Why You’ll Love Berry Chia Breakfast Bowl Recipe

You get a creamy yet light texture thanks to the blend of coconut milk, almond milk, and dates.
It’s packed with nutrition: chia seeds bring fibre and omega‑3s; berries bring antioxidants and vitamin C.
It’s wholly plant‑based, soy‑free, dairy‑free, gluten‑free and refined‑sugar‑free.
You can prepare it ahead and refrigerate — a perfect grab‑and‑go breakfast.
The fresh berries on top make it feel special and indulgent, while still being healthy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 whole, pitted dates
½ cup full‑fat canned coconut milk
⅓ cup almond milk
2 tablespoons blanched raw almonds (or raw cashews)
2 teaspoons frozen orange juice concentrate
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 pinch salt
2 cups sliced or diced fresh strawberries (divided)
¼ cup chia seed
¾ cup fresh blueberries
1 small ripe banana, sliced (optional)

Directions

Place the dates, coconut milk, almond milk, almonds (or cashews), orange juice concentrate, vanilla, salt and 1 cup of the strawberries into a blender and blend until smooth.
Transfer the blender mixture to a medium bowl and stir in the chia seeds.
Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the chia seeds to swell and the mixture to set.
Just before serving, stir in the blueberries, the remaining strawberries (sliced) and the optional sliced banana.
Serve cold and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Yield: 2 servings.
Prep time: approx. 10 minutes.
Total time (including chilling): about 10 minutes active + at least 2 hours chill time.
Best if served fresh after refrigeration and topping with berries.

Variations

Swap almonds/cashews for another raw nut like walnuts or pecans if you prefer the flavour or texture.
Use other berries or fruits in place of strawberries and blueberries — raspberries, blackberries or chopped mango would work.
Use a blend of different plant milks (oat milk, soy milk) if you prefer or need to avoid almonds.
Add a sprinkle of granola or chopped nuts on top for extra crunch.
For a sweeter version, drizzle a little maple syrup or honey (if not strictly vegan) before serving.
Stir in a scoop of protein powder or a spoonful of nut butter into the blender mixture for extra protein.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover chia bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
Because it’s chilled and meant to be eaten cold, reheating isn’t necessary — simply stir and top with fresh berries before serving.
If the mixture thickens too much upon sitting, you can stir in a little extra almond milk to loosen it before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this the night before?

Yes — in fact, chilling it overnight allows the chia seeds to fully swell and gives you a very creamy, pudding‑like texture by morning.

2. What if I don’t have dates?

You can substitute another soft dried fruit like figs or apricots (soaked briefly if needed) for sweetness, or a small amount of maple syrup/honey if you’re not strictly sugar‑free.

3. Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

Yes — frozen berries can be used in a pinch, though fresh berries give the best texture and flavour. The recipe notes that frozen can work but fresh is better.

4. Is it safe to leave the chia bowl in the fridge overnight?

Yes, absolutely — refrigerating it overnight is fine. Just ensure it’s stored covered/airtight and you top with fresh fruit before eating.

5. How thick should the mixture be before refrigerating?

After mixing in the chia seeds, it should be loose enough to stir but thickens as it chills. If you find it too thick before chilling, you can stir in a little more almond milk to reach the consistency you like.

6. Can I increase the servings?

Yes — you can easily double or triple the ingredients to make more servings. Adjust the berries, chia seeds and liquids proportionally.

7. I’m allergic to almonds and cashews — what nut substitute can I use?

You can use any raw nut you tolerate (walnuts, pecans, macadamias) or omit nuts altogether and increase the almond milk (or other plant milk) to maintain creaminess.

8. Can I use a different milk than almond milk?

Yes — you can use oat milk, soy milk, rice milk, or any other plant‑based milk you prefer. Just note flavour and texture may vary a little.

9. Is this good for weight loss?

Yes — the recipe points out that chia seeds are high in fibre and the berries are nutrient‑dense, which may help with appetite control and general health. The bowl is designed to be wholesome and satisfying with whole‑food ingredients.

10. Can I add other toppings?

Definitely — you can add chopped fresh fruit, shredded coconut, nut butter drizzle, seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower), or a bit of granola for crunch. Just add them just before serving so they stay fresh.

Conclusion

This Berry Chia Breakfast Bowl is an excellent way to start your day with something creamy, vibrant, and full of whole‑food goodness. It’s quick to prepare (with just about 10 minutes of active time), and you can get the bulk of the work done ahead of time so breakfast is ready and waiting. Whether you’re following a vegan diet, looking for gluten‑free or refined‑sugar‑free options, or simply want a delicious morning bowl packed with nutrition — this recipe delivers. Enjoy the fresh berry flavour, the creamy texture, and the calm simplicity of a breakfast you’ll want to make again and again.