Chia pudding, a great substitution for yogurt, is a sweet treat for anyone to enjoy – whether or not they eat dairy.

It makes a lovely addition to a breakfast or a filling snack for later in the day.

It’s often believed that dairy is essential to good health. However, many people find that either their personal health or ethics benefit from a dairy-free lifestyle. Whether your choice to eliminate dairy is motivated by health or morals, the transition is certainly not easy!

One of the hardest sacrifices is giving up yogurt. As such a convenient and healthy snack, yogurt is often the last obstacle to overcome before becoming dairy-free. Vegan yogurts made from soy or coconut are one option, but these can often be hard to find and hard to justify on a student budget.

This recipe has no added sweetener, but it doesn’t need any thanks to the banana!

Chia seeds, which can be found at most health food stores or online, are a great source of fibre, calcium, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Best of all, chia seeds when added to liquids absorb ten times their weight and will keep you full longer and will keep in-between meal snacking at bay longer!

Chia seeds are also a worthy investment: they have a long shelf life of around 2 years if stored in a dry environment. You’ll find that these granular seeds make for a welcome addition in cereal, smoothies, oatmeal and baking treats.

Serving: a one-person snack.

Ingredients:

1 Medium banana (the riper the better)
⅓ cup coconut milk
½ cup milk alternative (I used unsweetened chocolate almond milk, but I can personally vouch for the success of original almond milk and soy milk)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons chia seeds

Instructions:

1. Break banana into smaller segments and drop into bowl (out of which you will eventually want to eat your pudding). Using a fork mash your banana. Some lumps are absolutely fine, but strive for a uniform consistency.
   
   
2. Add your coconut milk, milk alternative and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
   
3. Add chia seeds and stir well.
   
   
4. Place in the fridge for a minimum of three hours to allow thicken, but overnight works best.
   
5. Enjoy as is, or top with fruit, granola or whatever you might normally use to top your yogurt.

Chia seed pudding can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. The texture is not unlike the packaged pudding cups you might have taken in your lunch as a child, but the nutritional improvement is astronomical.

Feel free to also mix it up with different sorts of milk, flavourings and toppings to play up this health-conscious snack. So if you’re looking for a new take on a yogurt-substitute, this treat will definitely be up your alley.