Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe - iFoodReal.com (2024)

Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe made with only 4 ingredients and the perfect creamy consistency! Make it and let sit overnight, then enjoy for healthy breakfast or snack for 5 days.

Love chia? Be sure to try our chocolate chia pudding and banana chia pudding.

Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe - iFoodReal.com (1)

Table of Contents

  • Ingredients for Vanilla Chia Pudding
  • How to Make Vanilla Chia Pudding
  • Tips for Best Results
  • What Is the Perfect Chia Seed to Liquid Ratio?
  • Variations
  • Toppings Ideas
  • How to Serve and Meal Prep
  • FAQs
  • More Chia Pudding Recipes
  • Other Pudding Recipes to Try
  • Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe

This vanilla chia pudding is so easy and simple. It takes less than 5 minutes to prep and then settles overnight in the fridge.

You can make a few chia seed puddings at a time. I like to make ahead 5 servings for Monday till Friday for easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

In the morning, grab a jar, top with your favorite toppings like nuts, berries, fruit or coconut flakes and you are good to go. It’s genius!

I also love to meal prep this almond flour banana bread and almond flour banana muffins for a week of easy healthy breakfasts.

Ingredients for Vanilla Chia Pudding

This vanilla chia seed pudding recipe consists of a mix of 4 ingredients. It couldn’t be more simple!

Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe - iFoodReal.com (2)
  • Whole chia seeds: Black chia seeds are tiny seeds yet expand up to 9 times their original size. You want to use whole and not ground seeds to avoid bitter taste and unpleasant texture.
  • Milk: I use unsweetened almond milk. You can use any dairy-free milk from a carton like rice, soy, oat or cashew milk. Dairy milk works too. Adjust sweetener depending if you use unsweetened or sweetened milk. To use canned coconut milk, try this coconut milk chia pudding.
  • Liquid sweetener:I prefer maple syrup because unlike thick honey it dissolves better in cold milk. But honey works as you can tell from my video.
  • Vanilla: To add that vanilla flavor. I like to use pure vanilla extract.

How to Make Vanilla Chia Pudding

Here is a quick overview how to make vanilla chia pudding. You can find full recipe card down below.

Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe - iFoodReal.com (3)

Add ingredients in this particular order: Almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla and chia seeds. This order is easy to mix, no mess and quick. Any glass container works and I prefer it to plastic for taste reasons. I have to say if you like toppings, use bigger 16 oz Mason jars.

Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe - iFoodReal.com (4)

Stir well: Stir with a fork or a small whisk and let it sit for 1 minute.Chia seeds will start expanding immediately and you will see them settling at the bottom.

Stir 2 more times after 1 minute: Stirring a few times will prevent lumps. If you don’t, not all chia seeds will expand and many will lump at the bottom. Make sure to stir maple syrup on the bottom, it settles fast.

Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe - iFoodReal.com (5)

Refrigerate overnight: The next morning stir well then eat as is or add your favorite toppings! See down below for ideas.

Tips for Best Results

  • Best order of ingredients: It is important to add liquids first and then chia seeds for easy mixing.
  • If your chia pudding is lumpy in the morning: It means you didn’t stir well or a few times before refrigeration. It happens. Just stir it with a fork and maybe add a splash of milk.
  • Too thick chia pudding: Add a little bit of milk and stir.
  • Too runny chia pudding: Next time, use 4 tablespoons chia seeds with 3/4 cup milk. It could be the type of chia seeds or milk that causes this issue.
  • Chia pudding didn’t thicken at all: Some brands are better than others, also age of chia seeds matters. Your chia seeds might be not as fresh and have trouble absorbing liquid. I would try a different brand next time.

What Is the Perfect Chia Seed to Liquid Ratio?

The most important part for best results is an amount of chia seeds per liquid added. Most people like chia pudding neither soupy nor so thick that it’s dry. We all want “normal” pudding.

I find the best chia pudding consistency is to use 3/4 cup milk with 3 tablespoons of chia seeds. Once you let mixed ingredients sit overnight, they form tapioca like pudding.

Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe - iFoodReal.com (6)

Variations

I like vanilla chia pudding, so all I add for flavor is pure vanilla extract. You could also add:

  • Sweet spices: Like cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. Or just make this pumpkin chia pudding.
  • Berries: Blend fresh or frozen strawberries, raspberries or blueberries with your milk before combining with sweetener in a jar.
  • Citrus: Add some orange, lime or lemon zest for a bright burst of citrus.
Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe - iFoodReal.com (7)

Toppings Ideas

When ready to eat, give vanilla chia pudding a stir and top with your favorite toppings. Sky is the limit!

  • Fruit: I like to add fresh or frozen fruit and berries. Who am I kidding?! It’s frozen fruit 95% of time.
  • Nuts: Toasted nuts are tastier although they lose a bit of their nutritional value. Raw nuts or nut butter works too!
  • Coconut flakes: Again toasted are yum but I think we are getting very fancy.
  • Granola: Look for a low sugar one or make healthy granola at home.
  • Jam: Use your favorite.
  • Greek yogurt: I always have this on hand from making Instant Pot yogurt.

How to Serve and Meal Prep

Store: Put this vanilla chia pudding together while making dinner the night before! Refrigerate overnight and breakfast is ready for the next day.

It’s also perfect for meal prep as it stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. It actually doesn’t go bad after 5 days, just will not be as fresh.

You can meal prep chia pudding in individual mason jars or in one big bowl and then distribute between your favorite leak proof containers.

Serve: During cooler months, you may like to try it warmed up. Just heat on the stove or in a microwave with a splash of milk.

FAQs

Is chia pudding good for you?

According to WebMD, chia seeds are a complete plant based protein, full of soluble fiber that is both gut friendly and helps slow digestion so you feel satiated. Chia seeds contain Omega-3 fatty acids which is great for brain health.

Chia has more antioxidants than any other whole food, even blueberries and is an excellent source of essential minerals like calcium, manganese, selenium, iron and magnesium to name a few.

How long does chia pudding take to thicken?

While the chia seeds do start absorbing liquid immediately, to get to a thick gel like consistency you need to wait at least 6 hours before consuming.

I find the best consistency is after 12 hours, which is why I recommended to let it sit overnight in your fridge.

What does vanilla chia pudding taste like?

Chia seeds do not actually have any taste, so they will absorb whatever liquid or sweetener you have added. If this is the first time trying, you may find that the texture resembles a thick smooth pudding.

More Chia Pudding Recipes

  • Chocolate banana chia pudding
  • Mango chia seed pudding
  • Matcha chia pudding
  • Strawberry chia pudding

Other Pudding Recipes to Try

  • Cottage cheese pudding
  • Cottage cheese chocolate pudding
  • Brown rice pudding
Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe - iFoodReal.com (8)

Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe - iFoodReal.com (9)

Vanilla Chia Pudding

Vanilla Chia Pudding made with only 4 ingredients and the perfect creamy consistency! Refrigerate overnight and enjoy for 5 days.

4.97 from 174 votes

Servings 1 serving (8 ounces jar)

Calories 265

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Chilling Time 6 hours hours

Total Time 6 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Print RecipeSave RecipeRate Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In any glass container with a tight seal lid, add ingredients in the following order: milk, maple syrup, vanilla and chia seeds. If you would like to add toppings in the morning, use bigger jars, otherwise use smaller jars (pictured).

  • Stir well with a spoon or fork, let sit for 1 minute and stir 2 more times. This will prevent lumps.

  • Then refrigerate overnight.

  • When ready to eat, stir well and top with favourite toppings: nuts, berries, fruit, coconut flakes etc.

Video

Notes

  • Store: Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Whole chia seeds: You want to use whole and not ground chia seeds to avoid bitter taste and unpleasant texture.
  • Milk: Best and popular choice is plant-based milk from a carton. I do not recommend to use canned coconut milk because after a few days in the fridge pudding will taste “soapy”.
  • Best order of ingredients: It is important to add liquids first and then chia seeds for easy mixing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 250mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 17g

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: North American

Author: Olena Osipov

Did you make this recipe?Mention @ifoodreal or tag #ifoodreal!

Categories:
Breakfast Recipes, Easy, Gluten Free Recipes, Grab and Go, Meal Prep, Snack, Vegan Recipes, Video

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About Olena

Welcome! I grew up in Ukraine watching my grandma cook with simple ingredients. I have spent the last 11 years making it my mission to help you cook quick and easy meals for your family!

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Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe - iFoodReal.com (2024)

FAQs

Why didn't my chia seeds turn into pudding? ›

Here are a couple tips that might help! Make sure you're using chia seeds and not some other type of seed! There are white and black chia seeds and both work for chia pudding, but no other seeds will work. Also, check that your chia seeds aren't old and maybe try switching brands.

Why didn't my chia seed pudding thicken? ›

For the best chia seed pudding, you want to let it sit overnight. Why didn't my chia seed pudding thicken? It's possible that you didn't stir the mixture enough. It's important to stir, wait and then stir a couple of times until there are no clumps of chia seeds before you store it in the fridge.

Is it OK to eat chia pudding every morning? ›

Limited research in animals and humans has found that taking chia seeds daily can lead to greater weight loss and bone mineral content ( 14 , 24 ). That said, eating too many can cause some side effects, so start with a small dose, like 1 oz (28 g) daily, and make sure to drink plenty of water.

What does chia pudding do to your gut? ›

The omega-3 fatty acids and caffeic acid in chia seeds may reduce inflammation in the gut. This can alleviate symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Chia seeds are also low in FODMAPs, making them a safe option for people with IBS.

Why do I feel sick after eating chia seed pudding? ›

Because of their high fiber content, eating too many chia seeds may cause constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Chia seeds may also cause flare-ups with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease. Choking hazard. Dry chia seeds absorb water, which causes them to swell up and become gelatinous.

What happens if you don't soak chia seeds long enough? ›

If you don't soak chia seeds long enough, they may not swell up and form a gel as much as they should. This means they will be harder to digest and absorb and may cause some discomfort or bloating in your stomach. They may also have a crunchy texture that some people may not like.

How long does it take for chia seeds to get thick? ›

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until chia seeds have gelled and liquid has thickened. Serve with fruit. Enjoy! Note: Make sure to use a hom*ogenized full-fat coconut milk, not light coconut milk.

What is the ratio of chia seeds to liquid? ›

So, my go-to ratio for chia seed pudding is 4 parts liquid to 1 part chia seeds. And once you've got that ratio memorized, then you'll be able to make pudding in seconds! Another breakfast recipe I love that comes together in seconds is my Easy Avocado Toast.

How do you keep chia seed pudding from clumping? ›

Add liquid slowly: Adding the chia seeds to the liquid slowly, while stirring, can help to prevent clumping. Grind the seeds: Grinding the chia seeds into a fine powder before adding them to liquids can help to prevent clumping.

Who Cannot consume chia seeds? ›

This includes people with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease, or obesity. Obesity. Consuming chia seeds doesn't help reduce body weight in overweight or obese adults.

Do chia seeds reduce belly fat? ›

The insoluble fibre and protein present in them help you feel satisfied and full. As per USDA data, a 100-gram serving of chia seeds can fulfil up to 34% of the daily fibre intake, thus facilitating the reduction of belly fat.

Are there any negative effects of chia seeds? ›

Eating too many chia seeds may cause side effects, such as digestive issues, allergic reactions, or weight gain. In moderation, however, chia seeds can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. Chia seeds are edible seeds that come from a plant belonging to the mint family, called Salvia hispanica.

Is Chia Pudding a laxative? ›

Instead, it absorbs fluids and helps create bulky, soft stool. So yes, chia seeds have the right kind of fiber to loosen your poop and give you some constipation relief. “Chia seeds haven't been studied for constipation,” Czerwony notes, “but due to their fiber content, they are hypothesized to have a laxative effect.”

Are chia seeds good for your colon? ›

Seeds are a healthy snack food that helps care for your colon while also keeping you feeling fuller for a longer period of time. For example, one teaspoon of chia seeds is equal to 10 grams of fiber. Beans and lentils, also known as legumes, have tons of fiber and can reduce your risk of colon cancer.

Do chia seeds make you gassy? ›

"Since chia seeds are high in fiber and absorb water, they may lead to digestive discomfort for sensitive people, including gas and bloating," says Schlichter.

How long does it take for chia seeds to expand in milk? ›

When chia seeds come in contact with liquid, they expand and form a gel. This makes them easier to digest. Chia seeds do not need to be soaked for a long time. In just five minutes, they have absorbed liquid, but we prefer to soak them for 20 minutes to achieve a pudding-like texture.

Why didn't my chia seeds grow? ›

If the seeds are too thick it may prevent them from sprouting. If your Chia Pet is in an office, the air conditioning and heating can dry out Chia Pets faster than in other environments. Also, note that not a lot of water should be emitted from the planter once you fill it.

Is it normal for chia seeds to clump in water? ›

You have likely heard though that you need to soak chia seeds, so they aren't a choking hazard. Some people say 30 minutes is enough and others say overnight. Chia seeds can expand anywhere from 10-30 times their original size when they are in liquid, and they can also clump together and become very sticky (1,2).

How can I speed up my chia seeds absorption? ›

However, soaking chia seeds can make them more easily digestible and help your body absorb the nutrients more effectively. Chia seeds contain a high amount of fiber and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can be difficult for your body to break down without soaking.

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