Chia Pudding

By Ashley Lonsdale

Updated October 20, 2025

Julia Gartland for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne.
Ready In
8 hr
Rating
4(29)
Comments
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Cultivated and consumed since ancient times, chia seeds are lauded these days for their high concentrations of beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. The seeds become pleasantly gelatinous and pudding-like when soaked in liquid. A bowl of plumped chia seeds is a blank canvas; the tiny pearls are mildly earthy, which makes sweet and bright additions welcome. Prepare the pudding as written, for four portions, or scale up or down to suit your needs. 

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

For the Chia Pudding

  • ½ cup chia seeds

  • 2 cups preferred milk (such as cow’s, oat or soy)

  • 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey

  • Pinch of salt 

Suggested Toppings

  • Cherries, granola and peanut butter

  • Sliced bananas, tahini and chocolate chips

  • Passion fruit, Greek yogurt and macadamia nuts 

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large bowl, whisk together the chia seeds, milk, maple syrup and pinch of salt. Cover and soak in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight, until thickened and pudding-like. 

  2. Step 2

    To serve, stir and add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, seeds and yogurt. Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container — or divide into individual portions for to-go breakfasts — and consume within 5 days.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
29 user ratings
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Comments

James

I use one cup of soy, 2 tbs of chia seeds, 1 tbs of cacao powder and a touch of cinnamon and honey or maple syrup. Just combine in a mason jar and shake up every few hours. It’s my evening ice cream substitute.

Liz

Wish they’d print the nutritional values, even just the values of the macro nutrients would be nice. (Protein, carbs -sugars and fiber, calories.)

Bill

Mix with plain Greek yogurt and have this in the evening in lieu of ice cream. Sugar dropped 20 pts in the morning. Thank you for a sugar reduced dessert option.

Lisa

You don't have to wait 8 hours to enjoy this delicious snack. I've been making this for a long time and typically eat it about an hour after the making.

FrankW

I was introduced to chia seeds via overnite Refridgerator Chiaseed Oatmeal and learned that substitutions work, so for this recipe I used 2% milk, it works and I replace 1/4 cup of the milk with plain Greek yogurt. 1 tsp of a good maple syrup Habs nice flavor as well as 1/2 tsp vanilla. Overnight in the fridge really plumps this up nicely. Any in season fruit makes a good topping. I’m really liking this chia seed thing.

JG

Any tips to avoid separation, beyond shaking it for 2 hours? I end up with a chia brick at the bottom and chia liquid on top.

Mrs D

I whisk every five minutes or so for a half hour. I just leave it on the kitchen bench as I go about my other bits, and whisk.

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