A healthy chia, protein pudding made with creamy coconut milk, fresh fruit or berries, protein powder, honey and vanilla. This rich, creamy pudding is delicious for breakfast or dessert! Its an easy and delicious snack which is rich in protein and healthy fats. This chia pudding is amazing for meal prep and you can store it up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Easy to make and loaded with coconut flavour. You only need a handful of ingredients and a bowl to make this recipe!
This Chia Pudding is especially creamy since it’s made with coconut milk. Perfect to use for creamy dairy-free dessert recipes because it’s high in fat and creates a really rich taste and is loaded with super healthy fats.
Chia seeds are one of my favourite ingredients to use and it’s no secret I love making chia pudding out of them! There are so many different ways to use Chia Seeds and they are packed with nutrients and make for a healthy breakfast, snack or dessert. They also can absorb 10x their weight in liquid, so they are amazing for making creamy puddings.
What Are Chia Seeds?
Super popular over the last several years, chia seeds come from a desert plant known as Salvia hispanica which is actually a member of the mint family. Now found all over the world, chia seeds are believed to have originally grown in Central America and were even a staple in ancient Aztec cuisine!
However, in recent years chia seeds have become popular due to their immense health benefits. Recognized as being an excellent source of omega fatty acids (that’s the good kind of fat), they are also super high in fiber and contain lots of minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc along with a good dose of plant-based protein.
Why You Will Love Chia Pudding Made With Coconut Milk
This recipe is simple to make but one of the most delicious ways to enjoy chia seeds. It only uses 6 simple ingredients (plus toppings) to make this recipe! It’s a decadent nutritional Powerhouse. Coconut chia pudding is really good for you, yet its rich texture gives it the indulgent “dessert for breakfast” vibe. It’s the perfect breakfast or snack to bring on the go in a mason jar or Tupperware so you can enjoy it at work, after the gym or even on a road trip.
It Comes Together Like Magic. This recipe transforms liquid and seeds into a tapioca-like “pudding.” When soaked for 2 + hours, the chia seeds plump up and absorb liquid. Yes! With its sweet flavor and creamy texture you would never guess it, but this coconut chia pudding is super good for you.
It Can Be Breakfast or Dessert. You can enjoy this coconut chia pudding for breakfast or dessert, though I love it most for breakfast. Try it both ways, then pick your favorite!
For the perfect texture, place in the fridge overnight to set so the chia seeds really have time to expand. (This recipe is still delicious if you let it sit for just an hour though!)
Tips To Make It Even More Delicious:
When assembling a cup of chia pudding, layer the chia pudding with fruit and some granola, flaked coconut or nuts on top for a bit of crunch!
Make this recipe directly in small jars to have your coconut chia puddings ready for an on the go snack.
Make this recipe a chocolate coconut chia pudding by adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the recipe!
Made without any refined sugars, added preservatives, chemicals, or junk, it’s a healthy filling recipe you can definitely feel good about.
I have been meal-prepping this Coconut Chia Pudding for over 8 years now, and it simply never gets old. The creamy coconut is so tasty with tropical fruits in the winter. And in the summer months, I love to add chopped peaches or berries!
Health Benefits of Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seeds – this super food is packed with omega 3, antioxidants, calcium, potassium, magnesium, protein and fiber. This helps with maintaining healthy skin, balanced blood sugar, stronger bones, heart health, and maintain muscle strength and repair.
Coconut milk – You definitely want to use full-fat coconut milk, from the can in this recipe. Coconut milk from a carton is really watery and lacks coconut flavor compared to canned. I don’t recommend light coconut milk because the pudding isn’t as rich, but it does work. Packed with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), coconut milk is linked to balancing the gut flora, and can even help with weight loss. Coconut milk is high in saturated fat and lipids, which is good for heart health, immunity, and cellular growth.
Honey – This is my sweetener of choice because it easily mixes into the coconut mixture. But if you are looking to eliminate sugar you can use any powdered sweetener you like, or simply leave the sweetener out altogether and just let the fruit shine through.
Chia seeds – These are definitely essential because they are what thickens the pudding, and they also provide quite a bit of fiber as well!
Fruit – I topped this chia pudding with fresh pineapple and frozen mango chunks. I don’t recommend fresh mango unless you are cutting up the mango right before you serve it. Fresh mango turns brown overnight in the fridge, but I’ve had good luck with frozen. Also, berries and frozen berries are really tasty here. And when fresh peaches are in season, definitely try slicing one up right before piling it onto this pudding.
My Rambling Thoughts On This Recipe
If you are anything like me, mornings can be a whirlwind of activity – getting everyone out the door, packing lunches, and squeezing in that much-needed cup of coffee. That’s why I love recipes like this Coconut Chia Pudding. It’s my go-to solution for a quick, healthy, and delicious breakfast that’s ready before I even open my eyes. Bonus: my whole family loves it, and it feels like a little treat to start the day!
But this pudding isn’t just for breakfast. It’s become my secret weapon for those mid-afternoon slumps when I’m craving something sweet but want to stick to healthier choices. With its creamy coconut flavor and natural honey sweetness, it satisfies my sweet tooth without any guilt. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you will wonder why you didn’t try it sooner! Trust me – this is one recipe you will want to keep on repeat.
Coconut Chia Protein Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 13.5 oz can full fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup thick Greek-style yogurt
- 2 scoops protein or collagen peptides powder
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings Optional
- 1 cup of your choice of fruit, fresh or frozen
- Chopped nuts
- Coconut shreds
- Granola
Instructions
- Shake and open can of coconut milk, and pour half of it into a mason jar. Add chia seeds, yogurt, protein powder, honey and vanilla to the milk. Put a lid on the jar.Shake the jar to combine all ingredients, then place in the fridge for 2 hours to allow chia seeds to absorb the liquid. Give the jar a shake every now and again to prevent clumping.When chia seeds are ready, layer the chia seed pudding in a bowl or cup, add your choice of fruit and sprinkle your favorite toppings over it, serve!
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
