9 Healthy Chia Pudding Recipes

These 9 Healthy Chia Pudding Recipes are easy to make and packed with nutrition, offering various flavors in our selected recipes. Each recipe features tasty combinations, from fruity options to rich, indulgent treats. The recipes are wholesome and quick to prepare, perfect for busy mornings or snacks. With so many flavor choices, you can enjoy the benefits of chia seeds while enjoying a nutritious gluten-free breakfast, snack or dessert.

dry chia seeds on a spoon

7 Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

  • High in Fiber: Supports digestive health and promotes a feeling of fullness.
  • Complete Protein Source: Contains all nine essential amino acids, making it great for muscle repair and growth.
  • Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports heart health and reduces inflammation.
  • Low in Net Carbs: A good option for low-carb diets while still providing energy.
  • Antioxidant Properties: Helps combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Bone Nutrients: Contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are vital for bone health.
  • Hydration Support: Absorbs water, helping to keep you hydrated.

The Nutritional Power of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are tiny, nutrient-dense powerhouses native to Central America, where they have been cherished for centuries. Rich in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, these seeds offer numerous health benefits, including improved digestion and heart health. Chia seeds can absorb water, forming a gel-like consistency that makes them perfect for a variety of recipes, from chia pudding to smoothies. With their subtle flavor, they can easily be incorporated into both sweet and savory dishes, making them a versatile addition to any diet.

Creative Toppings for Chia Pudding

Chia pudding can be enhanced with a variety of delicious toppings. Some of the best options include fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds.

  • Fresh Fruit: Adding fresh fruit not only boosts sweetness and flavor but also increases the nutrient content. Top your chia pudding with fruits like bananas, kiwi, berries, pineapple, and mangoes for a delightful twist.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds provide extra flavor and texture while contributing protein and healthy fats. Consider using almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds as toppings to elevate your chia pudding.

Chia Seed Liquid Ratio for Perfect Pudding

To create a delicious chia pudding, it’s essential to use the right liquid-to-seed ratio. For every 1/4 cup of chia seeds, you’ll need 1 cup of liquid, which can be any type of milk, such as almond or coconut milk.

Once you’ve measured the liquid, add your favorite flavorings to the mixture. Options include fruits, honey, spices, or any other ingredients you enjoy.

After combining everything, stir well and let the pudding sit so the chia seeds can absorb the liquid. Once the pudding has thickened, it’s ready to enjoy!

Making Chia Pudding

To make chia pudding, soak chia seeds in liquid for at least 30 minutes, allowing them to absorb the liquid and expand into a gel-like consistency.

Simply add chia seeds to a bowl or jar with your chosen liquid—almond or coconut milk works great—and refrigerate while soaking. For an extra creamy texture, soaking overnight is ideal.

 

9 Wholesome Gluten-Free Chia Pudding Recipes

mocha chia pudding in 4 glasses topped with berries

Vegan Mocha Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

MOCHA CHIA

  1. 1 cup hot organic coffee
  2. 2 Tbsp. Pure cocoa powder
  3. 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  4. 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  5. 1 1/2 cups almond or coconut milk
  6. 2/3 cup black chia seeds

MOCHA CREAM

  1. 1 Tbsp. Pure cocoa powder
  2. 1 Tbsp. Pure maple syrup
  3. 1/2 tsp. Pure vanilla extract
  4. 1 cup whipped unsweetened coconut cream

Instructions:

For the chia layer, whisk hot coffee, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla using a glass bowl. Add cold milk and chia seeds and stir to combine. Cover and chill overnight.

For the cream layer, whisk cocoa powder with maple syrup. Stir in coconut cream

To assemble, layer four glasses with chia pudding, cream and fruit.

matcha avocado chia pudding in a cup with cream

Matcha Avocado Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

  1. 1 ripe avocado
  2. 1 1/2 cup dairy-free milk such as coconut, hemp or almond
  3. 2 Tbsp. Fresh lemon juice
  4. 4 Tbsp. Chia seeds
  5. 2 tsp. Matcha powder
  6. 1 tsp. Pure vanilla extract
  7. Pure maple syrup or honey to taste

Instructions:

Using a high-speed blender, blend avocado, milk, lemon juice, matcha, and vanilla until smooth

Pour mixture over chia seeds and add sweetener

Stir to combine, cover and refrigerate

After 15 minutes, stir and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight

creamy dessert with cherry compote

Cinnamon Chia Pudding with Cherry Compote

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cups coconut milk
  2. 1/3 cup plus 1 Tbsp. white chia seeds
  3. 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup or honey
  4. 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  5. 1 tsp. maca powder (optional)
  6. ½ tsp. GF ground cinnamon

CHERRY COMPOTE

  1. 1 lb. pitted fresh or frozen cherries
  2. 1 Tbsp. sweetener of choice
  3. Zest of 1 lemon

TOPPINGS

  1. 2 bananas, sliced
  2. 2 Tbsp. hemp seeds

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, combine coconut milk, chia seeds, 2 tablespoons of sweetener vanilla, maca powder and cinnamon. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

CHERRY COMPOTE

In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sweetener and lemon zest. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Cool and refrigerate

To serve, divide chia pudding into 4 jars, and top with sliced bananas, hemp seeds and cherry compote.

coconut pudding with raspberry sauce in a glass

Coconut Chia Pudding with Raspberry Sauce

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cups coconut milk (preferably not canned)
  2. 1/3 cup chia seeds (if you like the pudding thick, add 1 more tablespoon)
  3. 2 Tbsp. honey
  4. 2 Tbsp. unsweetened coconut flakes
  5. 1 tsp. maca powder (optional)

RASPBERRY SAUCE

  1. 8 oz. fresh organic raspberries
  2. 2 Tbsp. honey

Toppings: bananas, kiwi, coconut flakes

Instructions:

Place coconut milk, chia seeds, honey, coconut flakes and maca powder in a glass bowl and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. 

RASPBERRY SAUCE

Place raspberries in a small saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of honey, cover and cook for 3 minutes over medium-low heat. Remove from the heat and slightly mash with a fork. Chill and set aside

Assemble; Divide chia pudding among 4 serving glasses. Top with sliced bananas, raspberry sauce, and kiwi and sprinkle with coconut flakes

vanilla chia pudding with apple compote

Vanilla Chia Pudding With Apple Compote

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cups GF vanilla coconut milk (not canned) (if you don’t have vanilla coconut milk, use plain coconut milk and add
  2. 1 tsp. of pure vanilla extract
  3. 2 Tbsp. of pure maple syrup
  4. ½ cup black chia seeds

FOR THE COMPOTE

  1. 1 large apple, cored, peeled and thinly sliced
  2. 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  3. 1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
  4. 1/3 cup water
  5. 1 tsp. tapioca starch
  6. ½ tsp. GF ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Using a glass bowl, combine chia seeds with coconut milk, cover and refrigerate overnight

FOR THE COMPOTE

Using a small saucepan, whisk together water, tapioca starch and cinnamon. Stir in apples, lemon juice and maple syrup

While stirring, cook the apples over medium heat until they start to soften, about 3 – 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Transfer to a glass bowl and refrigerate

To serve, divide the pudding into serving bowls and top with apple compote. You can add other toppings such as walnuts, pecans, almonds or pomegranate seeds.

vanilla chia pudding with blueberries

Vanilla Chia Pudding With Blueberries

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk (not canned)
  2. 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  3. 2 ½ tsp. GF ground cinnamon
  4. ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  5. ½ cup black chia seeds
  6. 2 cups organic fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions:

In a glass bowl, combine coconut milk, vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup and chia seeds. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes

Stir in blueberries and refrigerate overnight.

gluten-free healthy breakfast pudding

Immune Boosting Papaya Chia Breakfast Pudding

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cups coconut milk or almond milk
  2. 1/3 cup white chia seeds
  3. 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup or honey
  4. 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  5. 1 tsp. maca powder (optional)
  6. Large papaya, deseeded and peeled
  7. 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice and zest of 1 lemon
  8. 1 tsp. minced fresh ginger
  9. ¼ tsp. GF ground cinnamon
  10. 2 cups dairy-free yogurt
  11. 2 Tbsp. hemp seeds (optional)

Instructions:

Place coconut milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla and maca powder in a glass bowl and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Cut the papaya into large chunks and place them into a food processor or blender. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, ginger and cinnamon. Process until chunky

Divide equally into 4 serving glasses as follows, ½ papaya sauce, chia pudding, hemp seeds, the remainder of papaya sauce and yogurt. Top with chunks of papaya if you wish

pudding topped with fruit in a glass

Gluten-Free Lemon Creamy Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

  1. 2 ½ cups unsweetened coconut milk or milk of your choice
  2. 1 medium size ripe avocado
  3. 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  4. ¼ cup pure maple syrup or liquid honey
  5. 1 Tbsp. melted coconut oil
  6. 1 tsp. Pure vanilla extract
  7. ¼ tsp. Sea salt
  8. ½ cup GF white chia seeds
  9. Topping choices; fresh fruit, lemon zest, seeds and nuts, coconut whipped cream

Instructions:

Add milk, peeled and pitted avocado, lemon juice, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla and salt to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.

Pour mixture into a medium-sized bowl and whisk in chia seeds. Cover and chill for one hour

After an hour, stir the pudding to redistribute the chia seeds evenly. Cover and refrigerate overnight

Serve with desired toppings

NOTE: if the pudding seems too thick, add more milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency.

chia pudding with pineapple, dates in a cup and topped with walnuts and berries

Pineapple Date Chia Pudding

Ingredients: 

  1. 2 cups cashew or almond milk
  2. 5 Tbsp. GF chia seeds
  3. ½ cup roughly chopped fresh pineapple
  4. 6 Medjool dates, pitted and finely chopped
  5. 1 tsp. maca powder
  6. Toppings: yogurt, pineapple, berries, seeds and nuts

Instructions:

Mix all the ingredients except the toppings. Stir and chill overnight

To serve, divide chia pudding into serving cups and top with desired toppings

Why You’ll Love Chia Pudding

Chia pudding is a simple, nutritious, and versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste. With its health benefits and endless topping possibilities, it serves as a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert. Whether enjoyed on its own or dressed up with fruits, nuts, and spices, chia pudding is a great way to incorporate the superfood chia seeds into your diet. Give it a try and enjoy your favorite flavor combinations!

Explore our complete list of Gluten-Free Recipes Made With Chia Seeds.

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