Easy Chia Pudding Recipe (6 Flavors + Meal Prep Tips)

What is Chia Pudding?

Chia pudding is made by soaking chia seeds in liquid (usually milk). The seeds absorb the liquid and create a thick, creamy texture—kind of like tapioca pudding, but with a slight crunch. It's naturally gluten-free and packed with omega-3s, fiber, and plant-based protein.

The best part? You don’t have to cook a thing. Mix it, chill it, eat it. That’s it.

Tips for Perfect Chia Pudding

• Use fresh chia seeds – Old seeds might not absorb liquid well.
• Stir twice – Once at the start, then again after 5-10 minutes.
• Adjust texture – Add more milk if it’s too thick, or more seeds if it’s too runny.
• Chill overnight – For the creamiest texture, prep it the night before.

Chocolate Chia Pudding

Rich, chocolatey, and feels like dessert for breakfast—but it’s totally meal prep approved.

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:
Whisk or shake everything together in a jar. Let sit, stir again after 5 minutes, and chill. Top with coconut, chocolate chips, or berries.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Chia Pudding

Like a PB&J sandwich… but make it spoonable. Super satisfying and kid-approved.

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 Tbsp natural peanut butter
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 Tbsp strawberry jam (add after chilling)

Instructions:
Mix everything except the jam in a jar. Stir twice, chill until thick, then spoon the jam overtop before eating. Add extra PB if you’re feeling bold.

Blueberry Chia Pudding

Light, fruity, and blended for a smooth texture. Tastes like blueberry yogurt with a little crunch.

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:
Blend the blueberries and milk together first. Then stir in the rest of the ingredients. Chill overnight and top with Greek yogurt and more berries.

Strawberries and Cream Chia Pudding

Layered and pretty enough for brunch. Sweet strawberry base, creamy vanilla topping.

Bottom Layer:

• ½ cup strawberries
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tsp chia seeds

Top Layer:

• ½ cup milk
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:
Blend strawberries and ¼ cup milk, then stir in 1 tsp chia seeds. Pour into a jar and chill. For the top layer, mix everything else and chill separately. After 3+ hours, pour the top layer over the strawberry base.

Banana Split Chia Pudding

Creamy banana base with dessert vibes—feel free to top with chocolate chips or coconut.

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ ripe banana, mashed

Instructions:
Mash banana in a jar, then stir in everything else. Let sit, stir again, then chill overnight. Top with banana slices, yogurt, or chopped nuts.

Best Chia Pudding Toppings

Top your pudding like a pro! Here are some favorites to mix and match:

• Greek yogurt or coconut cream
• Fresh fruit: strawberries, blueberries, banana, mango
• Crunchy: granola, cacao nibs, chopped nuts, seeds
• Sweet: drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or a few chocolate chips
• Layered: a scoop of nut butter or spoonful of jam

How to Store Chia Pudding + Meal Prep Tips

Want to make mornings easier? Chia pudding is made for meal prep.

• Fridge Life: Store each serving in an airtight container (like a mason jar) for up to 5 days.
• Prep Ahead: Make a batch or a few flavor combos on Sunday night—breakfast is done for the week.
• Top It Later: Hold off on adding fruit, granola, or anything crunchy until right before eating. This keeps everything fresh, not soggy.
• Freezer Tip: You can freeze chia pudding! Just use a freezer-safe jar, then thaw it in the fridge overnight before eating.