Light, creamy, and surprisingly filling, the perfect make-ahead meal or snack.
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If you are at all like me, you are not a morning person. More often than not I would opt for an extra ten minutes of sleep over making myself a healthy breakfast. I know the benefits of breakfast. I know it helps increase your energy and jump-starts your day, but there is something about my pillow in the morning that I just cannot bring myself to wake up early. But, as I already stated, I know how important it is to have breakfast in the morning. That is where this recipe for chia seed pudding comes in. The perfect pudding to make and leave overnight, the perfect snack or breakfast that you can pick up on the go and enjoy while you commute. Similar to overnight oats, chia seed pudding is full of healthy energy to get your morning started on the right foot.
Chia seeds have a long history dating all the way back to ancient Aztecs whose warriors and hunters would consume chia seeds as sustenance. By adding liquid to your chia seeds, in this case almond milk, they begin to gel and become sticky. Then the sticky form of the chia seeds blends well to become all creamy and delicious. The flavor of chia seeds is also incredibly versatile, they tend to take on the flavors of the liquids and sweeteners you add to them because the chia seeds themselves do not have a discernable flavor.
The beauty of chia seed pudding is in its simplicity. Just four ingredients, no pre-heating, no cooking, no additional steps. All you have to do is combine your ingredients and let them be the star of the show. Sweet and creamy, you can leave them overnight and not lose those precious extra minutes of sleep. It’s simplicity that you eat with a spoon.
Is Chia Seed Pudding Healthy?
The key ingredient is, of course, chia seeds. They’re a great source of fiber, helping with digestion, lowering cholesterol, and maintaining your blood sugar levels. Chia seeds are a great source of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids too, which help support heart and brain health. Chia seeds also have a surprisingly high level of protein which provides energy and maintains healthy skin, hair, and nails.
This recipe also uses unsweetened almond milk, a healthy alternative to dairy milk. Almond milk has no saturated fats, but does have high levels of calcium to benefit bone health, and is high in vitamin E which helps maintain your immune system. To sweeten your pudding this recipe uses maple syrup and vanilla extract which have natural sugars and no additives. So, when the question arises about the healthiness of chia pudding, I think it is safe to say, yes, chia pudding is a delicious, and overall healthy, meal or snack.
Why Do I use maple syrup to sweeten my chia pudding?
This recipe calls for maple syrup as a sweetening agent as opposed to other sweeteners for a host of reasons. First, maple syrup is a natural sweetener without additional sugars or artificial ingredients. Second, maple syrup itself has health benefits; it is full of antioxidants and it’s high in manganese, zinc and potassium. Finally, maple syrup has a distinct flavor that will add layers to your chia pudding.
INGREDIENTS
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh berries for topping (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Whisk
Combine chia seeds, almond milk, syrup, and vanilla.
Set
Let sit, then chill for 2 hours or overnight.
Serve
Enjoy with berries or other toppings.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Your chia pudding can be portioned into individual containers like mason jars or small Tupperware, sealed tightly, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You need to give your chia pudding at least 2 hours to set but after they have combined, they will last for days.
While I already explained the benefits of maple syrup, it does not mean that maple syrup is your only option. I also recommend honey as it once again has many health benefits and is a natural sweetener.
Chia seeds are naturally gluten-free. So this recipe is safe to be consumed even if you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Serving Suggestions
When it is time to enjoy your chia pudding there are several serving options that I recommend. You can top your chia pudding with fresh fruits and berries, such as sliced bananas, fresh blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries. If you are looking for some additional protein or an added crunch you can add peanut butter or your favorite chopped nut like peanuts, almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Finally, chia pudding is a great treat that can be enjoyed accompanied by a nice cup of coffee or tea.
For more chia-based breakfast inspiration, take a look at these recipes for Chocolate Chia Pudding, Mint Chia Pudding with a Brownie Bottom or Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh berries for topping optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent any clumps from forming.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, until the pudding reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
- Serve the chia seed pudding in bowls topped with fresh berries or your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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