Keto Coconut Chia Milk Pudding – Straight from a Thai Kitchen

I’m going to tell you how to make a Thai-style coconut chia pudding that’s low on carbs, easy to whip up, and honestly, kind of perfect for busy mornings or when you need a cool snack that feels like you actually cared about what you’re putting in your body.

This one’s based on something I tasted in a tiny alley shop just outside Chiang Mai. The woman running the stand had one stove, a few pots, and the softest smile. She gave me this creamy, cool pudding in a banana leaf cup and told me it’s how she keeps her belly happy without using sugar. I was hooked.

Back home, I messed around with it until I got it just right for a keto diet. Coconut milk is already a dream for that, rich, thick, and full of good fats. Chia seeds bring the texture. And with a few tricks, you can make this in 5 minutes flat. You just need to wait for it to chill. But that’s okay. Some good things still take a little time.

What You Need (Serves 2-4)

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can, not the carton stuff)
• 3 tablespoons chia seeds (white or black, doesn’t matter)
• 1 tablespoon shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 teaspoons erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (more if you like it sweet)
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: a splash of coconut water for a thinner texture, or to taste

Toppings (Pick what you like, or skip if you’re strict on carbs):

• Sliced almonds
• Toasted coconut flakes
• A few cubes of Thai mango (if you’re not strict keto)
• Thai basil seeds (adds extra texture)
• Roasted sesame seeds

How to Make Coconut Chia Milk Pudding 

Alright, this part’s easy. No cooking, no fancy tools. Just a bowl and a spoon. Maybe a jar if you want to make it look cute.

• Mix your base.
  In a medium bowl, pour the coconut milk. Add the chia seeds, shredded coconut, vanilla, sweetener, and a small pinch of salt. Stir it all together with a spoon or whisk. Make sure there are no clumps.
• Let it sit a minute.
  Stir it again after a few minutes. Chia seeds like to float and stick together at first. A second stir keeps everything even so you won’t end up with a lump of seeds in the corner.
• Cover and chill.
  Put the bowl in the fridge. After about 20 minutes, give it one more stir. Then let it rest for at least an hour. Overnight is even better. The seeds will soak up the coconut milk and turn into that soft, jelly-like texture that’s kind of like tapioca pudding but way lighter.
• Top it and serve.
  When you’re ready to eat, scoop it into bowls or jars. Add your toppings. Go light if you’re counting carbs, or go wild if it’s your cheat day.

Tips from the Kitchen

• Use good coconut milk.
  Thai coconut milk tends to be thicker and creamier. Look for one that has no extra gums or fillers. If the top of the can is mostly thick cream, that’s a good sign.
• Don’t over-sweeten.
  This pudding is meant to be mild and a little nutty. If you’re used to sweet desserts, try it with less sweetener first. Let the coconut do the work. It’s rich in flavor without needing sugar to shout over it.
• Make it ahead.
  This pudding keeps in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, easy. Just give it a stir before eating. It can thicken more over time, so add a splash of water or coconut milk if it gets too tight.
• Try it warm.
  Most people eat chia pudding cold, but you can warm it gently on the stove too. Just don’t boil it. It’s kind of like a breakfast porridge when it’s warm, super cozy.

What It Tastes Like

This pudding isn’t trying to taste like ice cream or cake. It’s its own thing. Creamy, slightly sweet, a little chewy from the chia, with a soft coconut flavor that lingers on your tongue. It’s gentle. You could eat it every morning and not get sick of it.

There’s something peaceful about it, especially if you eat it plain or just with some toasted coconut on top. It’s not loud or flashy. It’s simple food, done right.

When to Eat your Keto Coconut Chia Milk Pudding

• Breakfast: On busy mornings when there’s no time to cook. Scoop from the jar, eat with a spoon, out the door.
• Snack: That 3 PM window when coffee doesn’t feel right but your stomach’s complaining.
• Dessert: After a spicy dinner, this cools everything down.
• Post-gym: It’s not protein-heavy unless you add something, but it’s full of healthy fats and won’t spike your sugar.

Why It Works for Keto

Chia seeds are low in net carbs and high in fiber. Coconut milk’s got zero sugar and gives you the fat you need to keep your energy up. You get texture, flavor, and satisfaction, without any flour, grains, or dairy.

Also, unlike many keto snacks that feel like cardboard or chemistry experiments, this one’s made with ingredients your grandma would understand. Seeds, milk, a pinch of salt. That’s it.

Make It Yours

This recipe’s a base. You can twist it however you want. Want more crunch? Add nuts. Want something fresh? Add mint or lime zest. Want it chocolatey? Stir in cocoa powder and a bit more sweetener.

Some folks even blend it all before chilling. That gives you a smoother pudding, almost like mousse. I like the texture of whole chia seeds, but you do you.

One Last Story Before You Go

A Thai grandmother once told me, “Coconut makes everything calm.” And I think she was right. Whenever I eat this pudding, especially after a long day, it feels like a pause. A small, quiet moment to just enjoy something soft and kind.

And I hope, when you try this at home, you feel that too. That someone, somewhere, is cooking with you. Even if it’s just through a recipe.

Conclusion

If you’ve made it this far, then you probably care about what you’re eating. You want something simple, something that tastes good without wrecking your body, and something you can stick to. That’s what this pudding is. It’s not magic. It’s not fancy. But it works. It fills you up without slowing you down. It feels like home, even if you’ve never set foot in Thailand.

And if you mess it up? Don’t sweat it. Recipes are just starting points. You’ll get your own rhythm. Maybe one day, you’ll throw your own twist on it and make someone else feel welcome at your table. That’s what good food does.

So yeah, give it a shot. Let it chill. Let yourself chill too.

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