Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding (No Added Sugar)

Straightforward vegan blueberry chia seed pudding is the reliable dessert,snack or breakfast! It is high protein, vegan, Paleo, and has no added sugar.

I’m going through one of my superfood fetishes and this time around it is with chia seeds!

What are Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) are the edible seeds of a flowering plant from the mint family. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, the seeds were used for both food and medicine in ancient Aztec and Mesoamerican cultures.

Today, chia seeds are grown in multiple countries, and are widely recognized as a nutrient-rich addition to nourishing diets.

On a personal note, Chia seeds have fast become one of my go-to ingredients–I add them to smoothies, oatmeal, muffins, kitchen-made power bars, and breakfast cookies–for fueling my workouts. As for specific nutrients, chia seeds are chock full of

• fiber (which keeps you happily sated for hours)
• omega-3 fatty acids
• carbohydrates
• protein
• antioxidants
• calcium

But chia seeds are more than mere fuel, they are lots of fun, and extremely versatile in the kitchen, too. Here’s why: When you combine chia seeds with liquid, the result borders on magic. within a short time, it a glistening gel (if you have kids in your life, this is a great summer day cooking experiment).

You can use gelled chia seeds as an egg substitute (much like flax seed meal) in all sorts of baked goods. For each egg you want to replace, simply combine 2 teaspoons of chia seeds with 1/4 cup water and let sit until it gels (about 10-15 minutes). Pretty neat.

But this enchanting mix also makes a wonderful base for a host of no-cook–and almost-zero effort– puddings.

Because I am desserts-first kind of person, that’s where I’m headed with today’s post. Namely with Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding.

Recipe Benefits

• Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
• Gluten-free
• High protein
• High fiber
• No added sugar
• Oil-free
• Gluten-free
• Quick and straightforward to make

Ingredients

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post.Toggle betweenUS Customary(volume) andMetric(weights) for preferred measurement option.

• fresh or thawed frozen blueberries
• unsweetened non-dairy milk (e.g., almond milk, oat milk, soy milk)
• very soft dates (soak in hot water beforehand if they are tough)
• lemon or lime juice (to prevent browning)
• chia seeds

Step by Step Instructions

Note that the complete instructions are also in the recipe card below.

• Combine the blueberries, milk, dates and lemon juice in a blender; process until smooth.
• Transfer blueberry mixture to a medium bowl and stir in the chia seeds.
• If desired, spoon into 4 individual serrvng dishes or ramekins.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight until thickened.
• Eat as breakfast, a snack or dessert.

Serving Suggestions

You can make chia pudding for breakfast, dessert or a snack. I love to eat it before a tough workout because it is satisfying and energizing but not in the least bit heavy. I think we all need more power pudding in our lives, yes?

We have a blueberry festival in our town every June, and yes, as much as I love blueberries, I have to challenge myself to come up with new ideas for using the bounty in my freezer. This is a reliable fit. Blueberries plus chia seeds equals one gorgeous and satisfying treat!