~ These chia pudding recipes will definitely inspire you with their creative flavors … so many unique ideas! And of course, they’re all nutritious and easy to make ahead for busy days. Perfect meal prep solutions for power breakfasts, energizing snacks, or decadent (but guilt-free) desserts! ~
Chia pudding recipes are a busy cook’s dream.
They’re really quick and easy to make, and they keep well for days and days – so they’re fantastic make-ahead, meal prep recipes.
Plus, as all these recipes showcase, they’re full of fun opportunities for culinary creativity! You’ll never get bored … and you’ll actually find yourself looking forward to eating healthfully.
No wonder chia seed pudding has become so gosh-darn popular!
Is Chia Pudding Healthy?
Chia pudding relies on superfood chia seeds to gel a liquid (usually some type of milk) into a rich, creamy “pudding” consistency. Those chia seeds also offer up great nutrition! As we’ve discussed in some of our recent chia pudding recipes, chia seeds pack in all sorts of goodies, like:
- omega-3 fatty acids
- antioxidants
- plant-based protein
- fiber
- minerals
Typical chia pudding ingredients like nutritious milks and fresh fruit build on all that chia seed goodness to create a truly power-packed recipe.
Adaptations for Different Diets
Chia puddings are typically very simple to modify for various eating goals. Most recipes either meet the following goals or are easily adapted to do so (for example, by swapping different milks or sweeteners):
- gluten free (unless you add toppings like crumbled graham crackers that contain gluten)
- vegetarian and often even vegan
- dairy free (depending on the milk you choose)
- free of added sugars (depending on your choice of sweetener)
Check the specific recipe to be sure it meets your goals. Often the recipe or accompanying post will give suggestions for ingredient swaps that might work for you, too.
But maybe an even more important question is … Is Chia Pudding Delicious?
As far as my family’s concerned, the answer is a resounding YESSSSSSS!
And with all these flavors to choose from, you’ll have lots of fun experimenting to find your own new favorites!
Chia Pudding Recipes
Easy Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
Consider this your “basic template” for making great chia pudding. You can enjoy this super-versatile recipe exactly as written, or use the lists of suggestions to create all sorts of delicious variations your whole family will love! Lots of great info and tips on which milks and sweeteners to use, what ratio works best, and how to keep your pudding from clumping. (from Two Healthy Kitchens)
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Just 4 simple ingredients, with bonus ideas for additional toppings and mix-ins. Fresh banana is mixed right into the pudding, but you can add banana slices or even dried banana chips on top for extra fruity flavor! (from Sylvie at A Baking Journey)
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Pumpkin Spice Chia Seed Pudding
This cozy, autumn-inspired chia seed pudding is made with only a few basic ingredients for the perfect, easy, warmly-spiced treat. It’s great on its own, and even more outstanding topped with maple toasted walnuts (recipe included) and figs! (from Julia at The Roasted Root)
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Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk and Berries (First Watch A.M. Superfoods Bowl Copycat)
Lusciously cool and creamy chia pudding is accented with sweet blackberry preserves, fresh berries and sliced bananas, and then finished off with a delightful granola crunch. This lightened-up version of the First Watch restaurant headliner is deliciously light but satisfying – it’s a true power breakfast that’ll keep you fueled up for hours! (from Two Healthy Kitchens)
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding
This chia seed pudding tastes like a peanut butter cup dessert, but it’s packed with protein and wholesome ingredients that you can enjoy for breakfast, too. What’s not to love? The recipe also includes a brilliant little hack: You can optionally try whizzing up the chia pudding in your blender to pulverize the chia seeds, which makes the mixture smooth and silky, and a perfect option if you normally don’t like the texture of chia pudding. (from Rachel at Bakerita)
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Super creamy and lightly sweet, with lots of blueberry flavor and just a hint of lemon. Made with just 4basic ingredients – but you can also try it layered with some yogurt and extra blueberries for a pretty presentation! (from Laura at Cook at Home Mom)
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“Candy Bar” Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
This decadent pudding features rich chocolate, crunchy almonds, and sweet coconut … just like an Almond Joy candy bar (but 1,000x healthier)! It’s a super-easy meal prep breakfast for busy mornings – or a delightful make-ahead dessert you can keep stashed in the fridge to satisfy those late-night chocolate cravingsguilt-free! (from Two Healthy Kitchens)
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This chia pudding gets a luscious double-hit of mango from fresh mango pureed with the pudding base, plus chunks of mangos stirred into the pudding (and scattered on top, too)! No doubt, if you love the sweet, tropical taste of mangos, this fruit-filled pudding is for you! (from Alison at Loving It Vegan)
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Peanut Butter and Jelly Chia Pudding
Inspired by the classic PB&J sandwich! This recipe features a peanut butter pudding layered over a homemade, 2-ingredient chia jam (or feel free to swap in your favorite store-bought jam instead). Delicious as-is, or you can fancy it up with toppings like yogurt, berries and extra peanut butter. Psssst … and believe it or not, there are nut-free options for this recipe, too! (from Deryn at Running on Real Food)
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Apple Pie Chia Pudding
Loaded with grated apples (gotta have apples for “apple pie”!), a hint of cinnamon, and graham cracker crumbles for that pie crust vibe! Yep. Pie … for breakfast. Or dessert. Seriously great anytime! (from Two Healthy Kitchens)
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Vegan Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Calling all chocolate lovers: this one’s for you! But this goes way beyond those “plain” chocolate versions out there. This one’s got almond butter, dates and cinnamon for extra complexity, sweetness and nutrition. And mmmmmmm … don’t forget to top it all off with a sprinkling of chocolate chips or cacao nibs! (from Christine at Jar of Lemons)
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Coconut Chia Pudding Parfaits with Tropical Fruit Turmeric Puree
Coconut milk chia pudding is layered with a refreshing puree of turmeric, fresh lime and orange juices, plus frozen mango, pineapple, and peaches. You can also try different frozen fruit to switch up the flavors, or to use up what’s in your freezer! (from Katie at GoodLife Eats)
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Layered Strawberry Guava Chia Pudding
This unique creation will take you straight to the tropics! A vanilla chia base is topped with a creamy avocado-banana middle, and then a sweet and tangy strawberry-guava jam topping. (from Gina at Running to the Kitchen)
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Healthy Key Lime Pie Chia Pudding
Inspired by the beloved, summery flavors of key lime pie! This pudding was created by a registered dietician as a healthier version of that classic dessert. No guilt. Just creamy, key lime happiness! (from Carrie at Walder Wellness)
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Mocha Coconut Chia Seed Pudding Parfaits
Dark cocoa powder and instant coffee are highlighted by a triple-hit of coconut from coconut milk, coconut extract, and toasted coconut flakes. Perfect cozied up next to a warm mug of coffee! (from Jocelyn at Inside Bru Crew Life)
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Banana Split Chia Seed Pudding
A banana split for breakfast?!? Sure! (Although this delicious creation is great for snacks and dessert, too.) Vanilla chia seed pudding is topped off with everything you love about banana splits – virtuous but decadent any time of day! (from Deryn at Running on Real Food)
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Cinnamon Fig Chia Pudding & Oat Breakfast Parfaits
The scrumptious layers of this parfait feature sweet dates, almond butter, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup. The fresh figs are a gorgeous flourish that truly elevate this recipe. Delightful chilled, but you can also try warming it a little in the microwave for a different way to enjoy chia pudding! (from Rachel at Bakerita)
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You’ll love the one-two punch of tropical flavors: first from the coconut milk in the creamy pudding base, and then from the layer of sweet mango on top. And hey hey … bonus tropical points if you toss on a final sprinkling of flaked coconut, too! Only 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to prep! Don’t love mangos? Then try harnessing that island vibe with other tropical fruits like papaya or pineapple. (from Julia at The Yummy Bowl)
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Mmmmmm … this is kinda like a cold, thick, creamier version of your favorite matcha latte, and the matcha green tea gives this simple chia pudding a nice little caffeine boost! You control the sweetness in this recipe, so you can choose to make this matcha pudding a little sweeter and more dessert-like. (from Sandi at Fearless Dining)
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Chocolate Strawberry Chia Pudding
Strawberries and chocolate are a classic combination. It’s a duet that feels decadent and indulgent, but of course, this chia pudding is actually really nutritious. Heck yeah … you’ll want this for dessert, but (teehee) you can treat yourself, guilt-free, for breakfasts and snacks, too! (from Carrie at Clean Eating Kitchen)
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Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding Parfait
A deliciously satisfying, slightly sweet pudding parfait with all the cozy flavors of autumn and pumpkin pie! It’s all layered up with thick and creamy Greek yogurt, and topped off with your favorite chopped nuts for some wonderful texture. Don’t wait for Thanksgiving dessert time, though … enjoy this all year ’round! (from Dini at The Flavor Bender)
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A gorgeous way to “eat the rainbow”! Kiddos will love the pretty colors, and you’ll love all the great nutrition! (from Carissa at Creative Green Living)
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Overnight Chia Pudding
Because it takes awhile to set up, chia pudding is the perfect overnight, make-ahead breakfast. It’s great for meal prep and an ideal solution for everyone who feels like they don’t have time for breakfast. This recipe helps you make a big batch to keep in the fridge all week long, and includes lots of ideas for great flavor combos, mix-ins and toppings to switch things up and keep it interesting! (from Two Healthy Kitchens)
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This unusual recipe captures both the gorgeous color and also the deliciously sweet, citrusy tang of naturally stunning blood oranges. Enjoy it straight-up, or top it with granola, extra fruit and honey (if you’re not making the vegan version). (from Whitney at Salt & Baker)
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Lemony Lavender Chia Seed Pudding
This recipe showcases anti-inflammatory turmeric, zesty lemon and calming, aromatic lavender. Every bite is packed with flavor nuances that are creamy, bright and slightly sweet! (from Healthy World Cuisine)
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No need to fire up the oven to bake a carrot cake … recreate the flavors you love with this easy chia pudding! You can even add in some raisins or nuts to the mix if you like your carrot cake full of texture. (from Kelly at Eat the Gains)
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Alternating layers of chocolate chia pudding, and creamy cashew cheesecake offer a perfectly delicious contrast in every bite! Juicy berries add an irresistible freshness, and a sprinkling of cashews is a lovely, crunchy finish! (from Daniela at Dani’s Cookings)
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Two superfood trends – avocado and chia – in one luxuriously rich and creamy recipe! All you need are avocado, chia seeds, a sweetener of your choice, and almond milk … add in an optional splash of vanilla and almond extracts for flavor and aroma, or a splash of lemon juice to keep the avocado a gorgeous green. (from Shashi at Savory Spin)
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Roasted Banana Chia Pudding Breakfast Bowl
This clever recipe features roasted bananas, which makes them incredibly sweet without tasting overly ripe. A couple dates add even more natural sweetness. Top your pudding with Mandarin oranges, coconut flakes, and slivered almonds for a little crunch. It’s a sweet and healthy breakfast that tastes like dessert (with no added sugar)! (from Toni at Boulder Locavore)
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So unique! Rose and lychee are soul sisters that complement each other beautifully.Use fresh lychees for a lower-sugar option if you can find them, or simply grab canned lychees in a pinch. (from Anusha at Tomato Blues)
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I don’t know about you, but all these yummy ideas really have me feeling inspired!
You know I already adore chia pudding, but now I have so many fresh, new ways to enjoy it.
Honestly, I’m not sure which to try first. So, what’s your vote … which one is your next must-try recipe??
