Flaxseed Pudding: 4 Ways

Flaxseed pudding is a healthy breakfast loaded with fiber and healthy fats. No kitchen gadgets are necessary, simply combine the ingredients and watch it transform.

banana walnut flaxseed pudding in mason jar

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Flaxseed Pudding

Have you heard of chia pudding? This recipe is similar to chia pudding, but instead, you swap chia seed for flaxseed!

This easy underrated breakfast is no-cook and fast to prepare for a weekday breakfast when you are in a hurry.

It works with many dietary preferences like vegan, gluten-free, and dairy free.

My favorite part? It’s an economical choice, compared to a similar breakfast option like chia pudding!

 Health Benefits Of Flax Pudding

This incredibly healthy breakfast is high in fiber, full of plant-based omega 3s, rich in antioxidants, and a good source of calcium and magnesium.

Fiber

Ground flaxseed is a good source of both soluble and insoluble fibers.  Eating enough soluble fiber helps control cholesterol levels, and insoluble fiber keeps your bowels regular. In fact, flaxseed is one of 39 foods that unclog arteries.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Plant-based omega-3 fatty acids are called alpha-linolenic fatty acids (ALA). These ALA omega 3s have been shown to reduce blood pressure, control inflammation and keep you feeling satiated.

Flaxseed is also one of 39 foods that lower blood pressure.

Antioxidants

Flaxseed has a powerful antioxidant called ligan.  Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals which damage your cells; ultimately managing inflammation.

Minerals

Ground flax is a fantastic source of magnesium, which can help control blood pressure.

Using fortified milk beverages, like soy milk, provides additional calcium which can help prevent osteoporosis, and manage blood pressure.

Learn more about the health benefits of flaxseed here.

Ingredients For Flaxseed Pudding

Two simple ingredients make up this recipe: flaxseed and milk.

Flaxseed Pudding vs. Flax Meal Pudding

You can call this recipe flaxseed pudding or flax meal pudding.  Ground flaxseed is the same thing as flaxseed meal. The choice is up to you.

If you purchase whole flaxseed as an ingredient, I would encourage you to grind it to help your body to absorb the ALA omega 3 fatty acids.

You can purchase ground flaxseed, also known as flaxseed meal, or you can easily grind whole flaxseed in a coffee grinder.

Plant Based Beverage

The type of dairy beverage you use in this recipe is up to you and will vary based on preference and diet pattern. 

To keep this recipe vegan, stick with dairy free milk like oat or soy beverage.  I prefer soy milk as it has 8 grams of cholesterol lowering soy protein in every cup.

Whichever beverage you choose, I would also recommend ensuring it is fortified with calcium and Vitamin D for added benefit.  

If you are living with high cholesterol I would caution the use of coconut milk because even though it makes a thick pudding texture, it has a high saturated fat content.  Consuming too much saturated fat can increase cholesterol levels (1).

How To Make Flaxseed Pudding

If you haven’t noticed, I am a huge fan of basic recipes. Preparing flaxseed pudding is as easy as mixing 2 ingredients and letting them rest overnight.

You will need two ingredients: flaxseed and milk.  Add desired toppings below to switch up the flavor and texture.  Nothing wrong with keeping it simple when it’s this tasty.

I like to measure 1/4 cup of flaxseed for every 3/4 cup of milk. You can play around with the measurements to find the consistency you like best.

Image of Veronica Rouse with Free 7 day heart healthy meal plan freebie.

Flaxseed Pudding Recipe Video

If it’s your first time making this recipe, be sure to watch my quick video below making the coconut crunch flaxseed pudding!

Or watch the banana bread variation here.

 What Does Flaxseed Pudding Taste Like?

Flaxseed has a naturally nutty flavor, and when you add the milk of your choice it turns the flaxseed meal to a creamy consistency; pudding!

Then add toppings for added sweetness, crunch, or nutrients.

You can switch up the texture too.  If you like thick and creamy add less milk.  Or if you enjoy a thinner version then add more milk.

Turn this Flaxseed Breakfast to a Flaxseed Dessert

Have some fun flavoring the flaxseed pudding with toppings.  Anything goes.

  • Add crunch – nuts, seeds, granola, coconut, chia seeds or hemp hearts work well.
  • Add sweetness – banana, sweet berries, apple sauce, pears, peaches to name a few…
  • Add flavor – cinnamon, cocoa powder, ginger, vanilla, chocolate, or nut butter

Can You Batch Cook Flaxseed Pudding?

You can absolutely batch cook flaxseed pudding! Flaxseed pudding makes an excellent meal prep recipe because it keeps in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Making a batch on Monday will allow for breakfast, snack, or dessert options all week long. Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe as you see fit. Just be sure to allow for 1-2 hours for the flaxseed and milk to combine and form a pudding-like consistency. 

If you choose to meal prep the pudding, I would simply mix the flaxseed and milk together, and add the toppings throughout the week depending on your mood and cravings. 

Overnight Flaxseed Pudding

Make an overnight flaxseed pudding by preparing it the night before, and let it sit in the fridge while you sleep so it’s ready when you wake up in the morning.

Flaxseed Pudding Recipe: 4 Ways

This recipe is a staple in my breakfast round-up. I still enjoy mine plain from time to time, but I’ve had the opportunity to try different flavor combinations and wanted to share my 4 favorites.

  • Banana Bread
  • Apple Cinnamon
  • Peanut Butter and Jelly
  • Coconut Crunch

1. Banana Bread

Bananas are one of the most loved fruits in North America.  Most households seem to have a few lying around on their counter or in their freezer.  Use yours in this banana bread flaxseed pudding!

Ingredients For Banana Bread Flaxseed Pudding

  • 1/2 banana, mashed
  • 1/4 cup flaxmeal
  • 3/4 cup of milk
  • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup walnuts

Mash half the banana in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix the flaxseed, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, walnuts.  Stir to combine. Mix in the mashed banana. Allow the flaxseed pudding to sit for at least 2 hours, and enjoy.  If you have leftover walnuts or banana, add them as toppings before eating.

2. Peanut Butter and Jelly

Knowing the heart-healthy benefits of nuts, I try to sneak them into my recipes.  Not only do they add flavor, but they also add heart-healthy fats that aid in satiety.   

Ingredients For Peanut Butter and Jam Flaxseed Pudding

  • 1/4 cup of flaxseed meal
  • 3/4 cup of milk of your choice
  • 2 tbsp of nut butter of your choice
  • 1/4 cup fresh raspberries

Mix the flaxseed, milk, peanut butter in a bowl.  Stir to combine.  Allow the flaxseed pudding to sit for at least 2 hours. When you are ready to serve, add the raspberries to the bottom of the bowl and mash them into a jelly-like consistency.  Give the flaxseed pudding a quick stir before adding it to the top of the raspberries. Top with the chopped nuts if desired.

3. Apple Cinnamon

I love the combo of apples and cinnamon. A warm healthy apple pie for breakfast! 

Ingredients For Apple Cinnamon Flaxseed Pudding

  • 1/4 cup of flaxseed meal
  • 3/4 cup of milk of your choice
  • 3/4 tsp of ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce

Mix the flaxseed, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and applesauce in a bowl.  Stir to combine.  Allow the flaxseed pudding to sit for at least 2 hours, and enjoy.  Top with almond butter and a cinnamon stick if desired.

   4. Coconut Crunch

Switch up the smooth creamy texture by adding pumpkin seeds and coconut shavings.  

 Ingredients For Coconut Crunch Flaxseed Pudding

  • 1/4 cup of flaxseed meal
  • 3/4 cup of milk of your choice
  • 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut

1. Mix flaxseed, milk, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, shredded coconut to a bowl.  Stir to combine.  Allow the flaxseed pudding to sit for at least 2 hours, and enjoy.   

Final Thoughts

I would love to hear what you think of this cheaper, chia pudding alternative in the comments!  This flaxseed pudding will be a win for your pocketbook and your taste buds. 

banana walnut flaxseed pudding in mason jar

Banana Bread Flaxseed Pudding

Flaxseed pudding is a healthy, no cook, breakfast loaded with fiber and healthy fats. No kitchen gadgets are necessary, simply combine the ingredients and watch it transform.
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 269 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ banana mashed
  • ¼ cup ground flaxseed
  • ¾ cup soy milk
  • ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup walnuts chopped

Instructions
 

  • Mash half the banana in a small bowl.
  • In another bowl, mix the flaxseed, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and walnuts.  Stir to combine.
  • Add the mashed banana to the flaxseed mixture.
  • Allow the flaxseed pudding to sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, and enjoy. 

Video

Notes

If you have leftover walnuts or banana, add them as toppings before eating.

Nutrition

Calories: 269kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 6gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 21mgPotassium: 10mgFiber: 18gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 322mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Dairy Free, Fast, Gluten Free, High fiber, Simple, Vegan
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

5 thoughts on “Flaxseed Pudding: 4 Ways”

  1. 5 stars
    But flax seeds contains cyanide? Does it disappear by being in liquid overnight? I thought you needed to heat them up in order to have the cyanide break down?

    1. Veronica Rouse, MAN, RD, CDE

      5 stars
      Hi Worried, Thanks for reaching out. I have not read any research to suggest avoiding eating unheated flaxseed. I have read that unripe flaxseed can have toxins that may be harmful in very high doses. That being said, the flaxseed purchased in grocery stores is not unripe, and 1/4 cup is not a large dose. If you are worried, you can consider toasting, cooking or baking the flaxseed before adding it to the milk. Hope that helps.

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