS of sweetener, when I make it for my family I use 4. I recommend starting with 2 and taste testing, then adjusting from there. 
  • Vanilla. the pure vanilla extract imparts the best flavor – I don’t recommend skipping the vanilla or making substitutions. 
  • Chia Seeds. No substitute here! You can use black or white chia seeds. 
a soon taking a scoop of chia pudding from a jar

How to make Chia Pudding

You can make this chia seed pudding recipe in two ways – 1) in a bowl or 2) in a blender. 

To make in a blender

If you’d like to use a blender, simply put all the ingredients in the container of a Vitamix (or another high-powered blender) and blend for 30 seconds or until the mixture is smooth. It’s that simple. 

To make in a bowl

In a large bowl, whisk together milk, honey vanilla and sea salt until combined (it’s easier to incorporate honey if the milk is room temperature).

two photos showing how to make chia pudding

Add chia seeds & chill

Next, add the chia seeds and whisk to combine.  Then place the large bowl in the refrigerator to chill for 30 hour, stirring once halfway through.  

NOTE: It’s important to chill the mixture before transferring it into jars to ensure the chia seeds have started absorbing the liquid and they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. 

two photos showing how to make chia pudding

Transfer Chia Pudding to Jars & Chill

Transfer the pudding mixture into 2-4 glass jars with lids and chill overnight in the refrigerator, or for at least 8 hours.

two photos showing how to make chia pudding

To store/freeze

Store this chia seed pudding in glass jars with airtight lids in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Or freeze for up to 2 months.

Serve

One chilled and thickened, serve this chia seed pudding with your favorite toppings. Here are some suggestions; 

front view of a jar of chia seed pudding with the lid on

If you like this recipe, try these:

two jars of chia pudding

Chia Pudding FAQs

Is Chia Seed Pudding healthy?

Yes, chia pudding is so healthy. It’s loaded with fiber and protein, naturally sweetened and low in calories.

Can you make chia pudding with regular milk?

Yes! Any milk works well in this recipe, including 2% or whole milk. You can also use non-dairy milks like almond, rice, coconut, cashew, and oat milk.

How long does it take chia pudding to set?

If you blend it in a blender this chia pudding sets in 30-60 minutes. If you simply mix the ingredients together I recommend letting it chill overnight for the best texture, however 2 hours should be sufficient.

Can you freeze chia pudding?

Yes! Freeze this recipe in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Do not microwave to thaw.

two jars of healthy chia pudding with berries and honey on top

Is Chia Pudding Healthy? 

This particular chia seed pudding recipe is very healthy! Not only is it low calorie, but it tastes amazing, satisfies your sweet tooth and packs some serious nutrition. Some of the benefits of chia seeds include (but are not limited to): 

  • Loaded with nutrients. One serving of chia seeds (2 TBS, half of this recipe), contains the following:
    • 4 grams of protein – which is essential for muscle-building and energy. 
    • 11 grams of fiber – which keeps you regular and fuller longer. 
    • 5 g omega 3 fatty acids – 
    • Plus calcium, potassium, zinc, and many B vitamins!
  • Antioxidant-rich. Chia pudding is rich in antioxidants which are essential to a healthy lifestyle and contributes to lowering blood sugar and reducing inflammation. 
up close photo of a spoon of chia pudding

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Chia Pudding Recipe

Laura
This is the best chia pudding recipe! This chia seed pudding is made in 5 minutes with 4 ingredients in one bowl! It’s easy to customize to comply with your dietary needs (Paleo, vegan, etc.)! Serve it with your favorite toppings for a healthy dessert, breakfast or snack.
5 from 10 votes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 2 Servings
Calories 173
Prep Time5 minutes
Chilling8 hours
Total Time8 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 cup milk (almond milk, cashew milk, whole milk, coconut milk, etc.)
  • 2-4 TBS honey (or maple syrup) – to taste
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • pinch fine sea salt
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • Optional toppings: fresh berries, sliced bananas, nut butter, extra maple syrup or honey, etc.

Instructions 

To make in one bowl:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together milk, honey vanilla and sea salt until combined (it’s easier to incorporate honey if the milk is room temperature).
  • Add chia seeds and whisk to combine.
  • Place the large bowl in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
  • Transfer mixture into 2-4 glass jars with lids.
  • Chill overnight in the refrigerator, or for at least 8 hours.
  • Once chilled, serve plain or with desired toppings.

To make in a blender:

  • Put all of the ingredients in the order listed into the container of a Vitamix (or other high-powered blender).
  • Blend starting on low speed and gradually increasing to high, until the mixture is smooth.
  • Transfer mixture to jars and chill overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Serve.

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Milk. You can use literally any milk in this chia seed pudding with great results. I usually opt for unsweetened vanilla almond milk, coconut milk or whole milk. 
  • Honey. Maple syrup is a great vegan sweetener option. When I make this recipe for myself I use 2 TBS of sweetener, when I make it for my family I use 4. I recommend starting with 2 and taste testing. 
  • Vanilla. the pure vanilla extract in this chia pudding gives it the best flavor – I don’t recommend skipping the vanilla or making substitutions. 
  • Chia Seeds. No substitute here! You can use black or white chia seeds. 

Store/freeze

Store  this chia pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Do not microwave to thaw.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5recipe | Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 18g | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Recipe Rating




6 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Excellent recipe – thank you! I make this at least twice a week. I like to blend the mixture and prefer 1 tbsp of maple syrup. Serve with blueberries and chopped walnuts. Perfect quick breakfast!

  2. 5 stars
    I absolutely love this Chia Pudding. Since I am trying to cut back on sweeteners, I fix it with with no honey (or sugar) and sweeten it with bananas or other fruit. Sometimes I also add cinnamon. I used to have ice cream almost every night, but no longer have dairy, so chia pudding has become my nightly dessert. It is comfort food to me.

  3. 5 stars
    I need to try this out! I bought some chia seeds this weekend and have been trying to find recipes to try – so glad I found this!
    Jenna ♥

  4. 5 stars
    I am not much of a cooker, but this recipe is the BOMB! Oh so easy to make and tasty as all get out. I will be making this on a regular basis.