This Blue Chia Pudding is a fun, healthy breakfast or snack. It takes just one special ingredient to give this creamy, slightly sweet pudding a vivid burst of color!
And it’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and Paleo friendly.
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Why this recipe works
Chia pudding is so easy to make. You just mix chia seeds with your favorite milk (dairy or non-dairy). The seeds will absorb the liquid, creating a thick, creamy, pudding-like texture. And then you can flavor it so many different ways. Two of my favorite versions are this vanilla chia pudding and this matcha chia pudding.
Another fun variation is adding blue spirulina, a vibrantly colored powder extracted from algae, to make a blue chia seed pudding. It has a very mild flavor so you barely taste it when you mix it with almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup and vanilla extract.
So this is a great chia pudding for kids and adults alike, just like my Blue Smoothie Bowl.
Because it doesn’t have a strong flavor, I like to add lots of fresh, chopped fruit and maybe some crunchy seeds or nuts on top. You could also layer the pudding with the fruit and nuts to create a parfait.
You can learn more about blue spirulina powder in the FAQ below. And this blue spirulina chia pudding keeps well in the fridge and can be frozen, so it’s great for meal prep too.
What you need
Ingredients:
- 4 cups unsweetened plain almond milk
- 1 cup chia seeds (black or white)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon (or 4 teaspoons) blue spirulina powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Optional toppings:
- fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, banana, pineapple, kiwi or pomegranate seeds
- chopped nuts such as almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, pistachios or macadamias
- seeds such as hemp, pumpkin or sunflower
- chocolate chips (dairy-free if necessary, such as Enjoy Life! chocolate chips)
- cacao nibs
- unsweetened shredded coconut or coconut flakes
Equipment:
- a large mixing bowl or measuring glass (6-8 cup)
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- a whisk
- a large container or 2-quart mason jars, for storing in the ridge
- a canning funnel (optional, but helps when pouring the pudding into a mason jar)
How to make Blue Chia Pudding
Step 1
In a large bowl or measuring glass, add the almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, blue spirulina, vanilla and salt. Whisk until thoroughly blended.
Step 2
Wait 15 minutes, then whisk again. Do not skip this step! This will prevent the chia seeds from clumping at the bottom of the bowl.
Step 3
Transfer to a container or mason jars and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or until the pudding has thickened.
Step 4
Transfer to bowls or smaller mason jars. Add your favorite toppings and dig in!
FAQ
You can use any milk you like in place of the almond milk.
You can try different extracts in addition to or in place of the vanilla, such as almond, coconut or peppermint.
You can add the zest of lemons, oranges, limes or other citrus.
Instead of maple syrup, you can use honey (but then it won’t be vegan) or agave syrup.
Yes. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days (unless the expiration date on your milk is before 5 days; if so, go by the expiration date!).
Yep. Store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container or baggie and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Blue spirulina powder is made from a component of blue-green algae called phycocyanin that gives blue spirulina its vibrant, bold color. You might also see green spirulina, which is extracted from different algae.
Blue spirulina contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The specifics of its nutritional makeup can depend on the growing conditions, processing methods and overall quality of the brand. You can read more about its health benefits here.
Look for blue spirulina powder that only contains one ingredient: blue spirulina. I like the powder from the Naturegrail Store as it’s 100% spirulina, raw and affordable (remember, a little bit goes a long way).
There are all kinds of blue spirulina recipes! Add it to smoothies and smoothie bowls, cocktails and mocktails, lattes, and more.
Other recipes you might like:
- Vanilla Coconut Milk Chia Pudding
- Matcha Chia Pudding
- Warm Chia Pudding
- Blue Smoothie Bowls
- Coconut Smoothie Bowls
- Sweet Potato Smoothie Bowls
Blue Chia Pudding (dairy-free, Paleo)
Ingredients
- 4 cups unsweetened plain almond milk
- 1 cup chia seeds black or white
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 4 teaspoons blue spirulina powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Optional toppings
- fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, banana, pineapple, kiwi or pomegranate seeds
- chopped nuts such as almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, pistachios or macadamias
- seeds such as hemp, pumpkin or sunflower
- chocolate chips (dairy-free if necessary)
- cacao nibs
- unsweetened shredded coconut or coconut flakes
Instructions
- In a large bowl or measuring glass, add the almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, blue spirulina powder, vanilla and salt. Whisk until thoroughly blended.
- Wait 15 minutes, then whisk again. Do not skip this step! This will prevent the chia seeds from clumping at the bottom of the bowl.
- Transfer to a container or mason jars and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or until the pudding has thickened.
- Transfer to bowls or smaller mason jars. Add your favorite toppings and dig in!
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