Enjoy this Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk as a healthy breakfast packed with natural flavor. Use coconut three ways in this chia seed pudding - soaked in coconut milk, mixed with coconut yogurt and topped with toasted coconut.
Use coconut milk in this chia pudding for a tropical breakfast packed with natural flavors
Coconut milk is a bit of a confusing term these days because it comes in so many different forms and varieties.
Two types of coconut milk for this chia pudding
You can use cooking coconut milk (canned)
There's what I think of as the traditional coconut milk -- the coconut milk that comes in cans or boxes. This is the type of coconut milk that I normally use in cooking, particularly curries.
But I prefer carton coconut milk for this chia pudding recipe
Then there's a whole range of refrigerated or non-refrigerated coconut milk drinks usually sold in cartons. This type of coconut milk falls in the milk-alternative (soy, almond, rice) beverage category. It's good to use in cereals, coffees, and smoothies (and of course this recipe for Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk).
For the record, both types of coconut milk will work for this chia seed pudding. Personally though, I prefer to use the cartoned coconut milk drink for my chia puddings.
I find that I enjoy the texture of the chia pudding is better when it's made with the coconut milk drink. The chia seed pudding is lighter in texture, and mixing in a dollop of coconut yogurt at the very end makes it extra creamy.
Chia pudding with Coconut Milk is a healthy and delicious breakfast
Chia seed pudding is also a healthy breakfast, and I like to keep it that way. Cartoned coconut milk drinks tend to have less saturated fat than the canned coconut milk, and are often fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as calcium.
While some brands sweeten the coconut milk drink, you can avoid the added sugar by looking for an unsweetened coconut milk drink. The coconut flavor itself ends up giving this chia seed pudding some natural sweetness.
When using a canned (cooking) coconut milk for chia seed pudding, I prefer the light coconut milk. Full-fat canned coconut milk tends to be too thick, and some brands of coconut milk end up hardening too much in the refrigerator.
But if you are after a more decadent chia seed pudding, then by all means, indulge with the canned coconut milk!
Suggested toppings for chia pudding with coconut milk
You can use any topping you like on this chia seed pudding.
For this Chia Seed Pudding with Coconut Milk recipe, I mixed in a generous scoop of coconut yogurt into the chia seed pudding, and topped the chia seed pudding with mangoes, toasted coconut flakes and roasted salted almonds.
If you are a chia seed fanatic, try stirring in some Easy Blueberry Jam made with Chia Seeds!
Coconut three ways in this chia pudding - soaked in coconut milk, mixed with coconut yogurt and topped with toasted coconut
The salted almonds are a nice contrast against the natural sweetness of the chia seed pudding and the mangoes. It also gives a crunch to the otherwise creamy texture of the chia seed pudding.
Coconut milk gives this chia seed pudding a natural sweetness
You might find that you don't need any sugar or sweetener when you make chia seed pudding with coconut milk, but you can use maple syrup, honey or any other sweetener that you prefer.
As mentioned earlier, I find that coconut milk gives the chia seed pudding a natural sweetness, but I do sometimes crave a bit of sweetened yogurt mixed in, or a spoon of maple syrup.
TIP: Try using this vanilla coconut milk for an extra bit of flavor too.
A Simple Chia Pudding Coconut Milk Ratio to use
Lastly, while this recipe is focused on using coconut milk and the distinct flavor that coconut milk imparts on your chia seed pudding, you can make chia seed pudding using any type of milk or milk-alternative, as long as you remember this simple chia seed pudding ratio.
SUPER SECRET CHIA SEED PUDDING RATIO:
¼ CUP (4 TABLESPOONS) CHIA SEEDS: 1 CUP COCONUT MILK (OR ANY MILK ALTERNATIVE)
Make this a grab and go breakfast
If you are making this chia pudding with coconut milk as a grab and go breakfast, here are a few favorite jars:
Le Parfait French Super Terrine Wide Mouth Jar
Cuisipro 6 Ounce Glass Jars (Set of 4)Glass Baby Food Storage Containers (Set of 4)Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Twist & Seal Food Storage Containers
My favorite chia seeds to use
There are so many different brands of chia seeds. Here are a few that I recommend. While you can buy chia seeds in health food stores, I find chia seeds are much cheaper to buy online:
Chia Seed Pudding with Coconut Milk
Print Recipe Save RecipeIngredients
- 4 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ¼ cup coconut yogurt
- mangoes - chopped, for topping
- toasted coconut flakes - for topping
- roasted salted almonds - sliced, for topping
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together the chia seeds and coconut milk. Cover and set in the refrigerator overnight, but at least preferably 2 hours. As the chia seeds are soaking, you can also stir them every so often to break up clumps as they form.
- In the morning, give the chia seed pudding a good mix, breaking apart any clumps. Stir in the yogurt.
- Top with mangoes, coconut flakes and roasted almonds. Alternatively, top with your favorite fruits, nuts and seeds. If desired, drizzle on maple syrup to taste.
Chelle Thompson says
Wanted so much a nutritional desert I could leave in the fridge ready for my kids to grab after school and wow what an amazing simple and delicious desert which they and now all their friends enjoy
Thank you so much for sharing
Janelle says
I made this recipe for my family the other day and they loved it! Everyone was wary of chia seeds at first but once they tasted it, it was a hit. Thanks so much for the recipe, I ended up serving this pudding in miniature dessert glasses topped with a few raspberries.
Samantha says
I am glad that you brought this recipe back into the spotlight, the dessert looks so fresh and appetizing. Very creative way to use chia seeds too!
Roses says
it is very great. I would like to ask how long can it be stored in the refrigerator?
Lori says
I made this with canned coconut milk & overnight in the fridge it has completely solidified. What should I add to thin it out? Just water?
Tina Jui says
Hi - if you let it sit out for a little bit, it should be fine.
Cenid Gonzalez says
Coconut water, or coconut milk alternative. I loved all the recipes, thank you. I am a crazy cooker (that's how my children and friends say),Baker etc. I am always creating recipes.
Jess says
Can you store it in fridge for 3 days.
I made some on Monday & couldn't finish it.
Can i have it on Wednesday?
Amanda says
Can you use more coconut milk if you don't have coconut yogurt?
Tina Jui says
You can definitely give it a try! My guess is that the pudding won't be as thick, so perhaps try with less coconut milk and adjust as needed. Enjoy!
Amanda muell says
Thank you!