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Kefir Chia Pudding
Natalia Smith

Kefir Chia Pudding

Creamy kefir chia pudding packed with probiotics, fruits & flavor. Discover the easiest recipe and why it’s the perfect healthy breakfast.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Overnight(Recommended) 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • ¾ cup milk kefir or 1 cup plain kefir, e.g., Lifeway Lowfat Madagascar Vanilla Kefir for extra vanilla flavor
  • ¼ cup chia seeds you can also measure as 4 tablespoons or 9 Tbsp chia seeds if making a larger batch
  • 1 –2 tablespoons maple syrup or 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup, or honey (or 2 tablespoons Monk Fruit Sweetener)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-Ins & Toppings
  • Fresh or frozen berries: strawberries blueberries, raspberries, pomegranate seeds.
  • Tropical fruits: mango pineapple, golden cherries, sliced fig, chopped mango, peaches, sliced banana.
  • Nuts & seeds: almonds walnuts, hemp seeds, cacao nibs.
  • Nut butters: almond butter peanut butter.
  • Spices & extracts: cinnamon cardamom, almond extract.
  • Garnish: mint leaves granola, shredded coconut.

Equipment

  • Pint-sized mason jars or small glass jars (for individual servings)
  • Mixing bowls (large bowl and separate bowl)
  • Whisk or fork (for mixing wet ingredients)
  • Measuring cups and spoons (e.g., ¼ cup, tablespoon, teaspoon)
  • Airtight lids or plastic wrap (to cover the jars or bowls for chilling)

Method
 

Prep the Ingredients
  1. Measure out ¾ cup milk kefir (or 1 cup plain kefir).
  2. Measure ¼ cup chia seeds (or 4 tablespoons / 9 Tbsp chia seeds).
  3. Measure 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey / 2 tablespoons Monk Fruit Sweetener).
  4. Measure ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
  5. Gather any desired mix-ins or toppings (fresh fruit, nuts, spices, etc.).
Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl or jar, combine chia seeds and any dry spices (e.g., 1 tsp ground cinnamon).
  2. Stir to evenly distribute the chia seeds and spices.
Mix Wet Ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together milk kefir, maple syrup, and vanilla extract (if using Lifeway Lowfat Madagascar Vanilla Kefir, you get extra vanilla flavor right away).
  2. Ensure sweetener is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Combine & Stir
  1. Pour the wet mixture over the dry chia seeds.
  2. Stir vigorously until all chia seeds are coated and no clumps remain.
  3. Scrape down sides of the jar or bowl to submerge any stray seeds.
Refrigerate & Set
  1. Cover the jar with its lid or, if using a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap.
  2. Place in the fridge and allow to chill for at least 2 hours (minimum).
  3. For a thicker texture, chill for 4 hours.
  4. Overnight (8 hours+) refrigeration yields the best consistency, perfect for meal prep.
Garnish & Serve
  1. After chilling, give pudding a final stir to break up any clumps.
  2. Layer or top with chosen fruits (e.g., fresh or frozen berries, mango, pineapple), nuts, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
  3. Serve chilled in half-pint jars for single-serve, grab-and-go snacks or breakfasts.

Notes

Key Features

  • Dietary Needs Covered:  
    • Gluten-free  
    • Vegetarian  
    • Optional dairy-free using cultured coconut kefir  
  • Nutrition:  
    • High in protein (about 16 g per serving)  
    • High in fiber (17 g per serving)  
    • Healthy fats (unsaturated 13 g, saturated 3 g)  
    • Low prep time (5–10 minutes)  
  • Customizable Flavor Profiles:  
    • Maple cinnamon swirl (from Walder Wellness)  
    • Berry-infused with blueberries or raspberries  
    • Chocolate with unsweetened cocoa  
    • Tropical with shredded coconut and chopped mango