Mango Coconut Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is a great make-ahead breakfast or snack. It’s packed full of nutrition and super tasty!
Everyone loves a quick and easy breakfast. And with just a few minutes of prep the night before, this is a great make-ahead breakfast for those busy mornings OR a satisfying snack for jam packed days!
Feel free to switch up the fruit options and add your favourite fruits (some of my others are berries, cherries, or peaches)!
Did you know that chia seeds are packed full of nutrients to keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours? Keep reading for a little nutrition nugget about this cool food!
Chia Seeds - The Nutrient Powerhouse
Chia seeds are tiny powerhouses of nutrients. Here are some of the key nutrients found in chia seeds:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Chia seeds are one of the richest plant-based sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3s are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.
Fiber: Chia seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Fiber is important for digestive health, maintaining bowel regularity, and providing satiety (keeping you full longer).
Protein: Chia seeds contain a good amount of protein, making them a valuable addition to vegetarian and vegan diets. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, it plays a role in hormone regulation and immune function, and it provides long lasting fullness.
Antioxidants: Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamin E. Antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress, which can contribute to chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Minerals: Chia seeds are a good source of several essential minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese. These minerals are important for bone health, muscle function, and energy metabolism.
Vitamins: Chia seeds contain various vitamins, including vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B3 (niacin), which are important for energy metabolism and nerve function.
Incorporating chia seeds into your diet can provide a wide range of health benefits due to their nutrient-rich profile. They can be added to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, salads, and baked goods, or used as a thickening agent in recipes like puddings and sauces.
Ingredients
Chia seeds - I mean this is chia pudding afterward so chia seeds are a very key ingredient. If you’re not a fan of chia, you can try similar recipes like my Blueberry Almond Joy Overnight Oats or using flaxseeds in place of chia seeds.
Greek yogurt & milk of choice - the source of liquid in this recipe to create that delicious pudding texture. Also great sources of additional protein!
Maple syrup - because everyone needs a little sweetness in their life. And I’m Canadian, so my go-to has got to be maple syrup! You can sub for agave, honey, or whatever sweetener of choice you prefer.
Vanilla extract - optional but recommended if you love vanilla flavour
Flavourings - I used coconut flakes and mango chunks in this recipe to give a little bit of a tropical flavour profile, but get creative as you wish! Berries, cherries, banana, chocolate - all are fair game!
Instructions
Mix together chia seeds, yogurt, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and coconut flakes in a mason jar or container with a lid. Let sit in the fridge for 20 mins and then stir again to break up any chunks (you want a nice smooth consistency). Let sit another 20 mins (or up to 2 days) in the fridge before topping with mango and enjoying.
TIP: you can make multiple jars of these and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.