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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast and Brunch

    Published: Sep 6, 2018 · Modified: Oct 25, 2022 by Mariska Ramondino · This post may contain affiliate links

    How to make Chia Seed Pudding (plus 5 flavors)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Five amazing chia pudding recipes plus Keto-friendly Option.
    Chia Seed Pudding. Five amazing recipes for breakfast or as a treat.
    How to make delicious Chia Pudding with five recipes & Keto-friendly options.

    Chia pudding is one of the easiest recipes you can make to serve as a healthy breakfast or whenever you want a pick-me-up snack or treat. 

    Make this 2-ingredient healthy chia seed pudding recipe and enjoy it in as little as 30 minutes, or make it overnight if you're into meal prepping.

    Add your favorite toppings or make one of my 5 healthy chia seed pudding recipes.

    5 different chia seed flavors and three different chia seed puddings with a different thickness on a spoon.
    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love these chia seed pudding recipes
    • Ingredients
    • How to make healthy chia seed pudding (the base)
    • The ratio of chia seeds to liquid
    • What kind of milk is best for chia seed pudding
    • Storage
    • General topping Ideas
    • Other FAQ
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 5 amazing recipes to flavor chia pudding

    Why you'll love these chia seed pudding recipes

    • Having a good batch of healthy chia pudding ready in the fridge makes preparing morning meals or snacks for the week so easy.
    • I'll give you a couple of excellent "chia seed pudding ratio" options to start with, from thin, thick, to super creamy (blended chia pudding).
    • I also share 5 of my favorite healthy chia pudding blends to flavor a basic chia pudding, plus plenty of extra topping ideas.
    • The basic proportions are easy to remember once you've found your perfect chia seeds pudding thickness.
    • You can make this silky, smooth, healthy pudding with your milk of choice.
    • All the recipes are dairy-free and gluten-free.
    • Some of them are also low-carb (Keto) chia puddings that you can quickly adapt.

    Ingredients

    All you need to make the base of the pudding are:

    • Chia seeds
    • Your milk of choice
    A wooden spoon filled with chia seeds, resting on a wooden board next to a large jar filled with chia seeds.

    How to make healthy chia seed pudding (the base)

    Well, as mentioned before, It's ridiculously simple.

    STEP 1: Place the suggested amount of chia seeds into a sizeable bowl or jar. Pour your choice of milk over the seeds. Then stir until well combined.

    A spoon resting in a measurement cup with milk and chia seeds.

    STEP 2: Let it sit for 2 to 5 minutes. Give it another stir to break up any chia seed clumps that might have developed—especially at the bottom.

    A spoon resting in a measurement cup with chia seed pudding, next to a small bowl with chia seeds.
    A spoon resting in a measurement cup with chia seed pudding.

    STEP 3: Store in a sizeable see-through mason jar(s) or a bowl(s) with a lid. Then store it in the fridge until it has a nice, thick pudding-like consistency.

    Note: It thickens quickly, but I usually let it sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight if you wish to prepare it the night before.

    STEP 4: When ready to consume, give everything a good stir again to break up the seeds and check that the pudding has a good solid texture. Take out whatever you need to make your pudding with your toppings of choice.

    Keep it stored in the fridge.

    The ratio of chia seeds to liquid

    Based on your chia seed pudding ratio, you can make your pudding thin, thick, or super creamy. And I'll give you a couple of "seeds to liquid" ratio options.

    I prefer a less thick pudding consistency, but I encourage you to experiment with it. It's just chia pudding.

    You add more liquid if its' too thick for you or more seeds if too watery and pop it back into the fridge—ridiculously simple, no?

    Three spoons resting on a small plate and filled with chia pudding with different consistencies.

    A THINNER CONSISTENCY: Most packages recommend two tablespoons of chia seeds for every cup of milk. It creates a lovely consistency, primarily when you use plant milk like oats or nut milk. 

    A THICKER CONSISTENCY: If you like a thicker chia pudding, use two tablespoons of chia seeds for every half cup of milk or ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) per cup of milk, and for a big batch, that equates to ½ cup (82 grams) chia seeds per 2 cups of milk.

    BLENDED CHIA PUDDING (CREAMY): Don't like the chia seed texture? Try blending the pudding before adding the toppings or any extra sweeteners.

    You'll get a super creamy concoction, almost equivalent to a mousse texture.

    Note: The bigger the batch, the better it blends in your blender. And you can go all the way until all seeds have entirely disappeared. Blending the chia seeds is not my favorite option. But it works great with a chocolate flavor reminiscent of a chocolate mousse and is great if you also want to make a batch for your toddler.

    What kind of milk is best for chia seed pudding

    Any milk. However, I admit that I have never used regular dairy milk before because I don't care for its taste.

    Go for an unsweetened choice of milk, and some of my favorites are:

    • oat milk (my daughter's favorite)
    • cashew or hazelnut milk
    • hemp milk (my favorite)

    But I've also used:

    • almond milk
    • soy milk
    • coconut milk
    • pea milk

    Storage

    A wooden spoon resting in a jar with chia seed pudding.
    • It stays well refrigerated for up to 5 days.
    • If you feel that the seeds have thickened a bit too much, add some more milk or give it a good stir to thin out the pudding again.
    • If you make a big batch, you can store it in a large mason jar—that's what I usually do—or an airtight container.
    • Then only take out what you need for the day to create your variations of breakfast, snack, or desserts.
    • But you can also portion your pudding into individual servings with your favorite toppings for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

    General topping Ideas

    My basic 2-ingredient chia pudding recipe doesn't have much flavor. But that's THE. FUN. PART. 

    It's pretty much a blank canvas to add whatever toppings and flavors you feel like eating on any given day.

    Okay, now you have that batch of healthy chia pudding waiting for you in the fridge, and all you need to do is add your favorite toppings. 

    Chia seed pudding in a jar layered with berry jam, bananas, and topped with fresh cherries.

    Here are a few suggestions:

    • Fruits: frozen or fresh fruits in season.
    • Seeds and nut butter: Try healthy hemp seeds, sesame seeds, or (homemade) nut butter.
    • Dried fruits: such as coconut shreds, dried cranberries, figs, or apricots.
    • Nuts: walnuts, Brazil, and almonds are my favorite.
    • A lovely (homemade) jam: a couple of tablespoons are enough to add that sweet, mild flavor to the pudding.
    • Additional flavors: vanilla or almond extract, cocoa or cinnamon powder.
    • Stir in a sweetener of choice: maple syrup, honey, Stevia, or a sugar substitute like Monkfruit—just a few suggestions.
    • Protein powder: especially if you want to enjoy it as a post-workout snack.
    • Dark chocolate chips or shavings: to make it a lovely dessert.

    Other FAQ

    How to store chia seeds?

    Unopened, you can keep a chia seed bag in the pantry. But I always store an opened bag in the fridge.

    There are different chia seeds storage methods, but I've found that storing them in the fridge, adequately sealed, extends their shelf life and keeps the seeds from becoming rancid too quickly.

    Usually, I buy from companies that sell their seeds in vacuum-sealed stand-up pouches that provide protection against moisture.

    I also love that they come with tear notches that you can open quickly without spilling any seeds and have zip-seal closures. They're strong, durable, and, best of all, recyclable.

    How long do chia seeds need to soak in milk?

    Chia seeds can gel fast if you use creamy milk such as oats, coconut, or nut milk like hazelnut or cashew. 

    It usually takes about 30 minutes. But if you like it to be more gelatinous or thicker, soak it for at least 1 to 2 hours or overnight.


    Don't forget to subscribe to my Monthly Newsletter!

    If you make one of my 5 flavored chia puddings below, then let me know which one was your favorite. And don't forget to leave a starred review. Thank you!


    📖 Recipe

    A wooden spoon resting in a jar with chia seed pudding.

    Healthy Chia Pudding (Base Recipe)

    Mariska Ramondino
    Make this healthy 2-ingredient chia pudding base, add any flavors, your favorite toppings, or make one of my 5 healthy chia seed pudding recipes—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a post-workout snack.
    4.75 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Additional Time 30 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Breakfast and Brunch
    Cuisine International
    Servings 1 serving

    Ingredients
     

    • 4 tablespoons chia seeds ¼ cup
    • 1 cup plant milk or milk of choice

    Instructions

    • Place the chia seeds in a 16-ounce mason jar or sizeable bowl that comes with a lid.
    • Pour the milk over the seeds.
    • Stir the seeds in your milk until well combined. Let it sit for 2 to 5 minutes at room temperature.
    • Give it another stir to break up any clumps of chia seed that might have developed—especially at the bottom.
    • Then close the jar and store it in the fridge for about 20 to 30 minutes or until it has a nice, thick pudding-like consistency.
    • You can also let sit overnight in the refrigerator.
    • When ready to consume, give everything a good stir again to break up the seeds and check that the pudding has a good solid consistency.
    • Top with favorite toppings: nuts, nut butter, sweetener of choice, fruits, spices, etc.

    Notes

    Double the ingredients to double the servings: use ½ cup chia seeds ( 8 tablespoons/82 grams) per 2 cups of milk to double the servings.
    For a thinner chia seed pudding consistency: Use two tablespoons of chia seeds for every cup of milk instead of four.
    Make it super creamy: Try blending the chia pudding once thickened but before adding the toppings or extra sweeteners. You'll get a super creamy consistency, almost equivalent to a mousse texture.
    Is your chia pudding lumpy in the morning or too thick: It can happen. Stir it well with a spoon or fork. Or add a bit more milk and then stir until you get the right consistency again.
    Too thin: play around with the number of chia seeds you use per cup of liquid. Sometimes the type of milk or chia seeds you use might require you to add more seeds to get that perfect pudding texture.
    Nutritional calculation: The calculation is based on 4 tablespoons per one cup of plant milk.

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    Nutrition (% Daily value)

    Calories: 268kcal (13%)Carbohydrates: 21g (7%)Protein: 9g (18%)Fat: 18g (28%)Saturated Fat: 2g (13%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gSodium: 333mg (14%)Potassium: 195mg (6%)Fiber: 17g (71%)Sugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 26IU (1%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 603mg (60%)Iron: 4mg (22%)

    Disclaimer: This nutritional data is calculated using third party tools and is only intended as a reference.

    Keywords : chia seed pudding ratio, easy chia seed pudding, healthy chia pudding, how to make chia seed pudding, overnight chia seed pudding
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    5 amazing recipes to flavor chia pudding

    • I share below some of my favorite recipes. All you have to do is blend, mix, or layer it with your prepped basic chia seed pudding.
    • It is best to make these concoctions on the spot—it takes less than 5 minutes.
    • However, you can make them in advance and store them in the fridge or assemble them with the chia seed pudding as a meal prep option.

    1. KIWI-SPIRULINA DELIGHT (Dairy-free, Vegan, GF, Paleo-friendly)


    This first recipe contains delicious fresh kiwis and is sweetened with half a banana and just a tad of maple syrup (optional).

    It's also infused with spirulina to add extra nutrients and antioxidants. If you like it sweeter, add a whole banana instead. It's best to eat this the same day or the next.

    Two jars filled with chia pudding, infused with a kiwi sauce, topped with coconut shreds, and slices of fresh kiwi.
    Kiwi chia seed pudding.

    Ingredients you'll need for (2 servings):

    • ½ teaspoon Spirulina (or matcha) powder
    • 2 kiwis, peeled
    • ½ of a peeled banana
    • 1 tablespoon plant milk (I love hemp for this recipe)
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • Extra kiwi slices and coconut shreds for garnish

    Directions:

    1. Place spirulina, kiwis, banana, plant milk, and maple syrup in a small blender or food processor.
    2. Blend until you get a smooth green liquid.
    3. Mix or layer this sweet green goodness with up to 5 tablespoons of the base chia seed pudding per serving.
    4. Garnish with extra kiwi slices and coconut shreds (highly recommended).

    Note: love kiwi? Then also check out my kiwi popsicle recipe.

    2. GRAPEFRUIT & ALMOND PUDDING (Dairy-free, GF, Paleo-friendly)


    Grapefruit, almonds, and the floral notes of honey complement each other and add a delicious fresh element to chia seed pudding.

    A little bit of honey goes a long way to balance out some of the bitterness of grapefruit.

    This is my absolute favorite, and it's best to make this with coconut or almond milk.

    Two glasses filled with chia pudding, infused with a grapefruit sauce, topped with almond butter, Basil leaves, coconut shreds, and slices of grapefruit.

    Ingredients you'll need for (2 servings):

    • 1 large peeled grapefruit
    • 1 tablespoon coconut or almond milk
    • 1 teaspoon of honey
    • 1 tablespoon of almond butter, coconut shreds, and fresh basil leaves for garnish

    Directions:

    1. Place grapefruit, milk, and honey in a small blender or food processor.
    2. Blend until you get a smooth orange liquid.
    3. Mix or layer this sweet goodness with up to 5 tablespoons of the base chia seed pudding per serving.
    4. Garnish with almond butter (highly recommended), coconut shreds, and fresh basil leaves (optional).

    3. BERRY YOGURT PUDDING WITH HEMP SEEDS (Dairy-free, Vegan, GF, Paleo)


    You can choose any berries or a combo thereof. But I highly recommend throwing in a few frozen cherries to add a naturally sweeter taste.

    I usually add a tad of honey or maple syrup—not much, though. And love drizzling this one with hemp seeds and tahini butter to add extra healthy fats and proteins.

    Two small jars filled with chia pudding, infused with a berry sauce, and topped with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of Tahini butter.
    Chia strawberry pudding.

    Ingredients you'll need for (2 servings):

    • ½ cup frozen berries (throw in some cherries, if you can)
    • ¼ cup cashew yogurt (or coconut yogurt)
    • 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup
    • Top with hemp seeds, extra fresh berries, and a drizzle of tahini butter

    Directions:

    1. Place berries, yogurt, and sweetener in a small blender or food processor.
    2. Blend until you get a smooth reddish-thick liquid.
    3. Mix or layer this sweet red goodness with up to 5 tablespoons of the base chia seed pudding per serving.
    4. Garnish with hemp seeds (highly recommended), extra berries of choice, and a drizzle of tahini butter or almond butter (optional).

    4. DARK CHOCOLATE DELIGHT (Dairy-free, Vegan, GF, Paleo, Keto)


    This is so delicious, and it's probably more of a dessert. Flavors of cacao, cinnamon, and chocolate mint work well here.

    I also sometimes like adding extra collagen peptides (optional, of course), turning this chocolate chia pudding into a post-workout snack that's simply irresistible.

    A closeup of a spoon filled with chocolate chia seed pudding and topped with chocolate bits.
    Chocolate chia seed pudding.

    Ingredients you'll need for (2 servings):

    • 1 ½ tablespoons cacao powder (you can also replace half of it with dark chocolate collagen peptides)
    • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
    • ¼ cup cashew yogurt (or coconut yogurt)
    • 3 teaspoons monk fruit sweetener (or more to taste)
    • Top with dark chocolate bits, nuts, and chocolate mint leaves (optional) for garnish

    Directions:

    1. Place cacao powder, cinnamon, yogurt, and sweetener in a small blender or food processor.
    2. Blend until you get a smooth dark brown liquid.
    3. Mix this sweet chocolate goodness with up to 5 tablespoons of base chia seed pudding per serving.
    4. Garnish with dark chocolate bits (highly recommended), walnut or pecans, and chocolate mint leaves (optional).
    A ramekin filled with chocolate chia pudding topped with shaved chocolate, pecans, and fresh chocolate mint leaves.

    Note: love chocolate, cinnamon, and coffee-flavored recipes? Then try also my healthy coffee popsicles.

    5. BASIL-INFUSED LEMON PUDDING (Dairy-free, Vegan, GF, Paleo, Keto)


    This delicious chia seed pudding is zingy and refreshingly citrusy.

    A few fresh sweet basil leaves are all you need to add a sweet peppery taste that works surprisingly well in this simple concoction.

    A small glass cup filled with chia pudding and topped with fresh Basil leaves and a slice of lemon.
    Lemon chia pudding.

    Ingredients you'll need for (2 servings):

    • 1 lemon, peeled
    • 4 to 5 fresh basil leaves
    • ¼ cup cashew yogurt
    • 3 teaspoons monk fruit sweetener (or more to taste)
    • Top with extra Basil leaves and lemon slices for garnish

    Directions:

    1. Place lemon, Basil, yogurt, and sweetener in a small blender or food processor.
    2. Blend until you get a smooth, light yellowish-thick liquid.
    3. Mix this citrusy sweet goodness with up to 5 tablespoons of the base chia seed pudding per serving.
    4. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra slices of lemon (optional).

    Enjoy these healthy chia pudding recipes! Now it's time for you to make them.

    Note: Chia seeds contain many health benefits and are an excellent food source for adding omega 3, fiber, protein, and extra vitamins and minerals to your diet.

    « Eggs and Anchovies (healthy low-carb egg bites)
    Gluten-free Thumbprint Cookies (deliciously warm-spiced) »

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    Comments

    1. Danya says

      June 01, 2021 at 2:52 pm

      This article and recipes are amazing, thank you!

      Reply
      • Mariska says

        June 01, 2021 at 3:36 pm

        Thank you, Danya. So glad you like the recipes!

        Reply

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