This kefir chia pudding recipe is my new favorite easy and nutritious snack!

This recipe was actually born from kefir chia seed pudding, which I like to keep on hand for my daughter. Her version is just kefir and chia seeds, but I wanted to jazz mine up a tad. I added some maple syrup for a touch of sweetness and then vanilla bean paste for a delicious vanilla flavor.

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A glass cup of chia kefir pudding topped with granola, blueberries, sliced banana, and cinnamon. A spoon scoops chia pudding from the cup. Around the cup are a white kitchen towel, a bowl of chia seeds, another glass of kefir pudding, and a bowl of granola.

Besides being an easy snack to make, it also packs a nutritional punch. Chia seeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and are prized for their high fiber content and antioxidants. Kefir is loaded with probiotics, which are live bacteria and yeast, to support gut health and help with digestion, along with healthy fats and some protein.

It makes a perfect, easy make-ahead healthy breakfast, snack, or even dessert. I love topping mine with granola, fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, bananas, peaches…), and cinnamon.

Why you’ll love this kefir pudding recipe

made with 4 simple ingredients
macro-balanced – a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats for stable blood sugar and energy levels
great for meal prep – make a big batch (you can easily double the recipe!) at the beginning of the week for an easy and healthy snack or dessert.

Overhead shot of two glass cups of kefir chia pudding topped with sliced banana, granola, and cinnamon. Around the glasses are a bowl of granola and a white kitchen towel.

What is kefir?

Kefir is a slightly tangy fermented dairy drink made from milk grains that originated in Eastern Europe. It has the consistency of thin yogurt, is full of probiotics, and is beneficial for gut health and digestion.

Is kefir good for you?

Kefir is a great addition to one’s diet. It can have 30-50 active bacterial strains to pack a probiotic punch (yogurt typically has 2-4) to support your gut microbiome. Some studies have shown that it can help repopulate the digestive tract. It is also full of calcium, B vitamins, and potassium. Since it is fermented, it can be lower in lactose and easier to digest than traditional milk.

A metal whisk, a small bowl of vanilla bean paste, a bowl of plain kefir, a small bowl of maple syrup, a bowl of chia seeds, and a large glass bowl on a grey tile counter.

Ingredients

whole milk plain kefir – I like using full-fat for some healthy fats and extra creaminess.
maple syrup – for a touch of sweetness.
vanilla bean paste
chia seeds

How to make kefir chia pudding

For the complete directions, ingredient amounts, serving size, and accurate nutrition breakdown, scroll down to the recipe card below.

Overhead shot of a large bowl with a mixture of kefir and chia seeds before it gels. A spoon is also in the bowl. Around the bowl is a bowl of chia seeds and a white kitchen towel.

Make chia seed pudding.

Add kefir, maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, and chia seeds to a large bowl. Whisk to combine.

Chia pudding with kefir in a large glass bowl with a spoon in it. Around the bowl is a bowl of chia seeds and a white kitchen towel.

Let it chill.

Cover and refrigerate overnight. If desired, give the mixture a good stir after 30 minutes to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed.

How long does chia pudding take to set?

When making chia seed pudding, it doesn’t take that long for the chia seeds to start absorbing liquid. Usually, 2-3 hours is enough for the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and form a gel-like consistency, but I recommend longer (8-12 hours or overnight) for a more consistent texture. The more time you give the chia seeds to absorb the liquid, the thicker your mixture will get.

Storage

fridge – store chia pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The longer it sits, the more liquid the chia seeds absorb. You may have to add a splash of liquid to help thin it out if it sits for a few days.
freezer – make chia pudding according to the directions. Once the liquid has been absorbed, transfer to smaller jars for individual servings and pop them in the freezer. They should last for 2 months. When ready to eat, let them defrost in the fridge overnight.

Two glass cups of kefir chia seed pudding topped with granola, sliced banana, blueberries, and cinnamon. Around the bowls are a white kitchen towel, a bowl of chia seeds, a bowl of blueberries, and a bowl of granola.

Substitutions and additions

kefir – you can use low-fat or fat-free kefir if desired. I like using plain kefir, but feel free to use a flavored kind if desired. You may need to adjust or leave out the sweetener if so.
maple syrup – another kind of liquid sweetener, like honey or agave, will work. Add more if you want it sweeter.
vanilla bean paste – vanilla extract will work the same.

The variations for this kefir chia pudding are endless. Here are some additions you can add:

cocoa powder – for chocolate flavor.
nut butter – add a spoonful or two of peanut butter or almond butter.
protein powder – for a protein boost, add a scoop or two of your favorite protein powder. Whey protein powder, vegan protein powder, or collagen will all work.

More chia pudding recipes

If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!

A glass cup with kefir chia pudding topped with granola, blueberries, sliced banana, and cinnamon. Around the cup are a spoon, a bowl of chia seeds, a bowl of granola, a bowl of blueberries, and another cup of kefir pudding.

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Kefir Chia Pudding

Author: Kelly Nardo

This easy kefir chia pudding is made with 4 simple ingredients and is full of probiotics, fiber, and protein, making it a healthy snack, dessert, or addition to breakfast. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

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Course: Breakfast, Snack

Calories: 269kcal

Protein: 10.2g

Carbs: 27.4g

Fat: 13.1g

Prep Time: 10

Rest Time: 8

Total Time: 8 10

Servings: servings

ingredients

2 cups whole milk kefir
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
1/4 cup chia seeds
optional toppings – granola, fresh fruit, nuts, peanut butter, cinnamon…

instructions

Make chia seed pudding. Add kefir, maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, and chia seeds to a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
Let it chill. Cover and refrigerate overnight. If desired, give the mixture a good stir after 30 minutes to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
Enjoy! Eat as is or top with your favorite toppings.

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nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Kefir Chia Pudding

Amount Per Serving (1 serving (1/2 the recipe))

Calories 269 Calories from Fat 118

% Daily Value*

Fat 13.1g20%

Saturated Fat 4.7g29%

Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.5g

Cholesterol 25mg8%

Sodium 108mg5%

Potassium 398mg11%

Carbohydrates 27.4g9%

Fiber 7g29%

Sugar 18.5g21%

Protein 10.2g20%

Vitamin A 2.8IU0%

Vitamin C 0.3mg0%

Calcium 393mg39%

Iron 3.4mg19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Recipe by Kelly Nardo, Eat the Gains | Photography by Sierra Inn

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