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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    First Watch Chia Pudding Copycat Recipe

    Published: Jan 10, 2024 · Modified: Feb 24, 2025 by Natalie Perry · This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Are you looking for a healthy breakfast recipe? Try our First Watch Chia Pudding Copycat Recipe – the A.M Superfoods Bowl inspired by the popular restaurant- First Watch. This nutritious breakfast is a delightful blend of plump chia seeds soaked in rich coconut milk, sweetened with maple syrup, and topped with lush berry compote, crunchy granola, and fresh berries. Two minutes of prep, refrigerate for 2 hours, add your toppings, and enjoy!

    An overhead shot of a fully assembled chia seed pudding dish next to almond butter toast, showcasing the colorful toppings of fresh fruit and granola on the pudding. this …

    This chia seed pudding recipe is an easy meal prep and tastes just as amazing as the restaurant favorite.

    And if you love First Watch, try our copycat Kale Tonic recipe. If you love superfood bowls try our Hawaiian Acai Bowl or Nekter Acai Peanut Butter Bowl! For another easy breakfast, we have Starbucks Egg White Bites.

    Before getting started, I believe in the power of setting healthy intentions. Take a moment to align your thoughts for a mindful eating experience. Check out our free guide on setting intentions and using affirmations.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • How to Make First Watch Chia Pudding
    • Top tip
    • Recipe FAQ's
    • Pairing
    • More About Chia
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Ingredients

    An array of ingredients laid out for making chia seed pudding, including bowls of granola, maple syrup, berry preserves, vanilla extract, mixed fruit, and chia seeds, labeled for clarity.

    Chia Seeds: These tiny yet mighty seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and a great source of fiber, crucial for heart health and maintaining blood sugar levels. Opt for organic black chia seeds.

    Coconut Milk: This creamy liquid is packed with rich flavor and healthy fats. Organic is best. You can use fresh, organic coconut milk in a carton, or canned coconut milk. Check out our article Coconut Milk in a Can vs Carton.

    Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener, maple syrup adds a delightful touch to the pudding without spiking your blood sugar levels as quickly as sugar, in small amounts. It’s best to use pure, organic maple syrup for its natural flavor and health benefits. To avoid sugar spikes altogether, consider using monk fruit sweetener!

    Granola: Adding a delightful crunch, granola is a great source of fiber. For this recipe, using organic granola ensures you’re adding only the best, most natural ingredients to your bowl. You can also make your own!

    Berry Compote (Jam): Berry compote or jam adds a sweet, fruit puree layer to the pudding. Organic or homemade is best.

    Substitutions and Variations

    The beauty of chia pudding lies in its versatility. Here are some easy-to-follow ideas for substitutions and variations:

    • Chocolate Twist: For a chocolate chia seed pudding, mix in cacao powder (cocoa powder). Adding chocolate chips can also enhance the flavor.
    • Texture Variations: For a thicker pudding, use less liquid. If you prefer a lighter texture, simply add a bit more milk.
    • Extra Toppings: Coconut flakes are a great addition to texture. Try some almond slices or walnuts in addition to or in place of the granola! Switch up the fruit to your favorite fruit! This is so versatile.
    • Overnight Option: This recipe is perfect as an overnight chia pudding. Prepare it the night before for a hassle-free, nutritious, and quick breakfast the next morning.

    How to Make First Watch Chia Pudding

    A bowl of chia being stirred together with coconut milk.

    Step 1: Begin by combining the chia seeds with coconut milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Give it a good stir, blending the seeds thoroughly with the milk. This initial mixing is crucial to avoid clumps and to ensure a smooth texture.

    Chia seeds hydrated with coconut milk, plumping and setting in the fridge.

    Step 2: Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then revisit it for another stir. This step helps create a pudding-like texture as the chia seeds swell and absorb the liquid. Before chilling, do a taste test and add more sweetener if desired. Cover and chill for 2 hours.

    A layer of berry compote is smoothed over half of the chia seed pudding.

    Step 3: Once the chia pudding has set, transfer it into your bowl. Gently layer it with your choice of berry compote or natural berry preserves. We suggest using a silicone brush!

    A completed A.M. Superfood Bowl featuring chia seed pudding topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, banana slices, and granola, ready to be enjoyed

    Step 4: Carefully spoon your granola and fresh fruit onto the top of the chia pudding and jam, layering them for visual appeal and desired consistency.

    Hint: Before refrigerating the chia pudding, cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. For a healthier and more environmentally friendly alternative, we prefer using beeswax wrap.

    Top tip

    To ensure the perfect texture for your chia pudding, remember to come back and give it another stir about 5 minutes after the initial mix. This step is crucial to prevent clumping and to achieve a smooth consistency.

    Also, a practical note: Chia seeds can stick like glue to utensils and dishes, so it's best to rinse them immediately after use. This simple habit will save you time and effort in cleaning up.

    Recipe FAQ's

    What does chia pudding do to your gut?

    Chia pudding can be beneficial for gut health due to its high fiber content. The fiber in chia seeds helps promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract. It also supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, aiding in overall digestive health.

    Why won't my chia pudding set?

    There are a couple of reasons why chia pudding might not set properly. The most common reason is the ratio of liquid to chia seeds. If there's too much liquid, the pudding will be too runny. Ensure you're using the correct proportions - typically about ¼ cup or 4 tablespoons of chia seeds to 1 cup of liquid. Also, giving the mixture sufficient time to set, usually a few hours or overnight, is essential.

    Do chia seeds help lose belly fat?

    Chia seeds can be a helpful addition to a weight loss diet due to their fiber content, which can keep you feeling fuller for longer and reduce appetite. However, they are not a magic solution for losing belly fat. Healthy weight loss involves a balanced diet and regular exercise. Chia seeds can be part of this balanced diet.

    Is it ok to eat chia seeds every day?

    Yes, it's generally safe to eat chia seeds every day as part of a balanced diet. They are a nutritious source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and several essential minerals. However, as with any food, moderation is key. Due to their high fiber content, overconsumption may lead to digestive issues for some people.
    Always discuss with your doctor if you are concerned about adding new foods to your diet.

    An overhead shot of a fully assembled chia seed pudding dish next to almond butter toast, showcasing the colorful toppings of fresh fruit and granola on the pudding.

    Pairing

    At First Watch the A.M. Superfoods bowl is served with a slice of whole grain artisan toast topped with luxurious Almond Butter- which is also our favorite! You can use any nut butter, like cashew butter or peanut butter, if you'd like, or eat this chia pudding alone!

    More About Chia

    Looking for other healthy recipes and tips? Try these:

    • A mason jar filled with overnight oats made with coconut milk and chia seeds, topped with a vibrant heap of fresh red raspberries and a single blackberry, all against a warm, wooden background.
      Overnight Oats with Coconut Milk and Chia Seeds
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      Sprouted vs Unsprouted Chia Seeds
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      Hemp vs Chia vs Flax Seeds: Benefits and Uses

    Love our First Watch Chia Pudding Recipe? Give it a 🌟rating and let us know how it went in the comments below! Don't want to miss another recipe? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

    Recipe

    A completed A.M. Superfood Bowl featuring chia seed pudding topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, banana slices, and granola, ready to be enjoyed

    First Watch Chia Pudding Copycat Recipe

    Natalie Perry
    Enjoy a delightful and nutritious start to your day with this First Watch chia pudding. It can be a delicious breakfast option or a healthy treat. This recipe combines nutrient-dense chia seeds with the richness of coconut milk, topped with delicious granola, berry compote, and fresh fruit. It's the easiest meal prep!
    5 from 38 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Chill Time 2 hours hrs
    Total Time 2 hours hrs 2 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2
    Calories 221 kcal

    Equipment

    • Bowl
    • spoon
    • Silicone Brush
    • knife
    • cutting board

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cup chia seeds
    • 1 cup organic coconut milk unsweetened
    • 1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup adjust to taste
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional

    Toppings:

    • Organic granola organic or homemade
    • Berry compote or natural berry preserves
    • Fresh fruits sliced banana, strawberries, and blueberries
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare the Chia Pudding: In a bowl, combine chia seeds, coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to mix everything evenly.
    • Prepare the Chia Pudding: Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more maple syrup. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
    • Add the Berry Compote or Preserves: Spoon the chilled chia pudding into a bowl and top with berry compote or preserves.
    • Add Granola and Fresh Fruit: Follow with a layer of granola and arrange the fresh fruit on top.

    Video

    Notes

     
    • The nutrition facts are calculated using organic coconut milk in a carton.
    • If using coconut milk from a can, the fat content and calories will increase. These are "healthy fats" that give a creamy texture.
    Homemade Granola Recipe: Mix oats, nuts, and seeds. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup and a little coconut oil. Bake at 300°F (150°C) until golden, stirring occasionally.
    Berry Compote Recipe: Simmer fresh berries with a touch of maple syrup. Cool before using. Complement this dish with almond butter toast, sprinkled with a pinch of sea salt, similar to how it's served at First Watch for a complete and satisfying meal.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 221kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gTrans Fat: 0.03gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 426mgFiber: 10gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Comments

      5 from 38 votes (31 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kelli says

      May 10, 2024 at 1:04 pm

      Could the Chia pudding be made with almond milk or soy milk?

      Reply
      • Natalie Perry says

        May 10, 2024 at 6:12 pm

        absolutely!

        Reply
    2. Lisa Fischer says

      April 16, 2024 at 2:05 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best chia pudding recipe I've tried. Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Natalie Perry says

        April 17, 2024 at 10:16 pm

        Glad you liked it. You are quite welcome!

        Reply
    3. dalya rubin says

      January 11, 2024 at 6:27 pm

      5 stars
      I've never made chia pudding with coconut milk before-- this is a must try for me since I LOVE chia pudding!

      Reply
      • Natalie Perry says

        January 12, 2024 at 10:04 pm

        It is so good!

        Reply
    4. Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says

      January 11, 2024 at 4:48 pm

      5 stars
      I love chia seed pudding but I've never considered maple before - what a delicious idea! I ate the whole recipe by myself!! This is a definite keeper!

      Reply
      • Natalie Perry says

        January 12, 2024 at 10:05 pm

        Maple is one of my favorite natural sweeteners!

        Reply
    5. Andréa says

      January 11, 2024 at 3:12 pm

      5 stars
      This looks like a bowl of all good things that come together. A wonderful start to each morning. Yes please!

      Reply
      • Natalie Perry says

        January 12, 2024 at 10:05 pm

        🙂

        Reply
    6. Nora says

      January 11, 2024 at 1:53 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds like the perfect start to the day! Will try it out soon! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Natalie Perry says

        January 12, 2024 at 10:05 pm

        It's super easy, too!

        Reply
    7. DK says

      January 11, 2024 at 10:16 am

      5 stars
      Love this recipe, as a big fan of chia seeds! Especially with the combination of coconut milk - this dish is smooth and creamy!

      Reply
      • Natalie Perry says

        January 12, 2024 at 10:05 pm

        Glad you like it 🙂

        Reply
    8. Nicole NK says

      January 11, 2024 at 1:32 am

      5 stars
      I love a good Chia pudding, and this one did not disappoint. Will be adding this into my rotation.

      Reply
      • Natalie Perry says

        January 12, 2024 at 10:06 pm

        Wonderful!

        Reply
    A woman smiling with long brown hair and flowered v-neck dress shirt on.

    Hello there! My name is Natalie. My passion is creating and sharing healthy recipes, tips, and affirmations for a healthy mind and body. I am a wife, mom, certified holistic nutrition specialist, hypnotherapist, reiki master, and healthy food blogger! I enjoy learning, creating, and sharing healthy recipes that the whole family will love.

    Thanks for stopping in! We look forward to hearing how you like our recipes! Welcome to the tribe :)

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