Chai-spiced chia pudding (healthy, vegan)

Do you love chia pudding? Then, spice up your next custard pot with aromatic chai milk tea for a fun and delicious breakfast. That’s how it’s done!

Starting with the classic custard recipe of chia seeds and milk, this chai chia pudding uses Indian masala chai tea to infuse the milk with warmth, flavor and color.

Masala Chai is one of the most popular teas in India. It’s made with Assam black tea and a blend of warming spices, including cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and black pepper.

You can find masala chai as handy tea bags that you can infuse with hot oat milk to make a vegan chai milk tea base for the chia pudding.

Once that’s sorted, let the chia seeds work their magic and make your pudding thick and jelly-like!

The fibers in chia seeds have the power to absorb liquids (in this case, our fragrant chai-flavored milk) and trap them in a web, creating that creamy pudding we all love.

And these same fibers are amazing for your health too. You will feel full longer, prevent cravings and keep your cholesterol under control!

In addition, chia seeds provide plant-based proteins, omega-3, iron, and calcium, while masala chai spices have powerful anti-inflammatory, blood-sugar-regulating, and metabolism-boosting properties.

Simply put, this chai tea chai pudding is as good for you as it is delicious. And if you like, you can round it off with our healthy topping ideas for a hearty breakfast or a power snack.

Ok, time to jump right in! And if you liked the recipe, try this blue chia pudding, blueberry walnut pudding or strawberry tofu pudding next!

Step 1

Start by preparing the chai tea flavored milk.

Heat the milk with the chai tea bag in a saucepan.

As soon as the milk boils, turn off the stove and let the tea bag steep for 5 minutes.

The tea gives the milk a fragrant chai aroma and a caramel-like hue.

To get even more color and taste, stir the tea bag in the milk a few times and squeeze it out.

Then remove the tea bag and allow the chai milk tea to cool for another 5 minutes.

step 2

Now stir the chia seeds into the prepared chai milk (1).

Transfer the mixture to a mug, jar, or container, cover or seal and place the chai chia pudding in the fridge (2).

step 3

Soak the chia seeds in the chai flavored milk for at least 20-30 minutes to form a jelly-like pudding.

The longer you let the chia seeds soak, the thicker and more spoonable the chia pudding will be.

We’ve found that 1 hour of soaking gives the best pudding consistency.

You can also prepare the chia pudding the day before and leave it overnight.

step 4

Once the pudding is ready, add the yogurt and peanut butter, layering over the pudding (1) or stirring in (2).

Your healthy chai milk chia pudding is ready – have fun!

tips

• Chai tea: This black tea is flavored with classic masala chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves. You can find it in handy tea bags in the tea/coffee section of your supermarket.

• Caffeine-free alternative: If you can’t find chai tea bags or want a caffeine-free option, simply add the individual chai spices to the milk and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Find out what spices and how much you need in our Chai Spice Hot Chocolate and Chai Matcha Latte recipes.

• milk: The best vegan milk for chai milk tea is either oat or coconut milk as they are a little sweet and creamy. You can also use soy or almond milk, which are lower in calories.

• Yogurt: We used coconut-flavored soy yogurt, but you can use other plant-based yogurt alternatives or opt for Greek-style yogurt for added protein.

• toppings: You can top off the pudding with some chopped fruit (like dates or bananas) or granola for a good dose of complex carbohydrates.

• Prepare 3-4 individual pots/jars of this chai chia pudding (including toppings) and store covered in the refrigerator. They have all your breakfasts (or snacks!) ready for half the week!