Luscious Chia Seed Pudding takes a minute to make, is super healthy and so versatile it can be served for breakfast, as a snack, even dessert. You can find a big batch of it in my fridge at all times.

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 Our family has been sprinkling chia seeds on yogurt and cereal for quite some time, but it wasn’t until my girlfriend Kimberly told me about her kids’ love of her chia seed pudding that I decided to try using them in a different way. 

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Chia seeds are known for their high level of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant properties, but how do those hard little granular chia seeds produce a pudding so creamy, rich, and well, pudding-like? When mixed with liquid chia seeds expand and take on a different texture, like gelatin. 

Adding just three other simple ingredients to them results in this silky smooth and healthy dessert with the addictive flavor combination of vanilla and honey (or maple syrup — your choice!) in every bite. 

This recipe caught on like wild fire in my house. My whole family loves it so much, my husband makes us 1-2 batches a week. In fact, he’s so territorial about it, he insists on being in charge of making it. That’s because he experimented with all different types of milks before arriving at the one he believes to make the creamiest chia pudding (in his opinion, oat is the best, but almond a close second). I personally like using full fat cow’s milk for this recipe, but it works well with rice, almond, and most other kinds of milk.

We love putting out an array of toppings to adorn each of our bowls, from berries, to cacao nibs, chocolate chips, bee pollen, and shredded coconut to name a few. The possibilities are limitless.

If you prefer an utterly smooth texture (like the consistency of a chocolate pudding or mousse), or have a little one who does, just blend your ingredients till smooth in the blender before pouring into jars and refrigerating.

“Ch-ch-ch-chia!” Chia seed pudding, that is!

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Chia Seed Pudding

4.25 from 29 votes
Author: Catherine McCord
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients  

  • 2 cups milk (almond, rice, soy or cow’s milk)
  • 1/4 cup honey, maple syrup or agave
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chia seeds

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, honey and vanilla. Add the chia seeds and stir to combine.
  • Refrigerate 4 hours, stirring once halfway through.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.
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About the Author

Catherine is a mama of three. A Kentucky girl living in California. Here’s what I know: all kids can be great eaters and mealtime must be easy. I create simple, healthy recipes the whole family will love.

Comments

  1. In my house our favorite way is with coconut milk. With some mango and granola, it’s delicious!

  2. 5 stars
    I love your easy recipes which are perfect for anyone who wants to eat healthy without spending hours in the kitchen. You really understand how busy we get as working women. Your recipes are easy to follow and prepare with short steps. Love your energy and your love for food and family.

    1. This makes me so happy! Thanks for the kind words 🙂 Glad you find weelicious to be a helpful resource for busy parents!

  3. The flavor of these was really good (I subbed vanilla for almond extract as I ran out of vanilla) but unfortunately, mine didn’t set AT ALL (even overnight). I followed the directions exactly – even using Trader Joe’s organic whole milk like you did. Any idea why they didn’t turn out?

  4. Looks delicious! Does banana go well with chia seeds pudding? And can someone share some different recipes with different flavors and ingredients? Thanks so much!

  5. Whole milk has about 150 calories per cup, and honey has about 80 calories per tablespoon, vanilla extract you do not need to worry about, and chia seeds have about 110 per ounce which may seem like a lot but they are packed with omega 3s and other great nutrients

  6. Can’t wait to have this for breakfast tomorrow it sounds delicious! I’m counting calories though so does anyone know how many calories this recipe is?

  7. Yummy! I think I’ll mix some of this up right now! Can you put peaches in before you refrigerate or after?

  8. […] bread with sliced meat of choice, cheddar cheese and greens Snack: Chia seed pudding with fruit (Great recipe here!) Dinner: Salmon Cakes over amaranth & a green […]

  9. Hello, they way I made my pudding is I substituted the milk and sweetener with pure coconut milk and added a hint of cinnamon. It came out just wonderful. .

  10. […] prep time–and the payoff is huge, both taste-wise and nutritionally. I found this recipe on Weelicious, and we make a vegan version as […]

  11. Just made this recipe and I have to say I really enjoyed it! We tried almond milk and added a dash of cinnamon for twist on rice pudding! yummy! Thanks for this!

  12. I made this last night and it’s AWESOME! Mine set just fine with maple syrup. Whole family loved it, 13-month old included. I sprinkled some cinnamon on it too. I want to try it with coconut or coconut/almond milk next…. It completely reminds me f tapioca, which I LOVE! Will try with some vanilla creme stevia for myself when I make it again.

  13. Made this over the weekend delicious, althought my son wasnt so into it. Wondering if you have a recipe for a chocolate chia pudding?
    Thanks:)

    1. 4 stars
      Thank you for the delicious recipe. It came out great! Next time I will do less honey since I don’t prefer it as sweet.

  14. Shanti Salon & Day Spa | Stefanie has just discovered Chia Seeds! | Shanti Salon & Day Spa says:

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  15. I just made this with plain almond milk, lemon extract and vanilla liquid stevia and it is amazing! Mine set in 30 mins and I noticed settling within 5 so I stirred every 5 mins for the first 20 and the texture is lovely. 🙂

  16. Not sure if the calories are too high but would this and some sliced berries be ok for breakfast or should this be a dessert item only?

  17. I do not have that information yet, but am working to provide nutritional information on all my recipes!

  18. correct, chia in touch with water creates a gelly substance, this can be used for a pudding as in the recipe above but can be used as a base for any kind of sause, including salty juices, meat juices, salad dressing etc etc. Last but not least, the high amount of fiber will make you eat less so a very healthy ingredient: chia!

  19. Shelf life is 2 years if stored in the right conditions (dry environment with temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius)

  20. Just got bags of chia seeds ! I’m making this now ! Quick question , what’s the best way to store them ? ( the seeds )

  21. This was surprisingly good! It reminds me of tapioca pudding. It was sweet with a wonderful vanilla flavor. Great with sliced strawberries! My somewhat picky 21 month old loved it as well and I feel good about giving him a dessert like this! Thank you!!

  22. Made this the other day and it was delicious! I added some blackberries on top. I might try it with almond extract next time : ) Thanks for the recipe, I have a whole pouch of chia seeds and didn’t know what to do with them!

  23. Same thing happened to me (wouldn’t set). Must have to do with the maple syrup. I threw it in the freezer and made “ice cream” My 2 year old gobbled it right up that way 🙂

  24. I tried this recipe today and used maple syrup but otherwise followed the recipe but my pudding didn’t set. Any suggestions?

  25. I tried my first chia seed drink yesterday and enjoyed it so I bought chia seeds today and made this! My overly picky 18 month old loved it! Thanks for sharing!

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