High Protein Chia Pudding | Food Sensitivity Kitchen (2024)

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Chia Seed Pudding is a great way to increase your omega 3 and fiber intake while providing a good source of protein. This recipe provides10 or 13 grams of protein per serving and uses regular milk. Click here if you are looking for the dairy free version that provides 8-9 grams of protein per serving.

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One tablespoon of chia seeds contains 5 grams of fiber – mostly soluble. In fact more than 80% of the CHO in chia is fiber.

Have you cooked with chia seeds yet?

Chia seed pudding has become a favorite in our house. It’s quick, and has only a few ingredients.

If you are making it for breakfast, it is made the night before – a bonus for those of you not morning people – like me!

It also makes a great snack or dessert.

Chia seed pudding is a great template for all kinds of delicious, nutritious toppings. Hazelnuts and berries or mango are my favorite but bananas, peaches, pecans and walnuts are all yummy. Plus you can sprinkle with spices – cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg.

Your sweetener can also add flavor. We like dark maple syrup, but honey or molasses would also be great.

Chia seeds have texture – similar to tapioca, but they are smaller and there is more of them.

Why cook with chia seeds?

As much as we know fish is good for us, we do not always eat two fatty fish meals a week. Chia is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. Unlike flax seeds which need to be ground in order for the omega 3 fatty acids to be absorbed, when chia is soaked, the omega 3 fats are able to be absorbed.

In addition they are a good source of soluble fiber and a plant source of complete protein.

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Ingredients

Chia pudding is gluten free, egg free, nut free, soy free, and it can easily be made dairy free.

Milk – whole, 2%, 1% or skim (we usually use 2%)

Chia seeds white or black – Bothconfer identical benefits and taste the same, so use whatever your grocery store carries.

Sweetener – we use dark maple syrup but honey or agave should both work fine. You will vary the amount of sweetener to your taste. Start with one tablespoon per cup of milk.

Vanilla extact – optional but yummy! You can also sprinkle your individual serving with cinnamon, cardamom, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, etc etc

Toppings – we like to top with chopped nuts. If your family can eat nuts I recommend them at least at first. Chewing the nuts seems to make the texture from the chia seeds less noticeable. Chopped hazelnuts are our favorite but pecans are a close second! We also like chopped fruit – mangos & berries are our favorites but bananas and peaches are also yummy. If I am in a hurry I just grab some chopped hazelnuts & eat!

Preparation

This recipe requires no cooking. Upon mixing with milk, the fiber in the chia seeds swells to form a gel – a pudding like consistency. The only trick is to stir it several times in the first 10 – 15 minutes so it does not clump. Then let it sit for several hours or overnight.

We like to make it in the evening so it is ready for breakfast in the morning. It keeps for about a week in your refrigerator.

Increasing the Protein

There are 10 grams of protein in this chia pudding per serving. If you want to increase the protein further, you can add a one-ingredient protein powder. I like both the almond and peanut butter protein powders. See the second recipe below for the one with added protein powder.

Because we are careful of hydrolyzed protein in our house (migraines), we do not use many protein powders. But I was SO excited to find both a peanut and an almond protein powder both with ONE ingredient – almonds or peanuts.

In order to increase the protein in almond or peanut flour, the oil is first pressed out of the peanuts or almonds. Then the remaining solids are ground in to a very fine powder. The almonds or peanut powder will add 5 or 5.5 grams of protein per serving.

Because the protein powder adds body to the milk, fewer chia seeds are required to make chia pudding. Thus the omega 3s and the fiber will be lower in the resulting protein chia pudding. The net protein added only ends up to add 3 grams per serving because of the protein lost from using fewer chia seeds. So the second recipe (below) contains13 grams of fiber per serving.

The texture of protein chia pudding with nut powder is slightly different than regular chia seed pudding. It has more body and is dryer. My husband says it is chalky but one of my tasters said that the almond powder with almond milk was his favorite of all the chia seed puddings.

So to add more protein, you will lose something in the texture of the pudding. But it is still an excellent breakfast or snack choice.

In my house we opt for 2% milk, 10 grams of protein, more omega 3s and more fiber. Let me know what version your family prefers!

High Protein Chia Pudding | Food Sensitivity Kitchen (3)

Chia Seed Pudding

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 175 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ cup chia seeds
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  • Combine milk, chia seeds, maple syrup and vanilla. Stir well.

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  • Stir every 5 minutes three or four times.

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  • Stir after 1 hour.

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  • Eat or let sit overnight.

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  • Enjoy!

    High Protein Chia Pudding | Food Sensitivity Kitchen (8)

Nutrition

Calories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 10gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 56mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 7gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 260IUVitamin C: 1mgVitamin D: 1µgVitamin E: 1mgCalcium: 295mgFolate: 17µgIron: 2mgZinc: 2mg

Keyword egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

High Protein Chia Pudding | Food Sensitivity Kitchen (9)

Protein Chia Pudding

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 170 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk *
  • cup almond protein powder **
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  • Place the milk into a 4 cup measuring cup or bowl. Add the protein powder and whisk to combine.

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  • Add the chia and mix well.

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  • Add the maple syrup and vanilla and mix.

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  • Stir every 5 minutes, three or four times.

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  • Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

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  • Top with fruit, nuts, spices or a combination and enjoy!

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Notes

  • * Use whatever milk you prefer - whole, 2%, 1% or skim. The nutrient analysis was done with skim milk.
  • ** Use whatever protein powder you prefer. Use the amount to add 20-25 grams of protein.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 13gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 60mgPotassium: 410mgFiber: 6gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 256IUVitamin C: 1mgVitamin D: 1µgVitamin E: 1mgCalcium: 290mgFolate: 11µgIron: 2mgZinc: 1mg

Keyword egg-free, gluten-free, soy-free

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

High Protein Chia Pudding | Food Sensitivity Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

What does Mayo Clinic say about chia seeds? ›

Chia is rich in lignans and omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular health. These seeds also contain magnesium, an important mineral for brain, digestive tract and heart health. Add chia to cereal, yogurt, salads and smoothies, or use it make puddings for a nutrient-dense snack.

Why does my stomach feel weird after eating chia seeds? ›

Does eating chia cause gas and bloating? "Since chia seeds are high in fiber and absorb water, they may lead to digestive discomfort for sensitive people, including gas and bloating," says Schlichter.

What happens to your gut if you eat chia pudding? ›

Chia seeds are a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion. The omega-3 fatty acids and caffeic acid in chia seeds may reduce inflammation in the gut. This can alleviate symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

What happens if I eat chia seeds every day? ›

Eating too many chia seeds may cause side effects, such as digestive issues, allergic reactions, or weight gain. In moderation, however, chia seeds can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.

Is there a downside to chia seeds? ›

Though they're safe for most people, chia seeds may cause an increased risk of choking. So make sure you consume them carefully, especially if you have difficulty swallowing. This increased risk is because dry chia seeds swell up and absorb about 10–12 times their weight in liquid when they are exposed to water (13).

What medications should you not take with chia seeds? ›

Medicines: Avoid taking chia seeds if you are taking medications like anticoagulants and antiplatelets (prevent blood clots), anti-hypertensive (treats high blood pressure), anti-cancer, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, as chia seeds might interact with these medicines.

Can you be intolerant to chia seeds? ›

Chia seeds are the superfood most likely to cause an adverse reaction, with 8.7% of tests showing a reactivity - equivalent to more than 27.14million people across the US.

Can chia seeds cause gut inflammation? ›

Because of their high fiber content, eating too many chia seeds may cause constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Chia seeds may also cause flare-ups with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease.

What helps stomach pain from chia seeds? ›

Luckily there's a way to eat chia seeds and avoid stomach pain altogether! Because it's a good idea to consume fiber with plenty of water, it will be gentler on your stomach if you have the soaked chia seeds before being consumed instead of dry chia seeds.

Do chia seeds help bowel movement? ›

All that fiber in chia seeds is mostly insoluble fiber, which doesn't dissolve in fluids. Instead, it absorbs fluids and helps create bulky, soft stool. So yes, chia seeds have the right kind of fiber to loosen your poop and give you some constipation relief.

Can chia seeds reduce belly fat? ›

Both Chia seeds and Ginger have been shown in some studies to help suppress appetite. Feeling fuller for longer may lead to reduced calorie intake, which can contribute to weight loss, including fat loss in the belly area.

Is chia seed pudding good for your liver? ›

Chia seeds are a fantastic liver-supportive food to add to your diet. They're rich in the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), antioxidants, and fiber, and have even been shown in studies to combat NAFLD.

Is 2 tablespoons of chia seeds a day too much? ›

There is no RDA for chia seeds. Still, they can be safely eaten in amounts of 50 grams daily, which is about five tablespoons. Two tablespoons provide all of the nutritional benefits listed above. Soaked chia seeds have a gel-like texture.

How many days a week should you eat chia seeds? ›

Limited research in animals and humans has found that taking chia seeds daily can lead to greater weight loss and bone mineral content ( 14 , 24 ). That said, eating too many can cause some side effects, so start with a small dose, like 1 oz (28 g) daily, and make sure to drink plenty of water.

Are chia seeds good for the kidneys and liver? ›

Because flax seeds and chia seeds are low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, they are healthy for all the following kidney conditions and treatments: CKD/Transplant. Hemodialysis (3 times/week) Daily Home and Nocturnal Hemodialysis/Peritoneal Dialysis.

What do doctors say about chia seeds? ›

Chia seeds are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants. The nutrients in chia seeds can help provide many significant health benefits. Antioxidants found in chia seeds can help to fight free radicals in your body.

What disease does chia seeds prevent? ›

Chia seed components are helpful in cardiovascular disease (CVD) by reducing blood pressure, platelet aggregation, cholesterol, and oxidation. In GI‐tract‐related diseases like diabetes and constipation, chia fiber reduces the blood glucose level and provides bulk to stool.

Are chia seeds good or bad to liver? ›

Chia seeds are a fantastic liver-supportive food to add to your diet. They're rich in the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), antioxidants, and fiber, and have even been shown in studies to combat NAFLD.

What is healthier than chia seeds? ›

However, when it comes to antioxidant levels, flax seeds may have the upper hand. That's because they contain up to 15 times higher levels of lignans, a specific type of cancer-fighting antioxidant, than chia seeds ( 29 ).

References

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