Overnight Chia Pudding

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Just a few minutes’ prep work the night before and you will have waiting for you this creamy and nutritious Overnight Chia Pudding—only two ingredients!

Occasionally my husband will surprise me with breakfast ready and waiting on the table when I wake up on weekends. The problem is, it is SUCH a tease. Don’t get me wrong: I would rather it happen rarely than never at all, but once in a blue moon is just enough to remind me of how nice of a treat it is.

So I had to be proactive. And exercise a willing suspension of disbelief. What does that mean? I started prepping my own breakfasts the night before. Luckily, this recipe takes so little time in the evenings that I was almost able to completely forget that I did them. The result was an (almost) totally surprised me waking up the next morning to Chia Pudding.

There’s so much to love about this recipe that I totally did NOT make myself for myself. First, it takes only two ingredients: milk and chia seeds. I list a couple more to sweeten the pot but they’re not necessary. Plus, chia seeds are a super food. No, they’re a super duper food! They are packed with protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and benefit your body in a number of other ways too many to list. They also gel up when wet, which in turn transforms your milk into a pudding. Who says pudding for breakfast is bad for you? Not me!

So do something nice for yourself. Your ‘morning’ you will thank you!

Which Milk Should I Use?

I recommend almond milk in the recipe because it already has a mild sweetness to it. It also lends itself to a number of diets, which could be a deal breaker for many of you. But you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to. Regular dairy milk will do nicely, with your choice of whole or skimmed milk influencing just how creamy your pudding turns out. Other options are the usual suspects in terms of dairy replacement: oat milk, coconut milk, soy milk… it really depends on whose taste you prefer. Out of those, I would lean towards coconut milk simply because I like its taste to the extent I probably wouldn’t use an additional sweetener. But this could be the exact reason you opt for, say, the oat milk. Its neutral taste won’t conflict with the honey or whichever topping you want to add.

Ingredients

2 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 cup almond milk
1 tsp honey or other sweetener (optional)
strawberries or other fruits (for topping)

How to Make Overnight Chia Pudding

Step 1: Combine the chia seeds, almond milk, and honey in a jar. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the chia seeds.

Step 2: Allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes, then stir again to prevent the seeds from clumping together. Seal the jar with a lid.

Step 3: Refrigerate the sealed jar overnight to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken into a pudding consistency.

Step 4: Serve the chia pudding chilled, topped with fresh strawberries or your choice of fruits for added flavor and nutrition.

FAQs & Tips

How do I store the Overnight Chia Pudding?

Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze the pudding for up to three months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Don’t be surprised if the texture has changed though.

I forgot to set this the night before. What’s the minimum amount of time I should let it sit?

A minimum of two hours should do the trick. You may want to reduce the amount of milk so that your pudding isn’t too thin.

How many calories are there in this Chia Pudding?

There are 155 calories in each serving. That’s because chia seeds are calorically dense. This is a good thing given you plan on having this in the morning when you want energy.

Will chia seeds help me go to the bathroom?

In a word, yes. Chia seeds contain insoluble fiber, which means it absorbs water. That’s the kind of fiber you want if you are having difficulty going to the toilet for a No. 2. (I’m no doctor though, so any concerns in this department should be discussed with a medical professional.)

Can I use water instead of milk?

You can, but then you’d be making a drink, not a pudding. The consistency would be thin and largely tasteless. If you just want a chia meal you can chug back and be done with, then water is a good option. If you want to sit down and enjoy a “pudding”, use milk.

Serving Suggestions

The great thing about this chia pudding (well, one of the great things) is that you can serve it with so many of the ingredients you might typically put out for other breakfast staples. Fruit has already been mentioned, but don’t feel tied to strawberries. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and/or sliced banana will taste great. You can also add crushed/sliced nuts like almonds or walnuts for a crunchy addition. For added creaminess, reach for your plain Greek yogurt. Honey and maple syrup can be added before or after you store it overnight, while jam, though high in sugar, can be added as a topping the next morning.