Healthy Matcha Chia Pudding (Naturally Sweetened)

Best Matcha Chia Pudding with the creamiest texture, the perfect amount of matcha, and is naturally sweetened with dates. Dairy-free and no added sugar. A healthy and energizing plant-based breakfast, snack, or dessert. Rich in antioxidants and easy to make. Created by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Creamy matcha chia seed pudding in two glass bowls topped with raspberries and hemp seeds.

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This is not your ordinary matcha chia pudding. It's luxuriously creamy, made with all healthful ingredients, and contains zero refined sugars. The creamy texture and natural sweetness come from cashews blended with nondairy milk and dates. Additionally, this Matcha Chia Pudding recipe features the ideal amount of matcha green tea powder, carefully tested to perfection.

Make these Matcha Chia Seed Pudding jars up to 4 days ahead. They're packed with fiber and omega-3s, keeping you satisfied for hours.

This recipe was inspired by my Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds, as well as this Berry Chia Pudding recipe on my site. You might also enjoy this High-Protein Mango Chia Pudding with Matcha.

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👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
🍃 What are the health benefits of matcha?
🍵 Substitutions
📖 How to Make the Best Matcha Chia Pudding
💡 Expert Tips
🛒 Shop Nisha's Tea & Products
🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
🫙 Related Recipes
👩🏽‍🍳 Made this recipe?
Matcha Chia Pudding
💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Below are some notes about the ingredients from me as an expert in nutrition.

Note: The dates and cashews can be replaced with maple syrup and a different variety of nut as desired.

Chia seeds in a gold measuring cup, dates in a small white bowl, matcha powder and cashews in small white bowls, and milk in a glass beaker.

Matcha is packed with health benefits. I use matcha regularly and always go for quality. My preferred brand is listed below-it's third-party tested by ConsumerLab for heavy metals and potency.
Cashews (optional) give this pudding its rich, creamy texture, but there are alternatives. Use walnuts to add a brain-boosting twist with their omega-3s, or almonds to bring a slightly nuttier flavor, and hemp hearts or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option that also provides a protein and mineral boost.
Chia seeds are loaded with health benefits. They are rich in powerful antioxidants, which may help fight off toxins in your body. Most of the carbs in chia seeds are in the form of fiber, so it is a low-carb food that helps you feel fuller for longer. Plus, they are a good source of plant-based protein and omega-3s, which is especially helpful if you are on a vegan diet.
Almond, soy, and oat milk, or any type of milk, is suitable for this Matcha Chia Pudding recipe. Soy and oat milk are creamier, whereas 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 it may not be as readily available as other nondairy milks.
Dates are naturally sweet and can be used as a healthier alternative to refined sugars. Due to their high fiber content, they can help promote a feeling of fullness. Including dates in your meals or snacks may help control hunger and prevent overeating.

See the printable recipe card below for quantities.

🍃 What are the health benefits of matcha?

Matcha is made from whole green tea leaves milled into a fine green powder. It's zero calories and a nutritional powerhouse. Matcha is rich in catechins, a type of antioxidant that can help protect the body against free radicals and oxidative stress. It also contains a moderate amount of caffeine, providing a gentle and sustained energy boost without the jitters or crashes associated with coffee. Some studies suggest that consuming matcha can increase thermogenesis (the body's rate of burning calories) and may help with weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. The country of origin is important to consider when choosing a brand of green tea or matcha or tea in general. Lead toxicity is a concern for green tea grown in China, whereas Japanese-sourced green tea typically does not have this concern.

🍵 Substitutions

Chia seeds - Use white or black chia seeds to make this matcha chia pudding.
Cashews - Use walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, or hemp hearts instead. Skip the soaking if using seeds.
Matcha powder - make sure 'matcha green tea powder' is the only ingredient by reading the packet
Nondairy milk - use almond, soy, oat, coconut, cashew, or hemp milk
Pitted medjool dates - substitute with a larger quantity of pitted Deglet Noor dates or use maple syrup

Try my base recipe for Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds for a budget-friendly breakfast that can be served warm or cold. Visit my Vegan Breakfast Recipes page for more healthy vegan breakfast ideas.

📖 How to Make the Best Matcha Chia Pudding

This is an overview. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.

Chia seeds, milk, and matcha powder mixed in a glass container next to a white bowl of matcha powder, and a gold measuring cup with chia seeds.

Add the milk and matcha powder to a large measuring cup or bowl. Whisk well until smooth and not clumped. Add the chia seeds and whisk again until fully incorporated. Set aside.

Milk, matcha powder, cashews, and dates in a blender.

Transfer the cashews, nondairy milk, dates, and matcha powder to the canister of a high-speed blender.

Matcha, cashews, dates, and milk blending in a Ninja blender.

Blend on high until smooth.

Chia seeds, milk, matcha powder, and blended cashews and dates in a glass container next to a small white bowl with matcha and a gold spoon, one date in a bowl, and cashews in a small white bowl.

Pour the creamy cashew mixture into the bowl with the matcha chia pudding. Mix well to combine. Transfer to two single-serve containers and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.

💡 Expert Tips

Make sure to use fresh chia seeds. Expired seeds sink to the bottom and do not plump up when mixed with liquid.
To use ground chia seeds instead of whole, replace ¼ cup whole chia seeds with 2 tablespoons ground chia. That said, I prefer whole chia seeds in this recipe for their fun tapioca-like texture.
For nut-free, use unsoaked hemp hearts or pumpkin seeds.
If you do not own a high-speed blender, soak the cashews in boiling water for at least 10 minutes before blending.
Sift the matcha to avoid clumps. If you use matcha often, a bamboo whisk is a great purchase to break down the clumps efficiently. Otherwise, you can use a sieve or sifter to sift the matcha for a smoother consistency before adding it to the milk. I did not do this, and mine turned out smooth, but it is worth doing if you have the time.
Stir well. Between the matcha powder and the chia seeds, you may get some clumping. To avoid that, I recommend that you stir the matcha chia pudding, let it sit for at least a minute, and then stir it again. Before you set it in the fridge, make sure there are no clumps.
Blend instead of whisk. When you make the matcha chia pudding, you'll see the chia seeds plump up and have a tapioca-like texture. If you do not like that consistency, you can just make it in a blender for a smoother consistency.
Storage: Refrigerate Best Matcha Chia Seed Pudding in two single-serve jars or one larger airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer Instructions: Freeze the Matcha Chia Pudding for up to 3 months in individual servings. Use freezer-safe ziplock bags or small mason jar containers. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight.

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🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

Which chia seeds are better, black or white?

Black and white chia seeds are equally healthy and offer similar nutritional benefits. The color difference between the two is mainly due to the variety of the plant, but their nutritional composition is largely the same. Both types of chia seeds are excellent sources of omega-3s, fiber, and plant-based protein.

Which is better: green tea or matcha green tea?

While both green tea and matcha are extremely high in antioxidants, matcha contains more antioxidants and caffeine than regular brewed green tea because the whole leaves are consumed in powdered form. Matcha is a much more concentrated form of green tea, so the antioxidant levels are correspondingly higher, making it a more nutritious option. Matcha is not only great for making lattes; it's also a perfect ingredient for healthy chia pudding!

Where can I buy matcha?

Matcha tea can be found in the tea or coffee aisle next to other teas. However, since matcha tea is essentially green tea, you will typically find it located with other green teas. You may sometimes find it in the international aisle, with teas of Asian origin. Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Walmart, Costco, Asian Markets, and Amazon carry several brands of matcha green tea powder.