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Overnight Chia Pudding: The Ultimate Guide 🥄 gluten free, keto & paleo

Think of this overnight paleo and keto chia pudding as an ideal way to kickstart your day: a true nutritional powerhouse, plus a meal prepping dream!

Taking a spoonful of overnight Keto chia pudding
Overnight Gluten Free, Paleo & Keto Chia Pudding: The Ultimate Combination Guide!

Overnight Keto Chia Pudding

The Ultimate Combination Guide

Chia seeds are awesome. These tiny Mexican guys pack a whole lot of protein and add a whole lot of oomph. They contain large amounts of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, plenty of high quality protein, and several essential minerals and antioxidants.

So if you’re on keto, and having trouble passing (you know, 💩!), chia seeds are bound to become your new best friends.

Plus, feel free to whip up a large batch and keep it handy in the fridge for the week. i.e. meal prepping supreme! 

Overnight Gluten Free, Paleo & Keto Chia Pudding  🥄 The Ultimate Combination Guide! #chiapudding #keto #ketobreakfast #lowcarb #paleo #glutenfree #healthyrecipes
Overnight Gluten Free, Paleo & Keto Chia Pudding  🥄 The Ultimate Combination Guide! #chiapudding #keto #ketobreakfast #lowcarb #paleo #glutenfree #healthyrecipes

The Chia Pudding Master Guide 📓

2 tablespoons chia seeds 🥄

Chia seeds go a long (long!) way after an overnight soak. Plus, think 1g net carbs per serving (12g total – 11g fiber). Ideal 💁🏿

+

1 cup ‘milk’ 🥛

Our favorite here will forever be coconut milk, as it lends some natural sweetness to the chia pudding. Having said that, simply use whatever floats your boat here (even water!).

+

sweetener 🍯 (optional)

We’re all about limiting excessive use of sweeteners where possible, and in our opinion a few drops of stevia go a long way here. We particularly love SweetLeaf’s stevia vanilla drops for this one. But again, sweeten as much (and with whatever!) your taste buds desire.

+

toppings 🎩 (optional)

i.e. the fun part! Think anywhere form fresh berries and compotes (raspberry being our favorite!), to extracts (yes for vanilla!), to even cocoa/cacao powder (yup, chocolate pudding at your service!) or matcha.

Keto Chocolate Peppermint Chia Pudding 🍃#ketopudding #ketochocolate
Keto Chocolate Peppermint Chia Pudding 🍃#ketopudding #ketochocolate

More Combination Ideas

  • Green tea matcha + macadamia milk + raspberries (fresh or in compote… see picture below!)
  • Cocoa + hazelnuts + almond milk (think Nutella!)
  • Cocoa + almond milk + raspberry compote
  • Strawberries + Greek-style yogurt + almond milk
  • Cashew milk + fresh blueberries + coconut flakes
  • Coconut milk + lemon or orange zest (think citrusy vibes!)
  • Almond butter + berries + coconut flakes
  • Peanut butter + cocoa + almond milk (think Reese’s!)
  • Peanut butter + raspberries (think PB&J!)

The Texture

Lets face it, either you love it or you hate it. But for those of you haters out there, may I suggest you give chia pudding one more try by blending it until silky smooth?

This is easier using pre-ground chia seeds (which you can just grind yourself in your blender/bullet/food processor). But also works well using an immersion blender.

And, they’re particularly good this way with some added cocoa powder. i.e. chocolate pudding!

Fact is, chia seeds make a killer thickening agent. So feel free to add them to smoothies for an instant thickening action. We even add them to our bulletproof hot chocolate to make it extra thick and creamy! And nope, not a chia seed in sight.

Overnight keto chia pudding with matcha and fresh berries
Overnight Gluten Free, Paleo & Keto Matcha Breakfast Bowl
Overnight keto chia pudding with raspberry jam
Overnight Gluten Free, Paleo & Keto Chia Pudding: The Ultimate Combination Guide!

Overnight Gluten Free, Paleo & Keto Chia Pudding  🥄 The Ultimate Combination Guide! #chiapudding #keto #ketobreakfast #lowcarb #paleo #glutenfree #healthyrecipes

Overnight Paleo & Keto Chia Pudding

Think of this overnight gluten free, paleo and keto chia pudding as an ideal way to kickstart your day: a true nutritional powerhouse plus a meal prepping dream!
4.83 from 41 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 6 hours
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 151 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

For the keto chia pudding

  • 1 cup plant-based milk such as coconut, almond or macadamia*
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds **
  • vanilla stevia drops or preferred sweetener, to taste
  • toppings of choice optional

Instructions
 

  • Mix chia seeds with your chosen milk (very thoroughly!), cover and refrigerate overnight. 
  • Add more liquid as needed to reach desired consistency (optional). Sweeten to taste and serve with toppings of choice. 
  • Chia pudding can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week (i.e. it's ideal for meal prepping!). 

Notes

*If using canned coconut milk (the very thick full-fat kind), you only need to use a couple tablespoons diluted in water. 
**I know some of you have voiced that 2 tablespoons of chia seeds results in a runny pudding (that hasn't been the case for me... and many of you either!). This could be due to a variation in seeds, so feel free to add up to 3 tablespoons ;)! Oh, and make sure you're whisking thoroughly to ensure even absorption.
If using xylitol, make sure to be careful if you have a pup around the house, as it’s highly toxic to the little guys! 🐕

Nutrition

Calories: 151kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.5g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Sodium: 328mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 11g | Calcium: 451mg | Iron: 1.9mg
Keyword keto chia pudding, overnight chia pudding, paleo chia pudding
Whip up this recipe?Comment below or drop me a line @paola.vanderhulst and tag #gnomgnomyum!


and some food (for thought) 👁️

a newsletter about functional food to nourish, create and evolve. 

(p.s. we don’t talk about fight club 🪄 )

xo! Paola

205 comments

  1. Laina says:

    Used a protein shake mixed with almond milk and little heavy cream and leave out for 5 min before stirring again and putting in refrigerator.

  2. Julie Gartland says:

    Hello everyone. This is my first time here, I have just started my vegetarian keto, I don’t want to call it a diet, but a life choice, but I have a sweet. Tooth, this was perfect, I had it for my evening meal, as that is when I start craving something sweet.
    I mixed almond. Milk, nuutt butter cocoa powder in with 3 tablespoons of chia, left it in the fridge door a day, then warmed it. Up in the microwave, heaven.

  3. Shana says:

    5 stars
    This is really yummy! Mine did turn out a bit runny, but I didn’t mind. I’ll try more chia next time. I used 1/2 cup unsweetened cashew milk and 1/2 cup of the Silk Half & Half to make it creamy which I love!

  4. Lydia says:

    Hi. I’ll be using almond milk to reduce saturated fat. Do the nutrition stars reflect using coconut milk?

    Thanks! I’m excited to try your recipe!

  5. MJ says:

    3 stars
    I wish I would’ve read the comments before making. I used 1C blue diamond unsweetened vanilla almond milk with 2Tbs of true roots chia seeds, and it only thickened the seeds at the bottom while the milk remained runny on top. I’ve just added another Tbs of seeds, gave it a good mix and am hoping it thickens this time. Foe sweetener I used lakanto monk fruit.

  6. James says:

    5 stars
    Sugar free flavored coffee creamers work very well with this, as does instant coffee. I use 20g chia seeds, 2oz canned coconut milk, 4oz water, teaspoon of sugar free powdered Creamer, teaspoon of instant coffee. Mix well with hand blender. Perfect pudding every morning!

  7. Rochelle Marsden says:

    I’ve just done 2.5ish chia, 1 cup almond milk , raw organic Cacao – very heaped teaspoon, teaspoon xylitol , sprinkled ginger, teaspoon ceylon cinnamon and a naughty slug of sweet red wine!! I mixed the cacao, xylitol , cinnamon and ginger to a smooth paste with boiling water before adding the milk. It’s gone very thick in the fridge in a tumbler. Nice snack for me!!

  8. GSDfan says:

    I’ve tried two different brands of chia seeds. I’ve tried 2 tablespoons and 3 tablespoons. Always with one cup of Silk unsweetened vanilla almond milk. I shake and/or whisk the bejeezus out of it, then put in the fridge overnight. No matter what I’ve tried I end up with almond milk and a glob of seeds on the bottom. Has anyone had success with almond milk?

  9. Barbara Turrill says:

    I make this just about 3 times a week – 3 tablespoons chia seeds, 3/4 C almond/coconut cream, 1 – 2 Tablespoons of monk fruit confectioners sweetener, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 Tablespoon Lily’s dark chocolate chips. Stir all of that with a spoon for at least 5 min (until the chia seeds no longer sink) and then refrigerate for at least an hour. I usually top it off with whipped cream – but that’s because I love the taste of the whipped cream and the chia pudding together. If you add whipped cream, sweeten it with more monk fruit confectioners sweetener and vanilla.

  10. Georgia says:

    This turned out perfectly, used 1/3 cup of canned coconut milk and the rest was water. Added cocoa and stevia to make it chocolately and it was delish!

    Quick question though – you mentioned you use them in smoothies, do you need to soak them first and if so what proportions and for how long? Thanks for the recipe

  11. Redhead says:

    5 stars
    I used 1 cup (fresh) coconut milk (in carton) and 2 Tbsp ground white chia seed w/ 2 Tbsp powdered monk fruit 1/2 tsp real vanilla, & 1 Tbsp. Cocoa powder. I blended it up in my blender and poured it into a mason jar.

  12. Anon says:

    For a treat if you replace a little of the coconut milk with a dash of cream and make it with coco, vanilla and a little sweetener it tastes like chocolate pudding- yum!

    • Pamela Matthews says:

      5 stars
      I noticed that 8 hours overnight is it long enough and is still runny and seeds crunchy, ane that is with 3 tbsp of chia seeds. I stir it up in the morning and then take it with me to eat at work a couple of hours later, and it has thickened up by then.

  13. Tiffany Adams says:

    5 stars
    My first time making this and I love it the taste actually reminds me of tapioca pudding I can definitely get use to this

  14. Beverly Terlisner says:

    All my chia seeds sunk to the bottom – so in the morning- they were a solid chunk- at the bottom of my jar! Was I suppose to use an (immersion) blender before refrigerating?

      • Susan Brous says:

        To keep the seeds from dropping you can warm it in the microwave for a minute, stir, warm again for 1 minute then refrigerate. I like to warm it up in the morning when I eat it.

      • Kristin says:

        I had a recipe that called for heating the pudding in a pan on the stove (moved and don’t know where it is 😢). It made several servings so I put it in 12 oz canning jars, usually made 4 servings, and eat it with fresh fruit. Glad you posted one. I also have used chia seeds in smoothies, a tablespoon or so.

    • Sharon says:

      I have prevented this lumping up by making it in the evening and in a jar with a good lid and giving it a good shake for about 30 seconds, putting it in the fridge and then setting my timer for 15 minutes and shaking again ….. no more weird lumps! Enjoy in the morning. Good luck! S

    • HG says:

      5 stars
      I always hand whisk for a bit before it gets refrigerated and it helps the seeds start to soak it up so its easier to estimate if you need more liquid. I tried blending but found it kind of ground some of the seeds and didn’t like that, though it did absorb more liquid (weird?). I hope this helps!

  15. Bev says:

    This is exactly what I am looking for! Thank you
    Has anyone tried adding collagen powder?
    Has anyone made one coffee flavor? Mocha?
    Thanks

      • Gabrielle says:

        Oh no! Always a bummer when a recipe goes awry! No worries though! There’s a quick fix! Because full fat coconut milk is so thick, you only need 2-4 tablespoons coconut milk. For the remainder liquid, use water, or…a different (less thick) nut milk (this option comes out w/a more rich flavor).

        Hope this helps!

        💕 Gabrielle

        • Csilla says:

          5 stars
          Thank you for this easy recipe Gabrielle👍🏻👏🏻I failed with chia pudding so many times and never tasted half as good as the coffee shop ones. I use almond milk and also add a spoonful of coconut yoghurt before serving.Divine!!!

      • Genese says:

        I find if you want pudding consistent, the 1c of milk is too much. 1/3 to 1/2c almond milk, 3 tbsp chia seeds, dash of cinnamon and vanilla. Tastes just like tapioca pudding to me.

  16. Liz says:

    When you suggest this combo? Peanut butter + raspberries (think PB&J!)

    Is that with a dollop of pb and raspberries on top or mixed in to the pudding mixture?

  17. Suzy says:

    5 stars
    Here is my perfect recipe: 1.5 cups of coconut-almond milk (I use the one from Califia Farms, the “toasted coconut” one) 3 level tablespoons of chia seeds, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon coconut oil (sometimes I omit if I’m all out and I’ve also tossed in a quarter of an avocado, which works great too), and 1 tablespoon of Torani sugar-free coconut syrup. I put everything into my Magic Bullet and blend the heck out of it. Then pour into two 8 ounce glass mason jars. It makes 2 almost full jars. Refrigerate over night or longer. So smooth and delicious!!!

  18. Nicole says:

    4 stars
    Using this recipe (1 cup coconut milk to 2 tablespoons chia seeds) made it way too watery for me. It was more like a cold chia soup than a pudding. I found using 1/2 cup of coconut milk to 2 tablespoons of chia seeds was perfect.

    My personal option for sweetener was one packet of Splenda. I also added two teaspoons of real vanilla extract (not the artificial kind).

    • Jitka says:

      Adverse health effects related to Splenda have been reported by people around the globe, from gastrointestinal problems, seizures, dizziness, migraines, blurred vision, weight gain,and blood sugar elevation to allergic reactions
      Splenda is not as safe as industry representatives claim it to be; the enormous lobbying power of the food and beverage industry may be largely responsible for the lack of safety studies related to Splenda and other artificial sweeteners

      • Autoimmune Mom says:

        Try Monkfruit or Stevia but you please if you value your health consider staying away from Splenda, Aspartame, and súfralose sweeteners.

      • Mon Ing says:

        High in Carbs maybe; but the net carbs are very low!
        The nutrition facts on my container states:
        2.5 Tbsp (30g) have 150 Calories
        Total Carbohydrates 13g
        Dietary fiber 10g
        That ends up being only 3 Net Carbs and is ideal for keto!

      • Emma says:

        There is no reference that I see to Splenda in this recipe. Are you possibly getting Splenda mixed up with Stevia? (which is not an artificial sweetener. It is a plant extract)

    • Helen Jack says:

      4 stars
      This works perfectly for me using 3 tbs chia seeds. Can’t believe how high the carbs are for just one serving!.. have to be careful on Keto.

      • Nick says:

        Is high in carb because of fibers. So if u deduct the fibers a amounts off the carbs amount then ur net carbs is very low. Perfect for keto really.

      • Hannah says:

        Although the carbs are high, there’s 11g of fibre as well so you minus the fibre from the carbs (12.5g – 11g) which leaves you with a net carb total of 1.5g of carbs…..so this is fine on a keto diet😊. Hope this helps and makes sense.

        • Sue says:

          Oh wow. I made the chocolate one last night. Coconut milk was canned and lumpy from being in the fridge so I whizzed everything up in the nutribullet and just had thick chocolate mousse for breakfast. Yum!

  19. Kerry Perrett says:

    I make this all the time this is my recipe. 1can coconut milk 1/3 cup chai seed 1tablespoon of honey and teaspoon cinnamon never fails place into 4small bowls we eat with lovely fresh berries,bananas prune also yogurt We try many different fruits nuts coconut love love chai breakfasts

  20. Janette says:

    5 stars
    I used 3 Tablespoons of Chia seeds, 1 cup unsweetened Milkadamia, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter powder and 1 tablespoon of cocoa and a little monk fruit powdered. It was perfect. I ended up making a triple batch for the next 3 mornings breakfast.

    • Deanna says:

      I made this with Silk heavy whipping cream (lactose intolerant), milled chia, added lemon extract and liquid Monk fruit (o carbs). I followed quantities but increased chia to 2 1/2 tbs. I agree it’s more runny than a pudding but the taste is amazing. Maybe next time I’ll whip the cream before mixing??? I wanted to eat the whole thing but today’s fat intake doesn’t allow it!

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