Chia Seed Pudding

September is here and that means back to busier schedules. While a nutritious and satisfying breakfast is a great way to set yourself up for success for the rest of the day, most of us don’t have time to prepare a gourmet meal worthy of your favorite breakfast restaurant. 

Enter make-ahead breakfast recipes. Prep them all at once for the week ahead or make them the night before for a healthy on-the-go breakfast you can grab as you head out the door. 

One of my favorite make-ahead breakfasts = chia seed pudding. Simple ingredients, easy prep, and endless flavor combinations make this one of my go-to breakfasts. Plus, this simple dessert-like breakfast is packed with nutrients thanks to the mighty chia seed. 

Chia seeds have made a name for themselves in the nutrition world due to their endless versatility and impressive nutrient profile. Just two tablespoons of chia seeds provide an impressive dose of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain important minerals like calcium, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. Use them as a substitute for eggs or cream, add them to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal, or incorporate into bars, crackers, and salads. 

Next time you’re about to head to bed, throw together this chia seed pudding recipe for a creamy, naturally sweetened, filling, and nutrient-dense breakfast waiting for you when you wake up. 

Chia Seed Pudding

Use this flexible recipe as a base to experiment with your own flavor combos + toppings.

Serves: 1

Prep Time: 5 min + at least 2 hrs to let sit

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups unsweetened plant-based milk

• 3 tbsp chia seeds

• About 1/2 cup fruit (ex: banana, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cherries)

• A dash of maple syrup if you prefer more sweetness

• Optional add-ins: Cacao powder (2 Tb), vanilla extract (1 tsp), cinnamon (1 tsp), protein powder (1 Tb), nut butters (1 Tb), granola (1/4 cup), nuts & seeds (1/4 cup).

• Flavor combination ideas:

  • Banana chocolate: 2 tbsp cacao + 1 sliced banana; top with PB

  • Cherry chocolate : 2 tbsp cacao + 1/2 cup sweet cherries; top with almond butter

  • Raspberry chocolate: 2 tbsp cacao + 1/2 cup raspberries; top with almond butter

  • Blueberry vanilla: 1 tsp vanilla + 1/2 cup blueberries + 1 tsp cinnamon; top with almond butter

  • Strawberry vanilla: 1 tsp vanilla + 1/2 cup sliced strawberries + 1 tsp cinnamon; top with PB

  • …and so much more!

Instructions:

1. Add milk, chia seeds, fruit, and any additional mix-ins to a mason jar. Cover and shake for 1-2 minutes to prevent chia seeds from settling to the bottom. Alternatively, add ingredients to a medium sized bowl, stir with a spoon for 1-2 minutes and place in an air-tight container.

2. Let sit overnight (or at least 2 hrs) in the refrigerator.

3. Top with nut butter and granola (if using) when ready to eat.