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.
Natalie
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
I have tried whipping cream but it didn't gel.
I can't seem to find heavy cream in Canada.
Lisa MarcAurele
Is there double cream? Whipping cream should work as well. I've even made it with almond milk and coconut milk. It's the chia seeds that get it to gel so add a little more chia if needed.
Ash
Personally I use whipping cream with this recipe, no problem. But here's some info I came across regarding availability of different MF percentages of cream in Canada when I was doing my own research: https://www.chowhound.com/post/buy-heavy-cream-361082?page=4
SHIRLEY
ABSOLUTELY DELICOUS!
HEATHER KING
Is this coconut milk in the carton or the can? Thank you
Lisa
I like to use the unsweetened in a carton, but you can use canned.
Leah
I love this but instead of the heavy cream I use Greek yoghurt and no sweeteners. Top with fresh strawberries and blueberries and a few pieces of granola and it’s totally delicious and filling.
Lisa
No sweeteners is always best if the sweetness from fruit is enough.
Joleen
I’m curious about the serving sizes. I doubled the recipe for meal prepping, but I don’t have enough for even four cups, which is what one batch makes. I used a measuring cup to measure it out. Wondering what I did differently to get less?
Lisa
I get about 3/4 to 1 cup for each serving.
Aleaxandra
Made this last night, as I was looking for a replacement to my morning overnight oats. I love it! Used the Almond Milk and added a few blueberries, all I can say is YUM! Can't wait to try the pumpkin one. Thank you
Lisa
Chia pudding is perfect for breakfast!
Rosann Bays
Terrific!!!l
Simple and fast!!! Did what one of the followers did below by using 3/4 heavy cream, 13.5oz of coconut milk and increasing the Chia Seeds to 1/2. Then, added the 2 Tbl of Cocoa Powder, followed by Tasters Choice instant coffee about about 2-3 Tbl. Used Monk Fruit as the sweetener.
By adding the strong coffee with the chocolate it was fabulous when you want to change it up a bit...
Thanks so much for the recipe!
Lisa
I'll have to give that version a try as well. Sounds amazing!
Susan
I'm actively searching for breakfast ideas, since going low carb. Eggs are great, but I don't want them every day. I'm a big lover of yogurt and then I found your recipe.
I used almond milk, so you do need to add about 2 tbsp extra of the chia seeds.
Tried the pudding and, wow! Love it! Unfortunately, I can't use artificial sweeteners, so I did add regular sugar, about 2 tsp. Winner, winner Chia Seed Pudding! Also, I added some frozen blueberries on top.
Lisa
Have you tried monk fruit sweetener? It's natural based and you only need a small amount of the liquid or powdered extract.
Teresa
Or what about Stevia? It’s natural.
Lisa
Stevia is a good choice.
Rosann Bays
It’s great with Monk Fruit!
Lisa
My most favorite sweetener!
Melissa
Stevia is not an artificial sweetener so you might be able to use that - artificial sweeteners give me a migraine but I'm fine with stevia.
Terri Iverson
If it's 2g of net carbs, why in the "Nutrition Facts" box it reads Carbs 8g & 4g of fiber. Would that not be 4g net carbs?
Lisa
The 2g net carbs was based on an older calculation so that has been removed.
Gabi
Dear Lisa,
after searching and reading all about the Keto Diet these past 2 days, I was delighted to come across your site as well. The Chia Vanilla Pudding was the first recipe I made from your collection, and it was fantastic. Your directions were clear, and super easy to follow. You are bookmarked, and I am looking forward trying more of your recipes.
Thank you,
Gabi
PS: I used the Almond-milk version, plus 1/2 cup chia seeds. The pudding was ready in 1 hr.
Lisa
Thanks Gabi! Glad you enjoyed the chia pudding.
Pam
How much sweetener if using swerve?
Lisa
I'd try a tablespoon. But, you may want to start with a teaspoon and add more to taste.
Andreana
Hello! I tried this recipe and I used swerve confectioners sugar. I may have used either a tablespoon or tablespoon and half of swerve. It ended up tasting really bad- poison taste/ barley seed taste. I’m thinking I put too much sweetener? Any recommendations on a good sweetener (brand name and amount) for a recipe like this?
Lisa MarcAurele
I find Swerve has an odd taste and some of that is the erythritol. I prefer using a mix of liquid stevia and liquid monk fruit in my pudding so there's no erythritol. The liquid sweetener extracts are easier to use than the extract powders as you can measure by drops which allows adding small amounts at a time.
BRomo
This is a great recipe! Easy and great for a quick breakfast. Thanks!
Lisa
You're welcome! It certainly does make a satisfying breakfast.
Ian
Love this recipe more than other chia seed puddings I’ve found. For extra kick added two tbsp of dark cocoa powder and two tsp of chipotle chili powder
Also not too hard to scale up to a full 13.5 oz can of coconut milk - heavy cream to ~3/4 cup and chia to ~1/2 cup
Lisa
I must give the chocolate and chipotle a try!
Kamal Nasser
This is so good. Thank you!
marguerite lindemann
do you think it would work with regular milk. I don't like the taste of coconut milk.
Lisa
Of course!
Alison
So when the recipe calls for 1/3 cup chia seeds, is that the chia seed gel or just chia seeds
Lisa
Just the seeds.
Melissa
So I recently started eating low carb (keto) and came across your recipe. I had just gotten a big bag of chia seeds and needed ideas for how to use them. Your recipe is perfect! So yummy and quick to make. I do a double batch in a large bowl so I can have it ready for whenever. I also added cinnamon to mine (makes it taste sweeter to me) and occasionally top it with fruit.
It's the perfect breakfast, dessert, snack, whatever! I eat it frequently since it's fairly low in carbs and pretty good for me. Tastes like a guilty treat without the guilt. Thank you so much for this!
Lisa
You're welcome Melissa! I used to eat chia pudding every morning when I restarted low carb.
Kc
Ok finally tried this recipe. EXACTLY as listed. omggggggg it is absolutely fantastic. It reminds me of tapioca pudding. Thank you for this. Look forward to more.
KcM
Ok not sure if my post got sent so I’m trying again. Can I use regular cow milk with this, issues with coconut.
Lisa
You can.
KcM
Can I use regular cow milk? I have a hard time with coconut.
Lisa
You can. Any milk or a mix of heavy cream and water works.
Jamie
Approx how much is in the stevia packets, I'd like to use the erythritol/monk fruit sweetener I have on hand and just wondering how much to use. Thanks!
Lisa
It's about a teaspoon or two of comparable sugar sweetness.
Jodi
Based off the box it looks like each packet of Stevia is 1 gram.
Shelly
How many tsp of xylitol should I use? Thank you~
Lisa
It depends on your taste. One packet is usually about 1 tsp so I'd try 4 teaspoons and adjust from there.