By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on July 30, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Start your morning off right with this delicious and nutritious chia pudding from First Watch! This easy-to-make breakfast or snack treat is packed with fiber, protein, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.
It’s also incredibly flexible as you can switch up the types of fruit used to create a variety of flavors.
Making the pudding itself is incredibly simple. All you need are some basic ingredients. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started on making this delicious and healthy chia pudding!
What is First Watch Chia Pudding?
First Watch Chia Pudding is a simple and nutritious breakfast or snack treat made with chia seeds, coconut milk, maple syrup, sugar, vanilla, blackberry jelly/preserves, fresh fruit of your choice, and nuts.
It’s also incredibly versatile as you can switch up the types of fruit used to create a variety of flavors.
Once all these ingredients are mixed together, you can let it sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight. This allows the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken up into a creamy pudding texture.
What does it taste like?
First Watch Chia Pudding has a delightful combination of flavors. The coconut milk and maple syrup give it a subtly sweet flavor, while the blackberry jelly/preserves add some tartness and sweetness.
The fresh fruit gives it a bright and refreshing flavor, while the chia seeds provide an added crunch to contrast the creamy texture.
How did I first get introduced to the First Watch Chia Pudding?
I first encountered First Watch Chia Pudding while visiting the iconic Florida-based breakfast restaurant, First Watch. The freshly-prepared food looked amazing but I was hesitant to try something new.
That’s when one of the friendly staff members suggested I give their signature chia pudding a try. She told me how it was made with simple ingredients like coconut milk, chia seeds, and blackberry jelly. I was sold!
Once I tried my first bite, I was hooked. The creamy texture combined with the tart sweetness of the berries and crunch of the nuts created a truly unique flavor sensation that put a smile on my face.
I returned to First Watch several times over the course of my visit and enjoyed my chia pudding each time. I was glad to discover a healthy and delicious breakfast option that I could recreate at home.
When I returned, I decided to try making First Watch Chia Pudding for myself. After shopping for all the ingredients, I followed the simple online, and voila! The pudding came out even better than I imagined.
Now, I love to make First Watch Chia Pudding for myself and my family on a regular basis. It’s become a favorite in our house!
How to Make First Watch Chia Pudding?
Making First Watch Chia Pudding is incredibly easy! All you need are some basic ingredients and follow the steps below:
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Ingredients
- Unsweetened coconut milk: This adds a creamy texture and subtle sweetness to the pudding.
- Chia seeds: Chia seeds are rich in fiber, protein, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. They also help thicken the pudding as they absorb liquid.
- Pure maple syrup: Maple syrup provides natural sweetness to the pudding without adding refined sugar. You can use honey instead of maple syrup, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Sugar: This helps balance the tartness of the berries and adds a bit more sweetness to the pudding.
- Vanilla: Vanilla adds a hint of warmth and depth to this simple treat. You can also substitute with other extracts like almond or hazelnut.
- Blackberry jelly or preserves: Look for a fruit-only jelly or preserves, such as Smucker’s Simply Fruit. This adds some tart sweetness to the pudding and helps bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Fruit: I like using blueberries, sliced strawberries, and sliced bananas for this, but use whatever you have on hand. You can also add chopped-up apples or pears if desired.
- Granola: This adds a nice crunch to the pudding and helps create a balanced texture. Look for one that is low in added sugar, such as Cascadian Farm Oats & Honey.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Step 2
Add the blackberry jelly to the pudding mixture and stir until combined. Top each with fruit and granola.
Tips
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of sugar and almond milk or other non-dairy milk instead of coconut milk.
- Feel free to switch up the type of fruit used in the pudding – try using sliced peaches, nectarines, or apples.
- You can also add some chopped nuts for extra crunch and nutrition.
- For a sweeter pudding, add more maple syrup or sugar. – If your pudding is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of extra milk or water.
- This makes enough for four servings but you can easily double or triple the ingredients to make more.
First Watch Chia Pudding Recipe
Equipment
- Medium Bowl
- Stirrer
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 8 tbsp coconut milk unsweetened
- 1/2 cup sliced fruits such as blueberries strawberries, bananas
- 2 tsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp granola (such as Cascadian Farm Oats & Honey)
- 2 tbsp blackberry jelly
- Sugar to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Add the blackberry jelly to the pudding mixture and stir until combined. Top each with fruit and granola.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of sugar and almond milk or other non-dairy milk instead of coconut milk.
- Feel free to switch up the type of fruit used in the pudding – try using sliced peaches, nectarines, or apples.
- You can also add some chopped nuts for extra crunch and nutrition.
- For a sweeter pudding, add more maple syrup or sugar. – If your pudding is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of extra milk or water.
- This makes enough for four servings but you can easily double or triple the ingredients to make more.
Nutrition Information
YIELD: 4 servings SERVING SIZE: 3/4 cup
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 179 TOTAL FAT: 5g SATURATED FAT: 2g TRANS FAT: 0g UNSATURATED FAT: 4g CHOLESTEROL: 0mg SODIUM: 26mg CARBOHYDRATES: 32g FIBER: 6g SUGAR: 19g PROTEIN: 3g
What to serve with First Watch Chia Pudding?
First Watch Chia Pudding is a simple and nutritious treat that can be enjoyed all on its own. Its creamy texture and subtle sweetness from the coconut milk, maple syrup, and blackberry jelly/preserves make it a delicious snack or breakfast.
However, if you’re looking for something more filling, there are plenty of things you can serve alongside your chia pudding. Try pairing it with some Greek yogurt for extra protein or adding a scoop of your favorite nut butter for added flavor and texture.
You can also serve it with some granola sprinkled on top for an extra crunch. For a more savory breakfast, serve the chia pudding alongside eggs or toast, or even add it to smoothies to up the nutrient content.
How to store leftover First Watch Chia Pudding?
If you have leftovers of First Watch Chia Pudding, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm and creamy, or enjoy cold.
You can also freeze the pudding for up to two months by transferring to an airtight freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight or microwave for a few seconds until warm and creamy.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes! First Watch Chia Pudding is a great option for pregnant women looking for a healthy snack or breakfast. It’s packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids from the chia seeds as well as antioxidants from the berries.
To make it even more nutritious, consider adding Greek yogurt to boost your calcium intake or mix in some nut butter for added protein. Just be sure to watch your portion sizes and avoid eating too much of this sweet treat.
FAQs
Is this keto-friendly?
Yes, First Watch Chia Pudding is keto-friendly! As long as you use an unsweetened nut milk and sugar-free preserves or jelly, the pudding should fit within a ketogenic diet.
Can I use almond milk instead of coconut milk?
Yes, you can certainly swap out the coconut milk for almond milk or any other non-dairy alternative. This will slightly change the flavor profile but should still result in a delicious pudding.
Can I add protein powder to this?
Absolutely! Adding a scoop of protein powder to the pudding will boost the protein content and make it a more filling treat. You can also add some nut butter or Greek yogurt for even more nutrition.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for reading! Making First Watch Chia Pudding is a quick and easy way to get some good nutrition into your diet without having to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can mix up this nutritious pudding in minutes.
I hope you enjoyed this article, please share this with your friends and family if you found it helpful. If you have any tips or questions about this, please leave a comment below – I’d love to hear from you!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
