Chia Seed Pudding

Why I Love This Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

This naturally sweetened, naturally gluten-free chia seed pudding recipe could hardly be easier to make. It’s prepared in one jar, no spoon or whisk needed, and you can adapt it to suit your tastes. Wondering what is the perfect chia seed pudding ratio? It’s slightly up to you – I like a 1:4 ratio of chia seeds to milk, but if you find that the pudding is too dense for your liking you can try a ratio of 1:5. If it’s too watery, you can try 1:3. Here’s why this chia seed pudding is a go-to for my family:

• Change it up. I love how simple it is to adapt this recipe! Make it vegan with maple syrup and non-dairy milk, add fruit, and more.
• Packable. For an on-the-go breakfast or snack, store the pudding in the jar in which it’s made and bring it along with you.
• Versatile. Nosh on chia seed pudding plain, add toppings, or use it AS a topping!
• Not too sweet. Just ¼ cup of sweetener is needed to add a subtle sweetness to the pudding, another point in its favor.

What You’ll Need

Five simple ingredients are all that you’ll need to make this chia seed pudding recipe. Here’s a look at what you’ll find on the ingredients list, with the full ingredient amounts in the recipe card at the end of this post.

• Chia Seeds: You can find chia seeds in most grocery stores. If they’re not available where you live, you can purchase them online. Be sure your chia seeds are gluten free, if needed, as sometimes they can be processed on shared equipment.
• Milk: Use any type of milk you prefer to make chia seed pudding – whole, 2%, skim, or your favorite non-dairy milk.
• Honey: I like local honey to sweeten my pudding, and maple syrup is a nice alternative.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a little extra flavor, but you can leave it out if you don’t have any on hand.
• Salt: A pinch of sea salt or table salt balances the sweetness of the pudding.
• Optional toppings: Fruit, granola, yogurt, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, peanut butter or other nut butter, and additional honey or maple syrup

How to Make Chia Seed Pudding

Here’s a quick look at how to make chia seed pudding. Check the recipe card lower down for detailed instructions.

• Place ingredients in a jar. Add the chia seeds and the rest of the ingredients to a jar.
• Blend. Shake the jar until the ingredients are well mixed, then rest it for 5 minutes.
• Shake again. Now shake up the jar again.

• Chill. Place the jar in the refrigerator overnight until thick.
• Portion out. Divide the pudding between 4 small jars or bowls.
• Add toppings. To serve, add your favorite toppings!

Tips For Success

I recommend sticking with the chia seed to milk ratio outlined in the recipe card, then adjusting the other ingredients to suit your taste if needed. Here are a few more suggestions:

• Make it dairy-free. As noted, it’s easy to make this dairy-free! Whole milk makes the chia pudding rich and extra filling, but any milk will work. You can use coconut milk, almond milk, or another non-dairy milk to make this dairy-free. 
• Sugar substitute: While I mention honey as being used to sweeten chia seed pudding, you can try other sweeteners. Maple syrup is a great alternative to honey if you want to make this pudding vegan. You can also substitute your preferred sweetener, including stevia or Swerve (erythritol) to make it sugar-free and keto-friendly.
• Customize to your taste! Chia seeds don’t have a flavor, so chia seed pudding will take on the flavor of the other ingredients you include. My chia seed pudding recipe can be easily customized to fit your taste buds. As noted, I strongly recommend sticking to the chia seed and milk ratio included in the recipe card, but outside of that, you have some freedom to play with the other ingredients. For example, add extra honey if you prefer it sweeter, stir in some jam, and more.
• Add more flavorings. Ground spices like cinnamon or ginger will add a touch of warmth to your pudding. You could also try adding cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder. Start with 1/2 teaspoon, taste, and add more if you like.

Can I Make Chia Pudding in Advance?

Yes! Chia seed pudding is a great make-ahead breakfast or snack. Once prepared and thickened, the pudding can be poured into individual jars or tupperware for easy grab-and-go treats. Make sure to cover the container or containers with a lid or plastic wrap to keep the pudding fresh, and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. You may need to add a small amount of milk before eating if it thickens too much. Then, top your pudding with your favorite toppings just before eating.

More Easy Breakfast Ideas

• Coconut Granola Clusters
• Make-Ahead Freezer Oatmeal Cups
• Gluten Free Banana Zucchini Muffins
• Sheet Pan Pancakes