Tropical Chia Pudding
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This recipe includes instructions on how to dehydrate your own fruit.
Don’t have one? No problem. Simply buy dried fruit instead.
Chia pudding is super easy to make and loaded with fibre, omega-3 and protein. When you add hot water, chia seeds gelatinize to make a pudding, which is a nice alternative to something like oatmeal. Plus, it tastes great, is super filling and is a fantastic energy booster to start your day! The combination of mango, pineapple, banana and coconut in this recipe is stupid good.
Dietary Preferences: Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan*, high-fiber
*vegan if substituting milk powder with coconut milk powder
Approximate weight (per serving):Â 85g
Macronutrients (per serving):
Carb Energy
59.3g | 166 kcal
Protein Power
7.5g | 30 kcal
Fat Fuel
14.9g | 134 kcal
Learn more about the importance of macronutrients in your outdoor adventure meal plan
Tropical Chia Pudding Ingredients
Before you go running to the store, let me give you the inside scoop on the key ingredients:
Chia Seeds
Top 3 nutrients: Omega-3, fiber, protein
For this recipe, you’ll want to use whole, not ground, chia seeds to get the best texture and gelatinization. Â
Banana
Top 3 nutrients: potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C
If you’re making your own banana chips, use bananas that are slightly brown and spotty. These result in more sweet and flavourful chips.
Mango
Top 3 nutrients: vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber
If you’re dehydrating your own mango, make sure to use a mango that is well ripe. You don’t want it too soft – but, like bananas, fully ripe mango makes for sweeter and flavourful dried mango.Â
If buying, you can use sweetened or unsweetened dried mango. I personally prefer unsweetened, but either will work.Â
Pineapple
Top 3 nutrients: vitamin C, manganese, bromelain (enzymes)
If you’re dehydrating your own pineapple, make sure to use a ripe pineapple. You don’t want to use overripe pineapple – but, like bananas and mango, fully ripe pineapple makes for sweeter and more flavourful dried fruit.Â
If buying, you can use sweetened or unsweetened dried pineapple. I personally prefer unsweetened, but either will work.Â
Shredded Coconut
Top 3 nutrients: Medium-chain triglycerides, fiber, manganese
Although you can dehydrate your own coconut, I suggest buying dried shredded coconut. Fresh coconut meat is typically much more expensive and can be tedious to shred.
Fine or medium shredded coconut works. I also opt for unsweetened (the other fruit provides enough sweetness), but you can use sweetened if you prefer.Â
Milk Powder
Top 3 nutrients: protein, calcium, vitamin D
In addition to the sweet creamy flavour it provides, it adds a good amount of protein. You can use skim or whole milk powder, however, whole milk powder does have a noticeably better flavour.
How to dehydrate the ingredients
Dehydrating ingredients is quite simple. You’ll want to plan ahead and prep your ingredients so you can make best use of your time. If you have enough space in your dehydrator, you can dehydrate all ingredients that require the same temperature at the same time (but keep an eye on them since they likely have different dehydrating times)
Note: dehydrating times may vary (the water content and thickness of the ingredients, as well as the humidity and altitude of where you live in impact the time)
Basic steps:
- Slice items into about 1/4″ thick pieces
- Arrange on a dehydrating tray with enough room for air to circulate between pieces (no over lapping)
- Place in dehydrator/oven and dehydrate at 135℉ for 8-13 hours. Mangoes are the quickest to dehydrate, pineapple takes the longest.Â
It’s that easy! Wanna know more? Check out our dehydrating “How To’s“
More specific instructions, including individual dry times for the ingredients in Tropical Chia Pudding are provided in the recipe below.
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Storage Instructions
Here are some tips to help you maximize the shelf life of your Tropical Chia Pudding:
- Keep stored in a sealable container or bag
- Vacuum sealing can extend the shelf life by up to three times its normal duration! This is useful if you’re prepping lots for longer term use.Â
- Store in a cool, dry and dark place. For longer term storage, it’s recommended to keep stored in the freezer (especially if not vacuum sealed)
When dried and stored properly, your Tropical Chia Pudding should keep at room temperature for a few years.Â
How to Rehydrate Tropical Chia Pudding
Rehydrating dehydrated meals is a simple process that allows you to restore their original taste, texture (to an extent), and nutritional value. Keep in mind that the amount of water and time required may slightly vary:
Just add hot water
- Add 1 cup boiling water
- Stir
- Let sit for 15-20 minutes
- Stir & enjoy
Rehydrating Tips:
- Use a container with a lid to contain as much heat as possible… Have a packable insulated container? Even better.Â
- After soak time is finished, add more hot water if you find the meal dry or crunchy. Â
Tropical Chia Pudding FAQ's
Can I make this vegan?
Sure can! Instead of powdered cow’s milk, use coconut milk powder. Just know that the protein content will decrease.Â
Can I make chia pudding ahead of time (add water and eat later)?
Absolutely! There’s no harm in making it ahead of time. In fact, the longer it sits, the more gelatinous and pudding like it becomes. If you’re planning to make it a while before eating it, it will last in the fridge for up to a week.Â
Can I use more or less fruit?
Yup, feel free to customize the mix-ins as you like. Just keep in mind that adding or reducing the amount of fruit will alter how much hot water you need. The chia base (3tbsps) needs 3/4 cup water.Â
Can I use frozen or canned fruit?
Yes you can, although I recommend fresh fruit for the best results. If using frozen or canned, ensure to thaw and drain the liquid as much as possible.Â
More just add water recipes:
Tropical Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is super easy to make and loaded with fibre, omega-3 and protein. When you add hot water, chia seeds gelatinize to make a pudding, which is a nice alternative to something like oatmeal. Plus, it tastes great, is super filling and is a fantastic energy booster to start your day! The combination of mango, pineapple, banana and coconut in this recipe is stupid good.COOKING METHOD: Dehydrating, Prep & Go*Note: recipe below provides instructions for dehydrating and making your own ingredients but you can simply buy ingredients instead
Notable Equipment
- 1 Dehydrator (optional)
Ingredients
Raw ingredients needed (measurements before dehydrating):
- 3 tbsps chia seeds
- ½ whole banana
- â…“ cup pineapple, chopped
- â…“ cup mango, chopped
- 2 tbsps dried shredded coconut
- 2 tsps milk powder (optional)
Ingredient measurements for final recipe (to shop for or once ingredients above dehydrated)
- 3 tbsps chia seeds
- ¼ cup dried bananas (12g), about 12 banana chips
- ¼ cup dried pineapple (12g)
- ¼ cup dried mango (10g)
- 2 tbsps shredded coconut
- 2 tsps milk powder
Instructions
If buying ingredients:
- 1. Combine all ingredients in a sealable container - and that's it! Your chia pudding is ready to go. See rehydrating instructions below.
If dehydrating own fruit:
- 1. Slice ½ banana, 1/3 cup mango, 1/3 cup pineapple into 1/4″ thick slices or chunks.
- 2. Disperse fruits on dehydrating trays and dehydrate at 135℉ for about 8 - 13 hours. (Mango ~8 hours, banana ~10 hours, pineapple ~13 hours).
- 3. Once fruits are dehydrated, combine with shredded coconut, powdered milk and chia seeds in a sealable container.
Notes
- As mentioned, you can simply purchase these items in store, however, homemade dehydrated fruit is much more flavourfulÂ
- It’s best to use slightly over ripe bananas (having a few brown spots on the peel). It results in sweeter, more flavourful chips
- Dehydrating time may vary (the thickness and water content of the mixture, as well as the humidity and altitude of your environment will impact dehydrating time)
- Scroll down for storage guidelines
- Learn more about dehydrating from our Dehydrating 101 post.
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Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 391kcalCarbohydrates: 59.3gProtein: 7.5gFat: 14.9gSaturated Fat: 7.1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 11.4mgFiber: 14.4gSugar: 30.9g
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The Foodie Behind the Screen
Hi there! I'm Bri. I'm sharing my love for cooking - and the outdoors - one recipe at a time.
