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Easy vegan blueberry chia seed pudding is the perfect dessert,snack or breakfast! It is high protein, vegan, Paleo, and has no added sugar.
I’m going through one of my superfood fetishes and this time around it is with chia seeds!
What are Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) are the edible seeds of a flowering plant from the mint family. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, the seeds were used for both food and medicine in ancient Aztec and Mesoamerican cultures.
Today, chia seeds are grown in multiple countries, and are widely recognized as a nutrient-rich addition to healthy diets.
On a personal note, Chia seeds have fast become one of my favorite ingredients–I add them to smoothies, oatmeal, muffins, homemade power bars, and breakfast cookies–for fueling my workouts. As for specific nutrients, chia seeds are chock full of
- fiber (which keeps you happily sated for hours)
- omega-3 fatty acids
- carbohydrates
- protein
- antioxidants
- calcium
But chia seeds are more than mere fuel, they are lots of fun, and extremely versatile in the kitchen, too. Here’s why: When you combine chia seeds with liquid, the result borders on magic. within a short time, it a glistening gel (if you have kids in your life, this is a great summer day cooking experiment).
You can use gelled chia seeds as an egg substitute (much like flax seed meal) in all sorts of baked goods. For each egg you want to replace, simply combine 2 teaspoons of chia seeds with 1/4 cup water and let sit until it gels (about 10-15 minutes). Pretty neat.
But this enchanting mix also makes a wonderful base for a host of no-cook–and almost-zero effort– puddings.
Because I am desserts-first kind of person, that’s where I’m headed with today’s post. Namely with Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding.
Recipe Benefits
- Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
- Gluten-free
- High protein
- High fiber
- No added sugar
- Oil-free
- Gluten-free
- Quick and easy to make
Ingredients
The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post. Toggle between US Customary (volume) and Metric (weights) for preferred measurement option.
- fresh or thawed frozen blueberries
- unsweetened non-dairy milk (e.g., almond milk, oat milk, soy milk)
- very soft dates (soak in hot water beforehand if they are tough)
- lemon or lime juice (to prevent browning)
- chia seeds
Step by Step Instructions
Note that the complete directions are also in the recipe card below.
- Combine the blueberries, milk, dates and lemon juice in a blender; process until smooth.
- Transfer blueberry mixture to a medium bowl and stir in the chia seeds.
- If desired, spoon into 4 individual serrvng dishes or ramekins.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight until thickened.
- Eat as breakfast, a snack or dessert.
Serving Suggestions
You can make chia pudding for breakfast, dessert or a snack. I love to eat it before a tough workout because it is satisfying and energizing but not in the least bit heavy. I think we all need more power pudding in our lives, yes?
We have a blueberry festival in our town every June, and yes, as much as I love blueberries, I have to challenge myself to come up with new ideas for using the bounty in my freezer. This is a perfect fit. Blueberries plus chia seeds equals one gorgeous and delicious treat!
Related Recipes
Blueberry Chia Pudding (no added sugar)
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen blueberries
- 1 and 1/2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk, I used plain almond milk
- 2 large, very soft dates (soak in hot water beforehand if they are tough)
- 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice, to prevent browning
- 1/3 cup chia seeds
Instructions
- Combine the blueberries, milk, dates and lemon juice in a blender; process until smooth.
- Transfer blueberry mixture to a medium bowl and stir in the chia seeds. If desired, spoon into 4 individual serrvng dishes or ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight until thickened.
- Eat as breakfast, a snack or dessert.
can you add banana to this?
Hi Emily,
Sure! Banana would be delicious. Perhaps add another teaspoon of lemon or lime juice (depending on how much banana you add) to prevent the banana from turning brown.
I love this recipe!
I use it as a base and change up fruits I put in like sometimes blueberries as the recipe says or mixed berries or tropical mixed fruits etc. to change flavors time to time.
It always turns out delicious!
Thank you:)
That sounds wonderful, Eri, how clever! I am going to follow your lead with some frozen fruit I have in my freezer.
How do i keep that beautiful blueberry color? Mine turns brownish overnight
Oh no, sorry to hear your blueberries are turning brownish. You can always add a bit of lemon juice or lime juice to prevent the berries from browning.
Tasty pudding. Seemed to me 2/3 cup of almond milk was not enough liquid to blend smoothly. I had to add more. I also added additional honey to sweeten. Was good otherwise. Thanks!
How long will this last in the fridge?
I only keep it for up to a day 🙂
This looks delicious! Where else would you recommend finding chia seeds?
Hi Tess! They have them at my local grocery store (smallish town in TX) in the healthy foods section (Bob’s Red Mill brand), but I also do a lot of mail order for ingredients to save $.
do you have to soak the chia seeds in the almond milk before stiring them in with the other ingredients?
looks great. thanks for posting.
No, just add 🙂