How to Make Chia Seed Pudding with Milk

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This is how to make chia seed pudding with milk, topped with blueberries too. Great with coconut or almond milk too! With a touch of sweetness this treat is light dairy free & gluten free dessert everyone will love.

Ok so I will admit that dessert comes before dinner sometimes in my world. We love trying new treats too. So, the other day we figured out how to make chia seed pudding and it was great! This one used almond milk so it’s even dairy free, but doesn’t lack any flavor at all. Cashew milk could be used as well. (affiliate links present)

Chia Seed Pudding with Milk

It’s definitely a different consistency if you’re used to homemade tapioca or rice pudding, but a nice texture change. Feel free to add any fresh fruit on top, we chose blueberries for this batch. You can use regular, cashew milk, almond or lactose free. Use what you like or what your tummy finds best for it.

We have tried this all sorts of ways and it works great. Same goes for our overnight oats which we also love in the morning for breakfast. Here’s a quick peek of the process.

Chia Seed Pudding with Milk
Dairy Free Chia Pudding Ingredients
Is Pudding with Chia Seeds Good for You?
Alternatives to Milk
Things to Add to Chia Seed Pudding with Milk
How to Make Almond Milk Chia Pudding
What Else Can You Make with Chia Seeds
Other Chia Seed Recipes
Can you make chia pudding with hot milk?
Other easy dessert recipes you’ll love?

Dairy Free Chia Pudding Ingredients

This is what you’ll need to make a batch of chia pudding You can also choose your sweetener of choice. Honey was used this time but pure maple syrup would work well too. For a more natural choice there is another called agave you can find online and at the grocery stores.

Chia seeds are the star of the show and not just for show, there is a lot of nutrition to them which we will talk more about below for you.
Almond milk is great but you could use other milk products of your choosing if you preferred. I like vanilla almond myself but have used others and they are wonderful too like;
- cashew milk, coconut milk, etc….
- milk and sweetener could be used too
Honey is the sweetener of choice for us but you could use agave nectar or a sugar-free Torani if you liked.
Same goes for the sugar I add, there is Sweet ‘n’ Low and others….

Is Pudding with Chia Seeds Good for You?

If this is all new to you but you have heard all the rage about them and just curious to try it all let me tell you a bit more. There are so many benefits to them even though you may not taste a difference and wonder why you’re even using them. Lemme give you a bit of a rundown;

Chia is an excellent source of dietary fiber, with 10 grams per ounce. This high fiber content can promote digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and help with satiety.
Omega 3s are not just in fillets of fish friends. We all know these are important for brain health, heart health, and reducing inflammation in the body but you can find them in these seeds too!!
These seeds provide a moderate amount of protein too, and can be integrated into vegetarian and vegan recipes.
They are a good source of antioxidants which help protect the body from sicknesses.
Low in carbs they can be used in ketogenic diets.

It’s important to note that while a small amount of these does offer numerous health benefits, they are also high in calories. Everything in moderation I say. In the beginning I would experiment with the amount you are comfortable with. You don’t want to add too much as your dish will become a bit like jello, not appetizing.

There are many substitutions you can use if you are lactose free and still want to enjoy this. Some are sweeter than others coming in vanilla flavors instead of plain. Others have a distinct flavor of their own and will alter the overall taste like pea milk would.

Alternatives to Milk

Soy milk has a creamy texture and is a good source of protein. It works well in most recipes and is often fortified with vitamins and minerals.
Almond milk is made from ground almonds and water. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a lighter consistency. It is low in calories and a good source of vitamin E.
Oat milk made from oats blended with water has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture. It is often fortified with nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.
Coconut milk is made from the flesh of coconuts blended with water. It has a rich, sweet, creamy texture. Commonly used in Asian and tropical cuisines but great for homemade pudding too.
Rice milk is milled rice blended with water. It has a thin and watery consistency, similar to fat free milk. It is hypoallergenic and great for people with nut or soy allergies.
Hemp milk has crushed hemp seeds blended with water. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a creamy consistency. It is a good source of omega3 acids and is often fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

Pea milk comes from yellow peas and water. It has a creamy texture and a neutral taste. It does have a distinct flavor though.

Things to Add to Chia Seed Pudding with Milk

Additional items that could be added. Think outside of the box when it comes to these, and always see what is in your fridge and/or your pantry first. During the summertime fruit is a must and easy to find. Cooler months I go for others but frozen fruit does work it just has a different texture.

1/2 cup of whole / diced fresh fruit for topping
1/4 cup granola to sprinkle on top
A bit of protein powder mixed into the pudding itself
Tsp. of almond butter for the top
Mason jar for serving

Beyond that you can add bits like a little vanilla extract or almond, with those there are tons of options. Heck even coconut extract would be great.

How to Make Almond Milk Chia Pudding

This has a pudding consistency with with the few tablespoons of chia seeds inside which is different from anything else you’ve tasted. In order to make your chia seed dessert right you need to leave it in the fridge overnight. This will allow the seeds to soak up the milk and sweetness and become soft.

In a large bowl, whisk milk, chia seeds, and honey together. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let set in fridge overnight.
Use a medium saucepan to heat blueberries (or your fruit of choice) with white sugar over medium heat until they burst and become soft.
Remove from heat and turn into a thick puree (with the help of a potato masher).
Allow to cool.
Once the chia seed has set, start preparing your cups.
Scoop your blueberry puree into your serving glass first, it will act as the base. Then fill the rest of your cup with chia seed pudding.
Garnish with blueberries and enjoy!

Cooling in the refrigerator overnight also allows it to get really chilled! This is the best way to serve and eat it. To me room temperature pudding is just a NO. Then try these easy dessert recipes:

What Else Can You Make with Chia Seeds

Pudding is what we are showing you here. It is one of the most popular uses for them. Simply mix with your choice of milk (dairy free, plant based, we think coconut milk or almond are great too). A sweetener (such as honey or maple syrup). Typically added and it is set in the refrigerator overnight.

These seeds will absorb the liquid and create a pudding-like consistency. You can customize it with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or fruit puree and top it with fruits, nuts, or granola. Great inside tapioca pudding as well for nutrition and to thicken it more.

Other Chia Seed Recipes

If you add a tablespoon or two it is a great way to make a thick smoothie + an added nutritional boost. The seeds will expand and add a thickening effect plus provide extra fiber and omega 3 fatty acids to your drink.
Chia Jam is a great way to make a healthier version of a fruit spread by combining your seeds with your fresh fruits. Simply mash or blend the fruits, mix in chia seeds, and let it sit for a while. The chia seeds will absorb the moisture and help thicken the mixture, creating a jam-like consistency.
Energy balls or protein bars are a great way to mix these in too. With other ingredients like nuts, dates, nut butter, and sweeteners you can create a nutritious and energy boosting snack.
Crackers can be made too with water, herbs, spices, and your choice of flour (such as almond flour or whole wheat flour). You just roll out the dough, cut it into shapes, and bake until crispy.
Bread dough with these incorporated inside is great to boost its nutritional value. The seeds will add crunch and extra fiber to your homemade bread.
You can mix chia seeds into your bisquick pumpkin pancakes batter for a nutrient-rich twist. The seeds will add texture and help bind the ingredients together.

Chia salad dressing incorporates them into your salad dressings by whisking them with olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and seasonings. The chia seeds will help emulsify the dressing and add a slight thickening effect. Print recipe and view nutrition facts below:

Can you make chia pudding with hot milk?

You could if you preferred it to be a warm dessert. It really is great either way but easier if you just skip that cooking step and just add them in keeping it cool the whole time soaking up the milk as they sit.

Can I mix chia seeds with milk?

Yes, you can absolutely mix chia seeds with dairy products. In fact, combining chia seeds with milk is a common method for making pudding. Here’s a simple recipe to make a batch that is sweet with protein and Omega 3s.

Do chia seeds swell in milk?

Yes, they are a great thickening agent when making pudding, yogurt and/or smoothies with fresh fruit. We have used them to make jam too instead of pectin. There are tons of uses for these little black seeds.

Other easy dessert recipes you’ll love?

Strawberry bread pudding is great. We use canned pie filling for the fruit on this one but would pair well with this for a brunch for sure.
Cranberry apple cobbler uses fresh apples and I make this after the holidays with our leftover sauce. I hate waste so it’s always a winner to finish up all the things.
Chocolate coconut cake is poke style which is fun for the kids to make with you too.

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