Chocolate Coconut Chia Pudding

Tiny little packets of dense nutrients and low calories, chia seeds are truly a superfood. However, the beauty of the chia is that, unlike some other superfoods like goji berries or maca, they are extremely inexpensive and easy to find at most stores.  If you are a sprouter like me, than you've got a stockpile of seeds in your pantry.  I've got alfalfa, broccoli, mung beans, adzuki beans, garbanzo, etc.  I've also got chia.  Sprouting chia seeds in a royal pain in the behind because when wet, these super seeds form a layer of gel around the outside.  This gel makes the seeds clump together and this is not so sprout friendly.  While the gel makes for miserable sprouting, it makes for a simply divine pudding!

If you love boba tea or tapioca pudding then you will love love love chia pudding.  Personally, the flavor of tapioca can be a bit strong and it is not my favorite but the similarity here lies in the texture created by this outer layer of gel.  When turned in to pudding, the chia seeds create a thick texture with bounce, just like pudding! A coconutty, chocolaty, creamy delicious pudding! 

Chia pudding is my go to snack anytime and all the time.  It's a wonderfully sinful treat that, unlike my Rawlicious Chocolate Pudding, is extremely low in fat and calories.  It's a low calorie, nutritional powerhouse and this is exactly what I'm looking for in a snack or dessert during those skinny summer months.

This pudding has a rich satisfying flavor from the raw cacao and coconut nectar (or honey) plus the little bits of coconut add an extra flavor layer to each bite.  Try this simple pudding recipe with any flavors or fruits that you like.  The chia seed is extremely versatile and can be played up any way you want.  This is my first chia pudding post but check back soon for more as I will be playing with lots of flavors and posting the best results!

Here are the ingredients:

1 cup almond or coconut milk
1 tsp. raw cacao powder
1 tsp. raw honey or raw coconut nectar (you could also use liquid stevia if you prefer)
1 Tbsp. shredded coconut
2 Tbsp. chia seeds

You can use a bowl or a mason jar but I prefer the jar method since I always take my chia pudding on the go for a quick snack or even a meal.

Method:
Add all ingredients to the jar and place the lid on tightly.  Then shake, shake, shake until all the ingredients are well blended.  Place your pudding in the refrigerator for 5 hours or overnight. The longer it sits the more pudding like it will become.  It's that simple! Garnish with berries and mint and enjoy!