3-Ingredient Chia Pudding (Easy & Healthy)
This 3-Ingredient Chia Pudding is an easy, healthy, and versatile recipe perfect for a snack, breakfast, or dessert. Packed with protein, fiber, and omega-3s, it uses simple ingredients like chia seeds, milk or dairy-free alternatives, and maple syrup. Ready in just over 30 minutes, it’s customizable with various milk options and sweeteners, making it ideal for meal prepping or enjoying on the go.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Chia Pudding Base
- 4.5 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1.5 cups milk (dairy or dairy-free such as coconut, almond, cashew, soy, oat, pistachio)
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup (adjust to taste; alternatives include honey, agave, brown rice syrup, date paste/syrup, monk fruit, erythritol, stevia)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chia seeds and milk to a cup, bowl, or jar and mix well to ensure the seeds are evenly distributed. Then add the vanilla extract and sweetener, stirring once more to combine all the flavors.
- Refrigerate to Thicken: Set the mixture aside in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow it to thicken, though 2 hours or overnight is optimal for the best texture and flavor development.
- Stir Again: About 5-10 minutes after refrigerating, give the mixture a good stir to prevent clumping and ensure even thickness throughout the pudding.
- Optional Blending: For a smoother, mousse-like pudding texture, blend the chia pudding after it has thickened. This step is optional and can be done before or after refrigerating, depending on your preferred consistency.
- Storage: Store the prepared chia pudding covered in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it a convenient option for meal prepping. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month without loss of quality.
Notes
- The perfect chia pudding ratio is 4.5 Tbsp chia seeds to 1.5 cups liquid, which ensures optimal thickness and texture.
- Use any type of milk based on preference or dietary needs, including dairy and non-dairy options.
- Sweetener amounts can be adjusted to suit personal taste, and alternative sweeteners can be used.
- Stirring the pudding shortly after refrigerating helps avoid clumps and results in a smoother consistency.
- Blending the pudding is optional but enhances texture to resemble a traditional pudding or mousse.
- Chia pudding can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 1 month for convenient meal prep.