
Chia pudding is a simple, no-cook dessert or breakfast made by soaking chia seeds in a liquid like milk or plant-based milk until they form a thick, gel-like pudding. It's often sweetened with maple syrup or honey and topped with fruits, nuts, or granola. The dish has roots in ancient Mesoamerican cuisine, where chia seeds were a staple for the Aztecs and Mayans.
Chia pudding is high in fiber, healthy fats (especially omega-3s), and plant-based protein, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates depending on added sweeteners. A typical serving provides around 200-300 calories and is rich in calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants.
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbs | 30 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 10 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 50 mg |
| Calcium | 300 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 120 mg |
| Phosphorus | 350 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Manganese | 0.8 mg |
| Omega-3 (ALA) | 5 g |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.2 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Chia seeds can absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid, creating the pudding's unique texture without any cooking. This ancient grain-like seed was once used as a primary energy source for warriors and runners in pre-Columbian cultures.