Very Berry Chia Pudding. Credit: The Healthy Maven
First, an update on last week’s anti-inflammatory green juice post: My poor inflamed feet are better! Not 100% better, but I-can-walk-a-mile better, which is a huge improvement. Needless to say, I’m psyched!
So, what did it?
I started eating less—and healthier—by turning off the TV. As much as I hate to admit it, a good 90% of my overeating AND junk-food frenzies were fueled by mindless TV-watching. (Is life unfair or what?)
Yes, with the time and mental space formerly occupied by Fixer Upper, I planned meals, cooked healthy recipes, and ate more fruits and veggies. I also shifted my fat intake, eating less omega-6 fat (from oily restaurant food and nuts) and more omega-3 fat, including a vegan EPA/DHA supplement and at least one serving of omega-3-rich seeds daily.
My feet—along with the rest of me–are thrilled with the changes. So I’m determined to keep them up.
Which brings me to this post, a celebration of anti-inflammatory, omega-3-rich chia seed!
Chia funtime nutrition
If you aren’t familiar with it, chia seed is more than a hilarious (or should I say Hillary-ous?) political statement…
Chia Trump (available on Amazon) – I think the hair is actually an improvement, lol!
Aaaaand back on track.
Like I said, chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses packed with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats.
Credit: Stacy via Flickr CC
In fact, in 3 Tablespoons of chia seed, you get:
- 5 grams of omega-3 fat (ALA)
- 42% daily value of fiber
- 18% daily value of calcium
- 4 g protein
Needless to say, I’m a huge fan of chia seeds! And chia pudding is an easy—and delicious—way to eat more of them.
The culinary magic of chia seeds
If you’re already familiar with chia seeds, you can skip this section. But if not, you’re in for a treat: When you soak chia seeds in (plant-based) milk, they thicken, as if by magic, into a tapioca-style pudding.
Chia seeds also meld nicely with a variety of flavors, from tried-and-true chocolate to very berry, peanut butter & jelly, and sticky bun. (Hungry yet?)
Best of all, chia pudding is handier than a pocket knife. (That’s a Texas-ism from Jeff, y’all. 🙂 ) You can make chia pudding a breakfast, snack, or dessert. You can sweeten it with stevia for a guilt-free treat or splurge with old-fashioned sugar or maple syrup for a “real” dessert. And no need to fire up the stove: Chia pudding is no-cook and takes all of 5 minutes to prep. (Although you do have to let it set.)
So, are you ready to make some chia pudding? Here are 15 of the best gluten-free, vegan chia pudding recipes on the web to get you started.
15 Chia pudding recipes you need to try
1. Peanut Butter and Jelly Chia Pudding
Credit: Dana and John @ Minimalist Baker
Frankly, this picture makes me want to lick my computer screen make this recipe RIGHT NOW. Because, I love PB&J, and this creamy coconut chia pudding sandwiched between blueberry compote and a dollop of peanut butter is over the top. Two thumbs up for Dana and John over at Minimalist Baker!
2. Chocolate Chia Pudding
Credit: Susan @ Fatfree Vegan
This Chocolate Chia Pudding from Susan at FatFree Vegan is healthy, tasty, and easy to make. In fact, this is the recipe that got me started on chia pudding in the first place, and it’s in regular rotation at my house.
3. Carrot Orange Chia Pudding
Credit: Kyra @ Vie de la Vegan
Loaded up with vitamins A and C, this Carrot Orange Chia Pudding from Kyra at Vie de la Vegan is healthy enough for breakfast, but yummy enough for dessert.
4. Molasses Banana Chia Pudding
Credit: Lindsay @ Cotter Crunch
This spiced spin on chia pudding from Lindsay at Cotter Crunch combines coconut milk, banana, and molasses with anti-inflammatory cinnamon and ginger. Yum!
5. Raw Almond Granola Chia Seed Parfait with Mango
Credit: Deborah @ Urban Naturale
This vanilla chia pudding by Deborah at Urban Naturale is topped with juicy mango and crunchy raw granola for a tasty breakfast treat. Will someone pass a spoon, please?
6. Kiwi Chia Pudding
Credit: Olivia @ Primavera Kitchen
My husband Jeff is a huge fan of of kiwi, so I’m excited to make this chia pudding from Olivia at Primavera Kitchen. Although considering that Jeff and I both have, er, healthy appetites, I’d better make a double batch… 😉
7. 5-Ingredient Strawberry Chia Pudding
Credit: Iosune and Alberto @ Simple Vegan Blog
I love fresh strawberries, so I’m dying to dive into this 5-Ingredient Strawberry Chia Pudding from Iosune and Alberto at Simple Vegan Blog. Plus, it’s healthy enough to have for breakfast—and I’m all about dessert for breakfast!
8. Cappuccino Chia Pudding
Credit: Lauren @ Lauren Kelly Nutrition
As you may know, I love coffee. It’s my drug of choice, and I mean that literally: When I don’t have my cup of coffee in the morning, I get a withdrawal headache by noon! Luckily, this Cappuccino Chia Pudding from Lauren of Lauren Kelly Nutrition has the coffee built in. So you get a health boost from the chia seeds, plus a zoom boost from the coffee. Win!
9. Sticky Bun Chia Pudding
Credit: Kate @ I Heart Eating
Made with cashew milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then topped with quick-cooking sticky pecans, this Sticky Bun Chia Pudding from Kate at I Heart Eating looks ah-maz-ing. In individual ramekins, this pudding would be the star of a brunch buffet. Which is probably the occasion I should save it for, because if I make a recipe of this all for myself, it will be gone in a nanosecond. (Dear sticky pecans: I love you 4 ever!!)
10. Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding
Credit: Heather @ Gluten Free Cat
This Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding by Heather at Gluten Free Cat not only combines two of my favorite flavors, but it’s raw to boot. So if you want a health gold star and you want to eat dessert for breakfast, well, you’re in luck. 🙂
11. Mango Turmeric Chia Pudding
Credit: Renee @ Will Frolic for Food
I love this Mango Turmeric Chia Pudding recipe by Renee at Will Frolic For Food. Not only is it rich in omega-3s, but it also has inflammation-fighting fresh turmeric. In fact, I bought fresh turmeric for the first time just to make this recipe, which I’ll be trying later this week. Wish me luck!
12. Lime Chia Pudding with Kiwi
Credit: Kimmy @ Rock My Vegan Socks
If you like your chia with a tropical twist, try Kiwi-Lime Chia Pudding from Kimmy at Rock My Vegan Socks. It’s an easy-to-make glass of green goodness!
13. Very Berry Chia Pudding
Credit: Davida @ The Healthy Maven
One look at this Very Berry Chia Pudding from Davida at The Healthy Maven is enough to make you want to reach into the screen, grab that mug, and dig in. (Amiright?)
14. Matcha Chia Pudding
Credit: Traci @ Vanilla and Bean
True confession: I’ve actually never tried Matcha before! In fact, I wasn’t totally sure what it was until I read Traci’s Matcha Chia Pudding post over at Vanilla and Bean. Turns out, it’s a finely ground powder of green tea leaves that not only makes a lovely cup of tea, but adds flavor and nutritional oomph (plus a smidge of caffeine) to whatever you put it in. Including this gorgeous chia pudding, which seems like the perfect antidote to that sleepy midafternoon slump.
15. Lemon Chia Pudding with Mandarines
Credit: Kat @ Curls ‘N’ Chard
This Lemon Chia Pudding with Mandarines from Kat at Curls ‘N’ Chard looks like a glass of sunshine, no? Just the thing to start the day! And not only is that lemon zest tasty, it’s a great source of anti-inflammatory limonene.
15 #Vegan chia pudding recipes you don't want to miss! Share on XMicroplane prize pack giveaway coming up!
You could win all these cool tools!
Speaking of which, I’ve got just the thing to make zesting that pudding-bound lemon a snap: a Microplane zester! Yep, this Monday, June 27th, I’ll be hosting a Microplane giveaway! One lucky winner will score a prize pack including a classic Microplane zester, 2-in-1 herb mill, garlic slicer, and spiral cutter, all courtesy of Microplane.
Stop by next Monday for your chance to win!
Until then, though, how about whipping up a quick cup of cool and creamy chia pudding? Your body—and your taste buds—will thank you.
Pin it for later
Your turn:
- Did you have a chia pet growing up?
- Have you ever tried chia pudding?
- Which of these recipes do you want to try first?
Shared on the Healthy Living Link Party, Plant-Based Potluck Party, Healthy Vegan Fridays, and Real Food Fridays.
This post contains affiliate links (hello, Chia heads!) that help me provide free recipes and info on Veggie Quest.
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I'm Lee, an RD thriving on a healthy plant based diet.
Ahahaha chia Hillary & Trump are hilarious. I kind of want one ;p
And I totally didn’t know that chia was such an awesome powerhouse. I’m always hearing about how awesome it is, so I eat it up, but didn’t realize it was anti-inflammatory.
Ok… I have to admit that my chia pudding is pretty boring for the most part. My kiwi lime one was a branch out from my normal routine, so I’m super excited to bookmark this roundup and try each and every one of these!
Thanks for including my recipe in your roundup Lee!
And thanks for keeping me motivated to get my butt off the couch, away from mindless and overeating and get back into better habits =)
I know, it’s kind of terrifying, if you surf around Amazon there is CHIA EVERYTHING. Seriously these are for REAL: Chia Severed Zombie Arm, Chia Homer Simpson (extra funny, cause he’s bald)…Chia Tyrannosaurus Rex. (Dude, they had scales!) Anyway, LOL!
And I’m super excited to try your kiwi-lime pudding; I’ve got to keep this health kick interesting! Also Jeff’s going to be thrilled with the whole kiwi thing. That man loves kiwi more than anyone I know. Hope you have fun trying the other recipes in the roundup!
Chia Severed Zombie Arm? Wowzers.
Btw – love this roundup – it’s being featured on HVF this week =)
Thanks Kimmy, I’m honored!! And I know, chia severed zombie arms, right? Because people have a lot of time on their hands, I guess! 😉
Omg, those political chia heads! Too funny! I never had a chia pet growing up but I want one now! But moving on to the chia puddings – wow, so much inspiration here! I love eating chia puddings, I can’t wait to try out some of these recipes! Fantastic roundup Lee 🙂 and thank you for including my carrot orange chia pudding!
Hi Kyra, thanks for posting such yummy recipes! Hope you have fun with some of the other recipes in the roundup.
Side note: I made your lentil pizza crust awhile back, and it was super fast and easy! Will be making again. 🙂
What a fun parade of delicious chia puddings, with Hillary and Trump chia heads leading the way!! Hahahaha–you always make me laugh, Lee, but this one takes the, er,. . .pudding!! These remind me how much I like to play with chia seeds. . .I put a little in my green smoothie every morning these days. Susan’s basic one looks like it would work with carob too. Score. xo
Hi Maria, I just couldn’t resist with the Hillary/Trump chia heads…we have to have some fun amidst all the contempt and ire flying around this election cycle, no? And that Trump chia hair…so great.
I love chia seeds in smoothies too, they give it such great texture. In fact, “full-strength” chia pudding seems like a rich treat to me, especially when I’ve been keeping my total fat intake on the lower side. As you might expect, Susan’s recipe turns out beautifully every time, and I bet it would be great with carob, too. In fact, I may try that next time I make it!
Don’t forget that if people don’t like the, um, fancy texture of chia pudding (I’ve found it’s not universally appealing- can you believe it?!) they can just whiz the final product in a blender until smooth.
I eat a hybrid chia pudding/muesli/overnight oats thing for breakfast most days in the summer (until I get sick of it and switch to smoothies)- 1/3 cup rolled oats, 2 T chia seeds, 3/4 C soy milk, 1 tsp maple syrup, and a tiny splash vanilla extract. Takes 1 min to stir together in the evening and then leave it overnight in the fridge. Stir in fresh fruit in the morning and top with a couple tablespoons of nuts or granola if you want some crunch (I always want some crunch!).
Not like the fancy texture of chia pudding? Wha??? 😉 Your comment couldn’t have been more timely; Mary Ellen has that issue exactly, lol.
And OMG, since my feet have been a little rough I’ve been avoiding oats since I’m sensitive to them, but I’m totally making your muesli-pudding with quinoa flakes! Of course, I’ll have to stir in about 5,000 blueberries the next morning, because I’ve been on a ridiculous kick lately. Anyhow, I’m literally writing your recipe down on a post-it note right now and sticking it on my kitchen window so I don’t forget. Yum!!
So glad your feet are feeling better! I’ve been doing some research on DHA/EPA supplements lately. Which one are you taking if you don’t mind me asking?
Those Hilary/Trump chia heads are so funny! I haven’t had one in a while and really want one now – though I’ll stick to cartoon characters I think. 🙂
I try to love chia pudding but the texture puts me off sometimes. I’m actually working on a recipe that layers chia pudding with some other things and then I can handle it more. And like Amy said above, I can always blend it and see how that goes.
Great roundup of vegan chia puddings. I’m going to try a few and get myself on the chia pudding train. 🙂
Hi Mary Ellen, I take DHA+EPA Purity from Dr. Joel Fuhrman: https://www.drfuhrman.com/shop/products/52/dhaepa-purity. (Not an affiliate link or anything; I just really like it.) It’s algae-derived and comes in a dropper bottle instead of a capsule, which is good, because I’m allergic to the glycerin found in most liqui-caps. Of course, you have to keep it in the fridge, but the taste is lemony and surprisingly mild, because they’re very careful about storage and shipping to prevent rancidity.
As for chia, I know, I want a chia pet now too! Turns out the old-school chia-puppy is still being made, so it’s good to know some things haven’t changed. 🙂
I feel like chia and tapioca are similar in that you either love or hate the texture! (I’m in the “love” camp, obviously.) Definitely try Amy’s suggestion and see how it turns out. I’m actually working on a chia-blueberry jam with the chia seeds pulverized, and it still thickens fairly well, so the technique might work for your layered recipe?
Anyhow, I hope you end up liking one of these. And if the texture throws you, just chuck it in the blender, right?
Thanks so much for the DHA/EPA link! I was looking for an algae one and I heard Dr Fuhrman’s was good but hadn’t checked it out yet. I will today!
Is it weird that I love chia jam but not chia pudding? I have a strawberry chia jam recipe I was thinking of doing for the blog soon. I’m excited to check out your blueberry chia jam with the seeds pulverized and see how that texture is too – plus I love blueberries. 🙂
I’m really hoping to get over the chia pudding texture thing. I’m *almost* over my oatmeal texture aversion too so hopefully I can do the same thing with chia pudding. 🙂
Also wanted to add that I appreciate you linking up your fun chia recipes with #HealthyVeganFridays! I’m Pinning and sharing!
Thanks for the shares, Mary Ellen! 🙂
HI Lee,
I love chia seeds and making pudding with them or freezing the pudding into popsicle for the hot summer weather. All these recipes look so delicious I can’t figure out which one I would like best but the sticky bun or Strawberry 5 ingredient would probably be on the top of my list. Thanks for including the nutritional value of chia seeds. it is truly one of Nature’s superfood in many ways. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned.
Hi Marla, I love the idea of chia pudding popsicles! I think when I try the strawberry 5-ingredient I’ll freeze the resulting pudding. Creamy strawberry popsicles–YUM.
HI Lee,
Just a note to let you know that I have chosen your post as one of my features for this weeks Real Food Fridays blog hop that goes live every Thursday @ 7 pm EST. Thank you for sharing your valuable information with us on Real Food Fridays blog hop. Have a healthy, happy, safe, & blessed July 4th weekend!
Hi Marla, thanks for the feature! It gave me the warm fuzzies, and I hope your readers like the recipes. Have a great holiday weekend!
As a big fan of healthy chia seeds, I am over the moon about all of these delectable chia seed recipes that I can now try. Thank you for including my chia parfait in this wonderful round up and thanks for sharing it with us at the Plant-Based Potluck Party. I’m pinning and sharing!
Hi Deborah, glad you like it, and thanks for letting me share your chia parfait with mango! I’m so excited to try it, along with the other recipes. It’s going to be a yummy summer at my house! 😀