Healthy Strawberry Chia Pudding

Posted on July 14, 2025.

Strawberry chia pudding in a glass topped with fresh berries and cream

Strawberry Chia Pudding: The Healthy Treat You’ll Crave Daily

Strawberry chia pudding is creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrients. It makes a perfect healthy breakfast, light dessert, or high-protein snack. This version is easy to prepare, ideal for meal prep, and flexible enough to fit dairy-free, vegan, or gluten-free diets. If you’re looking for a simple, wholesome recipe that keeps you full and energized, this pudding hits the mark with flavor and function.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Chia Pudding

Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with fiber, protein, and Omega-3s for long-lasting energy
Quick and Easy: Just a few ingredients and under 10 minutes of hands-on time
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make once and enjoy all week as a breakfast or snack
Naturally Sweet and Delicious: Tastes like a mix of strawberry ice cream and classic tapioca
Fully Customizable: Works with vegan, dairy-free, paleo, or refined sugar-free diets

« Fiber’s important for a whole lot of reasons for one, it promotes good digestion and most folks don’t get nearly enough of it. What’s more, chia seeds are packed with antioxidants… chia seeds also have “crazy gel properties” » Emily Van Eck, MS, RDN

Strawberry chia pudding in a glass on a beige plate

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➤ Banana Chia Pudding
➤ High-Protein Chia Pudding
➤ Lemon Chia Seed Cake

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the base

12 to 16 ounces strawberries, fresh and chopped or frozen and thawed
1 cup milk, any type you like such as oat, almond, coconut, or dairy
1 cup yogurt, plain and unsweetened, either dairy or plant-based
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

For the texture

1/2 cup chia seeds

For serving (optional)

Fresh chopped strawberries
Whipped cream or your favorite topping

The Ultimate Guide to Milk for Chia Pudding

Milk Type	Resulting Creaminess	Flavor Profile
Canned Coconut Milk	Extra rich and creamy	Tropical
Oat Milk	Very creamy	Neutral and sweet
Almond Milk	Light texture	Mildly nutty
Soy Milk	Creamy	Neutral

How to Make Strawberry Chia Pudding

Add the strawberries, milk, yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup to a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. If using an immersion blender, combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl first.
Pour the blended mixture into a medium bowl if needed. Add the chia seeds and stir thoroughly to combine. Make sure the seeds are evenly mixed to prevent clumping.
Let the mixture sit for five minutes. Then stir again to keep the chia seeds from sinking to the bottom.
Cover and place the bowl in the refrigerator for at least four hours or overnight. This allows the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and form a thick, pudding-like texture.
When ready to serve, give it a quick stir. Scoop into bowls or jars and top with fresh strawberries, fruit, or whipped cream if you like.

Mixing strawberry chia pudding base with milk and fresh berries

Adding chia seeds to strawberry mixture and thickened pudding texture

The Secret to Perfect Chia Pudding

Chia seeds have a special power. They’re rich in soluble fiber that reacts with liquid to form a gel-like coating. This natural process creates the thick, spoonable texture that makes chia pudding so satisfying. The outer layer of each seed swells and traps moisture, turning a simple mix of seeds and milk into a smooth, creamy treat. This transformation is thanks to a substance called mucilage, a plant fiber that absorbs water and expands. Understanding this helps you avoid common issues like clumping or a watery consistency.

3 Incredible Variations to Try

For a Decadent Treat: Chocolate-Covered “Magic Shell”

Melt one-third cup of chocolate chips with one tablespoon of coconut oil. Stir until smooth. Pour the warm mixture over chilled chia pudding. Let it sit for a minute until it hardens into a crisp chocolate shell.

For an Elegant Parfait: Layered with Strawberry Purée

Blend fresh or thawed strawberries until smooth. Spoon some purée into the bottom of a glass, add a layer of chia pudding, then repeat. Top with extra purée and a few strawberry slices for a pretty finish.

For a Satisfying Crunch: Strawberry Crumble Pudding

Mix one-quarter cup of oats, three tablespoons of chopped almonds, and three pitted dates in a food processor. Pulse until crumbly. Sprinkle over the pudding before serving for a sweet and nutty texture boost.

Anne Newgent

Strawberry Chia Pudding

Creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrients, this strawberry chia pudding is the ultimate high-protein treat for breakfast, dessert, or a wholesome snack. Simple to prep, fully customizable, and perfect for meal prep, it’s a deliciously healthy choice you’ll crave daily.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 4

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 129

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Base

12-16 oz strawberries, fresh or thawed chopped
1 cup milk any type such as oat, almond, coconut, or dairy
1 cup plain yogurt unsweetened, dairy or plant-based
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

Texture

1/2 cup chia seeds

For Serving (Optional)

fresh chopped strawberries for topping
whipped cream or preferred topping

Method

Add strawberries, milk, yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup to a blender. Blend until completely smooth. If using an immersion blender, mix in a bowl first.
Pour the blended mixture into a bowl. Add chia seeds and stir well to combine evenly.
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to thicken.
Before serving, give it a stir. Scoop into jars or bowls and top with optional strawberries or whipped cream.

Notes

To thicken more, add 1–2 tbsp of chia seeds and chill again. Too thick? Add a splash of milk. For smoother texture, blend after setting. Use frozen strawberries (thawed) year-round.

Nutrition Facts

(Per 0.5 cup serving)

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Topping and Flavor Pairing Guide

Classic Toppings

Fresh strawberries
Granola
Coconut flakes
Chopped nuts
Pumpkin or sunflower seeds
Mini chocolate chips

Creative Flavor Pairings

Strawberry and fresh mint
Strawberry and basil
Strawberry and balsamic glaze
Strawberry and lime zest

These combinations bring out new layers of flavor. Mix and match to find your favorite twist on this creamy chia pudding.

Storage Instructions (Fridge and Freezer)

To Refrigerate
Place the pudding in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for five to seven days. Stir before serving if it thickens too much.

To Freeze
Spoon the pudding into individual freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, transfer a container to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. Stir well before enjoying.

Your Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide

Why is my chia pudding watery or not gelling?

This often happens when the seed-to-liquid ratio is off or the chia seeds are old. Use fresh seeds and stir well. Let the mixture sit for at least four hours to thicken.

How can I make my pudding thicker?

If your pudding is too thin, add one or two extra tablespoons of chia seeds. Stir and let it chill for another hour. The seeds will absorb more liquid and thicken the texture.

My pudding is too thick, how do I fix it?

Add a splash of milk and stir until you reach your desired consistency. Do this a little at a time so it does not get too runny.

Why does my pudding taste bland?

You may need more sweetener or a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors. Try adjusting the maple syrup or adding a bit of lemon juice for brightness.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, just thaw them first. Frozen berries work well and make the pudding more convenient to prepare year-round.

Can I blend the chia seeds for a smoother texture?

Absolutely. Blending the mixture after it sets creates a creamy, mousse-like consistency. This option works well if you prefer no visible seeds.

Overhead view of strawberry chia pudding with cream and seeds

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is chia seed pudding actually good for you?

Yes, it is packed with fiber, protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals. It supports digestion, energy, and heart health, making it a smart choice for any meal or snack.

How to make Kim Kardashian chia pudding?

Kim’s version uses almond milk, vanilla, and sometimes honey. She keeps it simple with minimal ingredients and often tops it with fruit or nuts.

What to mix with chia seeds for pudding?

You can mix them with any milk, yogurt, vanilla extract, and a natural sweetener like maple syrup. Blend with fruit for extra flavor or use spices like cinnamon for a warm twist.

Is chia pudding anti-inflammatory?

Yes, chia seeds contain Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. These nutrients help reduce inflammation and support overall wellness when eaten regularly.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry chia pudding is the perfect mix of creamy, sweet, and wholesome. It fits into any routine whether you need a quick breakfast, a healthy dessert, or a high-protein snack. This version is flexible, easy to prep, and full of nourishing ingredients.

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and give it a star rating. Your feedback helps others and supports this community. Feel free to share your creations on Pinterest or Facebook. What toppings or flavor twists did you try? Let us know below.

Anne Newgent

High-Protein Nutrition Specialist and Wellness Advocate with over a decade of experience.
My human-first approach blends science-backed guidance with real-life empathy, shaped by my own journey through fatigue and muscle loss. Today, I help people reclaim strength, energy, and confidence through high-protein nutrition that’s both practical and empowering.