Easy Vanilla Chia Pudding

This vanilla chia pudding is the perfect base for all your chia pudding treats. It is gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, and it tastes delicious. You can pair it with fruit, lemon curd, hazelnut spread, chocolate chips, oatmeal, yogurt, and much more. The possibilities are endless.

Why will you love vanilla chia pudding?

• Easy to make - It will only take 5 minutes to make and can be ready as soon as 15 minutes.
• Healthy - the ingredients are only chia seeds and any unsweetened milk you like.
• Customizable - this version is unsweetened, but you may add erythritol, stevia, maple syrup, granulated sugar such as coconut sugar, pure cane sugar or any sweetener you like.
• Satisfying - it is refreshing, light, and yet satisfying
• A family favorite - your family and friends will love it because it is so easy to combine with anything they love

Key ingredients and items you need for this vanilla chia pudding

Ingredients

• Chia seeds: use black or white. I used Navitas Organic Chia Seeds.
• Unsweetened almond milk: you can substitute with any plant-based milk or any milk you love such as coconut, oat, soy, or your favorite.
• Vanilla extract: try to use good quality organic vanilla extract, vanilla bean, or ground vanilla. The real thing tastes way better, guaranteed!
• Sweetener: this is entirely optional, and we did not use it in our recipe, however if you are okay adding sweetener, you can use coconut sugar, maple syrup, pure cane sugar, or any sweetener you like.

Items

• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Whisk or mixing spoon
• A jar or a container with a lid to store

What makes this easy vanilla chia pudding "healthy" and what are the nutritious benefits?

Chia (Salvia hispanica) is an ancient oilseed used by Mexico and Guatemala natives and an important staple for the Aztecs and Mayans. The word chia means “strength” in Mayan (1). The color of these tiny seeds can range from white to black. In addition, they are considered one of the top superfoods on the planet due to its high content of fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acid, essential minerals, antioxidants, and micronutrients. 

Omega-3 and Omega-6

Chia seeds have high content of heart healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (2). Studies have shown that omega 3s have numerous health benefits (3) including helping improve brain health, heart health, depression, ADHD, and more.

Great as thickening and gelling

Chia seeds have the ability to absorb water, which makes them a great choice in cooking, especially in plant-based cuisine, to form gels, thicken sauces, puddings, or as an egg replacement (4, 5). 

High in minerals

The abundant minerals of chia seeds are manganese, phosphorus, copper, selenium, Iron, magnesium, and calcium (6).

High in plant-based protein

Chia seeds contain of all nine essential amino acids which makes them a source of high-quality plant-based protein (7).

How to make vanilla chia pudding step by step

1. Measure 1/2 cup of chia seeds and 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk
2. In a medium bowl mix the chia seeds and almond milk and add 1 teaspoon of organic vanilla extract. We used Trader Joe's Burbon vanilla.
3. Let the mix rest in for about 10-15 minutes and give it another whisk.
4. Store in a container or jar with a lid in your refrigerator and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
5. Consume within 5 days

Useful tips and tricks for a perfect vanilla chia pudding

• Creamier consistency - Use coconut milk or a very creamy milk for a richer consistency.
• Whisk well - the chia absorbs water at a fast rate and thus creates clumps very fast. Make sure to whisk your chia pudding frequently and very well to make sure no clumps are formed. If you get some clumps, don't panic, you can use a fork and press down to separate the clumps and add more milk if necessary.
• Gel consistency - Leave your chia pudding resting in the refrigerator overnight. I promise you; it will be delicious with a gel consistency. If it is too thick for you, add some more milk, one tablespoon at a time and give it a whisk.
• Use your favorite milk - The chia pudding will absorb all liquid and flavor you add to it. Make sure you add a good quality milk that you absolutely enjoy.
• Too thick? - Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, and give it a whisk until it reaches the consistency you like.
• Optional Add-Ins and Variations
  • Maple Syrup: add 1 tbsp of maple syrup or any sweetener you like or drizzle on top
  • Cocoa powder: add 1 to 2 tbsp of coconut powder to make this chia pudding chocolate pudding)
• How to serve or what to serve it with? Serve with your favorite toppings. We suggest pairing it with berries to give this super food an extra load of antioxidants.
  • Yogurt
  • Lemon curd
  • Berries
  • Fruits
  • Jams
  • Compotes
  • Nut butter
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Granola
• How to store: Store your yummy vanilla chia pudding in a sealed container or jar in the refrigerator for up to five days. The chia will most likely continue to absorb liquid and will thicken even more, but this is normal. Feel free to add more milk and mix again. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also freeze it, and simply allow to defrost before serving. However, by experience, my chia pudding is gone by the second day!

More recipes you may like

• Healthy Vegan Lemon Curd

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