I’ll be honest—I didn’t always love chia pudding. It was one of those “looks better on Pinterest” foods until I stumbled on this vanilla chia pudding recipe. Creamy, slightly sweet, and packed with nutrients, it’s become my go-to for a no-fuss breakfast or snack that feels indulgent but is incredibly good for you.
This version is smooth, comforting, and super versatile—you can dress it up with berries, layer it like a parfait, or add a swirl of almond butter for extra richness. If you’ve ever had a bad experience with gritty chia pudding, this one will change your mind. It’s the perfect blank canvas!
By the way, if you’re watching your macros, this chia pudding calorie guide breaks it all down for you.
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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Chia Pudding
- Silky smooth texture that’s never slimy or gritty
- Naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey (or skip it for sugar-free)
- Perfect for meal prep – just stir, chill, and grab in the morning
- Diet-friendly: it’s gluten-free, vegan, paleo, low-carb, and high-fiber
- Customizable: Add berries, chocolate, protein powder, or nut butter
Ingredients You’ll Need (Simple + Customizable)
Base Ingredients
- Chia seeds: Use whole, not ground, for best texture
- Milk of choice: Almond, coconut, oat, soy, or regular—your call
- Pure vanilla extract: This is the magic flavor-maker
- Maple syrup or honey: Optional, depending on your sweet tooth
- Pinch of sea salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors
Optional Add-Ins
- Greek yogurt or vanilla plant-based yogurt for creaminess
- Vanilla protein powder for extra macros (great post-workout)
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for a seasonal spin
- Coconut milk for a richer, tropical flavor
Vanilla Chia Pudding
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Creamy, comforting, and effortlessly healthy—this vanilla chia pudding is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast or snack that’s customizable, fiber-packed, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup milk of choice (almond, coconut, oat, etc.)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- In a jar or bowl, combine chia seeds, milk, vanilla, maple syrup, and sea salt.
- Stir well, wait 5 minutes, and stir again to prevent clumping.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- For a smoother texture, blend all ingredients before chilling.
- Stir before serving and top with fruit, nut butter, or granola.
Notes
Use coconut milk for a richer twist or add vanilla protein powder for extra nutrition. Stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days—perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to Make Vanilla Chia Pudding (Step-by-Step)
Basic Stir & Chill Method
- In a mason jar or bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of chia seeds with 1 cup of milk.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional), and a pinch of sea salt.
- Whisk or stir well. Wait 5 minutes and stir again to prevent clumping.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Stir again before serving. Top with fruit, nuts, or coconut as desired.
Blended Version (Ultra Creamy!)
If you’re not a fan of the tapioca-like texture, blend everything in a high-speed blender before chilling. The result is a super smooth, almost mousse-like vanilla chia pudding that feels like dessert.
Best Toppings for Vanilla Chia Pudding
One of the reasons I’m obsessed with this vanilla chia seed pudding is how customizable it is. You can make it fresh and fruity one day, cozy and nutty the next.
- Fresh berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries – you name it
- Nut butters: Almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter
- Granola: For a crunchy contrast (try vanilla almond granola!)
- Chopped nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or pistachios
- Coconut flakes: Toasted or raw – both are delish
- Chocolate chips or cacao nibs: If you’re feeling indulgent
Mix and match to keep things exciting—or layer into a breakfast parfait!
Is Vanilla Chia Pudding Healthy?
Absolutely. Vanilla chia pudding isn’t just a Pinterest trend—it’s packed with health benefits. Here’s why you might want to keep a batch in your fridge at all times:
- Fiber: Just two tablespoons of chia seeds provide around 10g of fiber, great for digestion
- Omega-3s: Great for heart and brain health
- Plant-based protein: With milk and optional protein powder, it’s a balanced snack
- Low sugar: Naturally sweetened with maple or left unsweetened—it’s your call
It’s especially useful if you’re following a vegan, low-carb, or paleo diet. For macro details, see chia pudding calories.
Flavor Variations You Have to Try
- Vanilla Cinnamon: Add 1/4 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin spice
- Vanilla Coconut: Use coconut milk for a tropical twist
- Vanilla Protein: Stir in vanilla protein powder pre- or post-blending
- Vanilla Yogurt: Mix in Creamy Chia Seed Pudding with Yogurt or plant-based yogurt for creaminess
- Vanilla Matcha: Add 1/2 tsp matcha powder for a subtle energizing flavor
- Vanilla Berry: Layer with blueberry chia compote or fresh raspberries
Want more fruity inspo? Our Mango Chia Seed Pudding is pure sunshine in a jar.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
This is one of the easiest make-ahead breakfasts ever. Mix it up once, and enjoy it all week.
- Fridge: Store in a sealed container or jars for up to 5 days
- Meal prep: Portion into small jars for grab-and-go snacks
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions (no fruit added) and thaw overnight in the fridge
For more weekly prep tips, check out our guide to Pumpkin Chia Pudding – it stores like a dream.
FAQs About Vanilla Chia Pudding
Is chia pudding healthy?
Yes! Chia pudding is full of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based protein. When made with wholesome ingredients like almond milk and vanilla extract, it’s a nutritious and filling option for breakfast or a snack.
Can I put vanilla extract in chia pudding?
Absolutely. Vanilla extract adds flavor depth and a sweet aroma. A teaspoon goes a long way in making your chia pudding taste like a dessert.
How does Kim Kardashian make chia pudding?
Kim reportedly uses almond milk, chia seeds, and vanilla to keep it low-sugar and plant-based. Some fans say she blends it for a smoother texture, similar to our blended vanilla chia pudding method above!
Is vanilla chia good for you?
Yes, vanilla adds flavor without extra sugar, especially when paired with unsweetened milk and natural sweeteners like maple syrup. It’s low-calorie, high in fiber, and perfect for weight management.
Is there a downside to chia seeds?
Only if you consume them dry or in excess. Chia seeds expand in liquid, so it’s best to let them soak first. Too much fiber too fast may cause bloating, so start with 1-2 tablespoons daily.
Is 2 tablespoons of chia seeds a day too much?
Not at all! Two tablespoons per day is a great amount for most people—it provides a solid boost of fiber and healthy fats. Just be sure to hydrate and pair with balanced meals.
Final Thoughts: The Vanilla Chia Pudding You’ll Keep Craving
Whether you’re new to chia pudding or just looking to simplify your morning routine, this vanilla chia pudding recipe checks all the boxes: easy, healthy, make-ahead, and endlessly customizable. Once you find your perfect milk-to-seed ratio and preferred toppings, it becomes a no-brainer addition to your weekly meal prep.
Ready to get creative? Try a seasonal twist like our Matcha Chia Pudding or go cozy with Pumpkin Spice.
Bookmark this one—it’s the kind of healthy breakfast that sticks with you (in the best way).
