This colorful Vanilla-Cinnamon Spirulina Chia Pudding is a quick and easy breakfast recipe. It’s packed with nutrients, but don’t worry – it’s still delicious.
This post is sponsored by NOW Foods. All opinions are my own.
Vanilla-Cinnamon Spirulina Chia Pudding is a super nutritional breakfast. Literally, because spirulina and chia seeds are superfoods! This pudding is also packed with 22 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, and a boat-load of powerful nutrients. It’s the best way you could start your day.
Let’s talk about what’s responsible for this recipe’s intense color. I think we’ve all been through the chia seed craze, but how much do you know about spirulina?
In addition to the gorgeous algae (yes, it’s actually algae) hue, spirulina is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s often referred to as the most nutrient dense food on the planet. It is so nutrient dense that NASA supplies astronauts with spirulina for space missions.
Spirulina is a complete plant protein. It’s also a source of essential fats, in particular gamma linolenic acid (GLA). It’s also packed with vitamins A, K, and E, free radical scavengers, calcium, chlorophyll, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, thiamin, zinc… shall I go on?
Bottom line: eat spirulina and you can be an astronaut. KIDDING! But you’ll look really smart when you tell your friends about all the good stuff your creepy green chia pudding is doing for your body!
One thing to note is the importance of buying a quality spirulina supplement. It’s ideal to choose a brand that tests to ensure low levels of heavy metals and bacterial contamination. Spirulina is, after all, algae. That’s why I only use NOW® Organic Spirulina. I’ve actually toured their facilities and had dinner next to their CEO. I trust them, and I’ve seen the quality testing with my own two eyes (you can’t trust anything these days… 🙄).
Do your homework. Know what you’re putting in your body. Quality is key.
In addition to the nutritional BOOM from spirulina, I added a plant-based, super-clean protein powder. That addition gave this pudding more stay-powder. It also made the texture more creamy. In the height of chia pudding’s popularity, I was always adding protein powder, pumpkin, sweet potato… anything to make it more creamy and less slimy. I’m sensitive to texture.
You’ll really love the warming cinnamon in this Vanilla-Cinnamon Spirulina Chia Pudding. Not only is cinnamon an a potent free radical neutralizer, but it also makes everything taste like dessert. If you’re nervous about the “healthy” spirulina taste, don’t skip that step.
Speaking of taste… if you aren’t familiar with spirulina or you’re trying to get Vegas a kid to eat it, start with half a teaspoon first.
[tasty-recipe id=”18120″]
This month’s Recipe Redux theme is immunity and gut health – superfood couldn’t be more appropriate! Check out everyone’s contributions below:
[Tweet “This superfood-packed Vanilla-Cinnamon #Spirulina Chia Pudding is a tasty, healthy breakfast!”]
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I’ve been really focusing on detoxifying, anti-inflammatory foods since having ACL surgery. Doc says I’m healing remarkably fast, and I swear nutrition has a lot to do with it!
Have you ever used spirulina?
Do you pay attention to where your food comes from?
Ok, this one scares me a little bit. Not sure I can eat this for breakfast but maybe second breakfast! LOL! And love the line about getting Vegas…ahem, a child (like my husband) to eat it 🙂
I’m just loving that you have second breakfast!
Vegas is my litmus test for all things.
Wow that is a beautiful bowl! I’ve never tried Spirulina. Looks like a great post run treat. This would be a great one to add to our meatless Monday next week
Thank you! I’m all about colorful food. I swear pretty food tastes better!
I need to try out this superfood! I have never had it, i have herd of it a but didn’t know anything about it! I most definitely pay attention to were food comes from! Having been in the food industry I have learned how important it is!
I first tried it a few years ago when I friend told me about it. Then I rain out and never ordered more… you know how it goes. I’m so glad to have re-discovered it though. It truly does make a difference in my energy!
Okay I need to make this. It looks incredible and has so much protein! I’ve never used spirulina but I’ve heard such great things.
Thanks! I’d love to hear how to you like it if you try it. It’s a super easy superfood! 😉
The benefits of spirulina are awesome! I don’t like it too strong though, so when I use it in smoothies and things I definitely go on the lighter side with it. That way I still get the benefits while actually enjoying the taste! 🙂
You for sure have to blend it with something! I do like eating it better than swallowing it. The pills I tried years ago made me burp up some nastiness. TMI? 😉
I haven’t tried it, but I am weirded out by the color. Man, I can’t even eat an avocado without getting the skivvies!
HAHA! I’ll let it slide since you can’t even do avocado (which still shocks me). Do you do seaweed? I can snack on that like popcorn and Vegas thinks I’m nuts.
I’ve had spirulina in smoothies, but nothing else really.
That’s the best way – mixed on something like a smoothie or chia pudding. It’s not something to take a shot of.
I’ve never tried Spirulina, but I’ve been meaning to. Love the figs on top!
Let me know if you do! It’s great stuff. Especially with figs. 🙂
Ave likes spinach smoothies so I don’t see why she wouldn’t eat this. Kids minds aren’t tainted yet to see green food as healthy or strange. It’s a blessing.
I’m so amazed by her palate. Though I was watching Kelly today (I know…), and she said at 3 they go though a phase where they’ll only eat beige food. Like chicken fingers and fries. An. tici. Pation.
What a cool color! I’ve been trying to actually make use of the bag of chia seeds I’ve had for a while now. This would be perfect!
Perfect way to use’ em up! Especially this time of year – things are so hectic that a make ahead breakfast can be a lifesaver!
I’ve been wanting to try spirulina, and now I have a recipe to try! I love the color with the figs
So glad I could be of help. 😉 Please let me know if you do try it out!
I recently started adding spirulina to my chia pudding – I take my breakfast to work, to eat at my desk, and the ugly green color freaks out my coworkers – it’s hilarious! And I love the health boost 🙂
I can only imagine what my old coworkers would think!
I’ve never tried making anything with spirulina, but this looks so good! Yay for figs! <3
This is packed with so much goodness! Perfect way to start the day!
Isn’t it?! I’ve had it on repeat lately!