This easy chia pudding recipe is the perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack that takes just 5 minutes to prep. All you need is milk, chia seeds, yogurt or protein powder, and a touch of sweetness. As it chills, the chia seeds magically transform into a pudding-like texture while adding a boost of fiber, omega-3s, and protein. Plus, you get to customize it with your favorite toppings!
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Table of Contents
Why you'll love it
- Quick prep, zero cooking: Just stir the ingredients together, chill, and enjoy.
- Nutrient-packed: Chia seeds bring fiber and healthy fats, yogurt adds protein, and you can top it with fresh fruit for extra vitamins.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make it the night before for the ultimate overnight chia pudding and wake up to a ready-to-eat breakfast.
- Endlessly customizable: Whether you're team berries and granola or nut butter and chocolate chips, the toppings are all yours to choose.
What is chia pudding?
Chia pudding is made by soaking chia seeds in liquid-like milk or a milk alternative-until they plump up and create a thick, creamy texture. The gel-like coating comes from the seeds' soluble fiber, which absorbs liquid and gives the pudding its signature gel-like consistency. The result? A plant-based pudding-like base that's perfect for breakfast or a snack, endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings and flavors.
Is chia pudding healthy?
As a registered dietitian, I always look for recipes that deliver a satisfying mix of nutrients. This easy chia pudding recipe checks all the boxes:
- Fiber-rich chia seeds: Two tablespoons contain about 10g of fiber, which supports digestion and helps you feel fuller longer. A 2019 review highlights their rich mix of fiber, protein, omega-3's, minerals, and antioxidants, along with potential benefits for heart health, blood sugar, and immunity.
- Protein boost from yogurt or protein powder: Keeps you energized and supports muscle repair. Try adding extra protein for a high protein chia pudding.
- Healthy fats: Chia seeds are a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation and support brain health.
What ingredients do you need?
- Milk of your choice: Almond, oat, dairy, soy-choose your favorite.
- Chia seeds: Black or white chia seeds both work.
- Yogurt or protein powder: Yogurt makes it extra creamy, while protein powder keeps it dairy-free and adds an extra protein hit.
- Sweetener of your choice: Maple syrup, honey, or a sugar-free sweetener if preferred.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Optional, but adds lovely warm flavor.
- Toppings of your choice: Fruit, jam, nut butter, granola, or whatever you're craving.
How do you make chia pudding?
- Mix the base: In a bowl or jar, stir together milk, chia seeds, yogurt or protein powder, sweetener, and vanilla (if using).
- Let it rest: Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumps.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, until thickened.
- Serve: Give it a good stir and top with your favorite add-ins, the combinations are endless.
Customize it your way
Like all of my recipes, this chia pudding is completely customizable. Choose what milk, sweetener, and toppings you want to use.
- Milk of your choice: From creamy oat milk to high-protein dairy milk, each gives a different flavor and texture.
- Sweetener of your choice: Try honey for a floral sweetness or maple syrup for a rich, caramel-like note.
- Toppings of your choice: Fresh berries for antioxidants, nut butter for extra healthy fats, or granola for crunch.
Want some topping inspiration? Here are some of our favorites:
- Blackberries + sliced almonds for a burst of juicy sweetness with a satisfying crunch.
- Chopped dates + shredded coconut for a chewy, caramel like bite with a tropical twist.
- Raspberries + dark chocolate shavings for a rich, indulgent pairing that still feels light and balanced.
- Strawberries + granola for a fresh, crunchy combo that tastes like summer
- Cocoa powder + peanut butter for a rich, chocolatey swirl with nutty creaminess.
- Jam and Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy swirl that gives parfit vibes.
Recipe tips and tricks
- Serving: Enjoy it chilled as breakfast, a snack, or even a nourishing dessert.
- Troubleshooting: If your pudding is too runny, stir in 1 extra teaspoon of chia seeds and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe to meal prep multiple servings at once.
How long will chia pudding last?
Chia pudding will last up to 5 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
Need more help with recipes for your busy schedule?
In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen so that they can enjoy nourishing foods they love and stress less about mealtime. Click here to learn more about this virtual program led by a dietitian.
Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup milk of your choice, (e.g. almond, oat, dairy, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds, (1 tablespoon for more liquidy if preferred)
- ⅓ cup yogurt, (or 2 tablespoons protein powder)
- 1 teaspoon sweetener of your choice, (e.g. maple syrup, honey)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- Toppings of your choice, (fruit, jam, nut butter, granola, etc.)
Instructions
- In a bowl or jar, mix together chia seeds, milk, sweetener, and vanilla extract if using.
- Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, until thickened.
- Stir before serving and top with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
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