Banana Chia Pudding

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Banana Chia Pudding is a super quick and easy way to make a pudding for children (and adults too for that matter). Sweetened with fruit it has no added sugar and it is an allergy-friendly recipe.

small glass jar filled with pudding, slices of banana next to the jar.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Fast and easy to make
  • Only three ingredients
  • No added sugar and allergy-friendly means it's perfect for young and old.

Ingredients you will need

To make my banana chia pudding you just need three ingredients: Banana, chia seeds and your preferred milk or milk alternative.

I often make this Banana Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk but it will work equally well with any milk, including cows milk, soy, almond etc, you can literally choose whichever milk you would like or your child prefers or can tolerate

Ingredients to make a banana flavoured chia pudding laid out on a bench top with text overlay.

I am an ambassador for Countdown supermarket, they support my blog by providing ingredients for recipe creation and testing. I used the chia seeds from their range to make this recipe


Chia Seeds

Chia seeds have a natural gelling and thickening ability which is why they can turn a liquid like milk into a pudding or custard consistency.

Black or white chia seeds?

Small white bowl half filled with white chai seeds and half filled with black chia seeds.

You can purchase both black and white chia seeds colour is really the only difference between black and white chia. Both types share the same neutral taste, the thickening/gelling ability, and the same nutritional profile.

I therefore typically decide which colour chia seed to use based on aesthetics. The white chia seeds almost disappear in this pale banana pudding, where the black chia remain visible.

Two photo collage comparing a chia pudding made with white chia and black chia.
Left: White chia pudding | Right: Black chia pudding

Can babies have chia seeds?

I believe it is ok for babies who are at the age for starting solids to have chia seeds.

I have spent quite some time scouring the internet and clinical journals to find any evidence-based information around chia seeds for babies. I could not find anything of note.

The information I found related specifically to introducing chia seeds into baby's diets were either written by companies marketing chia seeds or by other mum/food bloggers about their opinions on chia seeds for babies. I did find a few less specific references.

For example, the NHS suggests chia seeds as a source of omega 3 fats for babies who are vegan (as vegan babies won't be having oily fish in their diet).

I also found a review out of Helsinki looking at the approving chia seeds as an ingredient to bread and they found no public health risk.. but other than this it was slim pickings as far as evidence-based guidelines around chia seeds and babies.

 As I said in the first sentence, of my answer, I believe babies can eat chia seeds.The emphasis is on the 'I' and the 'believe' as I could not find any evidence-based guidelines to either agree or disagree with my personal opinion.

I am comfortable for my babies to have chia seeds but this is something you should check with your health care professional if you are not sure if they are suitable for your baby.

Chia seeds contain fibre, plant-based fibre, omega 3 fats, and antioxidants. 

Chia seeds do have a gelling/thickening ability, hence why their addition to a liquid makes a lovely thick pudding.

You should be aware that this can mean they will also thicken your baby's bowel motions. This is not necessarily a problem BUT if your baby is a baby who tends towards constipation keep this in mind. 

Introduce them slowly, don't give huge serves to young babies, but as they grow I think chia puddings are the perfect snack or toddlers and children

A blue divided baby plate containing chia pudding, pears and meat balls
Banana Chia pudding served as part of a meal for my toddler

Step by step instructions

  1. Blend the banana and milk together as if you were making a smoothie (photo 1).
  2. Add the chia seeds, and stir them through the smoothie. If you prefer you can give a few pulses to mix them in through the smoothie, but so as not to completely demolish them. (photo 2).
  3. Pour into a serving bowl or jar, refrigerate for a minimum of 20 mins before serving (photo 3-4).
5 photo collage showing the key steps to making banana chia pudding.

Top Tips

Here is how you can make this recipe perfectly every time!

  • As this banana chia pudding is pale in colour, I would choose white chia seeds to as the thickening agent.
  • Refrigerate for at least 20 mins before serving so that the chia seeds have a chance to gel
  • Cover the refrigerated puddings or store in an airtight container as the banana in the pudding has a tendency to change colour over time.
  • This recipe has no added sugar, depending on your kid's palates you may need to add some, a little maple syrup, honey (for over ones) or even a date popped into the smoothie will add sweetness. But try it without as you never know!

FAQs

Can I prepare banana chia pudding in advance?

You can prepare it well in advance, ie prepare and refrigerate overnight.

How do I store banana chia pudding?

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

What is the difference between black and white chia seeds?

Colour is really the only difference between black and white chia. Both types share the same neutral taste, the thickening/gelling ability, and the same nutritional profile.

Can I used chia pudding for baby led weaning?

I believe you can, once soaked the chia seeds are small soft and gel like so are not a choking hazard. Pre-load spoons for your baby to maneuver to their mouth, with chia pudding like you would when serving yoghurt or custard to a baby who is self-feeding.

Kid Friendly Chia Puddings

If you are on the hunt for other easy chia puddings for your little ones, these are lovely as well: Apple chia pudding Chocolate Chia Pudding and Strawberry Chia Parfaits.

Baby Custard and Pudding Recipes

A chia seed pudding like this banana chia pudding is essentially how you can make an egg-free custard. If you are after other custard or pudding style recipes for your little one then the following might be suitable: Baby custard, Avocado baby food, Easy peanut butter mousse

A glass jar filled with pudding with a bamboo handled baby spoon and banana slices.

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small glass jar filled with pudding, slices of banana next to the jar.

Banana Chia Pudding

banana chia pudding a healthy recipe pudding recipe sweetened with also perfect as a homemade baby food or for baby led weaning
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baby led weaning, Banana chia pudding, chia, chia pudding, chia pudding for babies
Servings: 2 small puddings
Calories: 160kcal
Author: My Kids Lick The Bowl

RATE THIS RECIPE

4.55 from 358 votes

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe banana approx 100g
  • Two thirds cup milk or milk alternative approx 160 ml
  • 2 tablespoon chia seeds

Instructions

  • Blend the banana and milk together as if you were making a smoothie
  • Add the chia seeds, and stir them through the smoothie, If you prefer you give a few pulses to mix them in through the smoothie, but so as not to completely demolish them.
  • Pour into a serving bowl or jar, refrigerate for a minimum of 20 mins before serving 

Video

Notes

  • Chia seeds take time to soften and gel, please ensure you leave the pudding for a minimum of 20 mins before serving to ensure you get a smooth custard-like texture. You can prepare it well in advance, ie prepare and refrigerate overnight.
  • This recipe will work with any type of milk, ie cows milk, soy, almond, oat, any milk that tickles your fancy
  • This recipe has no added sugar, depending on your kid's palates you may need to add some, a little maple syrup, honey (for over ones) or even a date popped into the smoothie will add sweetness. But try it without as you never know!

Nutrition

Serving: 120g | Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 367mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 168mg | Iron: 1mg

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Quick Start Guide To BLW

Baby led weaning doesn’t need to be complicated, grab my quick start guide to begin your little ones food journey.

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2 Comments

  1. This is a great recipe so easy! I'm making big ones so my son will have it for brekkie and I'll have the leftovers for mine. Just wondering how long do you think it will last in the fridge for?