I should disclose that I am not vegan but I do appreciate a plant-based diet. Thus, I appreciate plant-based alternatives, like the vegan caramel topping in this Vegan Caramel Chia Pod recipe.

This post was paid for by Drizzilicious but all thoughts and reviews on the product are my own. I would never promote any product I don’t 100% believe in and love myself.

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What is a Chia Pod?

A chia pod, also known as a chia pudding, is a great versatile meal-prep breakfast option. It can be made gluten-free and vegan.

I call it a chia pod because well to be honest, it’s an adorable way to refer to chia seed pudding. Not to mention if you use cute little jars, they sort of become like the real thing you can buy in the store, except they are customizable.


What are Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are like my favorite seed ever (aside from sunflower seeds because I love me some tahini). They are packed full of beneficial nutrients and fiber. Not to mention chia seed pudding (like this vegan caramel chia seed pudding) makes for a perfect gluten-free alternative to oats. And yes, I know oats are a gluten-free grain, a lot of people living gluten-free still react to them (even if they are certified gluten-free).

Chia Seeds are full of healthy fats, complete plant-based protein, calcium, and other nourishing nutrients. All of these features make these seeds an awesome addition to your breakfast.

The Cinnamon Crunch Drizzilicious Snacks I topped my chia pod with also have chia seeds in them, so I’m really packing in the chia magic.


About this Vegan Caramel Chia Pod and Its Ingredients:

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds like I mentioned previously, are packed full of beneficial nutrients. Not to mention when they absorb liquid they turn into a delicious pudding.

If you happen not to like the texture of chia seeds, try making this recipe with ground chia seeds. If you don’t like it made that way, then perhaps chia seeds aren’t for you (and that’s 100% okay!).

Milk (of a Choice)

Depending on what kind of milk you use, the flavor of this chia pudding may vary slightly. I used cashew milk but you can use what ever you prefer.

Some things to note about your milk of choice. Obviously, if you choose to use cow’s milk, this recipe will no longer be vegan-friendly. Additionally, if you choose to use full-fat canned coconut milk, this recipe will be even thicker, silkier, and more filling.

Vegan Caramel

The vegan caramel is made using maple syrup and peanut butter. While not 100% like caramel, it does taste similar and amazing. Not to mention the addition of peanut butter provides extra plant-based protein and healthy fats. Both of which help make this Vegan Caramel Chia Pod even more filling.

Remember, carbs + fat + protein = a filling meal/snack.

Drizzilicious Snacks

I topped my Vegan Caramel Chia Pod with Cinnamon Swirl Drizzilicious snacks for two reasons. Firstly, the cinnamon flavor of these snacks combine well with the vegan caramel flavors. Second, these snacks balance the soft velvety texture of the pudding perfectly. They add a nice crunch that I think compliments the pudding well.

I posted about drizzilicious snacks a while back in my Low-Fodmap, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Peanut Butter S’mores Fudge Bar recipe post.

And while this post is paid for by them, I’d likely be raving about them even if they didn’t pay me. Seriously, guys, these snacks are amazing and delicious. I highly recommend you check them out.


Please note, chia seeds are PACKED full of fiber. While fiber is great for you, if you aren’t used to fiber dense meals, make sure you start slow when eating chia seeds. And remember, when you increase your fiber intake make sure you increase your water intake to prevent constipation!

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

Vegan Caramel Chia Pod

Prep Time7 minutes
Passive Time2 hours
Course: Breakfast, dessert
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan / Plantbased
Keyword: vegan caramel chia pod, vegan caramel chia pudding, vegan caramel chia seed pudding
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Chia Seed Pudding Base

  • 1/3 cup Chia seeds
  • 1 cup Milk of choice (I used cashew milk)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract (optional)

Vegan Caramel Topping

  • 2 tbsp peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp Maple syrup

Optional Toppings

  • 1/2 cup Cinnamon Swirl Drizzilicious Snacks

Instructions

For the Chia Seed Pudding Base

  • In a container of choice, add in the milk
  • Now add in the chia seeds (doing this in this order will help prevent clumps from forming at the bottom of the container)
  • If you’re using vanilla extract, add it in now and mix well
  • Place a lid on the container and let sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours (trying to shake it halfway through)
    If you can let the mixture sit for 12-24 hours, that’s even better!

For the Vegan Caramel Topping

  • When your chia seed pudding is done, prepare the vegan caramel by mixing together the peanut butter and maple syrup into a thick paste and top your chia pudding with it.

To Meal-Prep

  • Divide the chia seed pudding into small jars (to create chia pods) and top with your prepared vegan caramel topping
  • Optional: top with Cinnamon Swirl Drizzilicious Snacks
  • Enjoy now or place lids on the jars and Enjoy later!