I mean there aren't many things I prefer to chocolate. Lavender body wash maybe? Northstar's village salad? Cotton scented candles? No dessert contenders there.
As much as I love a juicy hunk of dark chocolate after dinner, I love me some banana-flavored breakfasts and snacks. This kind of banana flavoring comes from a legit banana, not those icky fake flavorings that have taken over the processed food world. Have you ever seen the label of instant banana cream pudding? Sugar, modified food starch, artificial flavor, disodium phosphate, preservatives, yellow #5, more fake colors and a bunch of other crap I can't pronounce. Um, ew. Maybe that's why I never liked banana pudding. IT'S NANNERLESS.
Since real nanners are naturally sweet, I don't have to jack up this chia gunk with a bunch of added sugar. Instant pudding has 18 grams of sugar per serving--that's over four teaspoons! I did add a couple dates for sweetness to this version because you know how much I adore those little guys.
I'm sure you know by now if you're into the texture of chia pudding or not. It's not for the faint hearted. It's gelly and mushy and weird and fantastic. Since each tablespoon of chia packs a whopped five grams of filling plant-based fiber, these parfaits have well over ten grams of fiber each! That's like two big apples. Kind of a big deal!
I always get asked about healthy snacks and I often tell people to think of them more like mini meals rather than "snacks" because that word shifts people's minds to crackers, pretzels, chips and other refined, high-carb, nutritionally void foods. Chia pudding may be perfect for breakfast, but you could also cut back on the portion and call it a snack. Veggie chili for dinner? Snack on half a cup the next afternoon with some sliced peppers and hummus. Beet and green bean salad for lunch? Nosh on a bowl mid-morning and call it a sexy snack!
Chia seeds are one of the easiest ways to add fiber to your diet because they don't even taste like anything. Fiber pushes all the yuckies out, combats cholesterol and helps solve your bathroom woes. Yeah, I said it. You want it in your life. Often. I like to keep a batch of chia pudding (remember my chocolate covered strawberry version?) in the fridge for those days when I'm running around like a madwoman and need a quick snack that's uber nutritious. Ya know those days where you sleep through breakfast and want eggs and toast for lunch? Maybe you skipped your fiberlicious morning smoothie? Enter the chia pudding life saver. You've got your fruit, your healthy fats, fiber and plant-powered protein. You could even blend in a handful of baby spinach. WOAH THERE, SISTER.
Go crazy!
[tasty-recipe id="22629"]
]]>
About Alexis Joseph
Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!
Steph says
Im definitely going to try this recipe out. I love chia seeds/pudds and I really need some inspo to change the recipes up a bit! 🙂
Steph says
Im definitely going to try this recipe out. I love chia seeds/pudds and I really need some inspo to change the recipes up a bit! 🙂
Nancy says
Since eating clean and cutting processed sugars I have missed pudding. Oh my..I made this and it was AMAZING! I have tried making Chia pudding before and it was runny. I think the coconut and dates must help to thicken it. This is a keeper! And it was so easy to make!
★★★★★
Alexis says
I'm so thrilled that you liked it so much, Nancy!! Thanks for reporting back 🙂
Nancy says
Since eating clean and cutting processed sugars I have missed pudding. Oh my..I made this and it was AMAZING! I have tried making Chia pudding before and it was runny. I think the coconut and dates must help to thicken it. This is a keeper! And it was so easy to make!
★★★★★
Alexis says
I'm so thrilled that you liked it so much, Nancy!! Thanks for reporting back 🙂
Katie says
This is my new favorite breakfast! I prepared it last night and it's amazing today. Super easy and filling!
Thank you Alexis!
★★★★★
Alexis says
Wahoo!!! I'm SO glad to hear that, Katie!
Katie says
This is my new favorite breakfast! I prepared it last night and it's amazing today. Super easy and filling!
Thank you Alexis!
★★★★★
Alexis says
Wahoo!!! I'm SO glad to hear that, Katie!
Casey says
So my fiance cringes when I bring up the topic of my love of Chia seeds- where as I could eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner! I love them!
I thought this recipe might just convert him into a chia pudding lover- and I am so pleased to tell you IT DID, he ate my version of your recipe this morning and loved it (he isn't majorly into sweets, so used one less date to take a bit of the sugar out of it).
Mission, accomplished!
Chia pudding for dinner, anyone?!
xx
★★★★★
Alexis says
Chia pudding for dinner heck yesssss! I'm thrilled that you got the official hubby seal of approval 🙂
Casey says
So my fiance cringes when I bring up the topic of my love of Chia seeds- where as I could eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner! I love them!
I thought this recipe might just convert him into a chia pudding lover- and I am so pleased to tell you IT DID, he ate my version of your recipe this morning and loved it (he isn't majorly into sweets, so used one less date to take a bit of the sugar out of it).
Mission, accomplished!
Chia pudding for dinner, anyone?!
xx
★★★★★
Alexis says
Chia pudding for dinner heck yesssss! I'm thrilled that you got the official hubby seal of approval 🙂
Lia says
hi alexis!!!!!!!! are you exited to work at alchemy!!!!!! I <3 u!!!
Lia says
hi alexis!!!!!!!! are you exited to work at alchemy!!!!!! I <3 u!!!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
I LOVE chia pudding! MUST try!
Alexis says
Agreed!!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
I LOVE chia pudding! MUST try!
Alexis says
Agreed!!
Taylor @ Taylor Made It Paleo says
I need this sexy little snack.
Alexis says
Oh yes you do, honey bunz.
Taylor @ Taylor Made It Paleo says
I need this sexy little snack.
Alexis says
Oh yes you do, honey bunz.
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
I hate chia seed puddings but I think you're okay.
I'd tap...that.
Alexis says
Have you ever tried blending them up so the texture isn't so weird? That could turn you on...to chia pudding.
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
I hate chia seed puddings but I think you're okay.
I'd tap...that.
Alexis says
Have you ever tried blending them up so the texture isn't so weird? That could turn you on...to chia pudding.
Carrie says
I'D DIE FOR THAT. Just may have to replace my snicker-doodle smoothie obsession....
Alexis says
Tehehehe #lolz we need to make it when we're home! That and a huge ass pot of coconut curry mussels.
Carrie says
I'D DIE FOR THAT. Just may have to replace my snicker-doodle smoothie obsession....
Alexis says
Tehehehe #lolz we need to make it when we're home! That and a huge ass pot of coconut curry mussels.
Nikki says
I can't get over hummusapien's makeover... too perfect... just like that nanner pudding
Nikki says
I can't get over hummusapien's makeover... too perfect... just like that nanner pudding
Michele Mack, LMT says
My nutritionist, Denise at OSU, gave me your website at my session (I believe you know her...). She was touting how wonderful your site is and how great your ideas are and she did not lie! Love the Chia pudding! My toddler daughter is in a heavy banana phase, so we have nanners a plenty in our household. I will be making this tomorrow. Keep up the great work, and I can't wait for the new center to open! 🙂
Michele Mack, LMT says
My nutritionist, Denise at OSU, gave me your website at my session (I believe you know her...). She was touting how wonderful your site is and how great your ideas are and she did not lie! Love the Chia pudding! My toddler daughter is in a heavy banana phase, so we have nanners a plenty in our household. I will be making this tomorrow. Keep up the great work, and I can't wait for the new center to open! 🙂
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
I'm tempted to say that something looks a little different around here, and I hope this change didn't happen forever ago without me noticing it. Either way... looks great, lady!
And I'm obsessed with all things banana... unless we're talking extremely green bananas. There's no way you can get me to eat one of those. Blech.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
I'm tempted to say that something looks a little different around here, and I hope this change didn't happen forever ago without me noticing it. Either way... looks great, lady!
And I'm obsessed with all things banana... unless we're talking extremely green bananas. There's no way you can get me to eat one of those. Blech.
Lindsay says
BEAUTY. And I appreciate recipes like this for the culinarily-challenged. 🙂
Alexis says
Hope you love it, Lindsay! We all need a nice and easy recipe here and there!
Lindsay says
BEAUTY. And I appreciate recipes like this for the culinarily-challenged. 🙂
Alexis says
Hope you love it, Lindsay! We all need a nice and easy recipe here and there!
Sarah says
This looks fantastic! Also, Northstar village salad ❤️
Alexis says
My FAVE. Obsessed.
Sarah says
This looks fantastic! Also, Northstar village salad ❤️
Alexis says
My FAVE. Obsessed.
Megan Ware says
Yep yep, I'll be making these as soon as my nanners go brown.
★★★★★
Alexis says
Wahoo!! Love me some brown nanners.
Megan Ware says
Yep yep, I'll be making these as soon as my nanners go brown.
★★★★★
Alexis says
Wahoo!! Love me some brown nanners.
She Rocks Fitness says
I love nanners! I have my moments with them, where I'll purchase some at Costco, then take a couple week break and then be reunited...They're the bomb and make any snack of breakfast DELISH! 🙂
Alexis says
A couple weeks break?! That sounds like a couple weeks to long!! 😉
She Rocks Fitness says
I love nanners! I have my moments with them, where I'll purchase some at Costco, then take a couple week break and then be reunited...They're the bomb and make any snack of breakfast DELISH! 🙂
Alexis says
A couple weeks break?! That sounds like a couple weeks to long!! 😉
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says
pushes all the yuckies out. Screw men. You can marry me just for saying that.
Alexis says
THANKS GURL. Curt can come on all our dates if he brings cute friends.
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says
pushes all the yuckies out. Screw men. You can marry me just for saying that.
Alexis says
THANKS GURL. Curt can come on all our dates if he brings cute friends.
Shannon says
I've been wanting to try making a chia pudding for so long, but I'm nervous about the texture. It sounds so healthy and delicious (and your pictures are soooo yummy looking). I gotta get over the texture issue haha!
Alexis says
It takes some getting used to, but I actually love it!! You could even try blending it all up for a smoother texture if you wanted.
Shannon says
I've been wanting to try making a chia pudding for so long, but I'm nervous about the texture. It sounds so healthy and delicious (and your pictures are soooo yummy looking). I gotta get over the texture issue haha!
Alexis says
It takes some getting used to, but I actually love it!! You could even try blending it all up for a smoother texture if you wanted.
Cassie says
I loveee chia pudding! It's such a good snack, totally agree... once I stopped looking at it as dessert... which it is also good at being 🙂
Alexis says
Totes a snack, not a dessert. Then you eat more of it 🙂
Cassie says
I loveee chia pudding! It's such a good snack, totally agree... once I stopped looking at it as dessert... which it is also good at being 🙂
Alexis says
Totes a snack, not a dessert. Then you eat more of it 🙂
Khushboo Thadani says
Somebody's been practicing with her new camera- great shots! I just ate a slice of banana bread and actually thought to myself how can anyone NOT love bananas....fahhh-reaks!
Alexis says
Thanks girl! I'm hoping practice will make perfect 🙂
Khushboo Thadani says
Somebody's been practicing with her new camera- great shots! I just ate a slice of banana bread and actually thought to myself how can anyone NOT love bananas....fahhh-reaks!
Alexis says
Thanks girl! I'm hoping practice will make perfect 🙂
Ann says
Woah girl what's up with that men hate lately??
Ann says
Woah girl what's up with that men hate lately??
April says
Ummmm these sound and look AMAZE. Love this flavor combo, toooooo. I must say, though --Your pics, girlllll! I want to eat it through the screen. Rocking the new photog skills! You fancy, huh?! Awesome job. Def making this ASAP. Always love new ideas for brekkie and snacks! I want one right meow. And big ups to chia seeds in all of their weird and fabulous glory. #everybodypoops
Alexis says
I'm tryin!! So glad you noticed the pics. Enjoy your chia!!
April says
Ummmm these sound and look AMAZE. Love this flavor combo, toooooo. I must say, though --Your pics, girlllll! I want to eat it through the screen. Rocking the new photog skills! You fancy, huh?! Awesome job. Def making this ASAP. Always love new ideas for brekkie and snacks! I want one right meow. And big ups to chia seeds in all of their weird and fabulous glory. #everybodypoops
Alexis says
I'm tryin!! So glad you noticed the pics. Enjoy your chia!!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
No bananas in instant banana pudding?! That's crazy. I'm not sure why I'm surprised, though. I'll take your version of banana pudding for my kids for sure!
Alexis says
The kiddos would love this one!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} says
No bananas in instant banana pudding?! That's crazy. I'm not sure why I'm surprised, though. I'll take your version of banana pudding for my kids for sure!
Alexis says
The kiddos would love this one!
Jamie says
Hi Alexis! A friend of mine told me about your blog and I'm so glad she did! I love it and I love your recipe ideas! I've never eaten chia pudding before but you've convinced me that I have to try it. 🙂
Alexis says
Hi Jamie! Thanks for stopping by! So glad you're liking the blog 🙂 Enjoy!
Jamie says
Hi Alexis! A friend of mine told me about your blog and I'm so glad she did! I love it and I love your recipe ideas! I've never eaten chia pudding before but you've convinced me that I have to try it. 🙂
Alexis says
Hi Jamie! Thanks for stopping by! So glad you're liking the blog 🙂 Enjoy!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
Yay, I love chia seed pudding; although, I don't make it nearly enough as I should. It's super easy and super tasty! This one sounds wonderful!
Alexis says
Give it another try! It's one of those things that I forget about and wonder why each time I make it again!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
Yay, I love chia seed pudding; although, I don't make it nearly enough as I should. It's super easy and super tasty! This one sounds wonderful!
Alexis says
Give it another try! It's one of those things that I forget about and wonder why each time I make it again!