This Chia Bowl recipe that will kickstart your day with a burst of energy and essential nutrients. Packed with chia seeds, fresh fruits, nut butter and seeds, this delightful bowl is sure to become a new breakfast favorite. It's also great for meal prep or as a nutritious yet delicious afternoon snack.
Chia seed pudding is one of my favorite snacks because it's super easy, quick to make and you can make a ton of different flavor combinations! Not to mention that it's a fantastic nutritious powerhouse that's packed with plant-based protein, 9 grams of fiber per serving and it's a great source of omega-3.
Try this Blue Chia Pudding that uses full fat coconut milk and blue spirulina powder or this layered creamy Strawberry Chia Pudding for more fun chia pudding ideas.
Chia pudding bowl takes plain chia pudding to a whole new level! I start with my basic Oat Milk Chia Pudding recipe (you can swap oat milk for any other type of milk), transfer it to a bowl and top it wih an array of fun additions: fresh and juicy fruit, creamy nut butter and crunchy hemp seeds.
Seeing the colorful bowl in the morning brings me joy and it's a great healthy breakfast option when you're bored with the usual: oatmeal, eggs, cereal and smoothies!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Nutrient Powerhouse: Chia seeds are full of nutrients: fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants
- Customizable: The recipe allows for endless customization. You can switch up the fruits, nut butter, and toppings to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs
- Great for meal prep: Prepare the chia pudding the night before and store it in the refrigerator for a ready-to-eat breakfast in the morning
- Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is entirely plant-based and suitable for vegans
- Satisfying and Filling: Chia seeds expand when soaked, creating a thick and creamy pudding that will keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning
- Great as a healthy dessert: WAY healthier and lower in sugar than ice-cream or cake but still sweet and satisfying
Looking for more cold nutritious breakfast bowls? Try these Oreo Overnight Oats, Biscoff Overnight Oats, Snickers Smoothie Bowl, Nutella Smoothie Bowl, Oatmeal Smoothie Bowl or Coconut Vanilla Smoothie Bowl. They are all delicious and made with whole ingredients!
Ingredient notes
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Chia Seeds: both black and white chia seeds will work. Black chia seeds are available in most grocery stores but if you want white chia seeds, you can get them in Amazon
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Plant milk: I usually go with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk
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Maple Syrup: used to sweeten the bowl
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Fresh fruit: I used fresh blueberries, strawberries and mango
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Nut Butter: any nut butter will work well - I used Teddie's smooth peanut butter
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Hemp Seeds: these tiny powerhouses of nutrition are a fantastic source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and add a satisfying crunch to each bite
Substitutions
- Plant Milk: the recipe calls for plant milk, but you can easily swap it with your preferred variety. Almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work wonderfully in this chia bowl
- Sweeteners: while pure maple syrup adds a delightful natural sweetness, feel free to swap it for agave syrup, honey (if not strictly vegan), or a few drops of liquid stevia
- Fruits: the beauty of this chia bowl recipe lies in its versatility when it comes to fruits. If you don't have blueberries, strawberries, or mango on hand, don't worry! Feel free to substitute with other seasonal fruits such as fresh berries (raspberries, blackberries, cherries), sliced peaches, or bananas.
- Nut Butter: while peanut butter is a classic choice, you can swap it for other nut or seed butters according to your preferences or allergies. Almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or even tahini (made from sesame seeds) can be delicious alternatives
- Hemp Seeds: if you don't have hemp seeds available, you can substitute them with other seeds or nuts like flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, pecans, walnuts or sliced almonds.
- Chia Pudding Flavors: add some cocoa powder to your chia pudding to create chocolate chia pudding! I love topping it with fresh raspberries. You can also flavor your chia pudding with vanilla or cinnamon.
- Tropical chia bowl: for a fun flavor combination, make your chia pudding using coconut milk and top it with fresh pineapple, mango, coconut flakes and white chocolate chips.
Feel free to mix and match ingredients and toppings based on your personal preferences and dietary needs. The goal is to create a breakfast chia bowl that brings you joy and nourishment!
You may also like this Blended Cottage Cheese breakfast bowl for another healthy and nutritious bowl idea.
How to make Chia Breakfast Bowl
- In a mixing bowl or a mason jar combine the chia seeds, plant milk, and maple syrup (Images 1 & 2). Stir well to ensure the chia seeds are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and develops a gel-like consistency.
- Once the chia seed mixture has thickened, give it one final stir to break up any clumps (Images 3 & 4).
- Pour the chia seed mixture into a serving bowl or individual jars (Image 5).
Note: if you don't mind crunchy chia seeds, you can serve the pudding right away. Personally, I like me chia pudding thick, creamy and soft, so I place it in the fridge for about 2 hours or overnight before serving.
- Add toppings. Arrange chopped strawberries, diced mango and blueberries around the bowl. Drizzle the peanut butter over the top, creating a beautiful swirl of nutty goodness. Finish off your breakfast chia bowl by sprinkling the hemp seeds over the top (Image 6).
- Enjoy! Take a moment to admire the vibrant colors and textures in your bowl before diving in with a spoon. Mix everything together, ensuring every spoonful is a balanced combination of creamy chia pudding, sweet fruits, and delightful nuttiness.
Serving suggestions
- Layered Delight: Create an eye-catching presentation by layering your ingredients in a clear glass or jar. Start with a base layer of chia pudding, followed by a vibrant layer of fruit, and repeat until the glass is filled. Top it off with a dollop of peanut butter, a sprinkle of hemp seeds, and a few additional berries for an Instagram-worthy masterpiece. You can also layer chia pudding with Greek yogurt for additional creaminess and extra protein.
- Toppings Galore: Enhance the texture and flavor of your chia bowl by adding an array of additional toppings. Consider adding a handful of granola, a sprinkle of unsweetened coconut flakes, or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an extra indulgent touch. Mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs will also work great.
- On-the-Go Convenience: If you're short on time or prefer a portable breakfast option, consider preparing your chia bowl in a mason jar or an airtight glass container with a lid. Simply layer the ingredients as mentioned above, seal the jar or container tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, grab your jar and head out the door with a wholesome and satisfying breakfast that's ready to enjoy!
Storage & freezing tips
Store it in the fridge. Once prepared, your breakfast chia bowl can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Make sure to cover the container tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from seeping in. The chia seeds will continue to absorb the liquid, resulting in a thicker consistency over time. If you prefer a thinner texture, simply stir in some additional plant milk before serving.
Separate the toppings. If you're concerned about the toppings becoming soggy, consider storing them separately. Keep the chia seed mixture in one container and pack the toppings, such as berries, diced fruits, peanut butter, and hemp seeds, in separate smaller containers or resealable bags. This way, you can add the toppings just before enjoying your chia bowl, ensuring they stay fresh and crunchy.
Freeze it! If you'd like to prepare larger batches in advance, you can freeze your chia bowls for longer-term storage. Portion out the chia seed mixture and toppings into individual airtight freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or leave it at room temperature for a few hours. Give it a good stir before serving to distribute the flavors evenly.
Recipe FAQs
The recipe calls for non-dairy milk, but you can choose any variety that suits your taste and dietary preferences. Whether it's almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or soy milk, feel free to use your preferred milk alternative to create a creamy and delicious chia pudding.
Yes! If you don't like the texture of chia pudding, let it soak in the fridge until thick and then blend it in a standup blender and enjoy the smooth texture.
Yes! This breakfast chia bowl recipe is entirely plant-based and suitable for vegans. It uses plant milk, maple syrup as a sweetener, and a variety of fruits and toppings that are vegan-friendly. However, always double-check the labels of the ingredients you use to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.
Yes, chia seeds are considered low in carbohydrates. They are rich in dietary fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making them a popular choice for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets. The majority of the carbohydrates in chia seeds come from fiber, which is not fully digested by the body and does not significantly impact blood sugar levels. Looking for low-carb recipes? Try some of these paleo and Whole30 recipes!
If you don't like or have chia seeds, swap chia seed pudding with flax! Seriously, Flaxseed Pudding is made with ground flax and it is equally delicious and nutritious! It has a slightly nutty flavor and I love adding some salt to it for a perfect balance of salty and sweet.
More healthy breakfast recipes
Recipe
Chia Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds black or white
- ½ cup plant milk unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- ¼ cup strawberries diced
- ¼ cup mango diced
- ¼ cup blueberries
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 teaspoon hemp hearts optional
Instructions
- Pour plant milk into a glass container or mason jar.
- Add chia seeds and maple syrup (or sweetened of choice).
- Mix well with a spoon and set aside for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Give the pudding another stir, breaking down any visible clumps of seeds.
- Close the lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes though recommend keeping it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight for thick and creamy chia pudding.
- Transfer chia pudding to a bowl and add diced strawberries, diced mango amd fresh blueberries.
- Add a dollop of peanut butter and sprinkle with hemp hearts.
- Serve right away or cover tightly with plastic wrap and enjoy within 24 hours.
Notes
Nutrition
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Meet the Author
Hi, I'm Agnieszka. I'm a mom of three and recipe developer, writer and photographer behind Wholly Tasteful. I love creating comforting, delicious, family-friendly recipes that you can feel good about.
Elizabeth says
Chia pudding is such a great breakfast. I love the addition of maple syrup - makes it so much tastier!
Nora says
Tried it right away! So delicious! A perfect start into the day! Thanks!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
I love the maple syrup in this. A delicious bowl of breakfast!
Natalie Perry says
My new favorite breakfast ! I use coconut milk for this and it worked perfectly
swathi says
This chia bowl looks delicious, I like this kind of healthy and easy breakfasft bowl.