Vanilla Cinnamon Chia Seed Pudding

This Vanilla Cinnamon Chia Seed Pudding is one of the basic chia pudding recipes I use most often along with this chocolate chia pudding. It's the perfect base for all your favorite toppings but tastes equally delicious on its own.

Plus since chia seeds are a superfood and packed with nutrients, it's a breakfast that is healthy and delicious.

Chia seed pudding is a staple in my breakfast routine, especially when I am trying to eat fewer carbohydrates.

Not only is it a great substitute for my normal overnight oats, it's a great break from all the eggs that dominate my breakfasts when eating low carb. I also am a huge fan of anything with cinnamon and vanilla, so this is right up my alley.

I usually top my in the morning with fresh fruit, nut butter, unsweetened shredded coconut nut, or some full-fat Greek yogurt.

Now when it comes to vanilla chia seed pudding, there are always lots of questions about what diets chia seed pudding works for. Here is a quick rundown of some of the popular ideas and how chia seed pudding works for each one. 

• Keto chia seed pudding: To make a keto version of this pudding, you will want to up the fat content. The best way to do this is by using canned coconut milk instead of unsweetened almond milk. Ideally, you would want to include more protein as well, so consider serving it with a couple of boiled eggs or by adding a keto-friendly protein powder to the mix.
• Low carb chia pudding: The recipe included works great for a low carb diet. If you want a higher fat option, you can use whole milk or canned coconut milk in place of the unsweetened almond milk. Any low carb sweetener will work, just make sure it easily dissolves in liquid so you have sweetness throughout the pudding.
• Paleo vanilla chia seed pudding: To make this pudding Paleo friendly, you will need to use a paleo friendly sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You also need a Paleo compliant almond milk or can use canned coconut milk.
• Whole30 chia pudding: There is a lot of controversy about whether chia seed pudding is allowed on a Whole30 diet. Most Whole30 purists would argue that it isn't allowed since it is a replacement for a treat or trigger food. However, many people find they can enjoy this without being triggered. If you decide to make chia pudding, make sure to use a compliant almond milk or use canned coconut milk. Then use mashed banana or dates as the sweetener and make sure you have a completely natural vanilla extract. Vanilla bean paste would also work as long as it does not have added sugar.

Is chia seed pudding good for weight loss?

There is some evidence that suggests that chia seed pudding can help weight loss when part of an overall healthy eating plan. The main reason for this is that chia seeds contain 5 grams of fiber per tablespoon. Fiber is known to aid in digestion and weight loss.

Plus it keeps you full longer, which can help curb cravings. However, chia seeds are relatively high in calories for their volume so they should be consumed in moderation.

Like anything, chia seeds can aid weight loss as part of a healthy lifestyle but they are not a magic solution on their own.

How long is chia seed pudding good for?

Chai seed pudding will last up to five days in the fridge and it can actually be frozen for up to three months.

Make sure to keep it in an airtight container and beware of adding fruit and other ingredients that may get mushy if left in liquid for too long.

What is the nutritional value of chia seeds?

In one tablespoon of chia seeds, there are 60 calories, 2 grams of protein, 4 grams of fat, 5 grams of fiber, 2.5 grams of Omega 3 fatty acids, and 90 milligrams of calcium. T

hey also contain phosphorus, manganese, zinc, and other vitamins and minerals. 

Best Toppings for Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

Here are some of our favorite toppings for chia seed pudding.

• Fresh fruit: Fruit is always a healthy and tasty option. Berries will be the lowest carbohydrate option for fruit. If you aren't worried about carbs try topping it with bananas, mango, pineapple, cooked apples, pears, cherries, peaches, plums, or nectarines. And don't forget about frozen fruit. Frozen fruit holds up better than fresh fruit if you are meal prepping chia seed pudding.
• Nuts, seeds, and nut butters: To add some crunch to your pudding, consider adding chopped almonds, cashews, walnuts, or pecans. Hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds also work. You can't go wrong with some creamy or crunchy nut butter as well.
• Coconut: Reach for the unsweetened shredded for the healthiest option.
• Chocolate: If you are making this as a dessert or just love chocolate, top it with some shaved chocolate or chocolate chips. There are low sugar and even low carb chocolate options as well.