Peanut Butter and Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding

This healthy Peanut Butter and Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding, inspired by a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, is a fiber and protein packed breakfast or snack you can prep ahead and enjoy all week. Using chia seeds, which pack in tons of nutritional benefits, this spin on a traditional chia pudding couldn't be more delicious.

Do you remember when chia seed puddings were all the rage? They literally showed up everywhere you looked - blogs, newspapers, restaurant menus - and then things sorted of died down. But even though chia seed pudding has fallen off the radar, it still continues to be a powerhouse breakfast or snack packed with fiber, protein, and lots of good for you nutrients.

This version using mashed blueberries, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and peanut butter is kind of like a spin on peanut butter and jelly. Just make sure to really stir the yogurt, almond milk, and peanut butter well so that the peanut butter flavor is carried throughout the pudding. If you like things sweet, you may want to add a touch of sweetener as well since this isn't overly sweet on its own. You can use any sweetener that fits your diet but I recommend maple syrup, honey, Stevia for low carb, or a mashed banana. 

How to Make Chia Pudding

Whenever I post a chia pudding recipe, I always get lots of questions about how to make a basic chia seed pudding since people are usually inspired to make their own creations. The base recipe for one serving is

• 3 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 cup milk (skim, almond milk, coconut milk, etc.)
• 1 tbsp sweetener (adjust to taste, less if adding fruit)

If you are using yogurt in your pudding, then it is best to use fewer chia seeds since the yogurt is already thick

• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup milk (skim, almond milk, coconut milk, etc.)
• 1 tbsp sweetener (adjust to taste, less if adding fruit)

Then can add in any toppings you like. Think about fresh and frozen fruit, nut butters, nuts, seeds, spices, cocoa powder, citrus zest, and more.

Best Sweeteners for Chia Pudding

• Maple syrup: This is m go to option since it mixes easily into the milk and adds sweetness throughout. Make sure to use real maple syrup, that came from a tree, not maple flavored sugar syrup. 
• Honey: This is another great option that is free of refined sugars. It takes a little extra work to get it to fully incorporate into the pudding since it is thicker and stickier than maple syrup. Again make sure to choose a real honey, not a syrup that is honey flavored. 
• Mashed fruit: One of the healthiest options is to use mashed fruit in place of a traditional sweetener. I find banana works the best and adds the most sweetness, especially if you choose a very ripe one. Applesauce and pear sauce also work and add a good amount of sweetness. Mashed berries, like in this recipe, also work. And if you don't mind pulling out the blender, you can add blended pineapple, mango, or peaches. This is a really delicious option just a bit more time-consuming.
• Stevia: For a no-calorie and low carb option, I usually reach for liquid stevia since it blends right into the milk. Powdered sugar-free sweeteners also work, just choose one that dissolves in liquid. Also, these can be really sweet so add a small amount at a time until you reach the level of sweetness you like.

White vs. Black Chia Seeds

When you are shopping for chia seeds, you may notice that you can buy both white and black chia seeds available. There is no difference in taste or nutrition between these two types so it really just it a matter of your personal preference and aesthetics. Be wary of brown chia seeds however, since they likely didn't have time to ripen.