This delicious vanilla chia seed pudding recipe is full of healthy fat and fiber. Find out how quick and easy it is to make a simple treat out of these healthy seeds that you can use for breakfast, grab and go snack cups, or dessert all week long.
This keto friendly pudding is a fantastic breakfast, snack, and even dessert option. It’s sugar-free with a net carb count of 4 grams, easy to meal prep for the week ahead, and totally versatile.
There are so many variations of the recipe out there, too.. Some use unsweetened cocoa powder like my chocolate version, others peanut butter or almond butter, and some call for berries or other stir in ingredients.
This is a super easy recipe that uses vanilla and coconut milk to make your chia seed pudding keto compliant while still having a rich and creamy flavor. The best part? Not only is it delicious, but you can literally make a big batch for the week in less than 10 minutes.
Simply mix them with your favorite milk of choice (like the combination of full-fat coconut milk and heavy cream used here), sweetener of choice, and flavoring. That’s it!
Ingredients
There's only five simple ingredients needed to make this chia pudding recipe. You'll find all the exact ingredient amounts in the printable recipe card at the end of this post. Here you'll get some additional information about each one used.
Chia Seeds
These tiny little seeds release a thickening gel when mixed into liquid which makes them the perfect ingredient for keto pudding! They are quite the super food and make a perfect addition to a low-carb diet because they are all fiber and good fat. White chia seeds look best in a vanilla pudding, but you can use the regular black ones too.
Milk Base
It doesn't matter what type of milk you use. I recommend using full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free but unsweetened almond milk will work well too. For a richer pudding, I like to mix in heavy cream for part of the liquid.
Sweetener
The sweetener you use in your chia seed pudding is totally up to you. The first time I made it, I used a few packets of stevia but any of the many keto-friendly sweeteners will do and the amount should be adjusted to your own taste.
Vanilla Extract
I like to make a vanilla flavored pudding so I add in some extract. But you can definitely change up the flavor to whatever you are in the mood for. Try a different flavor extract or mix in some lemon zest to change the taste.
Salt
Adding salt isn't essential for the recipe but I find just a dash really ups the flavor.
Please note: Check out the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients used to make this low-carb recipe.
Quick Tips
- Whip it up after it sets to incorporate some air. It turns into a pretty thick pudding after sitting a while in the refrigerator. Putting it in a mixing bowl and beat it with an electric mixer will fluff it up.
- Adjust seeds or liquid. The amount of chia seeds or liquid can be adjusted as needed to achieve the desired thickness. If it's too thin, add more seeds. If it's too thick, stir in a little more milk.
Instructions
This pudding is simple to prepare and super filling. Plus, you’re getting a healthy does of omega-3 healthy fats which helps get the right balance of fatty acids into your body.
So how simple is it, exactly?
Combine
All you do is add your low-carb milk alternative, the chia seeds, your preferred sweetener, and any added flavoring to a large mixing bowl and give it a good stir. Then let the mixture sit for about 3 minutes before stirring it a second time.
Chill It!
After the ingredients have been well combined, you'll need to chill the mixture. You can divide it into single serve mason jars for easy grab and go snacks. Or you can leave it in the mixing bowl as long as you cover it well.
Keep your chia blend in the fridge and it will have a pudding-like consistency after a couple of hours.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re looking for ways to jazz up your chia seed pudding so that you can make it for the week and still enjoy something different each day, the possibilities are almost endless.
You can sprinkle on unsweetened coconut, crushed almonds, and sugar-free chocolate chips for an almond joy inspired pudding.
Add some raspberries or blueberries (or both!) if fresh fruit is in season.
A strawberry sauce or keto granola would also be delightful toppings!
You could also sprinkle it with some pumpkin pie or apple pie spices to give it just a hint of autumn.
Chocolate Chia Pudding Option
Stir in a spoonful of sugar-free dehydrated peanut butter and maybe add some sugar free chocolate for a chocolate peanut butter treat (one of my favorite combos – check out this keto chocolate peanut butter shake)!
This healthy pudding is fabulous all on its own, but it’s also a great base to make up for meal prep for the week and touch up for a treat when you’re craving one.
FAQs
Before getting to the full recipe, here's some answers to questions people often have about the recipe.
The seeds themselves have a neutral flavor so the taste of the pudding comes from the other ingredients you use. If you don't add the vanilla extract, it will taste like a sweet version of the type of milk you use.
It will last several days to a week which is why chia seed pudding is ideal for make ahead food prepping. Having healthy snack options ready to reach for is what keeps you on track even when temptation hits!
Chia seeds help control blood sugar levels by slowing the conversion of starches to sugar and they are packed with omega-3. The complete protein in chia seeds helps raise energy levels and many people find they curb hunger to help with weight loss.
While these nutritious little seeds are great for making the perfect breakfast pudding, they can also be used as a thickener for low carb oatmeal or low carb porridge recipes The seeds can also be mixed with water to create a gel for smoothies and yogurt. The gel is also useful for cooking and baking. I use the gel in my low-carb flax bread recipe. And if you add the gel to scrambled eggs, they’ll be fluffier.
Other Related Recipes
Interested in other keto friendly desserts made with chia to get more omega-3s into your diet? You'll find more chia seed recipes listed below:
- Strawberry Almond Milk Pudding is perfect for breakfast too!
- Matcha Green Tea Pudding is a great way to change things up.
- Healthy Pumpkin Pudding can be enjoyed all year long.
- Chocolate Chia Pudding can be a nice afternoon treat.
And if you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend making some low carb jam with the seeds. It's super simple and tastes great with my keto bagel recipe.
What’s your favorite way to use these healthy low carb seeds?
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Recipe
Chia Seed Pudding (Vanilla)
Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy cream or other low-carb milk
- 1 cup full fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk (see note)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 4 packets stevia or 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar substitute to taste
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup chia seeds see note
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl until well blended.
- Let sit for a few minutes and then stir it again.
- Cover and place in refrigerator until thick like pudding.
Notes
Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart
Nutrition
Additional Info
Notes on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Copyright
© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.
First published on April 28, 2011. Last updated on September 12, 2019, with new images and additional recipe information.
Denise Michelle Teague
This is the easiest and best keto breakfast/dessert I have tried! thank you so much for the fantastic recipe.
laura
Hi,
i followed the directions but my seeds did not gel. i used canned whole fat coconut milk. it was really chunky so i heated the coconut milk in microwave for about 25 sec. could this be why my seeds did not gel?
laura
I also used heavy whipping cream
laura
and i used black chia seeds
Lisa MarcAurele
It could be. I don't recommend using canned coconut milk for the recipe as the fat hardens in the refrigerator. The kind in the carton works much better. The chia seeds need adequate liquid to gel.
Rae
Do the chia seeds need to soak at all?
Lisa MarcAurele
They soak in the liquid ingredients which is what makes them gel enough for the pudding.
Cynthia
So delicious! I made this with unsweetened vanilla almond milk so that I wouldn't need to add the vanilla extract. I also doubled the chia seeds to 1/2 cup as suggested in the recipe, due to using the almond milk. Thank you for the delicious recipe and giving me a dessert option on my keto adventure!
Rachel
Can someone help me see which carbs am I looking at for a portion?
Lisa MarcAurele
8g total 4g net.
Kierston
Can I use hemp milk? Great video thank you.
Lisa MarcAurele
Any type of milk should work.
Wilma Michel
Yum Yum Yum. Love this recipe.
Ashlynn Eckert
This was delicious!! I added vanilla bean paste in for vanilla extract and wow great recipe! ❤️
Ale Mesol
Great recipe! I was wondering if you have tried grinding the seeds? Do you think the consistency will be the same?
Lisa MarcAurele
I did that with my chocolate chia pudding and I didn't like the texture.
Tracy
Delicious! I put a big fat blackberry dropped in the middle of each pudding bowl!
robyn huston
Love this recipe ! its the best!
Vanessa
Can you suggest what I can substitute for the heavy cream that is not dairy? Would a coconut cream work? I am trying to adjust my recipes for a modified autoimmune diet that my doc is wanting me to try.
Lisa MarcAurele
If you can use a coconut milk beverage, it may work better as the fat in the cream gets hard in the fridge. Or, if allowed, there a coconut milk based creamer that uses only 5 simple ingredients made by So Delicious. I don't remember all the ingredients so not sure if it fits AIP.
June
Mine came out partially clumpy. Unsure why.
Lisa MarcAurele
Did you stir it occasionally as it was setting? That usually helps.
Heather
This has become one of my favorite breakfast recipes!
Jessie Davis
Thank you for this recipe. It is absolutely wonderful. I love it. Taste like Tapioka pudding. I tried many Chia Puddings and they were yucky but this is a keeper. I usedGentle sweet from trim healthy momma and worked perfectly. I alsogot 4 servings as indicated.
Thanks again....
Tina
I did not get 4 servings of one cup. I got a total of two cups. Should I use less seeds? Very good though!
Lisa MarcAurele
It could be closer to 4 half cup servings. But the recipe should give 4 servings.
Anet Roper
This is the BEST recipe for chia pudding. Since giving up carbs, 6 months ago, I’ve been looking for a breakfast to replace oats porridge. This has met my requirements, and then some! LOVE IT!
Anita
Fabulous I use monk fruit for the sweetener and whipped little extra heavy whipping cream to top off. This truly made it feel like a dessert.
Lisa
Delicious! (I add cinnamon too) Thank you!
Lisa MarcAurele
You're welcome! Enjoy the chia pudding.
Tonya
Loved this recipe my new favorite breakfast and dessert!
JT
Hi, will this work with white chia seeds?
Lisa MarcAurele
You can use any color chia seeds. They work the same in recipes.