Chia Pudding with Almond Milk

Try this powerhouse pudding for breakfast and start your day off right: Chia Pudding with Almond Milk.

Tired of eggs or oatmeal for your protein and fiber hit for breakfast? Mix things up and try Chia Pudding with Almond Milk. Chia (fancy, official name Salvia Hispanica) is an ancient source of soluble fiber and protein. Aztecs and Mayans ate chia seeds, and in fact, the Mayan word for strength is “chia.” So tap into some ancient wisdom and give chia pudding a try.

Chia seeds, while tiny, pack a punch. They are good sources of soluble fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. This 3-tiered benefit means you will feel full (no need to sneak a donut at 10 AM to get you through till lunch!), you get lasting energy, and the omega-3 fatty acids are good for your heart and cardiovascular health. The way chia seeds absorb over 10x their weight in water means that as they soak in the almond milk, they expand and create a pudding-like texture. Magic! The seeds’ intrinsic calcium plus the calcium in the almond milk is another benefit of these tiny titans.

Besides providing a healthy start to your day, enjoying a delicious, creamy pudding is a lovely way to enjoy breakfast. The texture is somewhat similar to tapioca pudding, and the creamy base provides a blank canvas for whatever toppings you enjoy. Fresh fruit, granola, coconut, or whatever flavor profile you like! It feels a little bit indulgent to enjoy a creamy, slightly sweet pudding as your first meal, but it’s a smart (and delicious) choice.

Is there too much of a good thing with Chia seeds?

The list of chia seeds’ amazing benefits may have you wanting to sprinkle them on everything! However, the 2 tablespoons called for in this recipe is the recommended daily serving size. While there are so many good things about chia seeds, keep in mind that the fiber content is no joke. If you’ve never eaten them before, you may experience a bit of bloating and gas; drinking plenty of water will help eliminate any discomfort and the more you eat chia seeds regularly, the more your system will adjust. Always check with your doctor if you are on any anticoagulant or blood pressure medication before starting to eat chia seeds regularly, as they may interact with medications in those categories.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons chia seeds
1/2 cup almond milk or any preferred milk
1 teaspoon honey or another sweetener, optional
Strawberries or other fruits for topping optional

How to Make Chia Pudding with Almond Milk

Step 1: Combine the chia seeds, almond milk, and honey in a jar. Stir them together until fully mixed.

Step 2: Allow the mixture to rest for a couple of minutes, then stir again to prevent any clumps from forming.

Step 3: Seal the jar with a lid and refrigerate. Let it sit overnight, or for at least 2 hours, to thicken.

Step 4: Once set, give it a good stir. Top with fresh strawberries or your favorite fruits before serving. Enjoy your chia pudding chilled!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Chia Pudding with Almond Milk is an easy make-ahead option for breakfast. Since the seeds, sweetener, and milk need to sit at least 2 hours or up to overnight, you can definitely make several servings so you can enjoy a grab-and-go breakfast during the work week. Once you mix the seeds, sweetener, and milk, it can sit in the fridge for 3-5 days. If the pudding seems a bit thick, just add a little more almond milk to loosen up the texture. Leftovers can keep up to 5 days in an airtight container. Freezing is not recommended.

Why is my chia pudding still crunchy?

The seeds, sweetener, and milk mixture may not have sat long enough – it really needs at least two hours. Additionally, you may need to add a bit more liquid if the texture is too crunchy. In general, you need at least twice as much liquid as seeds to get the right texture.

What are some nut-free milk options?

You can definitely use cow’s milk, soy milk, or oat milk for Chia Pudding. The measurements should mostly be the same, but err on the side of less is more, as you can always add more liquid as needed. Keep in mind, with any milk (including almond milk), you need to consider sugars and fat content for the overall nutritional value of this breakfast.

Not a honey fan. What other sweeteners work?

Maple syrup is the best substitute for honey, as you can use the same measurement. If you need a lower-sugar alternative, consider liquid stevia, but start with a half teaspoon and add to taste, as stevia is sweeter-tasting than honey or maple syrup. Since this chia pudding is not cooked, granulated sweeteners like white sugar, brown sugar, or Splenda are not recommended.

Is this a gluten-free dish?

Yes! As long as the toppings you add are gluten-free, Chia Pudding with Almond Milk is a great gluten-free (and egg-free) option for a healthy breakfast. Who needs a bagel and schmear when you have such a delicious option like this one?!

Serving Suggestions

Chia Pudding with Almond Milk is a great breakfast choice, but it can also be enjoyed any time of the day for a light meal or hearty snack. For flavor variations, consider adding a little nutmeg and a teaspoon of vanilla and top with blueberries for a blueberry-vanilla flair. Or, if you’re a chocolate fan, you can definitely add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to Step 1. For toppings with the chocolate variation, try raspberries and a teaspoon of mini-chocolate chips. Finally, for a tropical option, top your chia pudding with a tablespoon of oats, a tablespoon of unsweetened coconut, and some dried mango or pineapple. So many options! Experiment to figure out what you like.