Matcha Chia Seed Pudding With Chocolate & Pistachios

Matcha chia seed pudding could be the perfect combination of energy and antioxidants!  Matcha provides a source of polyphenols and caffeine, while chia seed provides a source of omega-3 and protein.  Add the rich, dark chocolate top and chopped pistachios, for a real sweet treat. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up, sweet breakfast or even a nice satisfying calorie reduced desert!

What is Matcha and Why Should You Use It?

Matcha comes from Camellia sinesis, also known as green tea.  Matcha is grown differently than green tea and therefore has a slightly different nutrition profile.  Matcha has a higher concentration of chlorophyll and higher amino content; they also contain a higher amount of antioxidants and caffeine!

Estimates suggest that matcha contains up to 137 times greater catechin antioxidant concentration than regular green tea.  This high concentration, allows for higher antioxidant capacity in the body.

High caffeine content also means improved attention, reaction time and memory. In fact one gram of matcha powder, provides 35 mg of caffeine.  Matcha is also contains a high dose of L-Theanine, which stimulates alpha wave activity in the brain, which can help deal with relaxation and decrease stress.

What About Chia?

Chia seeds are a source of fibre, protein and the good for you fat omega-3.  These tiny seeds pack a punch!  Just 1 oz of chia seed gives you 10 g of soluble fibre, almost 5 g of protein and 7 g of PUFAs or polyunsaturated fatty acids.  They also deliver 23% of your daily needs of magnesium and 17% of your daily needs for calcium.

Perhaps the best feature of chia seed is that they’re highly satiating!  Chia seeds grow up to 12x their own weight, when added to liquid, forming a gel like substance that can help fill your gut and reduce your appetite for prolonged periods of time.  In addition, they also deliver all the essential amino acids that are needed for lean muscle development.

Chia seeds have a neutral taste, which makes them perfect base for chia seed pudding, but also a good addition to smoothies, oats and yoghurts.

Want More Recipes with Chia Seeds?  Go Here:

Mixed Berry Chia Seed Pudding

What’s in this Matcha Chia Seed Pudding:

This matcha chia seed pudding will give you an antioxidant metabolic boost plus a healthy serving of omega-3 fatty acids and protein!  Plus it’s covered in dark chocolate and energizing pistachios!

Chia Seed – full of protein and omega-3, choose either black or white chia seeds, nutritional they’re pretty close.  White chia seeds have slightly more omega-3 and black have slightly more protein.

Matcha Powder – provides an antioxidant and metabolic boost.  Choose an organic tea powder that doesn’t contain harmful ingredients.  Blend matcha with the almond milk or coconut yoghurt before blending with chia seeds.

Coconut Yoghurt – this plant based yoghurt is light creamy and has a delicate coconut flavor; not a fan of coconut you can use almond, soy or dairy based yoghurt such as my fave – Greek yoghurt.

Almond Milk – provides creaminess, is low in calories but you can also use dairy milk if you prefer, coconut, soy or even oat milk.

Blood Orange – you can use any kind of fruit you like, this recipe uses blood orange for that citrus flavor, but strawberries, blueberries or raspberries will also go well, they also provide an extra source of fiber, antioxidants and even vitamin c.

Lemon  – will cut the bitterness of the Matcha and add a bit of bright citrus notes.  Plus lemon delivers a source of antioxidants and vitamin c.

Dark Chocolate – provides a source of minerals including magnesium and iron, plus it provides antioxidants including polyphenols, flavanols and catechins that can help protect your skin!  Use at least 70% dark chocolate.

Pistachios – these crunchy nuts are high in magnesium, vitamin B-6 and fibre, not a fan of pistachios, try almonds or hazelnuts instead.

Lauren’s Tips:

• Use an organic Matcha powder that delivers a pure tea without addition of fillers, pesticides, chemicals, etc.
• Instead of dairy or nut milk you can also use fruit blends or fresh juice to change the flavor.
• Not a fan of Matcha, you can use Turmeric powder, Blue Pea Flower or Pitaya powder instead.

Until Next Time,

Be Fierce & Rule the World,

Lauren Jacobsen