Chia Pudding

Chia pudding is a mixture of liquids and chia seeds, typically including things like almond milk, yogurt, and/or honey. When freshly made and refrigerated immediately, chia pudding typically lasts for about five days. Once opened and refrigerated, you should eat your chia within three days for optimal freshness. Unlike some foods, freezing chia pudding is not recommended as it can negatively affect the texture. As for store-bought, unopened chia puddings, always check the expiration date printed on the package and once opened, consume within the same 3 day timeframe.

Telling if your chia pudding has gone bad is pretty straightforward. The first sign is an off smell. Fresh chia pudding has a slightly sweet, nutty scent depending on the other ingredients used in the mixture. If it develops a rancid, spoiled, or unpleasant odor, it’s time to toss it. Another sign can be a change in color, specifically if it becomes darker or if you notice mold. Different texture might also be a sign of spoilage, such as if it starts to get overly watery.

• Always store your chia pudding in a sealed container in the refrigerator, ideally one that's airtight. • If you made a large batch of chia pudding, consider splitting it up into individual portions before storing. This way, you only need to take out the portion you're eating at that time, which keeps the rest of the pudding from exposure to outside air. • While storing, keep your pudding away from strong-smelling food items like onions or garlic to prevent it from absorbing those flavors. • Last, but not least, sooner is better than later when it comes to chia pudding. Try to consume it within the first few days for the best taste and freshness.