Banana Chia Pudding (5 Minutes)

Name: Best Banana Chia Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 to 2 1/2 cups nondairy milk ((almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or milk of choice)); 1/2 cup chia seeds; 1 large ripe banana; 2 teaspoons maple syrup ((optional)); 1 cup walnut pieces (or cashews, or blanched almonds); 3/4 cups nondairy milk ((almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or milk of choice)); 3 pitted medjool dates; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ((optional)); Granola; Sliced banana

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Two pitted Medjool dates, walnuts, vanilla extract, chia seeds, one banana, and soy milk on a gray backdrop.

Dates are packed with essential nutrients. They are a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion, promote satiety, and support healthy bowel movements. Always use pitted dates for blending. I used medjool dates which taste just like caramel, and are soft and chewy in texture. You can also use a larger quantity of regular Deglet Noor dates. These are typically smaller, and have a firmer flesh and more delicate sweet flavor.

Chia seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can aid digestion, promote regular bowel movements, and help maintain a healthy gut. In addition, they are one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which may benefit heart health, reduce inflammation, and support brain function. Their high fiber and protein content may also help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.

Banana naturally sweetens this Banana Chia Pudding, while adding an abundance of vitamins and minerals, including potassium and fiber. Use a ripe banana for a sweeter pudding.

Almond, soy, and oat milk , or any type of milk, is suitable for this Banana Chia Pudding recipe. Soy and oat milk are creamier, where as almond milk is lighter. (Soy milk typically has the most protein.) Coconut milk has a rich, tropical flavor and a creamy consistency, but it is higher in saturated fats. Rice milk is a good option if you have allergies, as it is free from common allergens like nuts, soy, and gluten. Hemp milk has a slightly nutty flavor and is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, but may not be as readily available as other nondairy milks.

See recipe card for quantities.

🍌 Substitutions

Medjool dates - substitute with a larger quantity of regular Deglet Noor dates, or use maple syrup instead for the walnut cream

Banana - use maple syrup or agave to taste instead, and reduce the quantity nondairy milk to 2 cups for the blended chia pudding

Nondairy milk - use almond, soy, oat, coconut, cashew, or hemp milk

Vanilla extract - use vanilla bean instead or omit entirely

See this Chocolate Chia Pudding recipe on my website, as well as this refereshing Watermelon Juice with chia seeds.

📖 Instructions

Chia seeds, non dairy milk, and one banana inside the canister of a blender.

Step 1. Add nondairy milk, chia seeds, and banana to a blender.

Blended banana, chia seeds, and nondairy milk in the canister of a blender next to the blades.

Step 2. Blend until smooth. Transfer to four single-serve airtight containers.

Nondairy milk, walnuts, and dates inside the canister of a blender.

Step 3. To a clean blender, add the walnut pieces, nondairy milk, dates, and vanilla.

Walnut date cream inside the canister of a blender with a gold spoon.

Step 4. Blend until creamy. Divide the walnut cream between the four containers. Refrigerate to chill. Top with granola, and banana slices as desired for serving.

💡 Expert Tips

Consume chia seeds in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, remember to drink plenty of fluids when consuming them, as they tend to absorb liquids and may cause digestive discomfort if consumed in excess without sufficient hydration.

Do not use expired chia seeds. They do not gel very well. Check the 'Use By' date before using them to make this Chocolate Chia Pudding. I store mine in the freezer or refrigerator.

Storage: Refrigerate before serving for the best tasting chia seed pudding. Store any remaining 5-Minute Banana Chia Pudding in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The walnut cream is good for 5 days.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

Is chia pudding actually good for you?

Chia pudding is a certainly a healthy breakfast, snack or dessert, unless it is overly sweetened with added sugars. Chia seeds are loaded with essential nutrients like heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and antioxidants. They're also rich in fiber, which supports gut health, and a decent source of protein.
When preparing chia seed pudding, choose a healthy liquid base (such as almond milk or soy milk) and avoid adding excessive amounts of sweeteners.

Is chia pudding good for weight loss?

Chia seeds are rich in soluble fiber, which can help with weight loss by keeping you feeling fuller for longer. When mixed with liquid, they absorbs the liquid and form a gel-like consistency, which can help promote feelings of fullness.

Can I meal prep Banana Chia Pudding ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe tastes best when chilled. If you plan on refrigerating this chia seed pudding for more than 2 days, it is best to refrigerate the two components, the blended chia seeds, and the walnut cream, in two separate airtight containers for up to 4 days. Mix for serving, and top with more sliced banana and granola as desired.

📖 Recipe