Strawberry Banana Chia Pudding

Creamy, fruity, and packed with protein and fiber. This strawberry banana chia pudding is the perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack.

Say goodbye to bland chia pudding! This easy recipe blends fresh fruit right into the mix, creating a naturally sweet, satisfying bowl that’s as delicious as it is nourishing. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want a healthier, dessert-worthy option, this is a must-try.

Ingredient notes

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy strawberry-banana chia pudding. Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions and ingredient quantities.

• Banana: Adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture. Use fresh (not frozen) banana, as frozen fruit can prevent the chia seeds from setting properly. For the best flavor, choose a ripe or overripe banana with yellow skin and brown spots. You can also swap for another sweet fruit like fresh mango, golden kiwi, or your favorite berry.
• Fresh strawberries: Use fresh, not frozen strawberries to ensure your chia pudding sets up properly. Look for ripe strawberries with a fragrant, sweet aroma for the best flavor. Swap with other fresh berries like blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries if you prefer.
• Milk: I use 2% dairy milk for its protein content and because it’s always stocked in my fridge. For a higher protein plant-based option, soy milk works great. You can also use almond or oat milk.
• Vanilla protein powder: I like Leanfit vanilla whey for its smooth texture and flavor, but any flavored whey or plant-based protein powder works. Feel free to experiment with other flavors like birthday cake, oatmeal cream pie, or fruity cereal.
• Chia seeds: These tiny seeds thicken the pudding and provide most of the fiber. Use whole chia seeds of any color, and make sure they’re fresh for the best texture and nutritional benefit.

Dietary restrictions

This strawberry banana chia pudding is naturally high in fiber, protein-packed, and gluten-free. Here’s how to customize it to fit your needs:

• Dairy-free: Swap in a plant-based milk like soy, almond, or oat, and use a plant-based protein powder.
• No protein powder: Skip the protein powder and add 1–2 teaspoons of honey for sweetness. Without the protein powder, your pudding may be thinner, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of chia seeds.
• Low sugar: Choose a flavored protein powder with less than 3 grams of added sugar per scoop to keep the sugar content lower.

How to make strawberry banana chia pudding

Step 1: Blend fruit, milk and protein powder until smooth.

Step 2: Add to a food container with chia seeds, shake, and refrigerate overnight.

Topping ideas

When you’re ready to enjoy your strawberry-banana chia pudding, add some or all of these toppings for extra flavor, texture, and satisfaction:

• Fresh fruit: Add a small handful of sliced banana, diced strawberries, or whole berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• Jam: Swirl in a tablespoon of low-sugar or homemade jam for an extra sweet twist that complements the fresh fruit.
• Crunch: Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of granola, crushed nuts (like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios), coconut flakes, or hemp seeds.
• Nut butter: Drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter for richness and healthy fats.
• Yogurt: Layer your chia pudding with a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein. Use vanilla yogurt for a sweet flavor, or plain for a lower-sugar option.
• Chocolate chips or cacao nibs: Add a teaspoon or two for a hint of chocolate and a fun texture contrast.
• Chopped dates or dried fruit: For extra sweetness and chew, add finely chopped dates or whole raisins.

Top tips for success

1. Use ripe fruit for the best flavor. A spotty, overripe banana and fragrant, ripe strawberries will naturally sweeten your chia pudding, making it taste more like dessert.
2. Avoid frozen fruit. Frozen fruit adds unwanted water and lowers the temperature, which can prevent your chia seeds from setting properly. Stick to fresh fruit for the perfect texture.
3. Keep your chia seeds fresh. Older chia seeds may not gel properly. For best results, use fresh chia seeds stored in the fridge.
4. Chill overnight. With the addition of fruit and protein powder, your chia pudding needs more time to set. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but overnight is ideal.

Common questions

More chia recipes

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Greek Yogurt Chia Pudding
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Blended Cheesecake Chia Pudding