Coconut Chia Pudding with Blood Orange

Chia seed pudding—the easiest breakfast, snack, or dessert. This 5-ingredient coconut chia seed pudding with blood orange is a family-favorite. It’s a wintertime fridge staple. Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and flavorful orange zest, you’ll want this in your weekly meal prep rotation. Best of all, it’s customizable and easy to make. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free. You can use any milk you have on hand, add in slivered almonds, crushed walnuts, raw pumpkin, or swap the blood orange for another type of tangy citrus (grapefruit, sumo tangerines, etc.). Make this ahead of time for a grab-and-go breakfast during the week.

Health benefits of chia seeds

Chia seeds pack a variety of nutrition in a tiny package. Here are some of the benefits:

• Chia seeds are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals in the body.
• Two tablespoons of chia seeds have 4.7 grams of protein.
• Chia seeds are gluten-free and vegan. This makes them a popular protein source for people with celiac disease (or whole grain sensitivities).

Why is chia seed pudding healthy?

Chia seed pudding is a delicious and easy way to sneak healthy fats into your diet. Chia seeds are filled with omega-3 fatty acids—fats that promote heart, joint health, and can aid in brain function. Two tablespoons of chia seeds have almost 10 grams of fiber! This is almost half of the daily recommended fiber intake. Diets high in fiber have been linked to stable blood sugar, lower cholesterol levels, normal bowel movements, a healthful body weight, and much more. Dietary fiber is essential for our overall wellbeing.

What does Chia seeding pudding taste like?

If you’re new to chia pudding, it’s creamy with the slightest hint of seedy texture (similar to tapioca pudding). On its own, chia seeds are flavorless. A blank canvas, they soak up whatever liquid they’re mixed with. In the case of this coconut chia seed pudding with blood orange, it tastes slightly sweet—thanks to the coconut milk and maple syrup—and slightly tangy, thanks to the orange zest. 

How to store chia seeds

First and foremost, these are the best chia seeds (to buy in bulk). I would recommend storing them in your fridge or freezer to extend their shelf life. After all, both seeds and nuts can oxidize and become rancid. Beyond chia seed pudding, you can toss chia seeds into cereal, smoothies, and yogurt bowls. You can also use them to make a vegan egg replacement!

Coconut cHIA seed PUDDING INGREDIENTS

Chia seeds: Chia seeds contain fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, plenty of high-quality protein, and several essential minerals and antioxidants. They may improve digestive health and lower risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.

Coconut milk: Another source of nourishing fats, coconut is naturally sweet and rich in fiber.

Maple syrup: Maple syrup is an unrefined sweetener with maple undertones. It pairs beautifully with the citrus. Maple syrup contains minerals, antioxidants, and is a source of carbohydrates.

Blood orange: Blood oranges are rich in vitamin C and fiber. Beautiful in color, they have double the amount of vitamin A and antioxidants than naval oranges.

Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract provides subtle flavor—a wonderful addition to the coconut milk and blood orange juice.

To make and store this chia pudding, you can throw all of the ingredients into a mason jar! It couldn’t be easier.

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