Blended Chia Pudding

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Milk, nut butter, dates, carrot, walnuts, cinnamon, vanilla, and chia seeds.

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, with a firmer flesh, and a 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.

Dairy-free almond, soy, and oat milk, or any type of milk, is suitable for this Banana 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 dairy-free milk.

Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium. It is important to choose fresh carrots for this recipe. Older carrots may taste soapy or bitter. White or golden carrots are a good choice. Otherwise, Tendersweet orange carrots work too.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🥕 Substitutions

Carrot - instead of carrot, use peeled zucchini, blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apple

Milk - use soy, almond, oat, or your choice of milk

Dates - substitute with ¼ cup maple syrup

Nut butter - use peanut, almond, or cashew butter, or tahini for nut-free

Walnuts - the vegan nut cream can be made with cashews or almonds instead

Visit my Vegan Breakfast Recipes page for more healthy breakfast ideas.

📖 How to Make Blended Chia Pudding

Chia seeds, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and carrots in a blender.

Step 1. Add dairy-free milk, chia seeds, carrot, nut butter, dates, vanilla, and cinnamon to a blender. Blend until smooth, adding more milk as needed.

Orange colored cream in two glass serving jars.

Step 2. Transfer to four single-serve airtight containers.

Walnuts, dates, milk, and vanilla in the canister of a blender.

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

Creamy vegan nut cream in a blender with some on a golden spoon.

Step 4. Blend until creamy. Divide the walnut cream between the four containers.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

💡 Expert Tips

Taste the carrots before using them to make sure they are sweet and not soapy. Older carrots can be soapy in flavor. Use fruit instead if they are soapy.

If using tahini, use a premium brand (such as Soom Foods, or Seed + Mill) that does not have a bitter aftertaste.

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 chia pudding. I store mine in the freezer or refrigerator.

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

🍽 Recipe FAQs

Why blend chia seeds?

When chia seeds are blended into a liquid, they absorb some of that liquid to form a gel-like consistency. This makes them even more satisfying and this gel-like mixture can be used as a base for desserts.

Do you have to soak the chia seeds?

The chia seeds do not have to be soaked before blending. Once blended, they will soak during the chilling time in the refrigerator. However, if you do not own a high-speed blender, soak the chia seeds and nuts for about 4 hours before blending for a smoother texture.

Are chia seeds still healthy when blended?

Blending chia seeds does not significantly diminish their nutritional value. They are rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and various essential nutrients, and these nutrients remain intact.

📖 Recipe