Chia Seed Pudding

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This overnight chia seed pudding recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s packed with nutrients and tastes amazing! It takes just a few minutes to whip up, making it the perfect make-ahead healthy breakfast, snack, or even dessert. I’ll show you how to make chia pudding the basic way and how to make a bunch of different flavors!

These seeds always seem to come in a large bag, so I often mix them into chia jam, crunchy coconut clusters, or even a detox smoothie. This is one of my favorite ways to get even more health benefits of chia seeds into my day!

Why You’ll Love This Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

• Simple plain version, with 5 sweet flavor variations
• Smooth, creamy consistency
• Simple ingredients
• Ready in less than 30 minutes (or make it overnight!)
• Naturally healthy, low carb, gluten-free, paleo, and vegan
• Easily double or quadruple the recipe for meal prep

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for pudding with chia seeds, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.

• Chia Seeds – The main ingredient! Any brand will work, but I like this brand. For best results, make sure your seeds are fresh, as older ones won’t gel as well.
• Almond Milk – I used store-bought almond milk for convenience, but you could easily make homemade almond milk instead. You can also use regular dairy milk, or non-dairy milks like coconut milk or oat milk for nut-free options.
• Maple Syrup – I like to use zero sugar maple syrup, but regular maple syrup is fine, or you can make berry flavors using my real fruit strawberry syrup, raspberry syrup, or blueberry syrup — you just need a liquid sweetener. Regular honey or zero sugar honey works great as well.
• Vanilla Extract – Use high quality extracts for the best overnight chia pudding flavor. You can also use other flavor extracts.

These ingredients make the basic recipe for chia seed pudding, but see below for flavor variations and topping ideas!

The Right Chia Pudding Ratio

As a general rule of thumb, the ratio between chia seeds and liquid for making chia seed pudding is 3 tablespoons chia seeds + 1 cup milk of choice.

However, the optimal ratio depends on how thick you like it and any add-ins. If you add other dry ingredients, these will require extra milk to compensate. If you add other wet ingredients, you may need to reduce the milk.

How To Make Chia Pudding

This section shows how to make chia seed pudding, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.

1. Mix the main ingredients. In a small bowl or meal prep jar, stir together the chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
2. Stir in any add-ins. If making a flavored version, add the remaining extra ingredients.
3. Let it set. Cover and place the chia pudding in the refrigerator, until thickened. Add toppings and enjoy!

VARIATION: Make smooth chia pudding.

This chia pudding recipe keeps the seeds whole. If you don’t like that texture and want it smooth, simply blend all the ingredients before placing in the fridge.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your chia pudding didn’t thicken, don’t worry! Here are a few reasons this could be and how to fix it:

• You need to give it more time. The most common reason that chia seed pudding didn’t set is it just needs more time to thicken. There’s a reason it’s called overnight chia pudding! Wait another 30-60 minutes and see.
• Your chia seeds are old. Older chia seeds don’t gel as well, or may take longer to expand. In this case, adding an extra tablespoon of seeds and giving it more time can help.
• You just need to stir. Sometimes chia pudding recipes can look like they didn’t quite set on top, but are actually just perfect after you stir them.

Flavor Variations

Looking to jazz up your pudding? Here are some simple chia seed pudding variations that cater to every craving.

• Chocolate – Add 1 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the basic overnight chia pudding recipe. Then, top chocolate chia pudding pudding with 1 tablespoon sugar-free dark chocolate chips (or any kind you like) and some coconut flakes.
• Raspberry – Mash 1/3 cup raspberries in a small bowl, then stir into the chia pudding mixture. If desired, add an additional 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup. Top with fresh raspberries.
• Banana – Add 1/2 of a medium mashed banana and stir to combine. Garnish chia pudding recipe with fresh banana slices and chocolate chips.
• Matcha – In a small bowl, whisk 1 teaspoon matcha powder with 1 tablespoon of water. (This will prevent clumping later.) Stir into the chia pudding mixture. If desired, add an additional 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup. Top with extra blueberries, raspberries, or your favorite fresh fruit.
• Pumpkin – Stir in 1/4 cup pumpkin puree and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
• Chai – Stir in a combination of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, ground ginger, and ground cloves for a chai flavored version.

Storage Instructions

Store chia pudding in jars in the fridge. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the chia seeds can sometimes settle at the bottom.

How Long Does Chia Pudding Last?

Chia seed pudding can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator, so it’s perfect for meal prep.

Can You Freeze Chia Pudding?

Yes, you can freeze chia pudding for up to 1 month. The texture may change slightly once it’s thawed, but is still quite good. Simply defrost in the fridge overnight.

Is Chia Pudding Healthy?

Yes, chia pudding can be a very healthy option. Chia seeds are highly nutritious and are a great source of fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and micronutrients, like magnesium and calcium.

Toppings For Chia Pudding Recipes

Take your pudding from simple to stunning with these tasty and nutritious topping ideas!

• Fruit – Consider adding fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to the basic chia pudding recipe.
• Yogurt – For a creamy and tangy twist, top overnight chia pudding with a dollop of plain or flavored coconut yogurt, and sprinkle with some granola or chopped nuts for added crunch.
• Nuts & Seeds – Almonds, walnuts, chia, flax, or pumpkin seeds can add nice texture.
• Chocolate Chips – Whether you prefer milk, dark or white chocolate, you can add a touch of indulgence by topping this chia pudding recipe with your favorite type of chocolate chips or shavings.
• Jam – Add a burst of flavor with a spoonful of your favorite jam, or try my homemade sugar free strawberry jam or blackberry jelly.

More Healthy Meal Prep Breakfast Ideas

No time to prep breakfast? Make busy mornings easier with these make-ahead options:

Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Homemade Granola

Instant Pot Egg Bites

Baked Oatmeal

Recipe Card

4.9 from 57 votes

Chia Seed Pudding

By Maya Krampf

Overnight chia seed pudding is an easy, healthy make-ahead recipe — perfect for busy mornings. Enjoy plain or choose from 5 yummy flavors!

Prep: 5 minutes

Setting Time:: 20 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Servings: 1 (adjust to scale recipe)

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Ingredients

[ See substitutions ]

U.S. – Metric

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Basic Chia Pudding:

• 3 tbsp Chia seeds ▢
• 1 cup Unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk beverage for nut-free option) ▢
• 1/2 tbsp Maple Syrup (I used sugar-free maple syrup, but any kind will work; add more syrup to taste if needed) ▢
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract ▢

Chocolate:

• 1 tsp Dutch processed cocoa powder ▢
• 1 tbsp Sugar-free dark chocolate chips (or any kind you like; optional) ▢

Raspberry:

• 1/3 cup Raspberries  (plus more for serving) ▢

Banana:

• 1/2 medium Banana (mashed; plus more sliced for serving) ▢

Matcha:

• 1 tsp Matcha powder ▢

Pumpkin:

• 1/4 cup Pumpkin puree ▢
• 1/2 tsp Pumpkin pie spice ▢

Instructions

[ See step photos • See my tips ]

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a small bowl or jar, stir together the chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.

2. If making a flavored version, add the extra ingredients as follows:

   * Chocolate: Stir in cocoa powder. If desired, add an additional 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup. (Do not add chocolate chips yet.)

   * Raspberry: Mash the raspberries in a small bowl, then stir into the chia pudding mixture. If desired, add an additional 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup.

   * Banana: Add the mashed banana and stir to combine.

   * Matcha: In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with 1 tablespoon of water. (This will prevent clumping later.) Stir into the chia pudding mixture. If desired, add an additional 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup.

   * Pumpkin: Stir in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.

3. Cover and place the chia pudding in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to set. (You can also do this overnight.)

4. Add or layer with toppings if desired. Topping recommendations based on flavor:

   * Plain chia pudding: Blueberries (or sliced strawberries) and sliced almonds

   * Chocolate: Chocolate chips and coconut flakes

   * Raspberry: Fresh raspberries

   * Banana: Banana slices and chocolate chips

   * Matcha: Blueberries or raspberries

   * Pumpkin: Whipped cream and cinnamon

Did you make it? Leave a review or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: Entire recipe, about 1 to 1 1/2 cups

Nutrition info does not include optional flavors.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle and Keto Ebook Bundle!

Nutrition Facts

Amounts per serving. Serving size in recipe notes above.

Calories 238

Fat 13.6g

Protein 7g

Total Carbs 23.1g

Net Carbs 9.7g

Fiber 13.4g

Sugar 6.3g

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.

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Try More Of My Recipes

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