If you have ten minutes, chia seeds, and almond milk, you can make this universally healthy (plant-based and keto-friendly) chia pudding recipe happen. Whether you enjoy this clean recipe for breakfast or dessert, one thing is for sure – you’ll love this satisfying superfood recipe that supports your health and weight loss goals without leaving you feeling deprived.
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Ok, admit it. You can’t get that Chi-Chi-Chi Chia song out of your head. I get it – it’s catchy, kitschy, and famous for all of the wrong damn reasons. Chia seeds are unfortunately popular for making ridiculous terracotta figurines with moistened chia seeds.
But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll see that there is more to chia than what you see on late-night infomercials.
Is This Chia Pudding Recipe Healthy?
Yes. Absolutely. There are a few facts that support the superfood label that chia seeds boast.
First of all, chia seeds are full of omega-three fatty acids that help your body fight inflammation, stay well, and have anti-aging benefits to boot.
They also have the fiber factor – chia seeds bring the fiber your body needs to support gut health, as well as balanced cholesterol and stable blood sugar levels
What Is The Best Way To Eat Chia Seeds?
One way to add chia to your diet is, obviously, by making this chia pudding recipe. Another route is by adding them to infused water.
It’s super easy, so I’m not going to do another recipe card when I could tell you right here and save us all a lot of time. All you have to do to go the chia water route is soak ¼ cup chia seeds in 4 cups of water for 30 minutes. That’s all folks.
Do You Need To Soak Chia Seeds?
If you’re adding them to water, then the answer is yes. But if you’re looking at a recipe that calls for chia seeds (like this one), then no, it is not mandatory. You can help maximize the benefits of chia by making a chia gel by soaking the seeds overnight. Then you can add that to smoothies and protein shakes to up the health factor of an otherwise superfood free version.
Are Chia Seeds Plant-Based?
Good question and, if you need the short answer – yep.
Chia seeds are a healthy, whole superfood that is perfect for folks following a plant-based, vegan or vegetarian diet because they are a fabulous source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Chia seeds are also full of fiber (more on that in a minute) and protein, so they make an excellent ingredient for a filling breakfast that won’t send you straight to the blood sugar roller coaster and leave you feeling hungry in ten minutes.
Is This Chia Pudding Recipe Fattening?
Nope, but I hear ya – when pudding is involved in the name of anything, my mind goes to the old school Jello variety that’s full of carbs, sugar, and who knows what all preservatives.
But this Chia Pudding recipe is not about that life, y’all. It’s time to rethink pudding because this one is full of protein, fiber, and nutrients that keep you full (so you won’t be thinking gimme my ego in ten minutes) and is 100% supportive of your weight loss goals.
In other words, this recipe is perfect for clean eating, plant-based diets, Whole30 diets, Weight Watchers, vegan, and vegetarian meal plans. And you can prep it ahead – which makes life so much easier, right?
How Often Should You Eat Chia Pudding?
Here’s the thing, if you’ve been following a SAD (aka Standard American Diet) – which is a very fitting acronym for the SAD eating style so many follow – you may want to go easy on the chia pudding recipe at first. Because – fiber.
If you’ve ever overdone it on the fiber-con or super fiber-rich bean salad and spent the next, oh, I don’t know three days in the ladies’ room you know what I mean. *Not that that has ever happened to me:)
But for real – some legit digestive issues will go down if you overdo it. Take small steps, folks. Eat it a couple of times a week to make sure you and your gut health are on the same page. This will keep you going strong and out of the bathroom. Deal?
Is This Chia Pudding Recipe Keto?
Yes. This is one of those rare unicorn recipes that are universally healthy for all diets. It looks like we can all be friends and unified on this one, and it’s about time. I am so over talking about diet rules – which diet is better for the world, weight loss, climate change, the list goes on, and the saga continues. But if I’m straight up with you – and you know I am, here’s the tea: every ingredient in this recipe (except for the maple syrup – which you can swap with Lakanto sugar-free syrup) is keto-friendly and gluten-free. So – boom.
Is Chia Seed Pudding Whole30 Approved?
Yes – this chia pudding is Whole30 approved. Some folks get confused because chia is a seed, but there is no need to be concerned. You can enjoy this recipe “guilt-free” on the Whole30 plan.
How Can I Thicken Chia Pudding?
So this depends on the kind of almond milk you choose. Go with your gut on this one, and if it looks a little too thin, you can always add a few more chia seeds or if it’s looking too thick – add in a bit more almond milk.
How Long Does Chia Pudding Last?
This recipe serves four, and it will stay fresh if you keep it sealed in the fridge for five days.
Can I Freeze This Chia Pudding Recipe?
Oh yeah. Once you’ve got the recipe down and made any adjustments to the texture, you can freeze it (without the toppings) for up to 2 months. Then, when you’re ready to thaw, just put it in the fridge the night before. Boom. You’re now an official meal prep goddess. Don’t you love having superpowers?:)
Love A Healthy Recipe? Check Out These Favorites!
If you liked this Chia Seed Pudding recipe, then take a look at these healthy recipes.
Clean Eating Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe Makes Busy Mornings Easy (Vegan + Gluten Free) – If you’re looking for easy, healthy breakfast ideas, it doesn’t get any better than this recipe for Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars. These clean eating breakfast bars are gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and perfect for busy mornings when you need a breakfast that supports your weight loss goals to grab on the go.
Super Easy Egg Muffins – These low carb muffins make the perfect keto breakfast on the go! Make them ahead for busy mornings or put them together in 10 minutes for a low carb, ketogenic breakfast that will keep you full until lunchtime!
Easy Keto Breakfast Muffins With Sausage – The perfect low carb, high protein breakfast recipe-with under 2 net carbs per muffin!
PrintChia Pudding Recipe 4 Ways – Somebody Give This Healthy + Plant-Based + Keto + Whole30 Recipe An Award
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- Author: Heather Burnett
- Total Time: 70 Minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chia Pudding recipe is a simple breakfast or dessert that’s perfect for meal prep and Plant-Based, Keto, Gluten-Free, Clean Eating, and Whole30 diet plans.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or 2 tablespoons Lakanto Sugar-Free Maple Syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
Instructions
Combine milk, chia seeds, maple syrup (sugar-free for keto), cinnamon, and vanilla in a blender or a food processor. You’re 60 seconds away from the finish line.
Next, transfer your chia pudding to a bowl – preferably one with a cover, or you can use saran wrap and let it chill for at least an hour or so in the fridge.
Add strawberries and serve.
Notes
Variations
For Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding swap strawberries for fresh or frozen blueberries
For Chocolate: Swap berries 2 tbsp cacao powder (adding a pinch of salt doesn’t hurt!))
For matcha: Swap berries for 1 tsp matcha powder
- Prep Time: 10 Minute
- Cook Time: 1 Hour
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
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Ok, sales pitch over! I hope you enjoyed the chia pudding! Have a great day, and thank you for reading!