Chia pudding is the perfect healthy breakfast or snack to meal prep for the week. It’s creamy, satisfying and loaded with protein, fiber and omega-3s. Vegan, gluten-free, paleo and keto.
Letβs talk chia pudding! If you haven’t tried this healthy breakfast recipe before, now it the time!
It starts with chia seeds, tiny little seeds that are packed with nutrition… see all the health benefits of chia seeds here.
There are a TON of chia seed recipes out there (and I have dozens posted here on EBF), but if youβre chia newbie, chia pudding is an awesome first-timer recipe because youβll get a real sense of their absorption power, the gel-like texture chia seeds create and their ability to help keep you full.
How to Make Chia Pudding (3 Steps)
The process of making chia pudding is so easy! The first step is to stir together your chia seeds and milk in a mason jar or bowl. I start with 3 Tablespoons of chia seeds to 1 cup of liquid, but if you want a thicker chia pudding I recommend using 4 Tablespoons to 1 cup of liquid.
Once the chia pudding mixture is well combined, let it sit for 5 minutes, give it another stir/shake to break up any clumps of chia seeds, cover and put the mixture in the fridge to βset” for 1-2 hours or overnight.
The chia pudding should be nice and thick, not liquidy. If it’s not thick, just add more chia seeds (1 teaspoon to 1 Tablespoon), stir and refrigerate for another 30 minutes or so.
Chia Pudding Chia to Liquid Ratio
I’ve found the perfect chia pudding consistency is 3-4 Tablespoons of chia seeds to 1 cup of liquid.
The type of liquid is up to you and will vary based on preference and dietary restrictions. I love using plant-based milks like almond milk, cashew milk and coconut milk. They give the chia pudding a creamy consistency thatβs really nice. Full-fat canned coconut milk is great if youβre looking to increase the thickness and make a really filling breakfast, snack or dessert out of the chia pudding. Itβs also a great option if you follow the paleo or keto diet.
Chia Pudding Didn’t Set/Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble getting your chia pudding to set or turn out correctly there could be a couple things going wrong. Here are a couple tips that might help!
Make sure you’re using chia seeds and not some other type of seed! There are white and black chia seeds and both work for chia pudding, but no other seeds will work. Also, check that your chia seeds aren’t old and maybe try switching brands. I’ve heard complaints from several people that the Trader Joe’s chia seeds don’t absorb as much liquid as other brands. If you’re having trouble with chia seeds from Trader Joe’s, try buying another brand.
Make sure you give your chia pudding a good stir about 5-10 minutes after you initially mix it together. This breaks up any clumps of seeds and helps ensure the mixture will set. If you don’t do this, sometimes all the chia seeds will clump at the bottom and you’ll be left with lots of liquid on top instead of a well combined, creamy pudding.
If your chia pudding isn’t thick enough, just add more chia seeds to the mixture and let it sit a bit longer. You can also use a thicker milk. Full-fat canned coconut milk creates an ultra thick and creamy chia pudding.
If you hate the texture of chia pudding, try blending it in a high powered blender like a Vitamix. Once blended, the mixture will be smooth and creamy like a regular pudding instead of a bit seedy like tapioca pudding.
What Does Chia Pudding Taste Like?
Chia seeds have no flavor so the pudding will taste like whatever liquid and sweetener youβre using. If you want the pudding to have a bit of sweetness you can add sweet spices like cinnamon and cardamom, vanilla extract and your sweetener of choice.
As for the texture, itβs like a thick, creamy tapioca pudding if you just mix the chia seeds with your milk. If you’re looking for a smooth pudding texture you can blend the mixture in a high powdered blender until smooth. I do this for the chocolate chia pudding and pumpkin mousse recipes.
Iβm a big fan of maple syrup for sweetness so my basic chia pudding recipe has vanilla and maple syrup added. Honey is a great option if you’re paleo and if you need a sugar-free option, just skip the sweeteners all together or use a sugar substitute like stevia. The vanilla is optional, but something I like to add for a little extra sweetness. For a chocolate version, check out my chocolate chia pudding recipe.
How Long Does it Take to Thicken?
The chia seeds start to absorb the liquid pretty quickly, but you do need to give the pudding a bit of time to build the gel-like consistency. I recommend 1 -2 hours or overnight.
You’ll want to add mix together your milk and chia seeds and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes before giving it another stir to make sure the chia seeds arenβt clumping together. Then go ahead and let the pudding sit in the fridge for an hour or two. If youβre in a rush you can eat it within 20 minutes, it just won’t be as thick. Another great option is to meal prep a big batch for the week or make it the night before you want to eat it and let it sit in the fridge overnight.
Meal Prep Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is an awesome meal-prep option because it will stay good in the fridge for 5-7 days! Make a batch on Sunday to have in the fridge for a quick breakfast, healthy snack or dessert. Itβs loaded with fiber, protein and healthy fats, low in sugar and super filling! Plus it works with so many different dietary preferences. Depending on the mix-ins chia pudding can be made vegan, gluten-free, paleo and keto.
If you try this recipe for chia pudding please be sure to leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how it turned out. Your feedback is super helpful for the EBF team and other readers.
This 3-ingredient chia pudding is creamy, satisfying and loaded with protein, fiber and omega-3s. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, paleo and keto.Β
Ingredients
3–4 Tablespoons chia seeds
1 cup milk (I like unsweetened coconut, almond or cashew milk)
1/2 Tablespoon maple syrup, honey or sweetener of choice*
1/4 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
Β Toppings of choice: fresh berries or other fruit, granola, nut butter, etc
Instructions
Mix: In a bowl or mason jar, stir together chia seeds, milk, maple syrup and vanilla, if using. If youβre using a mason jar, you can put the lid on and shake the mixture to combine everything.
Give it time to set: Once the chia pudding mixture is well combined, let it sit for 5 minutes, give it another stir/shake to break up any clumps of chia seeds, cover and put the mixture in the fridge to βset” for 1-2 hours or overnight. The chia pudding should be nice and thick, not liquidy. If it’s not thick enough, just add more chia seeds (about 1 Tablespoon), stir and refrigerate for another 30 minutes or so.
You can also prep you pudding the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight if thatβs easier. When ready to serve top the pudding with berries and enjoy.
How to store: Chia pudding can be stored for up to 5-7 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Dairy milk, almond milk or cashew milk will make a light, creamy chia pudding. Canned coconut milk will make for a rich and thick pudding.
For a low-sugar version you can skip the sweetener or use a sugar substitute
Nutrition facts calculated with unsweetened almond milk and no toppings
Great base! I topped it with jackfruit and coconut gels (think Filipino halo halo ingredients-unfortunately no red mung beans on hand) and it was amazing! First time trying chia pudding and I am a fan! Thanks!
In a restaurant a while back on vacation I ate a delicious chia pudding. It did not have any husks. How do you deal with the husks? I am looking for more of a tapioca feel.
I’ve made this recipe a few times, and its delicious! However I can’t seem to make it the right thickness no matter how long I leave it in the fridge. Any tips other than adding more chia seeds? (I’ve already tried that) Also, would oat milk work for this recipe?
This is a great basic recipe for a healthy breakfast!
I use unsweetened almond milk, agave to sweeten, bit of vanilla and a tiny dash of salt, topped with blueberries.
Thank you for the recipe!
Looks yummy. Thanks for sharing. I really this. I will follow your recipe and i hope my family love it. And I will share your recipe for my friends. Thank you so much.
I was skeptical about chia pudding before trying this recipe. Now I have it ALL the time. I love making it the night before for breakfast the next day or bring it for lunch on the busy days I have classes. My favorite topping combo is peanut butter, raspberries, granola, and hemp seeds.
I finally decided to try this! I do NOT like tapioca, so I’ve been avoiding trying something with the same texture. However, I needed something to help me get a little more “regular.” π This was great! I think the maple syrup helped do it for me.
I’ll try Amie’s Creamy Cashew Chia Pudding next!
So easy and so good!!! Iβm addicted! My kids also approved. I added to it to my aΓ§aΓ bowl and it was a perfect compliment. Thank you for another awesome recipe!
Ahh yay!! So glad this chia pudding is a hit with your kiddos, Luba. Thanks for making my recipe and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I appreciate it!
hi, can i bring the chia seed pudding out (as afternoon snack for the children at school). How long does it last in room temperature? Thanks in advance for your reply. π
I canβt even count how many times i have made this recipe! I love how easy, delicious, AND nutritious it is. I love topping mine with all kinds of fruit. My favorite combo (so far) is fresh pineapple and strawberries for a tropical start to the day!
Love love this non dairy pudding. Thank you for healthy version. Delish….I love pudding but have milk allergy. I top with alittle mango and blue berrys with coconut shaving..coconut whip cream….Thank you
Yay!! So glad you enjoyed these chia pudding recipes, Cindy. Thanks for making them and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it. π
I have been meaning to try a chia pudding recipe and finally did so with your recipe. Delicious! Iβve been browsing your other versions and canβt wait to try more!
Glad I found this page. I made a batch, and it took me back to my trip to Hong Kong several years ago, where I first encountered this pudding. Will try variations/suggestions as well.
I make this all the time as a delicious grab and go breakfast! I always add a bit of cinnamon, and sometimes make it extra special by subbing some milk with a bit of cream. Have made it with both oat milk and cow’s milk with great success.
I’m so glad you’re loving this chia pudding recipe, Chinara! π Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment + star rating. I really appreciate it.
Absolutely delicious! Super easy to make. Convenient to make ahead for the week. Filling for breakfast and/or snacks… I used full-fat coconut milk for a creamy texture Plus Stevia and vanilla for tasty flavor. I appreciate the tips included with this recipe.β¦ Best recipe I found after looking at several.π
Ahh that makes me so happy to hear!! So glad you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and star rating. It means the world to me. <3
Leave a Comment
Great base! I topped it with jackfruit and coconut gels (think Filipino halo halo ingredients-unfortunately no red mung beans on hand) and it was amazing! First time trying chia pudding and I am a fan! Thanks!
★★★★★
So glad you loved the chia pudding, Nikki. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
In a restaurant a while back on vacation I ate a delicious chia pudding. It did not have any husks. How do you deal with the husks? I am looking for more of a tapioca feel.
Also good with chocolate almond milk π
★★★★★
I wondered if I could blend some mango with the coconut milk before mixing with the chia seeds? Will that effect the thickness.
I have a mango chia pudding recipe here!
I’ve made this recipe a few times, and its delicious! However I can’t seem to make it the right thickness no matter how long I leave it in the fridge. Any tips other than adding more chia seeds? (I’ve already tried that) Also, would oat milk work for this recipe?
★★★★★
Yes, oat milk should work. What kind of milk are you normally using? And are you using 3T or 4T of chia seeds with the 1 cup of milk?
This is a great basic recipe for a healthy breakfast!
I use unsweetened almond milk, agave to sweeten, bit of vanilla and a tiny dash of salt, topped with blueberries.
Thank you for the recipe!
★★★★★
I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Deven. Thanks for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
Looks yummy. Thanks for sharing. I really this. I will follow your recipe and i hope my family love it. And I will share your recipe for my friends. Thank you so much.
★★★★★
I was skeptical about chia pudding before trying this recipe. Now I have it ALL the time. I love making it the night before for breakfast the next day or bring it for lunch on the busy days I have classes. My favorite topping combo is peanut butter, raspberries, granola, and hemp seeds.
★★★★★
Looks yummy and healthy. I will try to make this for my family. Thank you so much. i love it.
★★★★★
Let me know how it turns out!!
Hi lovely would it be possible to add a scoop of protein to this recipe you think? Thank you
Totally! I would start with 1-2 Tablespoons of protein powder.
Hi!
What is the best size Mason jar to use that will have room for toppi gs?
I’d use a 1/2 pint (8 oz) or pint size (16 oz) jar, depending on how much chia pudding you want! π
Made this and loved it! How many servings does this recipe make?
★★★★★
The recipe is one serving. π
I finally decided to try this! I do NOT like tapioca, so I’ve been avoiding trying something with the same texture. However, I needed something to help me get a little more “regular.” π This was great! I think the maple syrup helped do it for me.
I’ll try Amie’s Creamy Cashew Chia Pudding next!
★★★★★
So easy and so good!!! Iβm addicted! My kids also approved. I added to it to my aΓ§aΓ bowl and it was a perfect compliment. Thank you for another awesome recipe!
★★★★★
Ahh yay!! So glad this chia pudding is a hit with your kiddos, Luba. Thanks for making my recipe and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I appreciate it!
hi, can i bring the chia seed pudding out (as afternoon snack for the children at school). How long does it last in room temperature? Thanks in advance for your reply. π
Hey Novi – Yes! That should be just fine. π
I canβt even count how many times i have made this recipe! I love how easy, delicious, AND nutritious it is. I love topping mine with all kinds of fruit. My favorite combo (so far) is fresh pineapple and strawberries for a tropical start to the day!
★★★★★
Ahh yay!! So glad you’re a fan of this recipe, Becca! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment + star rating. I really appreciate it. π
Thanks! Great recipe
★★★★★
I mixed in some goji berry powder, and it turned out great!
★★★★★
Love love this non dairy pudding. Thank you for healthy version. Delish….I love pudding but have milk allergy. I top with alittle mango and blue berrys with coconut shaving..coconut whip cream….Thank you
★★★★★
Yay!! So glad you enjoyed these chia pudding recipes, Cindy. Thanks for making them and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it. π
I have been meaning to try a chia pudding recipe and finally did so with your recipe. Delicious! Iβve been browsing your other versions and canβt wait to try more!
★★★★★
The flavor combos are endless!! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe and I can’t wait to hear what you think of the other variations. π
Glad I found this page. I made a batch, and it took me back to my trip to Hong Kong several years ago, where I first encountered this pudding. Will try variations/suggestions as well.
I make this all the time as a delicious grab and go breakfast! I always add a bit of cinnamon, and sometimes make it extra special by subbing some milk with a bit of cream. Have made it with both oat milk and cow’s milk with great success.
★★★★★
I’m so glad you’re loving this chia pudding recipe, Chinara! π Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment + star rating. I really appreciate it.
I make mine with homemade coconut oil and a mix of nut butter and fruit for toppings. Turns out perfect everytime!
★★★★★
This is simple and delicious with just the right sweetness. Add two tablespoons dried fruit before soaking for extra goodness.
★★★★★
Absolutely delicious! Super easy to make. Convenient to make ahead for the week. Filling for breakfast and/or snacks… I used full-fat coconut milk for a creamy texture Plus Stevia and vanilla for tasty flavor. I appreciate the tips included with this recipe.β¦ Best recipe I found after looking at several.π
★★★★★
Ahh that makes me so happy to hear!! So glad you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and star rating. It means the world to me. <3