What Is Chia Pudding? Say Hello to the Tasty, Healthy Trend
Chia pudding is one of the biggest foodie trends on social media. Considering how healthy, tasty and downright photogenic this genius concoction is, it’s not that surprising that it’s gaining traction—much like healthy ice cream (nice cream).
As for the health benefits of chia pudding recipes, you’ve likely heard of the enormous benefits you can reap from eating chia seeds on their own. For one thing, they’re chock-full of antioxidants. For another, a mere two tablespoon serving of chia seeds has as many omega-3s as a 4-ounce filet of salmon. And on top of that, they’re also high in the crucial nutrients protein and fiber.
It’s no wonder why people started blending chia seeds in their slimming smoothies or adding them to their salads and sandwiches. But that gets old after a while, so why not try something new?
Enter chia pudding. The dairy-free and gluten-free delight is composed of chia seeds, the dairy-free milk of your choice, and the optional mix-ins, toppings, and sweetener of your choice.
Totally hassle-free, chia pudding can be made at home by whisking the chia seeds, milk, sweetener, and any mix-ins in a bowl or jar. Next, you just cover and chill in the fridge for at least three hours or overnight. Then, top with whatever you want and enjoy!
Most chia pudding recipes call for about two or three tablespoons of chia seeds per serving. For a thicker chia pudding, be sure to either use thicker milk (think full-fat canned coconut milk) or the maximum amount of chia seeds with a scaled-back serving of thinner milk. If you prefer a thinner, lighter pudding, aim for a basic almond milk instead with the minimum amount of chia seeds.
Once you feel comfortable with the basics, the possibilities for where you can take your chia pudding from there are virtually endless.
You can top it with fresh fruit for some added fiber—plus a pop of color.
To have color bursting throughout, you can blend fruit as part of a mix-in before you pop it in the fridge.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRZ9jxjAgao/You might opt for adding nuts (extra protein!) or some delicious spices like cinnamon for a boost.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRaxZjtlc34/
Or maybe you favor a more indulgent dish. Fear not: chocolate chia pudding is a thing. And it is a beautiful, beautiful thing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMIw-FQgAAL/Depending on what ingredients you add to or top the recipe with, you can eat chia pudding as a breakfast, snack or dessert. Or heck, why not all three? Dream big!
And in the meantime, get inspired by these creative folks who took their chia pudding recipes above and beyond in the best way.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRabTw9BU2n/
So who’s ready to get those omega-3s?
