This is a super simple and adaptable recipe for overnight chia seed pudding (vegan and gluten free). It's a two ingredient recipe for that you can make in under 10 seconds. Simply mix it before bed, pop it in the fridge, and enjoy your tasty breakfast the next morning! Plus, learn how to make chia pudding with any type of milk - regular, almond, soy, coconut, hemp, hazelnut...the milk world is your oyster!
Chia seed pudding is an easy and healthy breakfast
If you're anything like me, there will be times when you're too tired to think about breakfast the night before or first thing in the morning. Meal prepping is so important on these occasions. One of the lazier breakfasts recipes I'll make for us is a chia seed pudding.
Right before we retire to the bedroom, I will spoon some chia seeds into a jar, top it up with almond milk, and then pop it into the fridge. Then it sits in the refrigerator overnight.
Voila! By the time morning arrives, a magical chia seed breakfast pudding is ready to eat. We just need to add our favorite toppings.
Chia seed pudding is easy to make with the simple ratio in the recipe
This chia pudding recipe is both simple and adaptable, so it makes an easy breakfast.
The most important part of making chia seed is getting the chia seed to milk ratio correct. Once you have that ratio down, you can experiment and make your own chia seed pudding with different milks and different toppings.
Use your favorite type of milk for this chia pudding recipe
What kind of milk is best for chia pudding? I often make chia pudding with almond milk, but this chia seed pudding generally also works with any milk. You can make chia pudding with your choice of milk:
- almond (my favorite)
- regular dairy milk
- oat milk
- soy milk
- coconut milk
- hemp milk
- hazelnut milk
We also mix the milks sometimes, depending on what we have left in our fridge too (it's a great way to use up the last bit of milk in the jug).
You should keep in mind the type and brand of milk that you use may also naturally add some sweetness to the chia seed pudding. Some milk alternatives come sweetened already, while others sometimes are more naturally sweet.
Serve this chia pot with a handful of berries, nuts and seeds for a healthy breakfast
As summer is coming to a close, we're getting the last few handfuls of juicy berries here. So I've topped the chia pudding pots in the photos with said berries. You can always top chia seed pudding with other fruits, nuts, or seeds.
If we are low on fresh fruit, we've also topped our chia pots with honey granola, which offers more of a delicious crunch instead! This offers some variety from the typical yogurt and granola, plus you get the added nutrients from the chia seeds.
What sweetener to use
I sweeten chia pudding with a bit of maple syrup sometimes, but often we just have it plain without any sweetener. Honey and agave syrup also work well as sweeteners.
Here's also a keto sugar free maple syrup made with monkfruit.
Now you know what kind of milk to use for chia pudding, and what toppings to use, here is the crucial part of the chia seed pudding recipe.
Super Secret Chia Seed Pudding Ratio:
¼ cup (4 tablespoons) chia seeds: 1 cup milk (or milk alternative)
It's quick, it's simple, and now that you know the super secret ratio of chia seeds to milk, I'm hoping this chia seed pudding gets added to your morning breakfast routine.
But don't skip away so quickly!
Even armed with that perfect chia seed ratio, you still need to follow the steps in the recipe correctly. No one likes clumpy chia pots.
Chia seed pudding is a healthy make ahead and grab and go breakfast idea
This healthy breakfast also keeps in the fridge for several days, so you can make a batch of chia pudding at a time.
The best way is to make the chia pudding in advance is to do it in a big bowl. In the morning, give it a very good stir to break apart any clumps.
Once the pudding is a good consistency, then portion it out into ready to eat individual pots for the next several days.
Here are a few jars that would hold this chia pudding for a quick grab and go recipe.
Babymoov Leak Proof Storage Bowls | BPA Free Containers With Lids
OXO Good Grips 1 Cup Smart Seal Leakproof Glass Round Food Storage ContainerPreserve Food Storage Container, 8 Ounce/Mini, Made from Recycled Plastic, Set of 4, Apple GreenSage Spoonfuls Glass Snack Jar 4pk, Clear
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:
Overnight Chia Seed Pudding (Vegan, GF)
Print Recipe Save RecipeIngredients
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk
- fresh fruit (for topping, ie. strawberries and blackberries)
- nuts and seeds (for topping, ie. chopped hazelnuts)
- sweetener (to taste, ie. maple syrup)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, gently stir together the chia seeds and almond milk. Cover and set in the refrigerator overnight.
- In the morning, give the chia seed pudding a very good mix, breaking apart any clumps. It's normal for it to have clumps, but once you give it a good stir, it will become a pudding texture.
- Top with your favorite fruits, nuts and seeds (I like to use strawberries, blackberries and chopped hazelnuts). You can also mix in some yogurt to make it extra creamy. If desired, drizzle on maple syrup to taste.
Carol Little R.H. @studiobotanica says
I love making Chia pudding and Chia breakfasts ~~ These are beautiful. Such a great idea to use the wide jars.
Thanks! Chia -- packed with protein -- such a super way to start the day.
linda spiker says
These are the prettiest little chia puddings I have ever seen!
Joni Gomes says
This is simplicity and real food at its finest! Love chia seed pudding!
Tessa the Domestic Diva says
I am a huge fan of chia puddings! There are so many good things for our bodies lurking within, thanks for sharing your recipe!
Vegemom3 says
I made it into pint size (2cup) portions. Will that be too much chia in my digestive system?
fredagh says
Hi, was wondering how many carbs there is in this pudding, thanks
BJ says
Love to try this chia seed pudding.
Haley says
Have you ever made this with kefir instead of a milk? I'm curious how that would turn out.
Tina Jui says
Hi Haley, I've never tried to make this with kefir instead. If you give it a try, please do let me know how it turns out.
Adira says
This recipe is vegan, kefir is not
Steven R Cooper says
Actually kefir can be vegan, just use a different milk
Cat Woods says
Love this Tina! No guide as to how many serves though...or is there? Anyway! Love to do a collaboration for my blog.
Tina Jui says
Hi Cat, thanks for the comment. The recipe should make enough to serve 2.
Roslyn says
Hey tina just saw your amazing chia seed pot and was wondering if you use coconut milk does it have to stay in fridge or can it be transported for a long trip???
Tina Jui says
Hi Roslyn, the chia seeds will soak just fine if not refrigerated so it shouldn't be a problem taking it with you on your trip. However, the coconut milk brands that I have used all say "refrigerate after opening", so it's up to you how long you want to leave it out of the fridge. Hope this helps!
Angela - Patisserie Makes Perfect says
I make overnight oats quite a lot and I'm always looking for new recipes. This looks beautiful. I love the photographs of the little pots brimming with fruit!
Tina Jui says
I hope you give this overnight chia seed pudding a try! A lovely friend of mine saved those little pots for me - they are perfect for bite sized breakfasts, so you might be seeing them in more photos soon.
J. Finnegan says
I love this fast and easy breakfast solution! I make this in a wide mouth quart jar and at least double the ingredients so we can enjoy it for several days. One thing that I have found helps with the clumping (sometimes it can get quite cement-like on the bottom of the jar) is to stir the chia into the liquid thoroughly with a fork. Then I wait 10 minutes and stir it with the fork again, making sure I get all the way to the bottom, before putting in the fridge for the night. Not one single lump the next morning!!