Whole30 Vanilla Chia Pudding

Name: Whole30 Vanilla Chia Pudding
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Healthy
Ingredients: ¼ cup chia seeds; 1 cup unsweetened almond milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut; 1 ripe banana, sliced

by Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition on Jan 7, 2022

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Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Whole30 Vanilla Chia Pudding. Serve this easy sugar-free dish for breakfast or a healthy snack.

If you’re following the Whole30 diet and you’re tired of boring eggs for breakfast, this chia pudding is the perfect solution!

When chia seeds are soaked in a liquid, they absorb it and the mixture becomes thick and creamy. It feels indulgent when it’s actually a nutrient-packed, healthy Whole30 breakfast.

Most chia puddings are sweetened, but even unprocessed sweeteners like maple syrup isn’t allowed on Whole30. Fortunately, bananas add plenty of sweetness (and potassium). Strawberries, blueberries, or cherries would taste delicious too.

Whole30 chia pudding is naturally gluten-free, paleo, dairy-free, sugar-free, and vegan. It’s all too easy to make and customizable!

Contents hide

1 Why You Need This Recipe

2 Key Ingredients

3 Recipe Steps

4 Recipe Tips & Substitutions

5 FAQs

6 Other Whole30 Recipes You Might Like

7 Whole30 Vanilla Chia Pudding

Why You Need This Recipe

Chia seeds are nutrient-dense. They’re packed with antioxidants, protein, fiber, and omega-3’s.
This chia pudding has no added sugar. Sliced banana sweetens it up nicely.
It’s a no-cook, quick breakfast. Make it the night before and it’s ready for you in the morning.
You only need 5 simple ingredients.

Key Ingredients

Chia seeds – You can use black or white chia seeds. They’re nutritionally almost identical and they taste the same too.

Unsweetened almond milk – Almond milk has a mild and nutty flavor. It tastes great in chia pudding. You can also use unsweetened cashew milk and still be Whole30 compliant. If you’re not following Whole30, you can use any plant milk or even regular milk in its place.

Vanilla extract – For a nice vanilla flavor!

Unsweetened shredded coconut – Be sure to buy the unsweetened kind. Regular sweetened shredded coconut is packed with added sugar which outweighs the health benefits.

Banana – For best results, use a ripe banana. Green or under ripe bananas taste chalky and bitter. If you don’t care for bananas, any sweet fruit would taste delicious. Strawberries, dates, pears, figs, grapes, cherries, raspberries, peaches, and mango are all Whole30 approved.

Recipe Steps

Step One

In the pitcher of a blender, combine the chia seeds, almond milk, and vanilla extract.

As always, please do see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Step Two

Blend to combine, about 30 seconds.

Step Three

Pour the chia seed mixture into two containers and refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will give the chia seeds time to absorb the almond milk.

Step Four

Prior to serving, toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet on low heat for 3-4 minutes. The coconut will turn a light brown color when it’s toasted. Be careful to not let it burn or it will taste bitter.

Step Five

Serve the chia pudding topped with shredded coconut and sliced banana.

Recipe Tips & Substitutions

You can easily double this recipe to make more servings.
If you don’t have a blender, simply combine the chia seeds, almond milk, and vanilla in a bowl and whisk to combine.
You can make the chia pudding up to 4 days in advance of serving.
To make a chocolate version of this recipe, add 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder to the blender.
You can use whatever type of plant milk you like. For Whole30, stick to nut or seed-based milks.
If you are used to sweeter puddings, you can use two ripe bananas instead of one.
If you aren’t on the Whole30 diet, you can add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to the mixture for sweetness.
Drizzle almond butter on top for even more filling protein!

FAQs

Is chia pudding good for you?

Yes, but it also depends on what you add to it. Chia seeds are considered a superfood because they are packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. This recipe uses plant-based milk and has no added sugar which makes it incredibly healthy. If you want to sweeten it, try to use unprocessed sweeteners or fresh fruit for even more nutrients.

What can I eat on the Whole30 diet?

On the Whole30 diet, you’re supposed to avoid sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, and dairy. Whole30 puts an emphasis on eating whole foods like vegetables, fruit, seafood, unprocessed meats, heart-healthy oils, and nuts. If you’re unsure about an ingredient, a quick Google search will tell you if it’s allowed.

chia pudding with banana and coconut on top

Other Whole30 Recipes You Might Like

Or, check out my entire easy Whole30 recipe index.

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

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