We all know that chia seeds make cute little houseplants, but did you know they are also good to eat? Chia seeds are remarkably nutritious. They are a good source of calcium, potassium, phosphorous, and fibre. They provide a balanced combination of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. And they have some protein, iron and magnesium as well.

Chia seeds can absorb a lot of liquid and they have terrific gelling properties. For this reason, they make fabulous no-cook puddings. Below, you will find four easy chia puddings. I hope you enjoy them and I hope they inspire you to create your own nutritious and delicious chia pudding!

Chocolate Almond Chia Pudding

1 cup almond milk
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 tablespoon cane sugar
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
A couple of drops of almond extract

Place the sugar and cocoa in a small bowl. Mix together, breaking down any lumps of cocoa with the back of the spoon. Add the chia seeds and stir to combine. Pour in the almond milk and the almond extract. Give a final stir and set the pudding aside for 20 minutes. The chia seeds will absorb the almond milk and gel the pudding.

Makes 1 large or 2 small servings.

Vanilla Chia Pudding

1 cup milk of choice
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 tablespoon cane sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix the chia seeds and cane sugar in a small bowl. Pour in the almond milk and the vanilla extract. Stir again and let the pudding sit for 20 minutes before eating.

Vanilla Chia Pudding with Fresh Fruit: This pudding is delicious topped with your favourite fruit or berries. Some nice combinations are bananas and strawberries, mixed berries, oranges and blueberries, peaches and raspberries, and kiwi and blueberries.

Makes 1 large or 2 small servings.

Raw Vanilla (Chocolate) Chia Pudding

1 cup homemade almond milk
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 tablespoon raw agave syrup or raw honey
(1 tablespoon raw cacao powder)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stir together the agave syrup and the cacao powder in a small bowl. Add the chia seeds, almond milk and vanilla extract. Stir well and let the pudding sit for 20 minutes. Enjoy!

Makes 1 large or 2 small servings.

Raw Lemon Chia Pudding

1 cup homemade almond milk
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 tablespoon raw agave syrup or raw honey
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel, or to taste
A couple of drops of lemon extract

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside for 20 minutes before eating. Fresh pineapple makes a lovely accompaniment to this pudding.

Makes 1 large or 2 small servings.