Tropical Chia Pudding is a perfect breakfast for a winter day. A taste of the tropics is a magical cure for the winter blues. If you can't go there, at least you can have it for breakfast.
What is Chia Pudding?
Chia pudding is simply the result of soaking chia seeds in liquid. When chia seeds get wet, they expand and become gel-like in texture. Because this causes the liquid to thicken, it's like a perfect instant pudding. This particular tropical chia pudding is delicious, but, you can add anything you like to customize your chia pudding. I previously posted this Chocolate Chia Pudding, and I'm listing a few other great combos below:
- Apple Cinnamon
- Peanut Butter & Jelly
- Mixed Berries
- Maple Walnut
- Blueberry Lemon
- Strawberry Almond
- Mocha
- Pumpkin Spice
- Gingerbread Spice
- Orange Grapefruit
- Matcha Honey
Your imagination is the only limit when it comes to chia pudding flavours.
Are Chia Seeds Healthy?
The answer is yes, chia seeds are insanely healthy. Although these seeds are tiny, they are loaded with nutrition. Chia seeds are high in fiber and protein, as well as antioxidants. In addition, they are an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. Finally, they are high in many nutrients, in particular, calcium, but also phosphorus and potassium, among others.
You can find more detailed information on the nutritional benefits of chia seeds here: What are Chia Seeds?
Black or White Chia, What's the Difference?
It doesn't matter whether you use black chia or white chia. There is no real nutritional difference between the two, and they can be used interchangeably. It really comes down to aesthetics However, be sure to steer clear of brown chia. Brown chia is not a mature seed, and it does not match the nutritional benefits of the mature black and white seeds.
How Long Will Chia Pudding Keep?
These individual chia puddings will keep in the fridge for 4-5 days, which is one of the reasons that I love this recipe. It makes five servings, so there's one for each weekday. (For just me 🙂 These delicious & healthy breakfast jars are also perfect for meal prepping. You can also freeze them for up to several weeks. Just take one out of the freezer and place it in the fridge overnight, and it should be thawed in the morning.
What Kind of Milk Should You Use to Make Chia Pudding?
You can use any kind of milk to make these tropical chia puddings, but I used coconut milk because of the tropical theme. I also used some oat milk (my new favourite) to keep the pudding from being too thick. Here are some examples of other kinds of milk that you can use:
- Soy milk
- Rice milk
- Cashew milk
- Almond milk
- Hemp milk
- Dairy milk
Milk gives your chia pudding a creamy texture. However, you don't even have to use milk. You can also use coconut water, juice, tea, or even plain water.
When to Add Your Toppings and Add-Ins
Some additions can be combined in the chia puddings at the beginning. Others should be added right before eating or serving. I used frozen fruit in this recipe, so I added it at the beginning. You can do the same with fresh fruit, with a few exceptions. Apples and Pears can end up soggy and brown, so they are best saved for serving time. Nuts and seeds, or anything else that you want to retain some crunch, are also best added at serving time.
Chia Pudding Isn't Just for Breakfast
These little jars are a perfect snack for any time of day. They can even go into the lunch box. Kids love these, and you even can make smaller, snack-sized portions in plastic containers for them.
Tropical Chia Pudding
Equipment
- half pint mason jars & lids
Ingredients
- 14 oz coconut milk one can
- ½ cup oat milk
- 3 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chia seeds
- 1 cup cubed mango fresh or frozen
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or frozen
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, put all ingredients except the mango and pineapple
- Process until the coconut cream is smoothly blended in.
- Divide evenly into five half-pint mason jars (each jar will be about half full)
- Top each jar with mango & pineapple
- Put lids on the jars and store in the fridge overnight or at least 4 hours
Notes
Nutrition
Sabrina
I love it! Tropical flavours and vegan makes this perfect for my whole family. I served it for dessert instead of breakfast and it’s a hit, thanks!
Colleen
Hi Sabrina. So glad you loved it, and these are perfect for dessert, too.
Terri
What a beautiful sunshiny breakfast for a chilly, dreary winter morning. I LOVE chia seeds, so this is definitely for me. And I didn't realize to stay away from brown ones- thanks for that!
Colleen
Thanks so much, Terri! Enjoy.
Katherine | Love In My Oven
I love chia pudding!! It's such a nice treat, and this tropical version gives me all the warm and sunny vibes. Much needed with this cold weather we're having in Calgary! Pinned!
Colleen
Thanks, Katherine. Warm and sunny vibes are much needed here, too! 🥶😀
Kelly Neil
Am I the only person on the planet that hasn't tried chia pudding? I like the idea of the nutritional value, but as a person who gets turned off of textures, I'm not sure how I feel about the gelatinous consistency. I do however, love the look of that sunshiny mango and pineapple on top and it may have convinced me to give it a go!
Colleen
Hey, Kelly, I hope that you give this a try. The texture might surprise you. I think it's more creamy instead of gelatinous. Cheers!
Shelley Williams
Do you ever incorporate the fruit into the pudding? I’ve been making chia seed pudding for my 6 month old grandson and he loves it. I would have to somewhat purée the mango & pineapple into the pudding.
Colleen
Hi Shelley, I haven't tried to puree the fruit but now I want to! I don't see why it wouldn't work. Please let me know if you try it because my one year old grandson would also love it!
Allison
What a beautiful way to cure the winter blues by bringing the flavours of the tropics into your own kitchen! I am excited to make this for a snack this week.
Colleen
Hi Allison! Yes, we all need a little bit of tropical at this time of year, don't we? I know you love this, enjoy!
Cathy
What a delicious, wholesome treat! I have just put mango on my shopping list and look forward to making these! I already have everything else I need.
Colleen
Hi Cathy, it really is delicious, and healthy. Enjoy!
Vanessa
Fantastic recipe for meal prep! Love the tropical flavours
Colleen
Thanks Vanessa!
Elaine
I love making a batch of this on a Sunday evening, all ready for the week! Thanks for all the extra add-in ideas!
Colleen
I love doing this on Sunday, too, Elaine. It's so simple, tasty, and healthy.
Dannii
I love chia pudding and one this cold and wet day I am loving the tropical vibe.
Colleen
Hi Dannii, the tropical flavours do help chase away the winter, if even for a moment. Enjoy!
Jack
I love how simple this pudding is to make! I love even more how healthy it is! I can't wait to make this for my friends 🙂
Colleen
Hi Jack. I'm so glad you loved it, and I know that your friends will, too. You can't go wrong when something so simple and healthy is also delicious.😋
Anjali
This recipe turned out to be absolutely delicious!! Super filling, creamy and perfectly sweet. I love all of your ideas for changing up the toppings too -- I'll definitely have to try one of those next time!
Colleen
Hi Anjali, so glad this recipe was a hit for you. They are surprisingly filling, aren't they? Enjoy.
Tonje
Such a nice recipe. Chia pudding has become a standard snack for me to bring to work, and this tropical version was a refreshing change.
Colleen
I love bringing them to work, too, Tonje. So glad you liked this tropical version!