Chia Seed Pudding can be delicious

Looking for a fast, nutrient dense snack? Chia seed pudding is one of my favorites and this is topped with rose dukkah (pistachios and rose petals).

Let’s Revisit Chia

Chi chi chia… in my childhood when there were 4 TV channels, I remember endless commercials for the chia pet. Never in my wildest 8-year-old dreams did I imagine that it was going to be a part of my diet 40 years later. I mean seriously, I revisited it maybe around college to get one of the chia pets as a prank gift. It did occur to me then as I was just starting to think in more depth about food as medicine that it might be a cool way to make sprouts for myself… however that never went any further and neither did my relationship to chia as something to eat.

Chia seeds are the edible seeds of Salvia hispanica, a flowering plant in the mint family native to central and southern Mexico, or of the related Salvia columbariae of the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Time to explore it again!

Jump forward about 15 years later and interestingly, it had emerged as something to make “pudding” and jams with. I found this a bit outlandish until I tried it… and then perhaps for a moment, I thought this could work. However, the issue was that it always was too thin. I thought that it might be a ratio issue so I decreased the plant milk to chia ratio. Nope. That resulted in a thick mucus block that really was just not palatable. Mixing chia with plant yogurt and viola it was now a wonderful pudding consistency. So with my Ayurvedic studies, I thought about what other flavors we could add as in infusion. This recipe is a rose-infused tea that gave a wonderful flavor. I don’t add sweeteners as usually the yogurts and additional fruit is enough of the sweet taste for me but I have also been known to add some mayple syrup.

Make Your Own Flavored Plant-based “Moon Milks”

Common Issues that Come up Making Chia Pudding

Q: What can I use as a vegan alternative to dairy milk in chia pudding? A: You can use almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk of your choice.

Q: How do I sweeten vegan chia pudding naturally? A: You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or date syrup as natural sweeteners. Alternatively, you can sweeten it with mashed ripe banana or a bit of stevia.

Q: Can I use water instead of milk for vegan chia pudding? A: Yes, you can use water, but using plant-based milk enhances the creaminess and flavor of the pudding.

Q: Do I need to cook chia seeds for vegan chia pudding? A: No, chia seeds absorb liquid and thicken on their own when soaked in a liquid like milk or water.

Can I make it as good as it tasted at the restaurant?

Q: How long does vegan chia pudding need to set? A: It usually takes about 2-4 hours in the refrigerator for the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and achieve a pudding-like consistency. Overnight is often recommended for the best texture.

Q: Can I add flavors and spices to vegan chia pudding? A: Yes, you can add vanilla extract, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cardamom, or any other flavors and spices you like to enhance the taste of the pudding.

Q: How can I make my vegan chia pudding creamy? A: To make it creamier, you can blend some of the ingredients together before adding the chia seeds, or stir in a spoonful of nut butter or coconut cream.

Q: What toppings go well with vegan chia pudding? A: Fresh berries, sliced bananas, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, granola, or a drizzle of nut butter are popular toppings for vegan chia pudding.

Q: How long can I store vegan chia pudding? A: It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving if it separates.

Q: Can I make a large batch of vegan chia pudding and freeze it? A: It’s not recommended to freeze chia pudding as the texture can change and become grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator.

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The food we eat significantly impacts our health, but how we prepare it can also have an effect. Eating a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can lead to many health problems, such as obesity and heart disease. Furthermore, what if I told you that changing these factors could make all the difference? You can improve your health by cooking your meals with whole food and plant-based ingredients. First, grab this free recipe ebook that incorporates flavors and principles from my Ayurvedic and Lifestyle Medicine training, and it is 100% plant-based. Then let me know what you have made.

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Check out the nutrient data for chia seed

Share this post with others who could use inspiration to try chia seed pudding but just aren’t sure how to make it.

It is an incredibly nutrient-dense food and a great pantry staple for a busy person. 
It is also gluten-free!

How do you like to use chia? Let me know in the comments!

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