11 Chia Pudding Recipes for the Tastiest Shot of Fiber

May 15, 2024

Courtesy of The Foodie Physician

If you’ve ever been tempted to have dessert for breakfast, chia pudding is the answer. It’s creamy and luscious, and it’s also full of nutrients and fiber, so it’s filling and satisfying. Plus, you can add all kinds of healthy, delicious ingredients: Fruit, spices, nuts, and more — there are as many versions as your imagination can conjure. Treat yourself to these chia pudding recipes for breakfast, as a snack, or as a good-for-you dessert.

You asked: Is chia pudding actually good for you?

It seems hard to believe that a sweet, creamy pudding could be healthy — but yes, chia pudding is good for you. Here are a few caveats:

Watch the sugar. We chose recipes that use a small amount of natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup. Avoid recipes with refined sugar (or swap the refined for an unrefined type), and either way, keep the amount minimal.
Add protein. Though chia seeds have some protein, it’s not enough for a full meals. Some chia pudding recipes call for Greek yogurt, and some for protein powder. When recipes don’t have added protein, add your own — or have the pudding with another protein source, such as eggs.
Start small. Chia seeds have a lot of fiber, which is a good thing for gut health. But many people routinely don’t get nearly enough fiber. If this is you, start with a few spoonfuls or a half portion of chia pudding and work your way up. Too much fiber at once when you’re not used to it can cause stomach discomfort.

Here are 11 delicious chia pudding recipes to enjoy for breakfast or snacks.

1. Easy Chocolate Chia Pudding

This super-simple 4-ingredient pudding is perfect for chocolate cravings. Made with just chia seeds, almond milk, cocoa powder, and maple syrup (we’d throw in a pinch of salt, too), it’s rich and chocolatey, but wholesome and nutrient-dense, too.

Try this recipe from Two Spoons.

2. Mango-Coconut Pudding

You’ll jump out of bed for this tropical treat, which looks fancy but is actually so easy to put together. You make the chia pudding with coconut milk, then layer it with pureed mango and top it with toasted coconut. Add a little lime zest to the mango, or swap in pineapple, if you prefer.

Try this recipe from Eating Bird Food.

3. Berry Chia Pudding

Greek yogurt adds richness and a shot of protein to this pudding, which also has a mix of berries that you mash with a fork before folding into the chia mixture. With 14 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber, this bowl will keep you full for hours.

Try this recipe from The Foodie Physician.

4. Matcha Chia Pudding

Along with fiber, chia seeds have protein and omega-3 fatty acids — bring that together with the abundant health benefits of matcha, and you have one pudding that will supercharge your day. Swap in honey instead of maple syrup, if you like.

Try this recipe from Natalie’s Health.

5. Banana Nut Chia Pudding

If you enjoy banana bread, you’ll love this luscious pudding. Bananas, almond milk, pecans, and cinnamon join chia seeds in the pudding itself, then you top it with a pecan-date crumble that makes it feel even more indulgent. Add a few extra banana slices to the top for a garnish.

Try this recipe from Plant Based RD.

6. Coffee-Chocolate Chia Pudding

Need a morning pick-me-up? Here’s your morning cafe mocha, but in chia pudding form. Use cold brew, regular coffee, or espresso, depending on what you have on hand. Whisk in a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder, too.

Try this recipe from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen.

7. Peanut Butter and Jelly Chia Pudding

Peanut butter and jelly is always a good idea — and here, you can eat it with a spoon. The “jelly” is a quick chia jam made with wild blueberries and a little orange juice, and you top that with a simple pudding with peanut butter blended in. Swap in a different nut butter or a different type of berries, if you like.

Try this recipe from Minimalist Baker.

8. Apple Pie Pudding

The simple flavors of apple, cinnamon, and maple syrup infuse this pudding with great taste. Plus, you make the pudding ahead, and warm the apple topping just before serving, so it has that apple pie a la mode feeling. Toss some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for crunch.

Try this recipe from Eat With Clarity.

9. Strawberry Chia Pudding

Strawberries and cream — or, in this case, your milk of choice and yogurt — make this pudding feel like a treat. It takes just a few minutes of prep, it’s high in fiber, and the strawberries add sweetness, a shot of vitamin C, and the pretty pink hue. Add a little orange or lemon zest for a twist.

Try this recipe from Sweet and Savory Meals.

10. Pumpkin Chia Pudding

Put down the PSL and whip up this healthy pudding instead. With pumpkin puree as well as chia seeds, it packs 10 grams of fiber, so you’ll feel satisfied for hours. Pro tip: Use cups or jars big enough so there’s space at the top, so you can sprinkle on any toppings you like.

Try this recipe from Detoxinista.

11. Almond Joy Chia Seed Pudding

Here’s a fancy-looking pudding that’s actually super-easy to throw together — plus, it has the almond-chocolate-coconut combo of one of our favorite candy bars. Sprinkle some toasted sliced almonds on top along with the coconut for more crunch, and a bit more protein and healthy fat.

Try this recipe from Feasting Not Fasting.