Kefir Chia Pudding

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

Made with 4 simple ingredients, this kefir chia pudding is full of fiber and probiotics! It’s wonderfully thick, creamy, and so easy to make. This chia pudding with kefir is perfect as a make-ahead breakfast or snack.

If you’re looking for an easy grab-and-go breakfast option, this kefir chia pudding is just what you need! Like any of my chia puddings, this chia pudding with kefir is simple, healthy, and, let’s be honest, it’s so easy to make that it’s barely any work.

A jar of kefir chia pudding topped with blackberries and more scattered around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The consistency of kefir chia pudding is like a delicious creamy dessert pudding. Who doesn’t want a dessert that’s healthy or for breakfast?
You only need four ingredients! I love recipes that call for simple ingredients, as this recipe doesn’t require much effort to prepare.
It’s a healthy way to start the day. This kefir chia pudding is filling and nutritious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients needed to make kefir chia pudding.

chia seeds — chia seeds come in both black and white seeds, but there is no difference in nutritional content. In the photo above, you can see that they’re a combination of colors! Feel free to buy whichever bag is on sale. That’s what I do! Chia seeds are also an excellent source of plant-based protein and are high in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber! When they absorb the kefir, it helps thicken the chia pudding.
maple syrup – I sweeten the kefir chia pudding with maple syrup. Make sure you are buying maple syrup and not pancake syrup. Maple syrup comes straight from trees, whereas pancake syrup is usually made with corn syrup.
kefir — kefir is a yogurt-like fermented drink, usually made with cow’s milk or goat’s milk. Kefir is high in nutrients and probiotics, as well as being a rich source of calcium, protein, and B vitamins. Kefir has a tart and tangy flavor. I’m using plain kefir, but they also come in other flavors such as vanilla, mango, strawberry, and more!
vanilla extract — just a splash of vanilla extract to add a bit of cozy vanilla flavor. I prefer real vanilla extract over artificial extract.

How to Make Kefir Chia Pudding

Set of two photos showing ingredients all added to a bowl.

Add the chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kefir to a bowl.

Set of two photos showing ingredients stirred and set overnight.

Mix together until well combined. Let it set for a couple of minutes (5-10 minutes) in the fridge before going back in and giving it a second stir.
Let the chia pudding set in the fridge for at least two to three hours or overnight.
Stir it before serving, and add in your favorite toppings, such as yogurt, fruit, nuts, and/or seeds.

Overhead view of three jars of kefir chia pudding topped with blackberries and a jar of chia seeds.

Recipe Tips and Notes

For a thicker pudding, add an extra spoonful of chia seeds to the mixture.
If you don’t like the texture of chia seeds, you can add everything to a blender and blend it up.
I like letting the chia pudding sit for a bit and doing a second stir before refrigerating as the chia seeds can clump up, so a second mix will help make sure the chia seeds are evenly mixed.
Don’t have maple syrup? Swap it for honey or agave.

Topping Ideas

Jam: you can add some sweetness to the kefir pudding by stirring some jam.
Nut butter: a drizzle of nut butter is a great way to add healthy fats. Try cashew butter, almond butter, peanut butter, and more!
Fruit: what’s not to love about some fruit? Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, mango, kiwi, and bananas make for a great topping.
Granola, nuts, or seeds: granola, chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), or seeds (like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds) add a great crunch to your chia pudding. Try my homemade lemon poppyseed granola!

A jar of kefir chia pudding topped with blackberries and a jar of chia seeds and second jar of chia pudding in the background.

Make Ahead Tips

Meal prep: store the creamy kefir chia seed pudding without any toppings in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.

What are chia seeds? Are they healthy?

Chia seeds are tiny seeds from the plant Salvia hispanica. You may recognize them from those cute little chia pet commercials from way back when but other than a cute terra-cotta pet, the seeds are packed with healthy goodness. Despite being tiny little seeds, an one-ounce (28 grams) serving of chia seeds contains 11 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, and 9 grams of fat (5 of which are omega-3s).

Why is my chia pudding runny?

If the chia pudding is runny, the chia seeds haven’t fully set yet or there’s not enough chia seeds in comparison to the milk.

How long does it take to set?

While it’s best to set the chia pudding overnight, you can enjoy the kefir chia pudding in around 2 to 3 hours.