This Keto Vanilla Chia Pudding is a quick, make-ahead breakfast or snack that tastes like dessert but keeps your carbs in check. It’s creamy, subtly sweet, and full of vanilla flavor. The prep takes just a few minutes, and the fridge does the rest.
Whether you’re new to keto or just want an easy low-effort meal, this pudding delivers. It’s also endlessly customizable, so you can switch up the flavors without extra work.
Why This Recipe Works
- Effortless prep: Stir a few ingredients, chill, and you’re done. No cooking, no special tools.
- Keto-friendly: Chia seeds are low in net carbs and high in fiber, making them perfect for a low-carb lifestyle.
- Great texture: Chia seeds absorb liquid and create a pudding-like consistency that feels indulgent but light.
- Make-ahead friendly: It thickens more overnight and keeps well for days, so it’s ideal for meal prep.
- Balanced flavor: Vanilla and a keto sweetener give it a familiar, comforting taste that pairs with almost anything.
What You’ll Need
- Chia seeds: Whole black or white chia seeds work.
Don’t use ground chia for this recipe.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Or another low-carb milk like unsweetened coconut milk. Use full-fat canned coconut milk for extra richness.
- Heavy cream (optional): Adds a thicker, creamier texture and boosts fat. You can replace part of the almond milk with it.
- Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla gives the best flavor.
Vanilla bean paste works too.
- Keto-friendly sweetener: Erythritol, monk fruit, or allulose are great options. Use your favorite and adjust to taste.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the vanilla and balances sweetness.
- Optional add-ins: Cinnamon, a splash of coconut extract, or a few berries for serving.
How to Make It
- Mix the base: In a bowl or jar, combine 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (optional), 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1–2 tablespoons keto sweetener, and a small pinch of salt. Stir until the sweetener starts to dissolve.
- Add chia seeds: Stir in 3 tablespoons chia seeds.
Mix well so no clumps form. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir again to break up any seeds stuck together.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. The pudding will thicken as the seeds absorb the liquid.
- Adjust thickness: If it’s too thick, whisk in more almond milk, 1 tablespoon at a time.
If it’s too thin, stir in 1 teaspoon more chia seeds and chill another 20–30 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls and top with a few raspberries, a dusting of cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or individual jars for 4–5 days. Stir before serving.
- Freezer: Not recommended.
Freezing can make the texture gritty and uneven as it thaws.
- Meal prep tip: Portion into small jars with lids for grab-and-go breakfasts. Add toppings right before eating to keep them fresh.
Health Benefits
- Low in net carbs: Perfect for keto and low-carb diets while still feeling like a treat.
- High in fiber: Chia seeds are rich in soluble fiber, which may support digestion and help you feel full longer.
- Healthy fats: Add heavy cream or coconut milk for satisfying fats that help stabilize energy levels.
- Omega-3s: Chia seeds provide plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
- No added sugar: Using keto sweeteners keeps it sweet without spiking blood sugar.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not mixing well: If the seeds clump, the pudding won’t set evenly. Stir once, let it sit, then stir again after a few minutes.
- Using too little liquid: Chia seeds need enough liquid to gel.
Stick to about 1 cup liquid per 3 tablespoons seeds, then adjust to taste.
- Skipping the chill time: It needs at least 2 hours (better overnight). Rushing it leads to a gritty texture.
- Over-sweetening: Keto sweeteners can taste overly sweet. Start small and adjust after chilling.
- Choosing sweetened milk: Make sure your almond or coconut milk is unsweetened to keep carbs low.
Variations You Can Try
- Coconut Vanilla: Use half almond milk and half full-fat coconut milk.
Add unsweetened coconut flakes on top.
- Cinnamon Roll: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the base and swirl in a teaspoon of melted butter-flavored coconut oil before serving.
- Mocha Vanilla: Mix in 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder and a splash of vanilla for a coffeehouse vibe.
- Lemon-Vanilla: Add 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest and a tiny splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
- Protein Boost: Whisk in 1/2 scoop unflavored or vanilla whey or collagen peptides. Add a touch more liquid if needed.
- Berry Topping: Garnish with a few raspberries, blackberries, or sliced strawberries. Keep portions small to stay keto-friendly.
FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes.
Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk and skip the heavy cream. For extra richness, choose full-fat canned coconut milk and thin it to your preferred consistency.
Which sweetener works best?
Allulose, erythritol, and monk fruit blends are great. Allulose dissolves well and has a clean taste; erythritol can cool slightly; monk fruit blends are balanced.
Start with less and add more after chilling.
How do I fix chia pudding that’s too thin?
Stir in 1 teaspoon chia seeds at a time and chill for 20–30 minutes. Repeat until it reaches your desired thickness.
How do I fix pudding that’s too thick?
Whisk in 1 tablespoon of almond milk at a time until it loosens. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Can I blend it for a smoother texture?
Absolutely.
Blend the mixture before chilling for a more traditional pudding feel. It will thicken faster and be silky-smooth.
Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes. Make a larger batch, portion into jars, and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Add fresh toppings right before eating.
Do I have to use vanilla extract?
Vanilla extract gives classic flavor, but you can swap in vanilla bean paste for a richer taste. You can also add almond extract or coconut extract for variety.
Final Thoughts
Keto Vanilla Chia Pudding is one of those simple recipes that earns a permanent spot in your routine. It’s easy, flexible, and genuinely satisfying.
With just a handful of ingredients, you get a creamy, low-carb treat you can enjoy any time of day. Make a batch tonight, and tomorrow’s breakfast is ready to go—no stress, no mess, just good food that fits your goals.
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the base: In a bowl or jar, combine 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (optional), 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1–2 tablespoons keto sweetener, and a small pinch of salt. Stir until the sweetener starts to dissolve.
- Add chia seeds: Stir in 3 tablespoons chia seeds. Mix well so no clumps form. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir again to break up any seeds stuck together.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. The pudding will thicken as the seeds absorb the liquid.
- Adjust thickness: If it’s too thick, whisk in more almond milk, 1 tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thin, stir in 1 teaspoon more chia seeds and chill another 20–30 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls and top with a few raspberries, a dusting of cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Looking for more ideas?
If you need dinner on the table fast, explore our Quick & Easy category.
If you’re craving new flavors, take a look at our World Cuisine category.
If you want something lighter but still satisfying, visit our Healthy & Light category.
If you’re in the mood for a treat, find something sweet in our Sweets & Desserts category.
If you like to plan ahead, get inspired in our Meal Prep & Planning category.
If you’re keeping it low carb and still want satisfying meals, explore our Keto Weight Loss category.
And if you’d like to browse everything in one place, explore All Recipes.
Printable Recipe Card
Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.