¼-½teaspooncinnamon powder or espresso powder(optional)
Topping Choices (optional)
fresh raspberries
assorted nuts and seedsalmonds, walnuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, etc.
Instructions
Add chia seeds to a mason jar or bowl. Now add warmed milk, maple syrup (or sweetener of choice), cocoa powder, and cinnamon or espresso powder (if using). Using a fork, give it a good mix to combine everything. Wait about 5 minutes, stir again to break the chia seed clumps and mix again.
Close the lid or cover tightly using food storage wrap. Now set it in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or up to overnight. The chia pudding will get thicker the longer it sits.
When ready to consume, add a splash of milk if it appears too thick. Enjoy it cold, or warm it up for 30 seconds in the microwave. Top with berries or nuts and enjoy this healthy treat for breakfast or snack.
Video
Notes
Milk of Choice: I prefer using almond milk due to its low-carb content, but any milk you have on hand will work great. Some alternatives include 2% dairy milk, whole milk, and oat milk.
Warm the milk: Cocoa powder mixes well in warm milk, so I highly recommend warming the milk before starting.
Sugar-free: For a sugar-free, lower-carb variation, skip the maple syrup altogether, or use monkfruit maple syrup instead.
Cinnamon or Espresso: Cinnamon powder adds a natural sweetness to the pudding, whereas espresso enhances the chocolate flavor, so pick your preferred flavoring. Feel free to add both, or skip altogether.
Toppings: I like to top this chia pudding with assorted berries including blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries due to their low glycemic index. Feel free to use other fruits like bananas, apples, or mango. You can also top it with your granola of choice.
Protein-boost: To add a protein boost to this chia pudding, stir in 1 tablespoon of nut butter of choice per serving, or protein powder, or top it with 1 to 2 tablespoons of high-protein granola.
Blend: If you are not a fan of the tapioca-like texture of the seeds, you can blend the mixture for a smooth texture.
Note: The nutrition facts below are my estimates calculated with unsweetened almond milk and do not include toppings. If you follow any diet plan, I recommend cross-checking with your preferred nutrition calculator.