High Protein Chia Pudding | Food Sensitivity Kitchen (2024)

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Chia Seed Pudding is a great way to increase your omega 3 and fiber intake while providing a good source of protein. This recipe provides10 or 13 grams of protein per serving and uses regular milk. Click here if you are looking for the dairy free version that provides 8-9 grams of protein per serving.

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One tablespoon of chia seeds contains 5 grams of fiber – mostly soluble. In fact more than 80% of the CHO in chia is fiber.

Have you cooked with chia seeds yet?

Chia seed pudding has become a favorite in our house. It’s quick, and has only a few ingredients.

If you are making it for breakfast, it is made the night before – a bonus for those of you not morning people – like me!

It also makes a great snack or dessert.

Chia seed pudding is a great template for all kinds of delicious, nutritious toppings. Hazelnuts and berries or mango are my favorite but bananas, peaches, pecans and walnuts are all yummy. Plus you can sprinkle with spices – cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg.

Your sweetener can also add flavor. We like dark maple syrup, but honey or molasses would also be great.

Chia seeds have texture – similar to tapioca, but they are smaller and there is more of them.

Why cook with chia seeds?

As much as we know fish is good for us, we do not always eat two fatty fish meals a week. Chia is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. Unlike flax seeds which need to be ground in order for the omega 3 fatty acids to be absorbed, when chia is soaked, the omega 3 fats are able to be absorbed.

In addition they are a good source of soluble fiber and a plant source of complete protein.

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Ingredients

Chia pudding is gluten free, egg free, nut free, soy free, and it can easily be made dairy free.

Milk – whole, 2%, 1% or skim (we usually use 2%)

Chia seeds white or black – Bothconfer identical benefits and taste the same, so use whatever your grocery store carries.

Sweetener – we use dark maple syrup but honey or agave should both work fine. You will vary the amount of sweetener to your taste. Start with one tablespoon per cup of milk.

Vanilla extact – optional but yummy! You can also sprinkle your individual serving with cinnamon, cardamom, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, etc etc

Toppings – we like to top with chopped nuts. If your family can eat nuts I recommend them at least at first. Chewing the nuts seems to make the texture from the chia seeds less noticeable. Chopped hazelnuts are our favorite but pecans are a close second! We also like chopped fruit – mangos & berries are our favorites but bananas and peaches are also yummy. If I am in a hurry I just grab some chopped hazelnuts & eat!

Preparation

This recipe requires no cooking. Upon mixing with milk, the fiber in the chia seeds swells to form a gel – a pudding like consistency. The only trick is to stir it several times in the first 10 – 15 minutes so it does not clump. Then let it sit for several hours or overnight.

We like to make it in the evening so it is ready for breakfast in the morning. It keeps for about a week in your refrigerator.

Increasing the Protein

There are 10 grams of protein in this chia pudding per serving. If you want to increase the protein further, you can add a one-ingredient protein powder. I like both the almond and peanut butter protein powders. See the second recipe below for the one with added protein powder.

Because we are careful of hydrolyzed protein in our house (migraines), we do not use many protein powders. But I was SO excited to find both a peanut and an almond protein powder both with ONE ingredient – almonds or peanuts.

In order to increase the protein in almond or peanut flour, the oil is first pressed out of the peanuts or almonds. Then the remaining solids are ground in to a very fine powder. The almonds or peanut powder will add 5 or 5.5 grams of protein per serving.

Because the protein powder adds body to the milk, fewer chia seeds are required to make chia pudding. Thus the omega 3s and the fiber will be lower in the resulting protein chia pudding. The net protein added only ends up to add 3 grams per serving because of the protein lost from using fewer chia seeds. So the second recipe (below) contains13 grams of fiber per serving.

The texture of protein chia pudding with nut powder is slightly different than regular chia seed pudding. It has more body and is dryer. My husband says it is chalky but one of my tasters said that the almond powder with almond milk was his favorite of all the chia seed puddings.

So to add more protein, you will lose something in the texture of the pudding. But it is still an excellent breakfast or snack choice.

In my house we opt for 2% milk, 10 grams of protein, more omega 3s and more fiber. Let me know what version your family prefers!

High Protein Chia Pudding | Food Sensitivity Kitchen (3)

Chia Seed Pudding

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 175 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ cup chia seeds
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  • Combine milk, chia seeds, maple syrup and vanilla. Stir well.

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  • Stir every 5 minutes three or four times.

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  • Stir after 1 hour.

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  • Eat or let sit overnight.

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  • Enjoy!

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Nutrition

Calories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 10gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 56mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 7gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 260IUVitamin C: 1mgVitamin D: 1µgVitamin E: 1mgCalcium: 295mgFolate: 17µgIron: 2mgZinc: 2mg

Keyword egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

High Protein Chia Pudding | Food Sensitivity Kitchen (9)

Protein Chia Pudding

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 170 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk *
  • cup almond protein powder **
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  • Place the milk into a 4 cup measuring cup or bowl. Add the protein powder and whisk to combine.

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  • Add the chia and mix well.

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  • Add the maple syrup and vanilla and mix.

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  • Stir every 5 minutes, three or four times.

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  • Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

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  • Top with fruit, nuts, spices or a combination and enjoy!

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Notes

  • * Use whatever milk you prefer - whole, 2%, 1% or skim. The nutrient analysis was done with skim milk.
  • ** Use whatever protein powder you prefer. Use the amount to add 20-25 grams of protein.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 13gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 60mgPotassium: 410mgFiber: 6gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 256IUVitamin C: 1mgVitamin D: 1µgVitamin E: 1mgCalcium: 290mgFolate: 11µgIron: 2mgZinc: 1mg

Keyword egg-free, gluten-free, soy-free

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

High Protein Chia Pudding | Food Sensitivity Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Can chia pudding upset your stomach? ›

Because of their high fiber content, eating too many chia seeds may cause constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Chia seeds may also cause flare-ups with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease.

Can you be intolerant to chia seeds? ›

Chia seeds are generally safe for most individuals, but they can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms can include skin rashes, watery eyes, diarrhea, vomiting, and trouble breathing. If you suspect a chia seed allergy, it's advisable to seek medical attention.

What are the side effects of chia seed pudding? ›

Chia seeds are loaded with fibres and when it is consumed in lots of quantities the body may find it difficult to digest it properly. One should stick to an ideal quantity of chia seeds in a day and not consume more. Consuming more of these tiny seeds can cause diarrhea, bloating and stomach cramps.

Can you eat chia pudding with IBS? ›

The omega-3 fatty acids and caffeic acid in chia seeds may reduce inflammation in the gut. This can alleviate symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Chia seeds are also low in FODMAPs, making them a safe option for people with IBS.

Can chia seeds cause digestion issues? ›

Does eating chia cause gas and bloating? "Since chia seeds are high in fiber and absorb water, they may lead to digestive discomfort for sensitive people, including gas and bloating," says Schlichter.

Can chia seeds aggravate diverticulosis? ›

In the past, people with diverticula were told not to eat nuts, seeds and popcorn. It was thought that these foods could lodge in diverticula and inflame them, causing diverticulitis. But there's no proof that these foods cause diverticulitis.

Who cannot consume chia seeds? ›

Medicines: Avoid taking chia seeds if you are taking medications like anticoagulants and antiplatelets (prevent blood clots), anti-hypertensive (treats high blood pressure), anti-cancer, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, as chia seeds might interact with these medicines.

What does an allergic reaction to chia seeds look like? ›

An allergic reaction, usually characterized by a small red, raised bump similar to a mosquito bite, confirms sensitivity to Chia. In situations where skin tests cannot be employed, a specific IgE blood test could be used as an alternative.

Do chia seeds have histamine? ›

Plus chia seeds are low in histamine and other amines, and do not trigger the release of the body's natural histamine. 🥄 Tap the link for more information on this low histamine meal: http://ow.ly/uwil50L49tj Source: Beautiful Ingredient (2022) Blackberry Chia Pudding.

Is Chia Pudding a laxative? ›

So yes, chia seeds have the right kind of fiber to loosen your poop and give you some constipation relief. “Chia seeds haven't been studied for constipation,” Czerwony notes, “but due to their fiber content, they are hypothesized to have a laxative effect.”

What does Mayo Clinic say about chia seeds? ›

Chia is rich in lignans and omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular health. These seeds also contain magnesium, an important mineral for brain, digestive tract and heart health. Add chia to cereal, yogurt, salads and smoothies, or use it make puddings for a nutrient-dense snack.

Is Chia pudding easy to digest? ›

The surface of chia seeds is delicate and easily breaks apart when exposed to moisture, so they are typically prepared with liquid foods (as seen with the recipe ideas below). In this way, they are absorbed and digested well in their whole form, unlike flax seeds.

Can you eat chia seeds with Crohn's? ›

Foods to increase in your diet include:

Vegetables: squashes, fork-tender cooked carrots, green beans. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids: fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc.), walnut butter, chia seeds, flaxseed oil, flaxseed meal.

How do you get rid of bloating from chia seeds? ›

These seeds expand in your stomach, which leads to bloating. How to Prevent Chia Bloat ? Always soak your seeds (5 minutes or more – the longer the better) in water/liquids- remember to stir to break clumps before the soak. Allow the seeds to absorb water and bloat first prior to consumption.

Is chia seed high in FODMAP? ›

Chia Seeds

Keep in mind that most chia seed bowls contain a high FODMAP serve of chia seeds. The low FODMAP serve is 2 tablespoons and they become high FODMAP at 4 tablespoons (1).

Is chia seed pudding a laxative? ›

Instead, it absorbs fluids and helps create bulky, soft stool. So yes, chia seeds have the right kind of fiber to loosen your poop and give you some constipation relief. “Chia seeds haven't been studied for constipation,” Czerwony notes, “but due to their fiber content, they are hypothesized to have a laxative effect.”

Can chia seeds clog your stomach? ›

Experts have issued a warning about a common mistake some people make when eating chia seeds. The antioxidant-rich superfood is known to improve digestion and ease constipation – but, if consumed without liquid, can form “a concrete-like mass in your digestive tract”, which can lead to them getting stuck.

Is chia seed pudding easy to digest? ›

The surface of chia seeds is delicate and easily breaks apart when exposed to moisture, so they are typically prepared with liquid foods (as seen with the recipe ideas below). In this way, they are absorbed and digested well in their whole form, unlike flax seeds.

Does chia seed pudding make your stomach flat? ›

Can chia seeds reduce belly fat? Studies have shown that chia seeds consumption reduces visceral adipose tissues, also known as belly fat.

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