So Easy Chia Pudding with Berries

Chia pudding: it's so quick and easy to make and also really healthy and delicious! This is a blueprint for chia pudding. From here, you can make all different kinds and flavors.

In this recipe, we leave the chia seeds whole, which lends a very unique texture. Some people (like me) love this texture.

Other people, like my husband, don't really enjoy it. You can blend the chia seeds if you prefer to have a smoother, more pudding-like consistency. Give this recipe a try if you prefer a blended consistency: chocolate strawberry blended chia pudding

Our Favorite Chia Seeds 

We've tried lots of different brands of chia seeds! Hands down, this is our favorite, not only for the freshness and consistency of the brands but also for the cost per ounce. My Amazon accounts tells me that I've purchased this same product over 10 times, so you know it's my favorite. That's our affiliate link, which allows us to make a small commission at no cost to you. If you'd rather purchase something else, feel free. There are lots of great chia seed options!

Troubleshooting Chia Pudding

If your chia seeds don't "gel" like they are meant to after waiting a few minutes, it's probably time for a new bag. Older chia seeds tend to lose their ability to gel up. 

Here are a few more troubleshooting tips that you may want to consider!

1. Chia Seed to Liquid Ratio:

   • A common ratio is 1 tablespoon of chia seeds to 1/4 cup of liquid. Adjusting this ratio can help achieve the right consistency. (A thicker liquid like canned coconut milk will need fewer chia seeds to achieve a pudding consistency.) 

2. Mixing Technique:

   • Mix the chia seeds and liquid thoroughly and evenly. Pay extra attention to corners and edges, as sometimes chia seeds may clump together. Use a whisk or fork to ensure a uniform distribution.

3. Resting Time:

   • Allow the mixture to rest for at least 15 minutes after initial mixing. Then, stir again to prevent clumping and refrigerate for several hours to let it fully set. Chia seeds need time to absorb the liquid and create a gel-like consistency.

4. Liquid Type:

   • Experiment with different liquids. Some people prefer using plant-based milk, while others use regular dairy milk. Coconut milk and almond milk are popular choices. Using a thicker liquid can result in a creamier texture.

5. Temperature:

   • Ensure that the chia seed pudding is refrigerated. Chilling helps the chia seeds absorb the liquid and set properly. If your kitchen is warm, the setting time may be shorter.

6. Sweeteners and Flavorings:

   • If you are using sweeteners or flavorings, make sure they are well incorporated. Ingredients like honey or maple syrup can sometimes affect the setting process.

7. Fresh Chia Seeds:

   • Ensure that your chia seeds are fresh. Older seeds may not absorb liquid as well, affecting the setting process. Ready for a new bag? This is our favorite. 

8. Experiment with Ingredients:

   • If you've tried the above tips and still have issues, try experimenting with different brands of chia seeds and liquids. Some variations in products may affect the outcome.

What to top your bowl with?

Pretty much anything you can think of, you can put on your pudding! What do you love layering on top of your bowl? Here are some ideas:

• Berries
• Cacao Nibs
• Coconut flakes
• Nut butter
• Seeds and nuts
• Chocolate chips

Proven Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds have so many great benefits! See some of these amazing benefits below:

Chia Seeds:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

   • Chia seeds are a rich plant-based source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3s are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.

2. Fiber Content:

   • Chia seeds are high in soluble fiber, which can help promote digestive health, regulate blood sugar levels, and contribute to a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.

3. Protein:

   • Chia seeds contain a decent amount of plant-based protein, making them a valuable addition for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

4. Antioxidants:

   • Chia seeds contain antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress and may contribute to overall health.

5. Minerals:

   • Chia seeds are a good source of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese, which are important for bone health and various physiological processes.

Check out this article for more information on Chia seeds.

How Long To Store it? 

Chia seed pudding can typically be stored in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. However, its shelf life can depend on various factors, including the specific ingredients used and the freshness of the ingredients.

Here are some tips to maximize the freshness and shelf life of your chia seed pudding:

1. Storage Container:

   • Use an airtight container to store your chia seed pudding. This helps prevent the absorption of odors from the refrigerator and maintains the pudding's freshness.

2. Refrigeration:

   • Always store chia seed pudding in the refrigerator. The cold temperature slows down the growth of bacteria and helps preserve the pudding.

3. Ingredients:

   • The freshness of the ingredients matters. If you use fresh plant-based milk, yogurt, or fruit, your chia seed pudding is likely to stay fresher for a longer period. Ready for a new bag? We recommend this brand. 

4. Check for Spoilage:

   • Before consuming leftover chia seed pudding, visually inspect it for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, mold, or changes in color and texture. If it looks or smells off, it's best to discard it.

Keep in mind that chia seed pudding is a versatile dish. You can make smaller batches if you're concerned about its shelf life. 

Your Turn!

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So Easy Chia Pudding with Berries

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Category

Breakfast

Servings

2 servings

Prep Time

10 minutes

Chia pudding: it's so quick and easy to make and also really healthy and delicious! This is a blueprint for chia pudding. From here, you can make all different kinds and flavors.

Author: Ashley Keating

Ingredients

• 4 TBS chia seeds
• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
• Optional: 1 tsp honey or agave
• Toppings, like berries, cacao nibs, coconut, nuts, etc

Directions

1. Feel free to double this recipe (or more!). With no fruit added on top, it keeps very well in the fridge for several days.

2. Mix the 4 TBS chia seeds with the 1 cup milk and optional sweetener. Mix very well.

3. Wait 5 to 15 minutes and mix again to ensure that the seeds are all incorporated. (If your pudding is not starting to gel after this resting time, see notes for troubleshooting.)

4. Pop in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
5. Stir again before serving and top with all the best toppings!

Recipe Note

Troubleshooting Chia Pudding

If your chia seeds don't "gel" like they are meant to after 15 minutes, go ahead and add two more tablespoons of chia seeds. Mix well and wait another few minutes. If it still seems lie your pudding is more liquid than gel, check these other troubleshooting tips!

The Age of your Chia Seeds:

Old chia seeds won't gel very well. Time for a new bag!! We recommend this brand. 

Chia Seed to Liquid Ratio:

A common ratio is 1 tablespoon of chia seeds to 1/4 cup of liquid. However, a thicker liquid like canned coconut milk will need fewer chia seeds to achieve a pudding consistency than a thinner liquid like almond milk. 

Mixing Technique:

Mix the chia seeds and liquid thoroughly and evenly. Pay extra attention to corners and edges, as sometimes chia seeds may clump together. Use a whisk or fork to ensure a uniform distribution.

Resting Time:

Allow the mixture to rest for at least 15 minutes after initial mixing. Then, stir again to prevent clumping and refrigerate for several hours to let it fully set. Chia seeds need time to absorb the liquid and create a gel-like consistency.

Liquid Type:

Experiment with different liquids. Using a thicker liquid can result in a creamier texture.

Temperature:

Ensure that the chia seed pudding is refrigerated. Chilling helps the chia seeds absorb the liquid and set properly. If your kitchen is warm, the setting time may be shorter.

Sweeteners and Flavorings:

If you are using sweeteners or flavorings, make sure they are well incorporated. Ingredients like honey or maple syrup can sometimes affect the setting process. You can always add in an extra tablespoon of chia seeds. 

Experiment with Brands:

If you've tried the above tips and still have issues, try experimenting with different brands of chia seeds and liquids. Some variations in products may affect the outcome.