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Grab a spoon to enjoy this festive, energizing, and nutritious Matcha Chia Pudding flavored with raspberry and matcha! This fun and easy-to-make recipe is perfect for the holiday season, with its vibrant red and green colors that create Christmas cheer! But what’s even better is that it’s packed with nutritious ingredients to keep you *actually* feeling merry and bright.
Why You’ll Love This Matcha Chia Seed Pudding
- Nutrition Packed: The combination of matcha powder, chia seeds, and fresh raspberries provides a boost of antioxidants, fiber, and protein to support your overall health and well-being.
- Probiotics: And with the addition of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt, you’ll get an extra dose of probiotics to support your gut health.
- Festive: So why not get into the holiday spirit and whip up a batch of this delicious and nutritious pudding? It’s the perfect treat to enjoy on its own or share with friends and family. And with its layered colors and fresh raspberry garnish, it’s sure to be a showstopper at any holiday gathering!
Chia pudding is one of my favorite ways to enjoy a sweet treat. Some of my favorite flavors are Coconut Mango Chia Pudding, Strawberry Chia Seed Protein Pudding, and Chocolate Shell Chia Pudding.
What is Matcha?
Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, offers numerous health benefits due to its high antioxidant content and unique nutrients. Here are some of the key health benefits of matcha:
1. High in Antioxidants: Matcha contains high levels of antioxidants called catechins, which may help protect against heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.
2. Boosts Energy and Alertness: Matcha contains caffeine, which can help increase energy and alertness. However, the L-theanine content in matcha helps balance out the caffeine, providing a calm and focused energy.
3. Supports Weight Loss: Matcha has been shown to aid in weight loss by increasing metabolism and fat burning.
4. May Help Lower Cholesterol: Studies have shown that matcha may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
5. Anti-Inflammatory: Matcha contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
6. Supports Brain Health: The L-theanine in matcha may help improve focus, concentration, and memory.
7. May Help Regulate Blood Sugar: Matcha has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
8. Supports Immune System: Matcha contains antioxidants and other nutrients that may help support the immune system.
9. May Help Reduce Stress: The L-theanine in matcha may help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
10. Supports Healthy Digestion: Matcha contains fiber and other nutrients that may help support healthy digestion.
Overall, matcha is a nutrient-dense food that can be a great addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to confirm some of the potential health benefits.
Matcha can be such a powerful source of antioxidants that I hope you’ll add it into more of your recipes. If you are interested, I recommend trying Matcha Yogurt Breakfast Bowls or this Energizing Icy-Cold Matcha Latte.
How to choose high quality matcha for your chia pudding
Choosing a high-quality matcha powder can be a bit overwhelming, but here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
1. Look for ceremonial or premium grade: Ceremonial grade matcha is of higher quality and is intended for drinking/consuming. Premium grade matcha is also high quality but may have a slightly lower L-theanine content.
2. Check the origin: Matcha from Japan, particularly from the Uji region of Kyoto, is considered to be of higher quality.
3. Color and aroma: High-quality matcha should have a vibrant green color and a fresh, grassy aroma.
4. L-theanine content: Matcha with higher L-theanine content (around 40-50mg per 8oz cup) is considered better quality.
5. Price: High-quality matcha can range from $20 to $50 or more per ounce, depending on the grade and origin.
6. Certifications: Look for certifications like USDA Organic, JAS Organic, or Fair Trade.
7. Taste: Try a small sample before buying a larger quantity to ensure you like the taste.
8. Packaging: Matcha is sensitive to light and air, so look for packaging that protects it from both.
9. Expiration date: Make sure the matcha has a clear expiration date or a “best by” date.
10. Research the brand: Learn about the brand’s reputation, sourcing, and production processes to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to choosing a high-quality matcha powder that will provide you with a delicious and nutritious addition to your healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients:
2 servings
- 2 tsps Matcha or green tea powder, more or less to taste
- 2 Tbsps raw honey or pure maple syrup, divided
- 1 cup plain/unsweetened milk of choice
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 5 Tbsps chia Seeds, divided
- 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries, more for garnish
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
How to make matcha chia pudding:
In a bowl, add your matcha powder, 1 Tablespoon of the honey or maple syrup, the freshly squeezed lemon juice, and your unsweetened milk of choice. Whisk until well combined.
Stir in 4 tablespoons of the chia seeds. Let this sit for five to ten minutes then stir again. This step is important to get the chia incorporated properly. Refrigerate for at least one hour or until the chia seeds have set to create pudding.
While the matcha chia pudding is chilling, mash your fresh raspberries and the remaining 1 Tablespoon honey/maple syrup together in a bowl.
Stir in the remaining tablespoon of chia seed to absorb any excess moisture.
Then, layer your chia pudding, mashed raspberry mixture, and yogurt into jars as shown.
Garnish with additional fresh if desired raspberries.
Enjoy!
❤️Rachel
Tips for Best Results
🍯Sweetness factor is a very personal taste preference, so you may want to use more or less raw honey or pure maple syrup depending on YOUR specific taste preferences.
🥛Use ANY unsweetened milk of your choice. My personal preferences for this pudding are unsweetened coconut milk or unsweetened cashew milk. Any nut milk or dairy milk works great! Use your favorite.
Looking for more healthy, clean eating ways to enjoy dessert? Then you may love Silky Pumpkin Pudding, Raspberry Swirl Fudge, or Chocolate Peppermint Truffles.
Raspberry Matcha Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 tsps Matcha or green tea powder, more or less to taste
- 2 Tbsps raw honey or pure maple syrup, divided
- 1 cup plain/unsweetened milk of choice
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 5 Tbsps chia Seeds, divided
- 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries, more for garnish
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
Instructions
- In a bowl, add your matcha powder, 1 Tablespoon of the honey or maple syrup, the freshly squeezed lemon juice, and your unsweetened milk of choice. Whisk until well combined.
- Stir in 4 tablespoons of the chia seeds. Let this sit for five to ten minutes then stir again. This step is important to get the chia incorporated properly.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour or until the chia seeds have set to create pudding.
- Once the pudding is ready, mash your fresh raspberries and the remaining 1 Tablespoon honey/maple syrup together in a bowl. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of chia seed to absorb the excess moisture.
- Then, layer your chia pudding, mashed raspberry mixture, and yogurt into jars as shown.
- Garnish with additional fresh if desired raspberries.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
