Mornings with little ones can be a lot... that’s why I love having a few no-fuss, make-ahead options in the fridge like this easy 3-ingredient chia pudding! It’s naturally sweet, creamy, and loaded with fiber, healthy fats, and omega-3s to keep those little tummies satisfied.
I topped mine with banana slices for a simple fruit boost, but you can switch it up with berries, peaches, or whatever your toddler’s into this week. The best part? It takes less than 5 minutes to prep, and the fridge does the rest!
Why You & Your Toddler Will Love This Easy 3-Ingredient Chia Pudding
- quick & easy – just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep
- no added sugar – naturally sweet from the vanilla extract and fruit
- nutrient-packed – fiber, healthy fats, and omega-3s to keep them full + regular
- customizable – top with banana, berries, peaches, or whatever’s in season
- make-ahead friendly – perfect for busy mornings or grab-and-go snacks
If your little one loves pudding or smoothie type textures, you should try my avocado banana smoothie for another nutrient-packed snack option!
Jump to:
Ingredients
Here's all you'll need to make this super easy 3-ingredient chia pudding:
- chia seeds – packed with fiber for digestion, plant-based omega-3s for brain development, and a little protein to help keep them satisfied (literally my favorite source of fiber, especially when little ones are constipated)
- milk (dairy or fortified non-dairy) – provides calcium and vitamin D for growing bones and teeth
- vanilla extract – adds a naturally sweet, comforting flavor without added sugar
- *optional cinnamon for added flavor boost
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Your Chia Pudding
- Step 1: Combine chia seeds, milk, and vanilla in a jar or container.
- Step 2: Stir well to break up clumps.
- Step 3: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until thickened.
- Step 4: Stir again before serving and top with banana slices or fruit.
Hint
Give the chia pudding a good stir about 5–10 minutes after you first mix it. This helps prevent the seeds from clumping at the bottom and ensures a smooth, even texture once it’s set.
Substitutions
This is naturally gluten-free, egg-free, and nut-free. Use dairy-free milk if needed!
Variations
Feel free to add more flavor to this and customize however!
- berry boost - swap banana for diced strawberries or blueberries (you can even warm frozen blueberries for a yum topping)
- mango vibe - add mango puree either stirred in or layered!
- extra iron - use iron-fortified plant milk and top with kiwi slices
- coconut twist - add 1–2 teaspoon shredded unsweetened coconut before chilling
- cinnamon maple - add cinnamon + dash of maple syrup for a sweeter pudding
How To Serve Chia Pudding To Toddlers & Babies
for babies (6-12 months)
- thin the pudding with extra milk for a smoother texture
- serve with a textured spoon to help it stick and encourage baby to self-feed
- mash fruit toppings (like banana or berries) and stir in to avoid large chunks
- offer alongside soft finger foods for a balanced snack
for toddlers (12 months +)
- serve in a snack cup for lunchboxes or on-the-go snacks
- serve in a small bowl with toddler utensils to encourage independence
- top with soft fruit slices, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of hemp seeds
- pair with toast strips, a mini muffin, or scrambled eggs for a more filling breakfast
One common concern parents have about chia seeds is the risk of choking, especially because dry chia seeds can absorb liquid and expand. The key here is how they’re served! Chia seeds should be soaked before offering them to babies or toddlers, as soaking softens the outer shell and creates a gel-like texture that’s safe to eat (unless it's just sprinkling on top of yogurt or a pancake). In recipes like chia pudding, the seeds are fully hydrated, making them soft and easy to swallow! For younger babies, you can thin the pudding a bit more and mash in fruit for added moisture. As with any food, always supervise your little one while eating and introduce new textures slowly.
So, unless your toddler is eating dry chia seeds by the spoonful, you can totally sprinkle on top of items, blend into smoothies, or serve like this chia pudding!
Equipment
All you need to make this 3-ingredient chia pudding is a container to mix + store the pudding and measuring utensils for accuracy. I love storing in these stainless steel containers, truthfully because my toddler has broken one too many glass containers.
Storing Your Chia Pudding
Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Chia pudding can actually be frozen for up to 1 month, thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Ideally best served after the chia seeds have soaked up some liquid!
Tiff's Tip
For toddlers new to chia pudding, start with a slightly thinner texture by adding an extra splash of milk after it’s set. This makes it easier to scoop and less overwhelming for new textures. You can also mash the banana into the pudding for natural sweetness in every bite!
FAQ
Yes, if introduced after 6 months and served with age-appropriate textures (thin with extra milk for BLW beginners).
Of course! Coconut milk, almond, oat, soy, etc. are all great options! Ideally we want it to be fortified with calcium and Vitamin D for growing littles.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Easy 3-Ingredient Chia Pudding For Toddlers (no added sugar)
Equipment
- stainless steel container for mixing & storing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 cup milk dairy or non-dairy, fortified if possible
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- cinnamon, banana slices, or any fruit of choice for topping optional
Instructions
- Combine chia seeds, milk, and vanilla in a jar or container.
- Stir well to break up clumps.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until thickened.
- Stir again before serving and top with banana slices or fruit.
Leave a Reply