This creamy matcha chia pudding is made with green tea matcha powder and takes just minutes to prep. It’s high in fiber and provides a gentle energizing boost, making it a perfect healthy breakfast or snack.
I’ll be honest, matcha has never been my go-to drink. I’ve tried to love matcha lattes (I even recreated an iced matcha latte) over the years and while I appreciate the vibe, the flavor just never fully won me over. That said, this matcha chia pudding completely changed my mind.
Something about the creamy chia pudding paired with the subtle green tea flavor just works. It’s smooth, lightly sweet and such a fun switch up from my basic chia seed pudding recipe when I’m craving something different. If you’re on the fence about matcha like I was, this recipe might just convert you too.
Why You’ll Love This Matcha Chia Pudding
- High in fiber: Each serving packs about 15 grams of fiber, which helps keep you full and satisfied.
- Super easy to make: Just 5 simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep.
- Perfect for meal prep: You can easily make a few jars at once for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks.
- Gives a gentle energizing boost: Matcha provides a more steady energy lift without the coffee jitters.
Ingredients Needed
- milk – I used unsweetened almond milk, but any milk works here. Oat milk makes it extra creamy, while coconut milk adds a richer flavor.
- matcha powder – use a good-quality matcha powder for the best flavor. A culinary-grade or entry-level ceremonial matcha both work well here and help avoid bitterness.
- maple syrup – maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the earthy matcha flavor. Honey also works well.
- vanilla extract – just a splash helps round out the flavor and makes the pudding taste more dessert-like.
- chia seeds – the star of the show! These are what give the pudding its thick, creamy texture and provide all that fiber. My favorite brands of chia seeds are Navitas and Bob’s Red Mill.
How to Make Matcha Chia Pudding
Step 1: In a jar or bowl, whisk together the milk, matcha powder, maple syrup and vanilla until the matcha is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Step 2: Stir in the chia seeds until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours, or overnight, until thick and pudding-like. Stir once more before serving and add your favorite toppings.
Matcha Chia Pudding Recipe Tips
- Start with fresh chia seeds: Chia seeds lose their ability to absorb liquid over time, so fresh seeds will give you the best thick, pudding-like texture.
- Stir more than once: Mix everything well, then give it another stir after about 5–10 minutes before chilling. This helps prevent clumps and ensures the seeds thicken evenly.
- Scale it up for meal prep: If you want breakfasts or snacks ready to go, double or triple the recipe and portion it into jars.
- Adjust consistency as needed: If the pudding thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk before serving to loosen it up.
How to Meal Prep & Store
- To store: Store matcha chia pudding in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. The pudding will continue to thicken as it sits, so give it a good stir before serving and add a splash of milk if needed.
- For meal prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can double or triple the recipe and portion it into individual jars for easy grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks throughout the week. Add toppings just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Matcha is a powdered form of green tea made by finely grinding whole tea leaves. Instead of steeping and discarding the leaves like traditional green tea, you’re actually consuming the entire leaf, which means you get more of the good stuff in every sip (or spoon).
It’s especially known for being rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage and support overall health. Research has linked matcha to benefits like supporting heart health and liver function, which is one reason it’s become such a popular addition to daily routines. (Source)
Matcha comes in a few different grades (culinary and ceremonial), and the one you choose can make a big difference in flavor. For this recipe, you don’t need anything fancy, but quality does matter. Culinary-grade matcha is affordable and slightly stronger in flavor, which makes it great for recipes like chia pudding where the matcha is mixed with other ingredients. Ceremonial-grade matcha is higher quality with a smoother, less bitter taste. If you already have it on hand, it works well here too.
Whichever you choose, look for matcha that’s bright green in color, which usually indicates fresher, better-tasting matcha. Very dull or yellow-green powders can taste bitter or grassy.
If you’re new to matcha, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. A little goes a long way, and the maple syrup helps balance the earthy flavor nicely.
Yes, matcha contains a small amount of caffeine since it’s made from green tea leaves. The amount is much lower than coffee and tends to provide a gentler, more sustained energy boost.
It has a mild, earthy matcha flavor that’s lightly sweet and creamy once the chia seeds thicken. The flavor is similar to a matcha latte but less sweet.
This can happen if the chia seeds are old or if the ratio of liquid to seeds is off. Make sure to stir well and give it enough time to set.
More Chia Pudding Recipes
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In a blender or jar, whisk together almond milk, matcha powder, maple syrup and vanilla until the matcha is fully dissolved and smooth.
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Stir in the chia seeds until well combined.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or overnight, until the pudding thickens.
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When ready to serve, give it a good stir. Divide into two jars and add desired toppings.
- Matcha powder: Use a good-quality matcha for the best flavor. Culinary-grade or entry-level ceremonial matcha both work well.
- Sweetness: Start with 1 tablespoon maple syrup and adjust to taste.
- Consistency: If the pudding thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk before serving.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
Serving: 1 | Calories: 333kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 191mg | Potassium: 411mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 19g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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