The secret ingredient in this creamsicle-like pudding? Orange or tangerine zest!

I have been on a punishingly low-carb diet for over a year now – trying to prevent my pre-diabetes from becoming the full-fledged disease. It’s been a year of “No, can’t have that!” Can’t have pasta. Can’t have my homemade sourdough bread. Can’t even have brown rice or other whole grains.

But the thing I have probably missed the most is my morning smoothie. I made a smoothie out of fresh fruit, unsweetened yogurt, protein powder, and unsweetened almond milk every morning for 10 years. Most people wouldn’t touch it – not sweet enough. But the ¾ cup of fruit apparently sent my blood sugar crazy.

Luckily, I discovered chia pudding. High in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber, chia seeds have become a great way to start my day. (You can read all about the health benefits and find my chocolate chia pudding recipe here.)

I have made vanilla chia pudding. Chocolate chia pudding. Coconut chia pudding. Peanut butter chia budding. Macadamia nut chia pudding. Gingerbread chia pudding. Cinnamon chia pudding. The list goes on. But the best so far is Orange-Vanilla chia pudding.

Many of these Creamsicle style puddings use orange juice. But orange juice is too sweet for my sensitive system, so I got the same great taste using orange zest. And I increased the orange flavor with a little cinnamon – just enough so that it enhances the orange, and doesn’t taste like cinnamon. Top the whole thing off with berries and almonds.

Orange Vanilla Chia Pudding

High in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber, chia seeds have become a great way to start my day. Get all of the orange flavor using orange zest enhanced with a little cinnamon.

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Prep Time 10 mins

Resting time 4 hrs

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/4 cups unsweetened macadamia or almond milk
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 Tablespoon honey
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• zest from 1 large orange or tangerine

Instructions

 

• Add all ingredients to the blender, and pulse a few times until mixed.

  Or – add all ingredients to a bowl and stir to combine.

  Cover and refrigerate overnight, stirring a few times to ensure ingredients are mixed well.

  Top with berries, nuts, and even whipped cream! Makes about 4 servings.