Simple, creamy, and endlessly customizable, chia pudding is the perfect healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert. It’s a no-cook, make-ahead favorite that’s packed with nutrients and naturally gluten-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chia pudding recipe is quick to make and ideal for meal prep. With just a few pantry ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying, nourishing dish ready anytime. It’s rich in omega-3s, fiber, and plant-based protein—and easily tailored to your taste with endless topping options.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- ½ cup milk of choice (almond, oat, soy, dairy, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh fruit (berries, banana slices, mango)
- Granola or nuts
- Shredded coconut
- Nut butter
- Cinnamon or vanilla extract
Directions
1. Mix Ingredients
In a small bowl or jar, combine chia seeds, milk, and sweetener if using. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seeds evenly.
2. Rest and Stir Again
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to break up any clumps and ensure even soaking.
3. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, for the best texture—thick, creamy, and pudding-like.
4. Serve
When ready, stir again and top with your favorite mix of fruits, nuts, or other toppings. Enjoy cold.
Servings And Timing
- Serves: 1
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Chill time: 2 hours minimum (overnight preferred)
- Total time: ~2 hours 5 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate: Add 1 tsp cocoa powder and a few chocolate chips.
- Berry: Blend milk with berries before adding chia seeds.
- Matcha: Stir in ½ tsp matcha powder for an energizing twist.
- Protein boost: Add a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt.
- Coconut: Use canned coconut milk for extra creaminess.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Serve cold—chia pudding is not typically reheated.
- Toppings: Add just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use any milk for chia pudding?
Yes—dairy and plant-based milks all work well. Full-fat options yield creamier results.
2. How long does chia pudding take to thicken?
It begins to thicken within 15 minutes, but needs at least 2 hours to reach pudding consistency.
3. Why is my pudding runny?
You may need more chia seeds or more chilling time. Try adding another teaspoon of chia and refrigerating longer.
4. Can I freeze chia pudding?
It’s not ideal—thawed pudding may separate. Best to enjoy fresh within 5 days.
5. Is it healthy to eat every day?
Yes—chia seeds are high in fiber, omega-3s, and minerals. Just watch your toppings for added sugars.
6. Can I prep a big batch?
Absolutely—scale up ingredients and portion into jars for the week.
7. What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Honey, agave, stevia, mashed banana, or dates are great alternatives.
8. How do I avoid clumps?
Stir twice—once when you combine everything, and again 5 minutes later before chilling.
9. Can I make it thicker/thinner?
Yes—add more seeds for thickness or more milk for a looser texture.
10. What flavorings go well with it?
Try vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, or citrus zest for added depth.
Conclusion
Chia pudding at home is the ultimate nutritious, no-fuss meal prep win. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a customizable treat ready whenever you are. Whether you top it with berries, granola, or nut butter, it’s a delicious way to start or end your day!
Print
Chia Pudding At Home
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Creamy, no-cook chia pudding made with milk and sweetener—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons chia seeds
½ cup milk of choice (almond, oat, soy, dairy, etc.)
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
Optional toppings: fresh fruit, granola, shredded coconut, nut butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, mix chia seeds, milk, and sweetener if using. Stir thoroughly.
- Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to break up clumps.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, stir and add toppings as desired. Enjoy cold.
Notes
- Use full-fat milk or coconut milk for extra creaminess.
- Stir twice early to avoid clumps.
- Sweeten naturally with fruit or dates instead of syrup.
- Store individual portions in jars for grab-and-go convenience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
