Matcha Chia Pudding

A simple and delicious superfood breakfast packed with goodness and a delicious, creamy taste.

What happens when you take two superfoods and use them together in a pudding?

You get a nutritional powerhouse that is both delicious and beautiful. We like to make this in single-serving glass jars just so we can look at it, but you can do it in any other container you like.

Once the chia seeds are mixed with the liquid, they start to emulsify and eventually set into a creamy pudding-like substance. This pudding makes a great breakfast food or afternoon snack, and provides many health benefits in addition to its incredible flavor and texture.

It’s also completely plant-based, and you can adjust your toppings to keep it that way if you like. We like it with fruit and some low fat Greek yogurt, which isn’t plant based… but coconut cream or whipped silken tofu are great plant-based topping options.

Health Benefits

Matcha is the seed of a plant, indigenous to Mexico, that is from the mint family. Matcha is made from dried young green tea leaves and originates from Japan. Both matcha and chia seeds are described by many nutrition experts as superfoods, a term that can be sometimes over-used but there’s no arguing with the health benefits of these two main ingredients.

Matcha contains caffeine and is loaded with antioxidants and amino acids, and has been used for years to boost energy and prevent disease. Chia seeds are also loaded with antioxidants, are very high in fibre and Omega-3 fats. Feel free to discuss these with your nutritionist.

This pudding can help control blood sugar, acts as a pre-biotic and can help with gut health – all while tasting delicious and providing a filling, satisfying breakfast. You’re so very welcome!

Ingredients

2 teaspoons matcha green tea powder
1 cup non-dairy milk such as almond or soy milk
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
Toppings: Raspberries and almonds optional

How to Make Matcha Chia Pudding

Step 1: Combine matcha and milk. In a large bowl, whisk together the matcha green tea powder with the non-dairy milk until it’s smooth and there are no lumps.

Step 2: Add chia seeds and sweeten. Mix in the chia seeds and maple syrup, ensuring the seeds are evenly distributed and not clumped together.

Step 3: Refrigerate to set. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the pudding to set and thicken.

Step 4: Add toppings and serve. Once set, give the pudding a good stir, spoon into serving dishes, and top with raspberries and almonds if desired.

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

We like to transfer this into sealed one-serving mason jars and store it in the fridge. It’s then really easy to grab and go and you have a pre-measured portion. Simply top it with Greek yogurt or coconut cream if you’re avoiding dairy, and a little diced fruit of your choice. The pudding will set overnight and will keep in the fridge for up to three days. This pudding also freezes well for up to a month, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.

What are some substitutes for matcha powder?

You can try using straight green tea powder or cacao. Green tea powder is less expensive than matcha and still contains antioxidants, and cacao creates a delicious chocolate flavor while still delivering some caffeine. A good caffeine-free choice is powdered mulberry tea which is often used in Japan, and is available at good health food stores. You can also experiment with dried fruit powders to create fun new flavors.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

A little honey or agave syrup are great choices. Honey is sweeter than maple syrup, so you might want to add a little less.

Pro tip: Mix in the chia seeds thoroughly.

The wonderful texture of this pudding comes from the chia seeds absorbing moisture to create a gelatinous, pudding-like texture. Make sure there are no clumps of seeds in your bowl as the ones in the center of the clump won’t hydrate properly.

Serving Suggestions

The pictures here show the pudding topped with Greek yogurt, blue berries, dragon fruit and almonds, but the toppings are completely up to you. We generally like to use a mix of berries because they’re so colorful, tasty and offer great health benefits, adding to the already considerable benefits of this pudding.