When breakfast tastes this good you know you’re going to have a good day! This chocolate chia pudding recipe is tastes like a rich and indulgent chocolate mousse but is packed with nourishing ingredients like omega-3s, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time for a quick and convenient breakfast that will keep you satisfied all morning long.
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What is Chia Pudding?
Chia pudding is a simple yet delicious and satisfying snack or breakfast made by soaking chia seeds in a liquid, like milk or plant-based milk. The seeds absorb the liquid and create a thick, gel-like consistency similar to tapioca pudding. Chia pudding can be flavored with sweeteners, spices, and other ingredients to create various flavors.
How Healthy is Chia Seed Pudding?
Chia seeds are an incredibly healthy food loaded with nutrients and offer numerous health benefits. They are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds are also a good source of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
In addition to their nutritional profile, chia seeds have several other health benefits. They can help to improve digestion, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and even aid in weight loss. Chia seeds are also super versatile and can be easily added to various dishes, including smoothies, baked goods, and chia pudding.
What are the Health Benefits of Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are a nutrient-dense food that packs a punch regarding their health benefits. Here are just a few:
- High in fiber: Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, with about 11 grams of fiber in just one ounce (28 grams) of seeds. This makes them a great food for improving digestion and preventing constipation.
- Rich in omega-3s: Chia seeds are one of the highest plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are important for brain health, reducing inflammation, and improving heart health.
- Good source of protein: Chia seeds are a good source of protein, with about 4 grams of protein in one ounce (28 grams) of seeds. This makes them a great protein source for vegetarians and vegans.
- High in antioxidants: Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damaging free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Low in calories: Despite their nutrient density, chia seeds are low in calories, with only 140 calories in one ounce (28 grams). This makes them a great food for those looking to lose or maintain a healthy weight.
Key Ingredients
This chocolate chia pudding recipe calls for just a few simple ingredients:
- Plant-based milk: Any plant-based milk, such as almond milk, coconut milk (from a carton, not the canned kind), or soy milk, will work for this recipe. Soy is my choice because it is a good source of protein and when fortified, has the closest nutritional profile to dairy, but this recipe will work with any milk, so pick whichever you prefer.
- Chia seeds: These tiny seeds are the star of the show and provide a thick, pudding-like consistency.
- Cacao powder: This gives the pudding its rich chocolate flavor. You can also use cocoa powder if that’s what you have on hand.
- Maple syrup: This adds a touch of sweetness to the pudding. You can also use honey or agave nectar if you prefer.
- Vanilla extract or paste
- Optional toppings: the pudding is delicious on its own, but if you want to make it more special, you can add yogurt, raspberries or shaved dark chocolate.
How to Make Chia Seed Pudding
Making chia seed pudding is incredibly easy and can be done in just a couple of steps! All you need is a good high powered blender to get that smooth, thick pudding consistency.
Step One: Combine all ingredients in a high-power blender like a Nutribullet.
Step Two: Blend on high for around 1 minute, or until chia seeds are completely ground down and the mixture is smooth.
Step Three: Transfer to a glass jar or airtight container, and leave to chill in the fridge for a few hours, or up to 5 days.
Storage Instructions
This chocolate chia pudding will stay in the fridge for about 5 days. Store it in a jar or airtight container and grab it as a quick and convenient breakfast or snack.
FAQs
While chia seeds have many health benefits and can be a part of a weight loss diet, rumors that they specifically burn belly fat are not true. However, they can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet and exercise routine, as they are high in fiber and protein, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Chia seeds can be eaten whole or ground. They have a crunchy texture when eaten whole and not soaked, but can also be ground to create a powder. Ground chia seeds may be easier to digest and more easily absorbed by the body.
Chia seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often added to smoothies, oats, yogurt, and other dishes as a topping or mix-in. As in this recipe, they can also be soaked in liquid to create a pudding-like consistency.
This chocolate chia pudding recipe is easy to make, can be prepped ahead of time, and is packed with nutrients like omega-3s, fiber, and antioxidants. Give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments!
If you’re looking for more chia seed recipes, check out my Banana Blueberry Baked Oats, Easy Chia Jam, or Spiced Chia Porridge with Blueberry Compote.
Chocolate Chia Pudding
Ingredients
Chocolate Chia Pudding
- 2 cup plant based milk
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or paste
To serve
- plant based yoghurt optional
- shaved dark chocolate optional
- raspberries optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender. Transfer into 4 individual jars for each serve.
- Chill, covered, in the fridge overnight (or for at least 3 hours). These will keep well for about 5 days.
- Eat as is or if you're feeling fancy, top with some yoghurt, shaved dark chocolate and raspberries to serve.
Clarence says
This was delicious! I made it before going to bed. I let it sit in the refrigerator overnight; added a banana before blending it in the Vitamix in the morning.
Liz says
Banana choc would be the best combo! So glad you liked it Clarence and thank you for taking the time to leave a review 🙂
Tina says
I am also pregnant and vegan and this has been so so good for ready breakfasts! 10/10
Pip says
YUM! chocolate for breakfast, but healthy. What’s not to love?
Tiarne says
Can’t wait to try this! I dont have maple suryp, would honey work?
Liz says
Yes honey would be fine!
Thea says
Delish! Date syrup is a great sub for the maple syrup or even a small amount of stevia to taste.
Liz says
I’ve never tried date syrup myself but it sounds yum! Thanks for the review Thea 🙂
Aliza says
This was amazing! I made some quick coconut whipped cream to put on top and WOW. Hits that chocolate craving ?
Liz says
So glad you liked it Aliza!! Coconut whipped cream sounds awesome.
Liz says
The best brekky when you’re craving something sweet but want to eat healthy!
Sophia says
I actually like this so much I’m having it as my healthy dessert instead of ice cream! So good!
The Plant-Based Coeliac says
Easy, delish, nutrish and hits the spot when snack o’clock ticks over!
Hannah Fordyce says
Just to clarify- is this 4 servings or 2? The recipe says 2 and then says to divide into 4 containers! Thanks!
Liz says
Ahh great pick up! I have fixed, it should have been 4 servings 🙂
Tiffany Castle says
I know chia is really good for people – but I always wonder how to incorporate it. So far making seeded peanut butter has been my only place. It sounds great.
Lau P says
Absolutely delicious
Fiona says
Wow what a great recipe, loved everything about it! So delicious creamy and rich yet healthy and super quick to make. I will definitely make this more often!
x
Malishka Fernando says
This was great!! Just made it this week, only thing I would say is it’s probably not as sweet as I thought it would be but I ate it with some sliced banana and it was fabulous!
Liz Douglas says
so glad you liked it malishka!! 🙂 yeah it’s not super sweet I should probably mention that in the notes, more has that intense cacao flavour. banana sounds like a great addition to sweeten it though!
Estelle Chapkoun says
I’ve been having this recipe for breaky for two weeks straight. It is divine, I’m hooked!!
Liz Douglas says
so glad you’re enjoying it estelle!! I love this one because it’s so filling and dead easy to whip up for meal prep.
Gareth Tan Yiam Leem says
Seriously the flavors in this are perfect.
Janet k. says
I’ve been trying your recipes all week i’m obsessed! This one is my fave so far
Umair says
Eager to try this, it looks wonderful.
Hong Nguyen says
One of the yummiest things I’ve made. Thanks for all the recipes