Rich, creamy, spiced chai chia pudding is a protein-packed, make-ahead breakfast. It only takes about five minutes to throw together!
Chai spices are a delightful addition to your next chia pudding! I love the cozy, spicy flavors in a good mug of spiced chai, and here it's converted into dessert-for-breakfast form.
Chai originated in India and has a rich, fascinating history. If you want to read more about chai’s roots in tradition and colonization, How Stuff Works has a great article on it. And if you’re looking to brew an authentic chai latte, Vegan Richa has you covered!
The cool part about this chai chia pudding is that it contains no refined sugar. It's date-sweetened, so it's decadent enough to serve as a dessert but healthy enough to eat for breakfast.
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Ingredients and substitutions
- soy milk - Feel free to use your favorite plant-based milk! Oat, almond, cashew, etc. As long as it's creamy and you like it, go for it.
- ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper - This is your chai spice blend. We are using ground versions of all of these spices, and I do not recommend eliminating or substituting them.
- dates - Dates bring natural sweetness to this chai chia pudding recipe. If you don't want to use dates, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead. Start with one to two tablespoons, then taste the blended mixture and adjust the sweetness to taste.
- chia seeds - Essential for chia pudding! These bring protein, fiber, and -- most importantly -- an amazing texture to the pudding.
How to make chai chia pudding
This recipe couldn't be easier to make! Just throw the soy milk, chai spices, and dates into your blender. Blend until smooth, then stir in the chia seeds.
Chia pudding needs time to set up. It takes at least six to eight hours, so I like to make this in the evening. That way, I've got chia pudding waiting for me in the fridge at breakfast time!
Helpful tips
- Make your chai chia pudding a day ahead, so it can set up overnight in the fridge.
- During the first hour of setting, stir or shake the pudding a once or twice times, if you can. This helps keep the chia seeds from sinking to the bottom.
Serving and storage directions
You can eat your chai chia pudding on its own or top it with your favorite non-dairy yogurt. I like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon, too!
Leftover pudding will keep for four to five days in the refrigerator. I do not recommend freezing this recipe.
Frequently asked questions
You sure can! Double, triple, quadruple...as long as you have a big enough blender and big enough container, you can multiply to your heart's content. If you do multiply the recipe, be sure to stir a few times in the first hour or two while it sets up, so the chia seeds stay evenly distributed.
Yes! Just use a different plant-based milk instead of soy milk, and you're good to go.
It sure is!
They aren't. Chai is actually another word for tea, and spiced chai is tea spiked with warming spices like ginger, cardamom, and black pepper.
Chia is a seed that's packed with fiber and protein. What makes chia really unique is that when you soak it in liquid, it plumps up. Think of it as a much smaller tapioca that way.
Chia seeds have a pretty mild flavor that's slightly nutty. They're great for making chia pudding but also a wonderful yogurt or oatmeal topping or addition to bread or muffins.
Chia does soak up a lot of liquid as it sits, so if you're using it in baking, be sure to follow a recipe!
Chai-spiced chia pudding
Ingredients
- 2 cup soy milk - (or your favorite vegan milk)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 dates - Or more, to taste. Blend, taste, and see if it's sweet enough for your tastes.
- ¼ cup chia seeds - Use an extra tablespoon for a thicker pudding.
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients, excecpt for the chia seeds, in your blender, and blend until smooth.
- Transfer to your storage container, and stir in the chia seeds. Transfer to the refrigerator for 8 hours, up to overnight. If you can remember to stir a couple of times during that first hour, you won't regret it!
- Serve on its own or topped with a dollop of your favorite non-dairy yogurt!
Sarah De la Cruz
You know I love chia pudding! This is an awesome flavor combo!!!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Sarah!
Nicole Dawson
I just love chia chia pudding but haven't made my own spices yet. I'll have to hold on to this one.
Becky Striepe
Enjoy it, Nicole!
The Vegan 8
Haha, I'm literally sitting here right now eating my Chai waffles as I'm reading this, that is too funny! Chai is one of my absolute obsessions and this pudding looks divine!
Becky Striepe
Oh man. I need to try those chai waffles! Chai everything, please!
Sarah De la Cruz
I love chia pudding! This is an awesome flavor combo!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Sarah!
Alisa Fleming
OMG, I love that this is date-sweetened! So breakfast worthy and perfect for topping with nuts or granola for a little crunch.
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Alisa! I love when I can avoid refined sugar without giving up any deliciousness!
Linda from Veganosity
This sounds like the perfect breakfast to wake up to. Love the video!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Linda!
Sarah
I love this flavor combination! I can't wait to try this.
Becky Striepe
Enjoy it, Sarah!
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
I love chai tea! I'm not a big chia fan, but my kids love it so I need to get on that again. So good for them and this sounds delicious!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Sophia! Yeah, chia pudding is definitely not everyone's jam. Darrol refuses to eat it, no matter how I prepare it!
Jenn
This sounds heavenly! I love chai spices! Great idea to add it to an easy chia pudding. I would eat this all day long!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Jenn!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
You know I love chia pudding! I can't wait to try your chai version. I love the flavors!
Becky Striepe
Yay! Enjoy, Amy!
Trinity Bourne
Oh my goodness - totally awesome. I love everything about this.
I am a chai and a chia fan - you got this covered :)
x
Becky Striepe
Hooray! Enjoy, Trinity!
Cadry
What a great way to add some variety to chia pudding. I'm always so surprised by how filling it is!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Cadry! Yeah, me too!
Ginny McMeans
This may be my new favorite pudding! The spices sound wonderful!
Becky Striepe
Thank you, Ginny!
Dianne
I love chai, but I don't have it enough! I love the idea of making it into a chia pudding!
Becky Striepe
Enjoy it, Dianne!
Kristina
I am LOVING chia pudding again right now - and love chai too - cannot wait to try this one!
Becky Striepe
Same here! Having a little chia renaissance in my kitchen!