Three Ingredient Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

Scroll for my creamy chia seed pudding recipe that takes less than five minutes to prep and only requires three ingredients!

But first –

What the heck are chia seeds?

Chia seed are technically an ancient grain from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family. Nope, they don’t actually taste minty!

The word chia is derived from a Spanish word chian which means “oily“, most likely in reference to its healthy fat content (read health benefits for more info).

Chia seeds originated in Central America, where they were a staple among the Aztecs. Chia seeds were even offered to Aztec gods in religious ceremonies!

These magical little seeds absorb up to ten to twelve times their weight in liquid when soaked, and they develop a gel-like texture in the process. They make for an easy on-the-go breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a sweet, healthy treat!

Basic Chia Seed Nutrition Facts

1 Tablespoon of dry chia seeds has about 60 calories, 5 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbs, 6 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein.

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

• Rich in fiber – just 1 Tbsp of these little guys has 5 grams of fiber!
• Great source of B vitamins thiamin and niacin
• 20% of calories from plant-based protein
• Contain a wide range of antioxidants
• Loaded with minerals including calcium, manganese, zinc, phosphorous, and magnesium
• Anti-inflammatory effects thanks to their ALA omega-3 fats
• May improve cardiovascular, immune, and digestive conditions

Uses for Chia Seeds

The possibilities are endless, but here are some common uses for chia seeds!

• Toppings for salads or baked goods
• Mashed with fruit to make a healthy homemade jam
• Blended into smoothies
• Egg replacement (1 Tbsp chia seeds + 3 Tbsps of water to make 1 chia “egg” — just like flax seeds are used in my vegan mug cake recipe!)
• Chia pudding is great as a topping for smoothie bowls

Chia Seed Pudding: What to Expect

• Chia seeds don’t have flavor, so they taste like whatever you add to them!
• It’s not actually the texture of traditional pudding – more like a thick, creamy tapioca pudding.
• Chia seed pudding is deceivingly filling because it’s loaded with healthy fat and fiber and contains protein too. If you’re tempted to eat the whole batch in one sitting, resist!

How to Make Chia Pudding

This creamy chia pudding takes less than five minutes to make and only requires three ingredients!  Use this as a template for an easy breakfast, snack, or delicious healthy dessert and add other fun ingredients to shake things up.

My Favorite Chia Seed Pudding Recipes

These are some of my favorite chia seed pudding recipes – just use the base recipe and make the tweaks as listed below!

Chocolate Hazelnut Chia Seed Pudding

• Use 2 Tbsp maple syrup to sweeten
• Add 1/3 cup cacao powder, 2 Tbsp vanilla extract, and pinch of sea salt to base
• Top with 1/2 cup crushed hazelnuts and handful of dark chocolate chips

Lemon Raspberry Chia Pudding

• Use 2 Tbsp honey to sweeten
• Add zest of 1 lemon and 1 cup mashed raspberries to base
• Top with fresh raspberries

Matcha Chia Pudding

• Use 2 Tbsp honey to sweeten
• Add 4 Tbsp matcha powder
• Top with coconut yogurt and slivered almonds

Golden Milk Chia Pudding

• Use 3 Tbsp honey to sweeten
• Add 2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp ginger powder, 1 Tbsp Ceylon cinnamon, and 2 tsps vanilla extract
• Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and GF granola

Cold Brew Chia Pudding

• Use 2 Tbsp maple syrup to sweeten
• Sub 1 1/2 cups alternative milk for 1 cup cold brew and ½ cup alternative milk
• Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and cacao powder

If you try any of these recipes, let us know!

Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to tag photos with @plateandcanvas on Instagram so we can share your creation!