This rich and chocolate-y oat milk chia pudding is super simple and tastes way more indulgent than it actually is. It’s sweet, creamy and still packs tons of nutrition for a dietitian-approved breakfast or snack.

Once upon a time they were only known for growing hair on ceramic pets (ch-ch-ch-chia!), but now they’re a healthy addition to your diet that you don’t want to miss out on. Chia seeds are one of the most nutritious and unique seeds around.

Not only are they full of good-for-you nutrients, but they’re able to absorb up to 10x their weight in liquid. That means their perfect for transforming into a delicious, healthy pudding!

Why you’ll love oat milk chia pudding

• No cooking required! Combine your ingredients in a bowl and let it set in the fridge. That’s it!
• It’s 100% plant-based.
• It’s incredibly nutritious. Two tablespoons of chia seeds has 5g of protein, 10g of fiber, iron, calcium, B vitamins, magnesium and plenty of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (1).
• Chia seeds may help you stay more satisfied and have less sugar cravings (2).

Ingredients

Chia seeds

Chia seeds are truly the star of the show here! You can use black or white chia seeds for this recipe. If you’re not a huge fan of the chia seed texture, you can also grind the chia seeds using a food processor beforehand for a smoother texture.

Nutritionally, they’re similar to flaxseeds! Did you know you can make flaxseed pudding too?

Oat milk

You can use any plant-based milk that you like (or cow’s milk!), but oat milk gives the pudding a unique sweetness that works perfectly here.

Cocoa Powder

Unsweetened cocoa powder does more than add rich, chocolate-y flavor. Did you know 1 tbsp of cocoa powder has almost 2g of fiber(3)?

Vanilla & Honey

Vanilla and honey level out the cocoa powder for a deliciously balanced flavor. Not a big honey fan? Swap it out for maple syrup or any other sweetener you like.

How to Make Chia Seed Pudding

Combine your ingredients in a bowl

Whisk the ingredients together until completely combined. The cocoa powder takes a bit of mixing to fully incorporate, so keep mixing until there’s no longer a powdery coating on top.

Set in the fridge for at least one hour

At about the 20 minute mark, give it another stir and then let continue to set.

Add your toppings and serve!

That’s it! Once your chia seed pudding is set you can add your toppings and enjoy.

How to Serve Oat Milk Chia Pudding

• For a snack. To serve as a balanced snack, layer it with some fresh or frozen berries or drizzle with nut butter.
• As part of a balanced breakfast. Chia pudding isn’t quite balanced enough on its own for a whole meal, so serve it with a protein source (like eggs or Greek yogurt) and a side of fruit!
• With plenty of fluids! This chia pudding is high fiber (10g of fiber!), so you definitely want to make sure you accompany this with plenty of water in your diet.

Variations & Topping Ideas

• Coconut chia pudding: leave out the cocoa powder and swap the oat milk for coconut milk. Top with pineapple and shaved coconut.
• Vanilla & cinnamon chia pudding: leave out the cocoa powder and add cinnamon. Top with shaved almonds and granola.
• Mixed berry chia pudding: swirl in a tablespoon of strawberry jam and top with fresh berries.

Did you give this a try and love it? Make sure to give it a 5 star rating below and tag me on Instagram @the.balanced.nutritionist!