Charcoal Berry Chia Pudding

Chia pudding is one of our favorite items on the breakfast table. It’s not just packed with healthy vegan protein, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber but also easy to prepare and so delicious. This heart-healthy energy booster will keep you going for several hours. Because chia seeds have a neutral taste they can be added to almost anything like salads, cereals, smoothies, baking – the list is endless. My preferred way to enjoy these nutritious seeds is still chia pudding but, in order to keep breakfast interesting, I like to switch it up with different flavors and colors. My latest food discovery happens to be activated coconut charcoal which is so much fun to use as a natural food coloring, and I love this colorful charcoal-berry twist.

You will need:

• a blender

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

For the blender:

• 2 cups (480 ml) plant based milk
• 1/8 tsp Celtic sea salt
• generous 3 oz (90 g) pitted, dried dates
• 1 tsp activated coconut charcoal powder

To stir in:

• generous 1/2 cup (90 g) chia seeds

For fruit blend:

• one 10 oz (280 g) bag frozen berries of your choice (I used mixed berries)
• 5 pitted, dried dates or more for some sweetness

To layer with:

• about 1 lb (450 g) plain, dairy free yogurt – store bought or homemade

For garnish (optional):

• some berries
• peppermint leaves

Preparation:

Blend all the blender ingredients at the highest setting for about 30 seconds or until smooth.

Pour the liquid into a large 32 oz wide-mouth mason jar or other container with lid.

Stir in chia seeds and keep stirring for about 2 minutes. This will keep them from sticking together or to the jar. Set aside for a couple minutes until the chia seeds have soaked up most of the liquid.

Meanwhile, clean blender and refill with berries and dates. I you want, keep some berries for garnish. Blend until berries are thawed and the texture is smooth.

Bring it all together by layering chia pudding with berry blend and yogurt in single-serve bowls or glasses.

Garnish with some berries and peppermint leaves, if you like!

Enjoy for breakfast or as a healthy snack any time of the day!

Notes:

• Perfect to take to work in small mason jars or lock-lid containers.
• Layer with any kind of fruit puree of your liking for color variety. Mango would be fabulous for Halloween.
• If you want to save time in the morning, prepare ahead! You can keep this chia pudding in the fridge for at least 3 days.