Pumpkin Pie Chia Seed Pudding

Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding is a healthy way to eat pumpkin pie. We have been eating this easy to make treat on repeat and love that it is packed with so many good for you ingredients, especially chia seeds, which are a powerhouse when it comes to nutrition. It's a great spin on a traditional chia seed pudding and can be personalized with all kinds of toppings. 

There is a really fine line between breakfast and dessert. Apple crisp for breakfast? I totally support it. Banana bread ice cream on a hot morning? Love it. And today’s Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding? It makes a perfect breakfast, dessert, or snack. Packed with health benefits from the chia seeds and pumpkin, this simple pudding is filling and healthy. In the morning I like to top mine with a scoop of Greek yogurt for some added protein. At night? I usually replace the yogurt with whipped cream or light ice cream.  And when I am missing the crust, I use crumbled graham crackers.

Now let's talk about why this pudding is so good for you. It's due to both the chia seeds and the pumpkin. Chia seeds are known to pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. They have a ton of fiber and have Omega 3 fatty acids. They are also packed with vitamins and minerals that fight inflammation, help digestion, and are heart healthy. On top of that, pumpkin is packed with benefits. Pumpkin contains Vitamin A, which helps with vision. It also contains fiber, phytoestrogens (help lower blood pressure), beta-carotene, and antioxidants. 

When buying canned pumpkin, make sure to choose one that has no added sweeteners or sugars. It should be just canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which is loaded with sugar. You can also roast your own pumpkin to make pumpkin puree for the chia seed pudding. Many store-bought canned pumpkin options are actually a combination of winter squash. This is completely fine and will result in the same flavor.

When it comes pumpkin pie spice, you can use a store-bought option or make your own. When using store-bought spice blends, add them slowly to make sure it doesn't get too strong.  Many store-bought versions have a lot of nutmeg, which can quickly overpower all the other flavors,

Make Pumpkin Pie Chia Seed Pudding for Your Diet

• Vegan: To make a vegan pumpkin chia pudding, make sure to use maple syrup as your sweetener and a plant-based milk. The recipe included is a vegan option.
• Paleo: For a paleo pumpkin chia seed pudding, replace the almond milk with canned coconut milk and use honey instead of maple syrup. If the pudding is too thick, thin out the coconut milk with a little water.
• Keto/Low carb: Tp ake a keto pumpkin chia pudding, you will need to replace the milk with full-fat canned coconut milk. Additionally, you will need to use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia.
• Whole30: Chia seed pudding technically isn't part of a true Whole30 diet since it mimics an off limit food. With that said, many people eat chia seed pudding while doing a Whole30. Replace the milk with canned coconut milk and use a little date paste or mashed banana for sweetness instead of the sugar.

Can I make a smooth chia pudding?

If you don't like the texture of chia seed pudding, it is actually really easy to make a smooth and creamy version. All you have to do is add everything to the blender. Then place it in the fridge so it can firm up. This version will seem more like a traditional pudding and is a good option if you don't like the jelly like texture of chia seeds.

How long can I store pumpkin chia seed pudding?

Chai seed pudding will keep in the fridge for about 5 days. Make sure that it is kept covered in an airtight container. As it sits it will continue to thicken up. If you find it is too thick when it is time to eat, stir in a little milk to loosen up the pudding. Also, save your toppings like nuts and seed until you are ready to serve it. They will lose their crunch if mixed in before.

Two fun ideas

• Make a pumpkin pie chia smoothie: Toss everything in the blender with some additional almond milk and ice. It makes a delicious, fall themed smoothie. you can add some vanilla or maple yogurt to kick up the flavors.
• Make pumpkin chia popsicles: I love pouring this into popsicle molds and making a frozen pumpkin treat. This can be done with the chia seeds whole or you can blend it first for a smoother texture.