Mint Chocolate Chia Pudding – Sugar-free & Vegan

This pudding is far better than the Snack Packs from your childhood! It's a sweet, creamy, chocolatey treat that any pudding fan will enjoy, but it's also very healthy!

Like flax seeds, chia seeds are a rich source of omega-3 fat, which is essential for reducing inflammation. Omega-3 fat is key in supporting brain and heart health, but it also plays a role in reversing chronic diseases, autoimmune conditions, depression, and more.

You can add chia seeds to smoothies, salad dressings, or even soups to help thicken them, while also getting a good dose of healthy fat.

Depending on how much you use chia in those ways, and you may be wondering how else I can get this power seeds in my diet?

If you have a sweet tooth as I do, this Mint Chocolate Chia Pudding is an excellent choice! It's pure chocolate goodness with a refreshing hint of mint, which makes it a wonderful summertime snack or dessert!

Actually, it's so nutritious you may even want to include a small serving for with your oatmeal or veggie breakfast!

Mint Chocolate Chia Pudding

By Chef Katie Mae

Makes about 3 cups | Ready in 5 minutes | Stores 5 days in the fridge

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ cup chia seeds *
• ¼ cup walnuts
• 1 cup water
• 6–8 Medjool dates, pitted *
• 1½ tablespoon cacao powder *
• A couple drops of peppermint extract OR a few fresh mint leaves
• Extra mint leaves or cacao nibs for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Add all of the chia seeds, walnuts, water, dates, cacao powder, and peppermint extract to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
2. Transfer the pudding to a serving bowl. Enjoy at room temperature, or cover and put in the fridge for at least an hour to serve chilled.
3. Just before serving garnish with fresh mint leaves or cacao nibs.

CHEF’S NOTES

Chia seeds are great for making pudding because they swell and become gelatinous when mixed with a liquid. They’ll thicken the pudding within 5 minutes, but if you let the pudding sit for longer—say you chill in the fridge overnight—it will thicken up even more. Take this into consideration when you’re prepping it. If you’re serving the pudding the following day or you prefer a thinner pudding, you may want to add another ¼ to ½ cup of water.

Use more or fewer dates to create the level of sweetness you want.

The same goes for the cacao powder. One tablespoon of cacao will give you a subtle chocolate taste, while 2 tablespoons (or more) will create a rich chocolate flavor.