Flaxseed Pudding is made with ground flaxseed, plant milk, maple syrup and vanilla. It’s a super healthy and easy gut-friendly breakfast or snack that’s easy to make and loaded with protein, healthy fats and fiber.
Move away chia, here comes flaxseed! Seriously, if you know and love chia seed puddings, you MUST try this recipe. When I tried it for the first time I was really blown away by how delicious flaxseed tastes in this form. Its natural nutty flavor is enhanced with vanilla, slight sweetness from maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt.
Low-Carb Trail Mix is another great recipe if you're looking for a portable snack idea.
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Why you will love this recipe
- Flaxseed pudding is a super quick and easy breakfast or snack.
- Unlike chia pudding that requires a few hours in the fridge to thicken to the right consistency, flaxseed pudding is ready in as little as 30 minutes.
- Flaxseed is a superfood packed with plant-based protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins and Omega-3s (healthy fats).
- It is low-carb, gluten free, paleo friendly and vegan.
- You can make this pudding Whole30 friendly if you swap maple syrup for a mashed banana or blend it with dates.
- Flaxseed has a natural nutty flavor which makes this pudding unexpectedly delicious!
- It is highly customizable. Mix in your favorite fruit, nuts, nut butters or cocoa to shake things up and make it yours.
Ingredient notes
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Ground Flaxseed (Flaxseed Meal): my favorite ground flaxseed is Golden Flaxseed Meal by Bob’s Red Mill
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Plant Milk: any unsweetened plant milk will work. Almond milk is what I used but soy, coconut and oat milk will all work.
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Vanilla: use real vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for best results
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Maple Syrup: for a touch of natural sweetness. Mine is always from Maine.
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Sea Salt (optional): to balance out the flavors
How to make flaxseed pudding
Combine ground flaxseed with plant milk in a medium bowl or a jar. Stir in vanilla, maple syrup and salt and mix well. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 1 hour or overnight to thicken. It may be ready to eat in as little as 30 minutes but I recommend waiting a little longer for the best pudding-like texture.
If you want individual portions, transfer the pudding into 3 small jars. I like these super cute tulip jelly jars with glass lids.
Serving suggestions
I made three individual puddings and topped them with:
- Strawberries and chopped almonds
- Fresh banana slices, walnuts and honey
- Blueberries and unsweetened coconut
I loved all 3 of them but there are so many other ways you can dress up your flaxseed pudding! Top it with whatever you would put on top of oatmeal or yogurt. Here are some topping suggestions to make the pudding more fun and nutritious:
- Fresh or stewed berries: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries
- Chopped bananas, apples, pears or peaches
- Chopped nuts: walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts or almonds
- Dried fruit such as dates, raisins, apricots or figs
- Mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- Nut butter
- Dairy or plant-based yogurt
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Substitutions and variations
Flaxseed pudding is naturally vegan, gluten free and paleo. To make it Whole30 compliant, use unsweetened almond or coconut milk and sweeten the pudding with a small mashed banana instead of maple syrup. You can also place all ingredients (minus maple syrup) in a blender with a couple dates (2-3) and blend until smooth.
For extra creamy flaxseed pudding, use full fat canned coconut milk. If you want chocolate flavored flaxseed pudding, add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder when stirring together all pudding ingredients. Mix well and serve with some mini chocolate chips for an extra crunch.
Health benefits of ground flaxseed
Flaxseed (or flax seeds) is a superfood that’s loaded with nutrients and well known and prized for their health benefits. Here are some of them:
- Good source of plant-based protein that will keep you full for hours.
- Packed with antioxidants, which help prevent and fight certain cancers.
- High in good fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids. If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, flaxseed can be the best source of omega-3 fats typically found in fish.
- Loaded with dietary fiber. One tablespoon of flaxseed contains 2 grams of carbs, 1.9 grams of which is fiber. Because of that flaxseed pudding is ok in small amounts in low-carb diet.
- Looking for more high fiber recipes? Check out this roundup of 15 High Fiber Smoothie Recipes.
Recipe FAQs
Flaxseed pudding is a great option for make ahead breakfasts. Make a batch and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Yes, as long as you use almond or coconut milk (no soy or oat) and swap the maple syrup for mashed banana or dates.
They are two separate kinds of seeds though they have similar nutritional value. Both flaxseed and chia seeds are high in protein, omega-3 fats, dietary fiber and antioxidants. Chia seeds has a blander flavor while flaxseed tastes slightly nutty.
It depends on what health benefits you are looking for. Flaxseed has more omega-3 fats than chia (12 grams in 1 ounce) but chia seeds are slightly lower in calories and have a bit more fiber (11 grams in one ounce, as opposed to 8 grams in one ounce of flaxseed). Bottom line is that they are both very healthy and nutritionally valuable.
There is very little difference in terms of nutrition. Both golden and brown flaxseed will work in this pudding.
No. Mixing whole flaxseed with liquid will not produce pudding-like consistency. Moreover, whole flax seeds pass through your body which does not allow for proper absorption of all the great nutrients flaxseed has to offer. Ground is better!
Of course! You can definitely make unsweetened flaxseed pudding, especially if you’re on a keto or low-carb diet.
Yes, absolutely! It won’t be vegan friendly anymore but it will definitely work.
No time to make it now? Just pin it now and save the recipe for later!
More healthy snacks
- Peanut Butter Chocolate TikTok Baked Oats
- Chocolate Bliss Balls (paleo, gluten free)
- Apricot Bliss Balls (paleo, gluten free)
- Healthy Banana Mug Cake
- Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Blended Cottage Cheese
Recipe
Easy Flaxseed Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup ground flaxseed flaxseed meal
- 1 ⅔ cups unsweetened plant milk such as almond, oat, coconut, soy
- 1 ½ - 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- a pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Mix ground flaxseed and all other ingredients in a bowl or a jar, cover with a lid or plastic wrap and let sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight to thicken.
- If desired, transfer into 3 small jars or containers and top with fresh or dried fruit and nuts before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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Meet the Author
Hi, I'm Agnieszka. I'm a mom of three and recipe developer, writer and photographer behind Wholly Tasteful. I love creating comforting, delicious, family-friendly recipes that you can feel good about.
Freya says
Yum, I had never thought of making a flaxseed pudding before, I usually just use it as an egg replacer! Can’t wait to give this a go!
Nora says
never made a flaxseed pudding before! But now I have to try! Thanks for sharing!
Luke Ratford says
What a fantastic breakfast recipe the family loved it 🙂
Stine Mari says
This is such a healthy yet delicious breakfast idea!
Marcellina says
I didn't realise how simple and delicious flaxseed pudding is! This is a great recipe!
nancy says
what a great alternative to chia seeds
Brianna says
Healthy, silky and delicious!
Toni says
This was so good! Such a delicious and healthy breakfast!
Adela says
Delicious and healthy dessert. Thanks for the recipe
Hannah says
Hi! I was excited about this recipe but idk what it is or if I did something wrong but there is an odd flavor? Like I’ve never made flax pudding but it has a strong smell and taste right away, I fear my flax might have gone rancid but they smelled fine. I also thought maybe the vanilla alcohol is coming through? Has anyone else experienced this?
Agnieszka says
Hi Hannah. My guess is that your flaxseed did go rancid, I'm afraid. Ground flaxseed goes rancid quickly so I usually keep it in my freezer.
Amanda says
This recipe was so easy to make and loved that it was gluten free. Thank you for sharing.
Keri says
This vegan pudding was so wholesome and delicious. Thank you!
Julie says
Wow! I love this flax seed pudding. It’s so easy to make and delicious.
Debra says
Delish! Adding this into our rotation of easy and healthy breakfasts!
Sue says
I always love finding new ways to start my day with a healthy breakfast. Thanks!
Rob says
We love this for a healthy and delicious breakfast.
Liz says
Super yummy! This made an excellent breakfast!!
Swathi says
Flaxdeed pudding looks delicious. perfect breakfast.
Jani says
This pudding is delicious, but not keto, as maple syrup is definitely not keto.