Try this Vanilla Chia Pudding recipe, or contribute your own.
- Carbohydrate 2.681175 g
- Cholesterol 3.675 mg
- Fat 0.90748875 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 1.5184575 g
- Saturated Fat 0.577854375 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (50g)
- Sodium 19.212375 mg
- Sugar 2.681175 g
- Trans Fat 0.0382620000000001 g
- Calories 35 calories
Step-by-step
- Add all ingredients to a Mason jar or any container with a tight lid (I prefer glass), give a good shake or stir and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- When ready to eat, stir and top with favourite toppings: nuts, berries, fruit, coconut flakes etc.
- Adjust the thickness of a pudding with extra milk if desired.
- Also the amount of sweetener is up to a personal taste.
The Mechanics of Hydration
Chia seeds drive this entire preparation through mucilage release. Each seed contains soluble fiber that absorbs up to twelve times its dry weight in liquid when exposed to moisture. Unsweetened almond milk provides the primary hydration medium, allowing the outer polysaccharide coat of the seed to swell and form a thick gel matrix. Agitation during the initial mixing phase prevents clumping, ensuring every seed suspends evenly rather than settling into a dense mass at the base of the container.
Controlling Texture and Viscosity
Proper resting time determines the final consistency. Placing the mixture in refrigeration for a minimum of six hours allows complete fluid uptake, transforming thin milk into a uniform pudding. If the resulting texture feels excessively thick, thinning the mixture with an additional tablespoon of almond milk restores fluidity. Conversely, incorporating an extra half-tablespoon of dry seeds absorbs excess moisture when a firmer bite is desired. Utilizing pure vanilla extract ensures aromatic depth without introducing excess water weight that could interfere with gelation.
Scaling and Storage Efficiency
Adjusting quantities for single servings or multi-day meal prep requires maintaining the foundational ratio of three to four tablespoons of seeds per three-quarters cup of liquid. Stored in a sealed glass jar at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the prepared pudding remains fresh for up to five days. Adding dry toppings such as nuts, fresh berries, or coconut flakes immediately prior to consumption preserves their distinct crunch against the soft gel background.
