Imagine eating a dish that is both delicious and nutritious – that’s paleo chia pudding for you. It might be difficult to determine what you can and cannot eat, especially if you are new to the paleo lifestyle.

At first glance, it might just seem like a humble mixture, but the first spoonful tells a whole different story. Chia pudding has a unique, creamy texture that’s surprisingly satisfying; the tiny chia seeds swell up, absorbing the liquid they’re mixed with, creating a texture that’s somewhere between tapioca pudding and jelly. Though the real magic arrives when toppings are added, fresh fruits offer a burst of juiciness and acidity, almonds provide a pleasing crunch, and a dollop of coconut cream can add a luscious, velvety finish.

P.S. Adding some heart-shaped strawberries will make it a great dessert for Valentine’s Day!

How to Make Chocolate Chia Pudding

This easy breakfast recipe is also easily customizable – also a great option to make meal prep easier!

Simple Ingredients

1/4 cup chia seeds
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 tablespoons cocoa powder (ensure it’s unsweetened and Paleo-compliant)
1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or raw honey (adjust according to taste)
A pinch of sea salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional toppings: Fresh fruit like berries or Paleo-friendly nuts
Optional: Paleo-friendly chocolate shavings

Alternative Ingredients

Unsweetened Almond Milk – Full fat coconut milk, homemade cashew milk (any dairy-free milk will work)
Chia seeds – Tapioca pearls, ground flaxseed
Cocoa Powder – Carob powder, raw cacao powder
Maple Syrup – Honey, monk fruit sweetener, stevia
Vanilla Extract – Almond extract, omit
Sea Salt – Pink Himalayan salt, omit
Fresh Berries (topping) – Sliced bananas, pomegranate seeds
Nuts – Shredded coconut, cacao nibs, Paleo-friendly granola

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Step 1: Use a medium mix bowl or a mason jar and combine the chia seeds, cocoa powder, and a pinch of sea salt – either stir together the ingredients or shake them if you’re making them in a jar.

Step 2: Next, add almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and whisk it together until it’s well combined and the cocoa powder is fully dissolved – it may look thin and watery but the chia seeds will swell and thicken the pudding as it all sets.

Step 3: Cover your bowl or jar with a lid of plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight – this will let the tiny black seeds absorb all the liquid and give you the desired pudding-like consistency.

Step 4: Once the pudding is set and you have the desired thickness, give it a good stir to break up any clumps in this gel-like consistency – if it’s too thick, add a little more almond milk.

Step 5: Enjoy your chia pudding with various toppings like fresh berries, nuts, or even a sprinkle of unsweetened coconut flakes.

Perfect for breakfast or that extra healthy snack during the day!

Expert Tips for Paleo Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

Make sure to taste everything after step 2 before adding sugar, that way you can adjust it.
For a creamy chia pudding, you can blend the mixture in a blender to break down the black chia seeds before refrigerating.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 5 days, which makes it a great food-prep breakfast food!
For a thick pudding, add less non-dairy milk or a few more tablespoons of chia seeds.

What is The Best Combination with Chia Seeds?

Here are some great additions to your chia pudding!

Fresh Fruits

Berries – Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries
Tropical Fruits – Mango, pineapple, kiwi, and banana slices

Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, Walnuts, or Pecans
Pumpkin Seeds or Sunflower Seeds

Sweet Toppings

Honey or pure maple syrup
Coconut flakes
Dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Carrot shavings

Yogurt and Cream

Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
Whipped coconut cream

Granola and Cereals

Granola
Puffed quinoa or amaranth

Spices and Extracts

Cinnamon or nutmeg
Vanilla or almond extract

Beverage Pairings

Coffee or tea
Smoothies or fresh juices

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for some answers about this recipe? You’ve come to the right place!

Are Chia Seeds Allowed On The Paleo Diet?

While you should always consult your dietician, chia seeds are widely accepted on the paleo diet since they are high in omega-3 fatty acids (those are essential fatty acids!), fiber, protein, and antioxidants, making them excellent anti-inflammatory foods.

Can Chia Pudding Be Made in Advance?

Absolutely! It’s one of my favorite breakfast preps and you can make it up to 5 days in advance – this will give you the option to have more healthy breakfasts as a whole (that’s how it’s been for me!)

Are There Any Substitutes for Chia Seeds in Chia Pudding?

If you’re not a fan of chia seeds but love the chia seed pudding texture, you can also use ground flaxseed – however, the texture and nutritional profile may differ.

How Can You Flavor Chia Pudding?

To flavor your chia pudding, you can use cocoa powder for a chocolate version or/and blend it with fruits for a natural sweetness – here, you can also add some vanilla extract or cinnamon to spice it up even more.

Can You Make Chia Pudding Vegan?

Yes! To make your chia pudding vegan, use plant-based milk like almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk (really any homemade plant milk will work, too) as the liquid base – then sweeten with maple syrup or agave nectar for an entire plant-based pudding.

How to Make a Blueberry Chia Pudding?

To make other versions, such as blueberry chia pudding or vanilla chia pudding, simply add the different ingredients to step 2 before blending everything and chilling it in the fridge.