Chia Seed Pudding Isn't Gross (Here's Some No-Recipe Proof) (2024)

(Not) Recipes

by: Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm

January9,2017

5Comments

5Comments

"That looks weird," my sister once said to me, spying the chia seed pudding I was having for breakfast. "Are those...eggs?" she asked.

I was shocked by this for a couple reasons: 1. Chia seed pudding is awesome! 2. What sort of tiny, tapioca-sized eggs would I be eating with a spoon, first thing in the morning, topped with fruit and coconut whipped cream?

I responded to my sister's line of questioning by extolling the virtues of chia seed pudding for about 10 minutes (although my sister will say it was more like an hour): It's make-ahead, customizable, and full of good-for-you fiber, protein, and fats.

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And it's not weird, really! Because you can flavor and top chia seed pudding however you want, you can tailor it to your tastes—meaning if you like the texture, it's the opposite of gross. Here's how to make chia seed pudding without a recipe:

Get your soaking liquid going.

You could use just water, but that's a bit boring. Instead, think of the seeds' soaking liquid as the pudding's chief flavor agent—you can make it nutty, fruity, or chocolatey. For every 2 tablespoons of seeds (which will make 1 serving), try whirring together one the following in a blender until smooth:

  • 3/4 cup water, 1/3 cup pecans or nut of choice (soaked overnight in water and drained), 2-3 pitted dates (soaked overnight in water and drained), pinch of cinnamon, pinch of salt

  • 3/4 cup almond milk or milk of choice, 1/4 cup blueberries, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, a dash of vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sweetener of choice, pinch of salt

  • 3/4 cup almond milk or milk of choice, 1/4 cup thawed, frozen cherries, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sweetener of choice, pinch of salt

  • 3/4 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup chopped pineapple, 2 tablespoons unsweetened, toasted coconut, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, pinch of salt

  • 3/4 cup almond milk or milk of choice, 1 teaspoon matcha powder, 1 tablespoon maple syrup

  • 3/4 cup almond milk or milk of choice, 1 tablespoon peanut butter or nut butter of choice, 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Mix it up.

Add the blended mixture to the chia seeds and stir to combine. Let sit for a few minutes, stir again, let sit a few more minutes, stir yet again, cover, and pop it into the fridge overnight. In the morning, the seeds will have swollen and become gelatinous in texture, absorbing all that liquid. Before serving, give the pudding a stir and check the texture. If it's too thick, just add a splash more almond milk.

Top it off.

Top the chia seed pudding with whatever you like! Here are some ideas:

  • Coconut whipped cream
  • Toasted, flaked coconut
  • A drizzle of maple syrup or agave
  • Berries or chopped fruit
  • Cacao nibs
  • Toasted, chopped nuts
  • Jam
  • A drizzle of nut butter
  • Pomegranate seeds
  • Dried fruit (raisins, cherries, cranberries, currants, sliced, pitted dates, etc.)
  • Granola

Tell us: What's your favorite way to top chia seed pudding?

A New Way to Dinner, co-authored by Food52's founders Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs, is an indispensable playbook for stress-free meal-planning (hint: cook foundational dishes on the weekend and mix and match ‘em through the week).

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Tags:

  • How to Cook
  • Make Ahead
  • Breakfast

See what other Food52 readers are saying.

  • Christine Jacobs

  • Scribbles

  • Lauren Boustead

  • Zehra Aktay

  • mela

Written by: Riddley Gemperlein-Schirm

I fall in love with every sandwich I ever meet.

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5 Comments

Christine J. July 20, 2017

Hi Ms. Riddley, Thanks for sharing your delicious chia seeds recipes my son love it so much. Definitely recommended. Please also allow me to share some of my chia seeds recipes @ https://www.chiaseedsbuy.com/

Scribbles February 12, 2017

I'm with Zehra using homemade yogurt - I store mine in the half pint mason jars - just add the chia seeds and shake shake shake then store over night. In the morning top with whatever sounds good: nuts, fresh fruit, granola, honey, seeds - the possibilities are endless!

Lauren B. January 18, 2017

I blend up fresh mango and coconut cream with some water and top with toasted coconut. and Granola. Heaven!

Zehra A. January 11, 2017

I whisk 1 cup homemade yogurt, 1 tbs molasses & 1 tbs chia seeds and let it it rest in the fridge overnight. Best breakfast ever topped with granola. :)

mela January 11, 2017

Gosh. Thanks for the idea. I'll bet it would be awesome with maple syrup too.

Chia Seed Pudding Isn't Gross (Here's Some No-Recipe Proof) (2024)

FAQs

Is chia seed pudding gross? ›

Many pods try to punch up the pudding with flavors that range from tasteless chocolate to tasteless coconut, but the texture is the biggest problem. When soaked in liquid, each chia seed develops a clear, slimy film, as if to protect itself from the foolish human who dares eat it.

Why didn't my chia pudding work? ›

For the best chia seed pudding, you want to let it sit overnight. Why didn't my chia seed pudding thicken? It's possible that you didn't stir the mixture enough. It's important to stir, wait and then stir a couple of times until there are no clumps of chia seeds before you store it in the fridge.

How is chia pudding supposed to taste? ›

What Does Chia Pudding Taste Like? Chia seeds have no flavor so the pudding will taste like whatever liquid and sweetener you're using. If you want the pudding to have a bit of sweetness you can add sweet spices like cinnamon and cardamom, vanilla extract and your sweetener of choice.

Is chia pudding always crunchy? ›

Chia pudding is creamy with just the slightest hint of seedy texture (similar to tapioca pudding). Once the chia seeds puff up and absorb the liquid they're stirred together with, they will no longer be crunchy or hard.

What does chia pudding do to your gut? ›

Chia seeds are a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion. The omega-3 fatty acids and caffeic acid in chia seeds may reduce inflammation in the gut. This can alleviate symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

Is chia pudding a laxative? ›

Instead, it absorbs fluids and helps create bulky, soft stool. So yes, chia seeds have the right kind of fiber to loosen your poop and give you some constipation relief. “Chia seeds haven't been studied for constipation,” Czerwony notes, “but due to their fiber content, they are hypothesized to have a laxative effect.”

Why do I feel sick after eating chia seed pudding? ›

Digestive issues.

Because of their high fiber content, eating too many chia seeds may cause constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas.

Is it OK to eat chia pudding every morning? ›

Limited research in animals and humans has found that taking chia seeds daily can lead to greater weight loss and bone mineral content ( 14 , 24 ). That said, eating too many can cause some side effects, so start with a small dose, like 1 oz (28 g) daily, and make sure to drink plenty of water.

Does chia pudding spike insulin? ›

The American Heart Association claims that incorporating these seeds into your diet can help reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels. In fact, several studies have shown that consuming a 1 oz mixture of chia seeds and water reduced blood sugar levels by as much as 39%.

Is chia pudding hard on stomach? ›

Eating Too Many Chia Seeds Can Cause Digestive Issues

Excessive fiber intake can cause problems like abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating and gas ( 9 ).

What time of day is best to eat chia pudding? ›

Chia pudding makes a delicious dish that can be eaten for breakfast or as dessert. If you don't like the seeds' texture, try blending the pudding to give it a smoother finish.

How often should you eat chia pudding? ›

In terms of how much chia to eat each day, it's smart to stick to the 2-tablespoon serving size. You'll probably want to break this up throughout the day, adding a teaspoon or two to your smoothie, another teaspoon in your mid-morning yogurt, and the rest in recipes like chia pudding.

What not to mix with chia seeds? ›

Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is known that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking chia seeds with foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Why are my chia seeds not swollen in milk? ›

It is possible that the seeds did not look like they had swelled. While the seed itself looks like its size stays about the same, the "swelling" really comes from the fiber soaking up liquid, forming a gelatinous "blob" around each seed pod.

How do you fix lumpy chia pudding? ›

If your chia pudding is lumpy in the morning: It means you didn't stir well or a few times before refrigeration. It happens. Just stir it with a fork and maybe add a splash of milk. Too thick chia pudding: Add a little bit of milk and stir.

Is chia pudding easy on the stomach? ›

Yes, excessive intake of chia seeds can lead to digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, bloating and stomach ache.

What if you don't like the texture of chia pudding? ›

If you don't like the texture of chia pudding, try having it whipped! This chocolate chia pudding taste decadent and is high in protein, vegan, and gluten-free.

What is the texture of chia seeds gross? ›

Beware the grit. Even after gelling up, chia seeds still have a bit of crunch to them. Be aware that your smoothie may be a little more gritty than usual, unless you're using a Vitamix. I find chia seeds work best in smoothies that have a thicker consistency, because the textures don't clash as much.

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