If you haven’t tried chia seed pudding yet, you’re in for a real (and very healthy) treat. There are so many reasons to love chia and so many ways to serve chia pudding that are guaranteed to make your mouth water.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
And yes, we are talking about those same chia seeds of 1980s Chia Pet fame! Chia seeds come from a Mexican plant in the mint family.
Chia seed pudding is a super-tasty and extremely easy way to sneak healthy fats into your diet. Chia seeds are filled with omega-3 fatty acids — the good fats that promote heart and joint health and aid memory.
And according to registered dietitian, Gillian Culbertson MS, RD, besides supplying heart-healthy omega-3s, chia seeds keep your blood sugar balanced and are full of minerals and antioxidants.
“They’re also rich in potassium, iron and calcium,” Culbertson says.
“Chia pudding is the easiest thing you can possibly make because the basic recipe has only two ingredients — chia seeds plus any kind of milk. And what’s easier than that?” Culbertson says.
With chia, there’s no cooking involved. And chia seeds absorb up to 10x their weight in liquid. Just soak them in your milk of choice and these teeny seeds transform themselves into a pudding with a consistency similar to tapioca.
Sound easy enough? Then here are six tantalizing flavor variations she has created from one simple chia seed pudding recipe that are perfect as a snack, dessert or even breakfast!
Nutrition Info — 2 Tbsp chia seeds (28g) with 1 /2 cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk
(*Total calories, protein and fat will be higher if made using a higher-fat milk, as well as for flavors including chocolate and nuts.)
In a small bowl, combine your chia seeds and milk of choice. Mix well. Set in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, but it’s best to leave chilling overnight.
When you’re ready to eat, give a quick stir. Enjoy as-is, or add any of these tempting toppings to the recipe above to create your own recipe book of delicious chia pudding flavors! Mix and match with your main meal or serve as your final dessert course!
When it comes to getting proper nutrition, your assigned sex can play a role — but there’s more to it than that
It has nutrients your body needs, but it also comes with some serious health risks
Despite what you may have heard, pork is actually red meat (and it comes with the same risks as other red meats)
Ground flaxseed is full of heart-healthy omega-3s, antioxidants and fiber, and easy to add to just about any recipe
From meat to beans, we’ve got some ideas to help you create the perfect-for-you chili recipe
Be sure to check the labels of common foods like canned tuna, bread, hot dogs and chocolate
A low-FODMAP elimination diet can help identify your symptoms
Only 130 calories per serving, this dessert deserves your attention
A healthy diet can easily meet your body’s important demands for magnesium
A super high heart rate means you’re burning more than fat
Type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable with these dietary changes