Banana Chia Pudding
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.
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
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?
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.
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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
Step by step instructions
- Blend the banana and milk together as if you were making a smoothie (photo 1).
- 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).
- Pour into a serving bowl or jar, refrigerate for a minimum of 20 mins before serving (photo 3-4).
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
You can prepare it well in advance, ie prepare and refrigerate overnight.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
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 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
Banana Chia Pudding
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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
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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?
Going to try it for my toddler ??????
Would this be ok for a morning snack at school with the milk?
Thanks
As long as it's kept cool. Either isend the lunchbox in a cooler bag or pop the chia pudding in a small insulated thermos so ti stays cool.
Do you think that 2 tbsp for a 2-3 year old is too much at first? Or do you think it's OK? I made 2 puddings for my 2 boys ages 21 months and 3 years of age. Each pudding had 1/2 cup of milk and 2 tbsp of chia seeds. They absolutely loved it! But I read somewhere later on that 2 tbsp might be too much for a toddler. 1 tsp is recommended but that seems to be too little for pudding. Maybe 1 tbsp? I guess it might be trial and error.
You are correct, 1 tsp would not be enough to thicken a pudding. I would make the recipe as is, but offer smaller portions to younger children, or children that have not had chia seeds to make sure they don't experience any gut upset from the increase in fibre.