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Simple Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jan 7, 2026 • 1 min read

Chia seed pudding is a versatile, customizable dish that you can enjoy for breakfast or as a tasty dessert.

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What Are Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds are the tiny charcoal-colored seeds of the Salvia hispanica and Salvia columbariae plants, two flowering sage plants native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Ancient Aztec communities cultivated and ate chia seeds, which are now grown worldwide. Chia seeds are a source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, calcium, and iron. You can add the seeds to yogurt, pudding, and smoothies for texture, or you can grind them into a flour for baking.

What Is Chia Seed Pudding?

Chia seed pudding is a creamy dish made by combining dry chia seeds with milk or a non-dairy milk like cashew milk or almond milk. The chia seeds absorb the milk, developing a gel-like coating that gives the mixture a texture similar to tapioca pudding, rice pudding, or oatmeal. This basic pudding is perfect paired with fresh berries, chocolate, honey, or maple syrup.

What Does Chia Seed Pudding Taste Like?

Unsweetened chia pudding has a mild earthy flavor. You can incorporate sweeteners or natural ingredients into the pudding to boost the flavor, from vanilla extract to peanut butter to a sprinkle of cinnamon. For chocolate chia pudding, add cocoa powder and a sweetener.

Simple Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

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makes

Ingredients

4 tablespoons chia seeds
1 cup milk (like cow’s milk or almond milk; for a thicker pudding, try full-fat coconut milk)
1½ teaspoons sweetener of choice (like honey or maple syrup)
Toppings (optional; try granola, fresh fruit, whipped cream, nut butter, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips)

1
In a small bowl or glass jar, combine the dry chia seeds with milk. Stir well.
2
Add your desired sweetener and stir the mixture again.
3
Leave the bowl or jar on the counter for five minutes so the chia seeds can begin absorbing liquid. After five minutes, give the mixture a good stir to break up any clumps.
4
Place your bowl or jar in the refrigerator for at least four hours so the chia seeds can absorb the liquid and form a creamy, pudding-like consistency.
5
When you’re ready to eat, take the container out of the fridge, and sprinkle with your choice of topping.
6
Chia seed pudding can last up to a week in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

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