Dairy-Free Mixed Berry Chia Pudding
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This Dairy-free Mixed Berry Chia Pudding is loaded with so much healthful goodness that you will feel great eating it or serving to it your family for breakfast, lunch, snack time or dessert.
It's a breeze to make, is super healthy, made with just a few simple ingredients, and works for pretty much any special diet.
I've been making chia pudding for a while now and love trying out all kinds of flavors you can make with the humble chia seed. Chia pudding is kind of the ultimate experiment food because you can just make so many variations on the theme.
While I already had other chia seed puddings on my site, I got the inspiration for this recipe years ago from a fellow sugar-free blogger, Ricki Heller.
Ee first connected online over the topic of candida (not fun) but later got to meet in person in her homeland of Canada. What a treat! I do wish we'd met due to something more pleasant than candida, but oh well.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe is great for so many reasons.
- First of all, it just tastes great and is bursting with berry flavor.
- Second, it's easy. Almost all of the recipes on my site are simple, but this Homemade Jello, Homemade Gummies, and these No-Bake Coconut Cookies are some great examples of that.
- Third, it's super healthy.
- It's filling. Chia pudding simply keeps you full for hours.
- Fourth, it's adaptable and flexible. You can swap out the berries, the milk, and the sweeteners according to your desires or dietary needs.
Nutritional Benefits of Chia
Surprisingly, just 2 tablespoons of chia has:
- 4 grams of complete protein
- 4.5 grams of omega 3 oils
- 5.5 grams fiber
- 9% RDA calcium
- 7% RDA iron (source)
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need for this pudding. For the amounts, simply scroll to the recipe card.
- mixed berries (any berries will work for this recipe, but I especially love using a combination of three: blueberries, red or black raspberries, and strawberries. Cranberry would work as well, but you'll want to add more sweetener.) Costco has a great frozen berry blend that works great for this recipe and it's convenient. Technically pomegranates are a berry (did you know that?) so why not use those as well?
- dairy-free milk (Any dairy-free milk will work. Regular milk can be used for a non-dairy-free option.)
- chia seeds
- cinnamon
- vanilla extract
- monk fruit drops (Pretty much any sweetener will work for this recipe.)
- salt (optional, but recommended)
Directions
Place all ingredients except chia in food processor or blender and blend.
Add the chia seeds to the blended mixture.
Whisk and let stand.
Stir again and let it stand for at least 30 minutes.
Top with mixed berries or other toppings and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Smooth Blended Version: Add the chia seeds to the processor or blender before mixing with the other ingredients, or blend all of the ingredients together.
- Milk Options: Though any milk will work for this recipe, Homemade Coconut Milk or this Homemade Almond Milk are a great frugal options. Coconut, oat, and cashew will be the creamiest.
- Frozen or Fresh Berries: Either fresh or frozen berries can be used.
- Sweetener Options: As mentioned, any sweetener can work for this recipe, or even no sweetener at all. Note that maple syrup and honey are sweeter than sugar when making a conversion. 12-24 drops of liquid monk drops are equal to about 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
Serving Options
Top this chia pudding with fresh berries, coconut chips, granola, whipped coconut cream, yogurt, coconut cream, or even these Healthy Sugared Cranberries.
Alternatively, you could layer this pudding with whipped cream, granola, coconut yogurt or plain yogurt, and fresh fruit for a parfait.
More Yummy Chia Pudding Recipes
Here are some more chia pudding recipes to try.
- Blueberry Chia Pudding: another “berry good” treat.
- Rich Chocolate Chia: so rich and delicious.
- Pumpkin Chia Pudding Recipe: great for fall, or anytime!
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chia Pudding: the flavors of Reese's in chia pudding form.
- Dairy-free Strawberry Chia Pudding: simple to make but elegant enough for special occasions!
Dairy-Free Mixed Berry Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cups coconut milk (or other milk or milk substitute)
- 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup chia seeds (see recipe notes about grinding ahead of time)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 12-24 drops liquid monk fruit sweetener optional, or other sweetener, to taste
- dash salt optional, but recommended
Instructions
- Put all ingredients (except chia) in a blender or food processor and blend until combined.
- Add chia and blend just 'til combined.
- For a smooth version, add all ingredients to the blender and blend more thoroughly. A high-speed blender will work best for this. Alternatively, grind the chia seeds ahead of time.
- Pour into a container (I prefer glass or stainless) and refrigerate until cold. You can, of course, eat it as is, but the flavor is much better chilled.
- Optional: Add toppings. We like our topped with fruit, organic rice bran, or toasted unsweetened coconut, dairy-free whipped cream, or cookie crumbles.
Notes
-
- Berry Options: Use any berries you'd like. A blueberry/cranberry mix would work great too. We even used cranberries alone, for a totally anti-candida diet-friendly recipe, but you'll need to add extra sweetener because cranberries are not sweet naturally.
- Smooth Blended Version: You can also make a blended version by adding the chia seeds to the processor or blender before processing or grinding them before adding.
- Milk Options: Homemade Coconut Milk or this Homemade Almond Milk are a great frugal options for this recipe, but any dairy-free milk will work. Coconut, oat, and cashew will be the creamiest. You can use regular milk for a non-dairy-free option.
- Sweetener Options: Any sweetener will work for this recipe including stevia extract or another low-carb sweetener if desired. Maple syrup is sweeter than sugar, however, so keep that in mind when converting.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and preparation methods. Optional ingredients are not included. Net carbs are typically calculated by subtracting fiber and sugar alcohols (such as erythritol) from total carbohydrates. This information should not be relied upon for medical or nutritional purposes.
I hope you enjoy this healthy chia pudding whenever you choose to make it!
For reference, the photos for this post were redone. Following is one of the original photos.
Do the Chia seeds absorb liquid and soften? I just made it, and right now, the seeds are hard. I was assuming they would gel up??? Maybe in the refrigerator?
Did you blend them? Yes, they do as they sit.
Yes, I used my ninja blender which usually is very high powered. But, the seeds did not go away. 🙁 I should have read your write up that said to grind in coffee maker. I could have done that. I am just going to hope they soften up. I always thought I had read that they become gel-like so that was why I did not even think I would need to grind them first. I am one that just reads the recipe, but really need to start reading the information before the recipe!
Hmmm…I’m sorry about that b/c they never are like “seeds” after grinding them in the Vitamix. You will be fine after it sets. I can put something in the recipe too – thanks for commenting and I hope you like it!
I did not see any info in the article about grinding the chia seeds but it doesn’t bother me that they are not ‘blended’.
Hi again! The information was in the recipe notes but I updated the post and made that and other details more clear. Thanks for reading and I hope you like it!
Hi
Can I use this mouse of making french entremets also?if I want to make lyche mousse the same recipe can be followed
I would think so – enjoy!
How many carbs does this have in It? I made it without any sweetener or sugar. I just used chia seeds, unsweetened coconut milk, blueberrys and vanilla extract. So how do i figure out how many carbs are in it? I made coconut crust in a muffin tin and put this as the filling to make low carb low sugar blueberry tarts.
Hi there. You would have to use an online calculator to determine this. We’ve talked about putting something on my site but haven’t done it yet for various reasons. Maybe in the future. Thanks!
Do you grind the chia seeds alone – before you mix everything? I have an old Vitamix and I do have a dry container I thought could be used for that purpose.
No, I just blend them with the other ingredients, but that could work too! Enjoy!
Hi there, Want to try your mousse but I’m confused about the sweetener. Are you saying you only use
1/4 tsp of stevia or up to 1 cup of say honey, maple syrup or plain sugar? I know stevia is sweet but I
didn’t think there was that much of a difference!!
Please let me know.
Thanks so much!!
Denice
Yes, there is that much of a difference: https://wholenewmom.com/kitchen-tips/stevia-what-it-is-and-how-to-use-it/
how far in advance can this recipe be made?
If you mean does it separate, it really doesn’t. But of course you wouldn’t want to make it a week ahead ;).
I tried making this one time and all seemed to go according to plan, but when I took it out of the freezer, less than an hour later it was 95% liquid! I don’t know what I did wrong…too much milk? I followed the directions…although I didn’t have Chia seeds at the time… Does that thicken it up a lot?
The chia is absolutely necessary. Hope you can try it again!
Made it this morning for breakfast, it was yummy!
:-). Great!
Thanks Adrienne I will give them a call.
I really want to buy a Vitmix I just don’t know which one to get. What is your recomendation.
Hi Victoria. I have the 5200 but I am intrigued w/ their new model. I haven’t had a chance to try it, however. I would lean towards the 5200 now since it has a bigger container. You could call Sue at 1 800 848 2649 ext 2308. She is very knowledgable and helpful. If you happen to buy one I would so appreciate your using my referral code CODE 06-005927 and you get free shipping that way as well. Thanks – you will love it!