Chia Pudding

Making chia pudding is as simple as combining chia seeds with a plant-based milk. After 5 minutes, the mixture thickens for a rich, creamy treat. This dairy-free vegan snack makes a healthy substitute for traditional dairy yogurt and pudding. Just as there is a myriad of yogurt flavors, you can also create any number of chia pudding flavors. Strawberry, blueberry, vanilla…Or, my favorite dessert: Chocolate Mocha .

Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia Seeds are a healthy source of Omega-3 fatty acids. They also have iron, fiber, and plant-based vegan protein. Sometimes called a “superfood”, they’ve been shown to be a great source of antioxidants. Chia seeds originated in the Andes Mountains. History says they fueled Mayan warriors who ran miles along the Incan trail in Peru and Bolivia.

Chia seeds are gluten-free and grain free. Because they are plant-based, they can be used to replace traditional dairy thickeners like cream and yogurt. Chia seeds are also free of common allergens like nuts and eggs. Therefor, you can use them in recipes to replace these ingredients.

How to Use Chia Seeds

Besides pudding, there are a number of healthy ways to use chia seeds:

• Sprinkle over salads, grain bowls, and oatmeal
• Add to smoothies and pudding
• Add them to jam to act as a natural, whole food thickener
• Use them to replace eggs in plant-based, vegan recipes.
  • Replace 1 egg with 1 tablespoon ground chia seed + 3 tablespoons warm water.
  • You can use a blender or mortar and pestle to grind the chia seed first.
• Add chia seeds to baked goods and desserts like Poppyseed Bars and Quinoa cookies

Chocolate Mocha Healthy Chia Pudding

Easy  |  Servings: 4  |  Ready In: 5 minutes  |  Yield: 2 cups Chia pudding + toppings

Superfoods unite! This creamy, delicious dessert gets healthy antioxidants from chia seeds and cocoa. Full of chocolate mocha flavor, this makes an easy vegan dessert or a quick midday snack. Top it with fresh fruit and coconut flakes for a sweet plant-based treat.  If you like this, you’ll also love: Mayan Raw Cacao Chia Energy Balls, 4-Ingredient Raw Chocolate Walnut Brownies, and Easy Vegan Chia Coconut Cream.

Ingredients

How It’s Done

To make the Chocolate Mocha Healthy Chia Pudding: In a blender, combine the almond milk, dates, and chia seeds. Puree until the chia seeds and dates are blended – about 30-60 seconds. Add the cocoa powder, decaf espresso powder, salt, and vanilla. Puree to combine.
Taste to adjust.

Divide the Chocolate Mocha Healthy Chia Pudding among 4 glasses. Top with fresh fruit and coconut flakes and serve.

If you like this, you’ll also love: Mayan Raw Cacao Chia Energy Balls, 4-Ingredient Raw Chocolate Walnut Brownies, and Easy Vegan Chia Coconut Cream.

Print Recipe

Chef Katie’s Tips:

Nut-Free Variation: Use soymilk, oat milk, or another nut-free milk instead of the almond milk.

Decaf instant espresso powder? You can usually find this near the coffee and regular instant espresso powder. If unavailable, you can substitute with regular espresso powder. However, be aware of the added caffeine.

Fruit and Nut Variations: Use different fruits and nuts for topping this pudding. Sliced bananas, fresh raspberries, fresh blueberries, and diced pears are delicious. Toasted walnuts or pecan pieces would also be great.

Play with Spices: For an extra pop of flavor, add 1 teaspoon of sweet spice. Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg would add interesting notes. Or, for some Mexican heat, add a pinch of chipotle powder or cayenne pepper.

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Watch this Recipe Video:

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Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts
Servings 4.0
Amount Per Serving
calories 133
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3 g	5 %
Saturated Fat 1 g	3 %
Monounsaturated Fat 1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg	0 %
Sodium 479 mg	20 %
Potassium 262 mg	7 %
Total Carbohydrate 25 g	8 %
Dietary Fiber 7 g	28 %
Sugars 17 g
Protein 4 g	7 %
Vitamin A	0 %
Vitamin C	0 %
Calcium	7 %
Iron	7 %
* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA.

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