Are you searching for a healthy, anti-inflammatory chia seed pudding recipe? Well, you’ve come to the right place. This chia pudding is gluten-free, low glycemic, plant-based, and easy to make. The best part is that this recipe includes 10 recipe variations!

Are you searching for a healthy, anti-inflammatory chia seed pudding recipe? Well, you’ve come to the right place. This chia seed pudding (10 ways) is gluten-free, low glycemic, plant-based, and easy to make.

The best part is that this guide includes 10 recipe variations. You’re sure to find the perfect one. Gather your ingredients, and let’s make a delicious and nutritious breakfast!

Are chia seeds good for anti-inflammatory diets?

Chia seeds are often included in anti-inflammatory diets because they offer several health benefits that help reduce inflammation. Here’s why chia seeds are considered good for anti-inflammatory diets:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Chia seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 has amazing anti-inflammatory properties.
High in Antioxidants: Chia seeds contain antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals in the body.
Fiber Content: These seeds are rich in dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Fiber helps promote a healthy gut microbiome which can play a role in reducing inflammation.
Hydration: When chia seeds absorb liquid, they form a gel-like consistency. This property can help with hydration, which is essential for overall health.
Protein and Nutrient Content: Chia seeds are a good source of plant-based protein and essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. These nutrients support overall health and can reduce inflammation.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Chia seeds have a low glycemic index, so they won’t spike and crash blood sugar levels.
Weight Management: Chia seeds can help manage weight due to their high fiber content. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces inflammation, as excess fat tissue can produce inflammatory substances.

While chia seeds can be a valuable part of an anti-inflammatory diet, they are not a cure all for inflammation. A complete anti-inflammatory diet should include low-glycemic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean meats, and fatty fish. Before making dietary changes, speak with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.

Recipe ingredients

Chia seeds
Coconut or plant-based milk (oat, almond, cashew, etc.)
Real maple syrup (not the pancake topping)
Pure vanilla extract
Salt (optional)

Chia seed substitutions

Chia seeds have unique properties that include absorbing liquid and creating a gel-like pudding consistency, making finding exact substitutes challenging. However, depending on the purpose of the chia seeds in your recipe, you can consider using whole flaxseeds in this recipe Like chia seeds, flaxseeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Use a 1:1 ratio of flaxseeds.

How to make chia pudding

Mix the Chia Seeds and Liquid: Combine the chia seeds, coconut milk, or nut milk in a bowl. Stir well to distribute evenly.
Sweeten and Flavor: Add your choice of sweetener (maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, or date syrup) to the mixture. Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a hint of vanilla, add it and mix through.
Let it Rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the fridge for at least 8-12 hours to create a pudding consistency.
Stir and Serve: After the resting period, give the chia pudding a good stir. You may need to break up any clumps that may have formed. Add more coconut or nut milk to reach your desired consistency if the pudding is too thick.
Top and Enjoy: Serve the chia pudding in bowls or glasses and top with your favorite fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds. Some popular toppings include berries, sliced bananas, shredded coconut, and chopped almonds. Get creative with your toppings!
Optional Additions: Feel free to customize your chia pudding by adding extra ingredients.

How to store chia pudding:

Chia pudding can last for several days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Here are some general guidelines for storing chia pudding:

Freshly Made Chia Pudding: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s best to consume it within this time to enjoy its freshness and texture.
Leftover Chia Pudding: If you have leftover chia pudding in the refrigerator for a few days, you should still be able to enjoy it for an additional 1-2 days, depending on its condition. Check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or mold.
Stored with Toppings: If you’ve added fresh fruits, nuts, or other toppings to your chia pudding, the freshness may affect the overall shelf life. In such cases, consuming the pudding within 1-2 days is best to ensure the toppings remain at their best.
Separation: Chia pudding may separate over time, with the liquid rising to the top and the chia seeds settling at the bottom.

To extend the shelf life of your chia pudding, you can make it in small batches and store it in individual servings. This way, you can take out one serving at a time and enjoy it without worrying about the rest of the batch spoiling too quickly.

Chia seed pudding 10 ways:

Chia pudding is highly versatile, and you can create a wide range of delicious variations by adding different flavors, fruits, spices, and toppings. Here are some chia pudding recipe variations to try:

Chocolate Chia Pudding:

Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened Dutch cocoa to the chia seed mixture.
Sweeten with your choice of sweetener (e.g., honey, maple syrup).
Top with sliced berries for a nice twist.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding:

Replace some or all of the nut or coconut milk with pureed ripe mango for a tropical flavor.
Garnish with fresh mango chunks and shredded coconut.

Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding:

Mix the chia seed mixture in 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree and a 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
Sweeten with maple syrup or coconut sugar.
Top with coconut whipped cream.

Vanilla Chai Chia Pudding:

Infuse the chia seed mixture with chai tea (steep a chai tea bag in warm coconut or nut milk before mixing).
Add a dash of vanilla extract and sweeten with honey or agave syrup.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Blueberry Lemon Chia Pudding:

Stir in fresh blueberries and a touch of lemon zest into the chia pudding.
Sweeten with honey or lemon-infused honey.
Top with additional blueberries and lemon zest.

Almond Coconut Chia Pudding:

Replace vanilla with almond extract and a tablespoon of unsweetened shredded coconut with the chia seed mixture.
Sweeten with honey or maple syrup.
Garnish with chopped almonds.

Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding:

Mix 2 tablespoons of peanut or almond butter into the chia seed mixture.
Sweeten with honey or maple syrup.
Top with sliced bananas and a drizzle of more nut butter.

Matcha Green Tea Chia Pudding:

Stir 1 teaspoon of matcha green tea powder into the chia seed mixture.
Sweeten with honey or agave syrup.
Garnish with matcha powder and fresh berries.

Tropical Paradise Chia Pudding:

Add diced pineapple, kiwi, and shredded coconut to the chia seed mixture.
Sweeten with a touch of honey or agave syrup.
Top with more tropical fruits.

Blissful Berry Chia Pudding:

Combine a mixture of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries into the chia pudding, or on top.
Drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts for crunch.

Feel free to get creative and mix and match these ideas to create your unique chia pudding variations. Chia pudding is a canvas for flavors, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite ingredients and combinations!

Make a single portion!

Want a quick and easy breakfast but don’t want to eat chia seed pudding for several consecutive days? Prepare it the night before! Here are the measurements.

1 tablespoon chia seeds
1/4 cup coconut or plant-based milk (oat, almond, cashew, etc.)
1/2 tablespoon real maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
A small pinch of salt (optional)

Chia Seed Pudding (10 ways)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Keyword anti-inflammaroty chia pudding, chia pudding recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings

Calories 185

Ingredients

1/4 cup chia seeds
1 cup coconut or plant-based milk oat, almond, cashew, etc.
1 1/2 tablespoons real maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
A pinch of salt optional

Instructions

Mix the Chia Seeds and Liquid: Combine the chia seeds, coconut milk, or nut milk in a bowl or container. Stir well to distribute the chia seeds evenly.
Sweeten and Flavor: Add your choice of sweetener (maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, or date syrup) to the mixture. Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a hint of vanilla, add vanilla and mix everything thoroughly.
Let it Rest: Cover the bowl or container with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 8-12 hours to create a pudding-like consistency.
Stir and Serve: After the resting period, give the chia pudding a good stir. You may need to break up any clumps that may have formed. Add more coconut or nut milk to reach your desired consistency if the pudding is too thick.
Serve the chia pudding in bowls or glasses and top with your favorite fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds. See Notes Section or additional recipe option.
Optional Additions: Feel free to customize your chia pudding further by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, a spoonful of nut butter, or granola for extra texture and flavor.
Storage: Store chia pudding in an airtight refrigerator container for 3-4 days. Make a batch for a quick and nutritious breakfast or snack option.

Notes

Chocolate Chia Pudding:

- Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened Dutch cocoa to the chia seed mixture.
- Sweeten with your choice of sweetener (e.g., honey, maple syrup).
- Top with sliced strawberries or raspberries for a chocolate-berry twist.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding:

- Replace some or all of the nut or coconut milk with pureed ripe mango for a tropical flavor.
- Garnish with fresh mango chunks and shredded coconut.

Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding:

- Mix the chia seed mixture in 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree and a 1/8-1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
- Sweeten with maple syrup or coconut sugar.
- Top with coconut whipped cream.

Vanilla Chai Chia Pudding:

- Infuse the chia seed mixture with chai tea (steep a chai tea bag in warm coconut or nut milk before mixing).
- Add a dash of vanilla extract and sweeten with honey or agave syrup.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Blueberry Lemon Chia Pudding:

- Stir in fresh blueberries and a touch of lemon zest into the chia pudding.
- Sweeten with honey or lemon-infused honey.
- Top with additional blueberries and lemon zest.

Almond Coconut Chia Pudding:

- Replace vanilla with almond extract and a tablespoon of unsweetened shredded coconut with the chia seed mixture.
- Sweeten with honey or maple syrup.
- Garnish with chopped almonds.

Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding:

- Mix 2 tablespoons of peanut or almond butter into the chia seed mixture.
- Sweeten with honey or maple syrup.
- Top with sliced bananas and a drizzle of more nut butter.

Matcha Green Tea Chia Pudding:

- Stir 1 teaspoon of matcha green tea powder into the chia seed mixture.
- Sweeten with honey or agave syrup.
- Garnish with matcha powder and fresh berries.

Tropical Paradise Chia Pudding:

- Add diced pineapple, kiwi, and shredded coconut to the chia seed mixture.
- Sweeten with a touch of honey or agave syrup.
- Top with more tropical fruits.

Blissful Berry Chia Pudding:

- Combine a mixture of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries into the chia pudding.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts for crunch.

Nutrition

Chia Seed Pudding (10 Ways)