Chia Pudding
If you’re trying to eat well without spending a fortune, chia pudding is worth adding to your regular rotation. It works for breakfast, pudding, or a quick snack, and once you’ve bought a bag of chia seeds they last for ages if you don't want it often. It's quick and easy and provides masses of good nutrition too.
Servings: 1 servings
Calories: 270kcal
Cost: 32p
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 125 ml semi skim
- 2 tsp sugar
Topping
- 100 g apple a small to medium sized apple
Instructions
- Put the chia seeds into a bowl or jar.2 tbsp chia seeds
- Add the milk and sweetener if using, stir well.125 ml semi skim, 2 tsp sugar
- Leave for 10 minutes, then stir again (this helps stop clumps). I often stir it several times in the first hour.
- Cover and leave in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Topping
- Top with anything you fancy. Budget examples include A grated appleA spoon of frozen fruitA drizzle of jamA sprinkle of cinnamon100 g apple
Notes
Cheap and Tasty Chia Pudding Variations
Here are a few budget-friendly ideas. Any of them can be enjoyed hot too, just give it a blast in the microwave. I've tried blitzing it with a stick blender, but wasn't fond of the texture You might disagree of course!Apple & Cinnamon
Add grated apple and a pinch of cinnamon. Tastes like apple crumble, costs very little.Banana Chia Pudding
Mash half a ripe banana into the milk before soaking. Naturally sweet and great for using up overripe bananas - makes a change from banana bread!Chocolate Chia Pudding (Without the Price Tag)
Stir in a teaspoon of cocoa powder and a little sugar. Much cheaper than chocolate protein puddings. Or chop some cheap, own brand chocolate into small pieces and stir through.Yogurt Style
Use half milk and half plain yogurt for a creamier texture – ideal if you’ve got yogurt that needs using up.Is Chia Pudding Worth It?
If you’re expecting a luxurious dessert, probably not.If you want something that is:
- Cheap
- Nutritious
- Easy to prepare
- Make-ahead friendly
Can Chia Seed Pudding Be Frozen?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze chia pudding for meal prep, and it freezes well for several weeks to months, but it's best to add fresh toppings like nuts and seeds after thawing, as they can get soggy. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, stir well before serving, and consider freezing in individual portions for convenience, using suitable fruits like berries or mango if adding fruit beforehand.
Tips for Freezing Chia Pudding:
- Containers: Use freezer-safe containers, like mason jars, filling them up to leave less air for freshness.
- Ingredients: Stick to the base chia pudding (seeds, milk, sweetener, vanilla); add toppings like nuts, seeds, or fresh fruit after thawing
- Fruits: If adding fruit before freezing, use frozen fruit or purees that hold up well to freezing and thawing (berries, mango, cherries).
- Thawing: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- Serving: Stir well after thawing, as the texture might change slightly, and add fresh toppings just before eating.
Other ways to use chia seeds
- I often add a spoonful into a smoothie I'm making in a blender.
- Or they are nice and crunchy sprinkled over salads
- Mix with dates, oats, and cocoa for no-bake snacks.
- Add to muffin batter, pancakes, bread, or cookies.
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Use chia seeds as an effective egg replacer in baking
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create a "chia egg" by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground chia seeds with 2.5 to 3 tablespoons of water and letting it gel for about 15 minutes. This works best for binding in dense baked goods like brownies, cookies, and muffins. While great for adding texture and moisture, chia eggs don't provide the leavening of real eggs, so best not to use for light, fluffy cakes
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Nutrition
Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 384mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 194IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 310mg | Iron: 2mg
