Chia Pudding with Manuka Honey

Let's talk about the easiest healthy breakfast that'll make you feel like you've got your life together. This chia pudding with Manuka honey is basically dessert masquerading as a nutritious breakfast, and I'm totally here for it. Those tiny chia seeds work their magic overnight, transforming into this creamy, pudding-like treat that's loaded with omega-3s and fiber. The Manuka honey adds this gorgeous floral sweetness that regular honey just can't match, while vanilla and cinnamon make the whole thing taste like a cozy hug in a jar.

The best part? You literally stir some stuff together before bed and wake up to breakfast ready and waiting. It's meal prep for people who think meal prep is too much work. Plus, you can jazz it up with whatever toppings your heart desires, making it different every single day.

Before you get started

Here's the thing about chia pudding: patience is everything. Those little seeds need time to do their thing, soaking up the liquid and creating that perfect pudding texture. Two hours minimum, but overnight is where the real magic happens. Mason jars are perfect for this because you can make several at once and have breakfast sorted for days.

Just make sure to give it a good stir after the first 5 minutes to break up any clumps. Nobody wants surprise chia seed clusters in their smooth pudding. Also, splurging on real vanilla paste instead of extract makes a noticeable difference here, trust me on this one.

What You Need To Make Chia Pudding with Manuka Honey

This recipe couldn't be simpler: chia seeds, unsweetened almond milk, Manuka honey (or your favorite sweetener), vanilla paste, and ground cinnamon. That's it! Five ingredients to breakfast bliss. Check the recipe card for exact measurements.

How To Make Chia Pudding with Manuka Honey

Grab your mason jar or a bowl with a lid. Toss in your chia seeds first, then pour in that almond milk. Add your Manuka honey, vanilla paste, and cinnamon. Now here's where you channel your inner bartender and shake or whisk like you mean it. You want everything well combined with no dry chia seeds hiding at the bottom.

Set a timer for 5 minutes and go do something else. When it beeps, come back and give it another good stir. This second stir is crucial because chia seeds love to party together in clumps, and breaking them up now means smooth pudding later. Your mixture will already start looking thicker, which is exactly what we want.

Pop on the lid and stick it in the fridge. Now comes the hard part: waiting. At least 2 hours, but if you can make it overnight, you'll be rewarded with the perfect texture. The chia seeds will have absorbed all that almond milk, creating this thick, creamy pudding that holds together but still has a little wobble to it.

When you're ready to eat, give it one final stir and get creative with toppings. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, a sprinkle of granola, maybe some coconut flakes or a drizzle of extra honey. The pudding itself is your blank canvas, so go wild!

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use regular honey instead of Manuka honey?

Absolutely! Manuka honey has a unique flavor and some extra health benefits, but regular honey, maple syrup, or agave all work great. Adjust sweetness to your taste.

What if my pudding is too thick or too thin?

Too thick? Stir in a splash more almond milk. Too thin? Add another teaspoon of chia seeds and give it another hour in the fridge. The ratio is pretty forgiving.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Any milk works here! Coconut milk makes it extra creamy, oat milk adds natural sweetness, and regular dairy milk is perfectly fine too. Just keep the ratios the same.

How long does chia pudding last?

Covered in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to 5 days. Perfect for Sunday meal prep! The texture actually improves after the first day, getting even creamier.