3-Ingredient Chia Pudding

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

3 Ingredients to Make Chia Seed Pudding

• Chia seeds: Any type of chia seeds—black, white, or a mix—will work for this recipe. They all have the same nutritional benefits and gel-like quality when soaked overnight. The difference in color is a natural variation in the seeds, similar to how apples can be red, green, or yellow. You do want to make sure to use fresh chia seeds, so they absorb the liquid and plump up. Old or stale chia seeds will not absorb the liquid completely.
• Milk: To keep this simple chia pudding dairy-free, I love using unsweetened almond milk. Feel free to use any milk you have on hand—coconut milk, oat milk, or regular cow’s milk if you prefer. You can even use water or juice! Juice makes it into what I like to call Chia Seed Jello and it is really really good!
• Honey: You can use any sweetener you’d like, such as maple syrup, stevia, agave nectar, or sugar. If you add in fruit preserves, you might even skip it completely to control the sweetness.

Popular Toppings for Chia Seed Pudding

One of the best thing about chia pudding for me is… the toppings! I can go simple, over-the-top, or somewhere in between—whatever I’m feeling that day and I never get board with the same thing day after day. Here are some of my favorite toppings I use to mix things up:

Fresh Fruit

• Berries: ¼ cup of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• Bananas: ½ a banana, sliced thinly.
• Mango or Pineapple: ¼ cup of diced mango or pineapple.

Nuts and Seeds

• Chopped Almonds, Walnuts, or Pecans: 1 tablespoon for crunch and nuttiness.
• Pumpkin or Sunflower Seeds: 1 tablespoon for a savory, nutty addition.
• Shredded Coconut: 1 tablespoon of unsweetened shredded coconut.

Sweeteners

• Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 teaspoon drizzled over the top.
• Date Syrup or Agave: 1 teaspoon for a caramel-like sweetness.

Crunchy Additions

• Granola: 2 tablespoons for crunch that pairs well with fresh fruit.
• Cacao Nibs: 1 tablespoon.
• Crushed Graham Crackers: 1 tablespoon for a dessert-inspired topping.

Sauces and Spreads

• Nut Butters: 1 teaspoon of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter for richness.
• Fruit Compotes: 2 tablespoons of blueberry, strawberry, or your favorite compote, warm or cold.
• Chocolate Sauce: 1 teaspoon drizzled for a dessert-style pudding.

Other Fun Additions

• Dried Fruit: 1 tablespoon of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped apricots.
• Cinnamon or Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon for a warm, spiced touch.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop (about 1 tablespoon) for a light, airy finish.

Toppings are where the fun happens, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Half the joy of chia seed pudding is in the mix-and-match possibilities!

How to Make Chia Pudding

Different Flavors To Make

I do make the classic variation above more often than not, but sometimes I do like to switch it up so I thought I’d include some ways I like customize my chia seed pudding, when I do more than just toppings. Each flavor variation is based on the original recipe (2 tablespoons chia seeds and ½ cup milk), so you can mix it up while keeping the same base.

1. Chocolate Chia Pudding

• Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder.
• ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sweeten with 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey.
• Optional: Stir in 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips.

2. Vanilla Bean Chia Pudding

• Add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract or scrape the seeds from ½ a vanilla bean.
• Sweeten with 1 teaspoon honey or agave.

3. Berry Chia Pudding

• Blend ½ cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) with the milk before mixing with the chia seeds.
• Sweeten with 1 teaspoon honey, if desired.

4. Matcha Chia Pudding

• Add 1 teaspoon matcha powder to the milk and whisk well to combine before mixing with the chia seeds.
• Sweeten with 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup.

5. Tropical Chia Pudding

• Use coconut milk as the base.
• Add 2 tablespoons crushed pineapple or diced mango.
• Sweeten with 1 teaspoon agave, if needed.

6. Peanut Butter Chia Pudding

• Add 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter (or almond butter) to the milk and whisk well before mixing with chia seeds.
• Optional: Top with a drizzle of more peanut butter and sliced bananas.

7. Coffee Chia Pudding

• Replace half of the milk with chilled brewed coffee (¼ cup milk + ¼ cup coffee).
• Sweeten with 1 teaspoon maple syrup or a pinch of cinnamon.

Video Tutorial

My Best Overnight Chia Pudding Tips

1. The ratio is everything! There are different recommendations for the best chia pudding ratio out there. I’ve made this 100 times, and in the end, the ratio I found that works best is 1 tablespoon of chia seeds to ¼ cup of milk. To make it into a complete snack serving, though, I like to measure 2 tablespoons of chia seeds for every half cup of milk. You can play around with the measurements to find the consistency you like best.
2. Leave overnight for the best texture. To get that ultra-creamy pudding-like texture, let it set up in the fridge overnight.
3. Use fresh chia seeds. Fresh is best and is the only way to ensure your seeds plump up in the milk.
4. Be sure to stir it well before storing. The goal is to make sure there are no more clumps before storing. I suggest waiting about 10 minutes after initially stirring it together and then giving it another stir before placing it in the ridge.
5. Top It Just Before Serving. Add your toppings—like fresh fruit, nuts, or granola—right before you eat. This keeps everything crisp and fresh, ensuring the best texture and flavor in every bite.

Meal Prepping Chia Seed Pudding

I’ve been meal prepping chia seed pudding for years, and it’s one of those recipes that just works for me. It’s simple to make, lasts all week, and makes my mornings a whole lot easier.

How to Meal Prep Chia Seed Pudding

1. Start with a Big Batch: I usually double or triple the recipe, sticking with the ratio of 2 tablespoons chia seeds to ½ cup of milk. It’s easy to scale up without any guesswork.
2. Portion It Out: I divide the pudding into small jars or containers, so I can grab one and go. It’s one less thing to think about in the morning.
3. Add Toppings Later: I always wait to add fresh fruit, granola, or nuts right before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.
4. Change It Up: I like to prep a couple of different flavors—maybe vanilla one day and chocolate the next—so I’m not eating the same thing all week.

Nutritional Benefits for the Week Ahead

I’ve always loved how chia seed pudding isn’t just yummy but also really good for you. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’re doing something great for your body without even trying. Here’s what I love about the nutritional benefits:

• High in Fiber: Just 2 tablespoons of chia seeds have about 8 grams of fiber, which is almost a third of what you need in a day. That’s probably why I always feel full and satisfied after eating it.
• Great Source of Protein: Those same 2 tablespoons pack around 4 grams of protein, and if you’re using something like almond milk or regular milk, you can add even more. It’s such a simple way to sneak in plant-based protein.
• Healthy Fats: Chia seeds are full of omega-3 fatty acids—about 5 grams per serving. I like knowing that I’m giving my brain and body some of the good stuff while eating something I actually enjoy.
• Micronutrient Boost: They’re also a great source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Just 2 tablespoons have around 15% of your daily calcium needs, which is a win for me since I’m always trying to get more of that in my diet.

Tips for Meal Prepping Success

• Mix Well: Stir the seeds thoroughly before refrigerating to avoid clumps.
• Label Your Containers: If you’re making multiple flavors, label each jar to make mornings even easier.
• Make It Fun: Layer your jars with yogurt, fruit, or granola to create parfaits—it feels fancy but takes no extra effort.
• Freeze for Later: If you make too much, chia pudding can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

How to Store Chia Seed Pudding

Storing chia seed pudding is super simple, and it’s one of the reasons I love making it ahead of time. Here’s how I do it:

Refrigerate: I portion the pudding into individual jars or airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 5 days, which makes it perfect for meal prep.

Keep Toppings Separate: If I’m planning to add fresh fruit, nuts, or granola, I keep those in a separate container and add them just before eating. This keeps everything crisp and fresh.

Can You Freeze It? Yes, chia seed pudding can be frozen! I’ll portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze it for up to a month. When I’m ready to eat, I just move it to the fridge the night before to thaw

Recipe Help & Common Questions

More chia seed recipes:

• Easy Overnight Oats
• Strawberry Chia Jam
• Chocolate Chia Pudding
• Glowing Green Smoothie
• Smoothie Bowls
• Raspberry Chia Jam
• Very Berry Chia Pudding
• Chia Fresca
• Matcha Chia Pudding
• Fruit and Yogurt Chia Pudding

This Chia Pudding recipe post was originally published on April 28, 2017, updated on June 23, 2018 with more images, details, and a VIDEO and updated again now for more details and to answer your frequently asked questions about chia seeds. The recipe has not been modified, but the post now includes updated step-by-step photos.

If you try this healthy-ish feel good Chia Pudding recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!