basil seed - Kitchen Treaty A food blog with easy & flexible vegetarian recipes Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:55:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.5 Chai Latte Basil Seed Pudding Recipe https://www.kitchentreaty.com/chai-latte-basil-seed-pudding/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chai-latte-basil-seed-pudding https://www.kitchentreaty.com/chai-latte-basil-seed-pudding/#respond Sun, 21 Sep 2025 19:29:06 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=51558 This Chai Latte Basil Seed Pudding is the perfect fiber-rich, make-ahead breakfast! With the cozy flavors of a creamy chai tea latte, I love making this chai basil seed pudding when the weather gets colder and I’m craving warmly spiced, comforting dishes. The Story Behind the Recipe I love a good make-ahead breakfast and have […]

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This Chai Latte Basil Seed Pudding is the perfect fiber-rich, make-ahead breakfast! With the cozy flavors of a creamy chai tea latte, I love making this chai basil seed pudding when the weather gets colder and I’m craving warmly spiced, comforting dishes.

Chai Latte Basil Seed Pudding in small mason jars with cinnamon and sliced bananas

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

I love a good make-ahead breakfast and have made chia seed pudding for years. But recently, I discovered basil seeds as an alternative to chia seeds, and I love them!

Basil seeds are tiny and black, just like chia seeds. They come from the sweet basil plant, and are also known as sabja seeds. They are basically flavorless (no, they do not taste like basil).

They’re just as versatile as chia seeds, so I’ve been experimenting a lot with different recipes like this basil seed drink and basic basil seed pudding. I decided to try a chai latte inspired spin, and loved it so much, I had to share it with you immediately!

Chai Basil Seed Pudding in small mason jars with cinnamon and sliced bananas

Why You’ll Love Chai Latte Basil Seed Pudding

  • So many nutrients! I talked about this a lot in my standard basil seed pudding recipe, but basil pudding made with sweet basil seeds is a great alternative to chia seed pudding. Basil seed pudding is super similar taste and texture wise, but packs in some more nutrients, notably almost double the fiber.
  • Lectin-free. Chia seeds have lectin, so basil seeds are a great alternative if you’re avoiding lectin in your diet.
  • Hearty make-ahead breakfast. This chai latte basil seed pudding keeps me full for hours and is basically zero work in the a.m.
ingredients for chai latte basil pudding

Ingredients

  • Chai tea – Some chai flavored recipes only have chai spices, but I wanted to go all the way by using chai tea! We soak the basil seeds in the tea for tons of infused flavor.
  • Basil seeds – I buy this brand off of Amazon.
  • Coconut milk – You can substitute in your choice of milk like dairy milk, oat, almond, soy, or whatever you like.
  • Pure maple syrup – This basil seed pudding needs a bit of sweetness, so I like maple syrup. You can sub honey (it will just no longer be vegan) or I’ve even used powdered stevia before to make it lower in overall sugar content.
  • Spices – Ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cardamom

Adaptations/Variations

Vanilla Chai Latte Basil Seed Pudding – Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or scrape a vanilla bean into the mix.

London Fog Latte Basil Seed Pudding – Use Earl Gray tea instead of chai. Omit the spices and add a teaspoon of vanilla. Sprinkle with a few bits of edible lavender for some fancy factor!

How to Make Chai Latte Basil Seed

  1. First, brew up a strong tea. Heat the water and pour some into a medium bowl, then add the chai tea bags and steep.
  2. Remove the bags and stir in the basil seeds.
  3. Let the basil seeds sit at room temp for a few minutes until the chia seeds have plumped up and soaked up the water.
  4. Whisk in the coconut milk, maple syrup, and spices.
  5. Divide into individual cups if you’d like, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 4 days.
  6. To serve, top with whipped cream or coconut/vegan whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and some fruit like sliced bananas or apples.
Step 2 for how to make Chai Latte Basil Seed Pudding
Step 4 for how to make Chai Latte Basil Seed Pudding
Step 5 for how to make Chai Latte Basil Seed Pudding
Step 6 for how to make Chai Latte Basil Seed Pudding
Chai Latte Basil Seed Pudding in small mason jars with cinnamon and sliced bananas.

Tips for Success

  • Make sure the tea is hot or at least lukewarm when you add the basil seeds. Unlike chia seeds, basil seeds like a bit of warmth in order to plump up quickly.

I hope you love this cozy spin on basil seed pudding! It’s creamy, comforting, and so easy to make ahead of time. Plus it tastes amazing!

Chai Latte Basil Seed Pudding in small mason jars with cinnamon and sliced bananas

More Basil Seed Recipes

Chai Basil Seed Pudding in small mason jars with cinnamon and sliced bananas
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Chai Latte Basil Seed Pudding Recipe

Creamy, hearty make-ahead basil seed pudding with creamy chai latte flavors. Simple, easy, and delicious!
Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword basil seed pudding recipe, chai basil seed pudding
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 211kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup hot water
  • 2 bags chai tea
  • 3 tablespoons basil seeds
  • 1 1/4 cup coconut milk can sub milk of choice such as dairy milk, oat milk, almond milk, etc.
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup*
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

Instructions

  • Heat water and pour 3/4 cup into a medium heat-proof bowl. Add chai tea bags and steep for 3 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags.
  • Add basil seeds and stir. Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes until the seeds have soaked up the water. The mix will be thick and gelatinous.
  • Whisk in coconut milk, pure maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. If you're happy with the thickness, you're done. For a slightly thinner pudding, add more coconut milk.
  • Can eat immediately or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • To serve, top with whipped cream or coconut whipped cream if desired, fruit such as banana slices or diced apples, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Notes

* Sugar Free Option

Swap in 1 teaspoon of granulated Stevia product

Nutrition

Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 217mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 3mg

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Lemon Basil Seed Drink https://www.kitchentreaty.com/lemon-basil-seed-drink/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lemon-basil-seed-drink https://www.kitchentreaty.com/lemon-basil-seed-drink/#respond Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:47:49 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=51395 This subtly sweet lemon Basil Seed Drink is a great way to start your day off right (or add a little pep to your afternoon!) Hydrated basil seeds are pretty much flavorless and give that satisfying boba-like chew. This basil seed drink is super cooling and refreshing! Plus, basil seeds are SO good for you! […]

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This subtly sweet lemon Basil Seed Drink is a great way to start your day off right (or add a little pep to your afternoon!) Hydrated basil seeds are pretty much flavorless and give that satisfying boba-like chew. This basil seed drink is super cooling and refreshing!

Plus, basil seeds are SO good for you! They are considered prebiotics, full of fiber and so many other nutrients.

lemon basil seed drink with ice, mint, and lemon sedge

Also known as a sabja seeds, sweet basil seeds are common in India and some places in Asia, but they’re becoming more well known in the US because of their powerhouse health benefits.

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

I’ve recently discovered basil seeds as an alternative to chia seeds, and now enjoy both regularly. I recently shared a basil seed pudding recipe that I’m obsessed with, but today I thought I’d share this basil seed drink.

I’m sure you’ve heard of drinking hydrated chia seeds with lemon water first thing in the morning. This lemon Basil Seed Drink is similar; except it’s got a bit of sweetener and is actually a version of a drink very popular in India and some parts of Asia.

glasses full of basil seed drink on a white background

Why You’ll Love This Basil Seed Drink

  • It tastes great: This sweet, lemony drink is like a light lemonade with chewy little boba-like bits.
  • Filling: Due to the chewy hydrated basil seeds, this drink actually feels kind of like a light snack!
  • Nutritious: Basil seeds have fiber, protein, Omega 3s and more. This Basil See Drink is a great way to sneak some nutrition into your day! (source)
  • Excellent for warm days: Basil seeds are widely considered a natural body coolant, as described in this recipe for Gond Katira with rose syrup, pistachios, and milk (which I am super intrigued by!)
ingredients for basil seed drink

Ingredients

  • Basil seeds – The seeds of the sweet basil plant, also known as sabja seeds or tukmaria seeds. An American brand, ZenBasil, has brought USDA certified basil seeds to North America. I buy them off of Amazon (affiliate link).
  • Water
  • Lemon juice – You’ll need about 2 tablespoons, which one lemon should easily provide.
  • Sugar – Traditional basil seed drinks do tend to have sugar, which helps make it more palatable and lemonade-like. If you prefer another sweetener such as honey or agave, feel free! It’s easy to swap. Sugar substitutes work well too, or if you simply want a sub for your lemon chia seed water, you can skip the sugar altogether.
  • Ice
  • Mint leaves – Totally optional but they look pretty and add to the refreshing vibes.
top view of basil seed drink with lemon, mint, and glass straw

How to Make This Lemon Basil Seed Drink

  1. First, you’ll need to hydrate the basil seeds. Mix the basil seeds and some of the water together in a small bowl and let them sit for a few minutes until they’ve developed a gelatinous outer layer.
  2. Add the lemon juice, sugar, and remaining water to a tall glass.
  3. Stir for a minute or so, until the sugar has dissolved.
  4. Add the hydrated basil seeds.
  5. Add the ice, stir, and serve.
soaking basil seeds for basil seeds drink
basil seeds (sabja seeds) hydrated and ready to be added to lemon basil seed drink
three glasses full of lemon basil seed drink

Tips for Success

  • Hydrate your basil seeds in room-temp water. They’ll plump up faster.
  • The basil seeds will sink to the bottom as your basil seed drink sits. Just give it a quick stir before you drink.

I hope you love this lemon basil seed drink as much as we’ve been enjoying it! It’s hydrating, refreshing, delicious, and full of nutrients.

top view of lemon basil seed drink with lemon garnish

More Basil Seed & Chia Seed Recipes

lemon basil seed drink in clear glasses
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Lemon Basil Seed Drink

This hydrating, fiber-rich drink is super refreshing! With super-powered basil seeds, it's a great way to kickstart your day or power you through a groggy afternoon.
Keyword basil seed drink, basil seeds drink, sabja seeds drink
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 55kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon basil seeds
  • 1/3 + 2/3 cup water divided
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 3-4 mint leaves optional
  • 1 cup ice

Instructions

Hydrate (or "Bloom") the Basil Seeds

  • In a small bowl, mix together the basil seeds and 1/3 cup water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the basil seeds have absorbed some of the water, developing a transparent, gelatinous outer layer.

Mix Together the Lemon, Sugar, Mint (if using) and Remaining Water

  • In a large glass, mix together the remaining 2/3 cup water, lemon juice, sugar, and mint leaves (if using). Stir for a minute or two until the sugar has dissolved.

Add Hydrated Basil Seeds and Ice

  • Stir in the hydrated basil seeds and fill the cup the rest of the way with ice. Give it a stir and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 129IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.2mg

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Basil Seed Pudding https://www.kitchentreaty.com/basil-seed-pudding/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=basil-seed-pudding https://www.kitchentreaty.com/basil-seed-pudding/#respond Wed, 06 Aug 2025 18:49:52 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=51383 Move over, chia seeds; Basil Seed Pudding is in the house! This Basil Seed Pudding is rich and creamy + fiber-packed, plus full of amazing nutrients just like chia seed pudding. I think you’re going to love it! The Story Behind the Recipe This summer, my kid has been in a seasonal swim league, which […]

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Move over, chia seeds; Basil Seed Pudding is in the house! This Basil Seed Pudding is rich and creamy + fiber-packed, plus full of amazing nutrients just like chia seed pudding. I think you’re going to love it!

A jar full of basil seed pudding with strawberries and slivered almonds

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

This summer, my kid has been in a seasonal swim league, which has meant many extremely early mornings for us moms. One of the moms brought a delicious chia seed pudding in to share, and I was reminded what an excellent source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients chia seed pudding is.

But I’d recently learned about (and ordered) a bag of basil seeds, so I decided to go to town on creating an alternative but using basil seeds. It wasn’t long before I was hooked! I first heard about basil seeds via the Liz Moody podcast. I had no idea there was a seed out there so similar to chia seeds, but even healthier in some ways!

This Basil Seed Pudding recipe, my first of what may be many, is a classic mix of vanilla, cinnamon, and creamy coconut milk. It’s excellent with some fruit and nuts on top. My new fave healthy breakfast, for sure!

Mason jars full of basil seed pudding, three in a row, on a wooden background with almonds and berries.

All About Basil Seeds

We know chia seeds are super healthy, but basil seeds are awesome too, and even better in some ways! They operate similarly, by developing a gelatinous outer layer when mixed with water. But basil seeds are said to have twice the fiber, potassium, prebiotics, iron, and calcium as chia seeds. (source; source).

They don’t taste like basil – in fact, just like chia seeds, they really don’t have much of a taste at all.

Why You’ll Love Basil Seed Pudding

  • SO easy to make: Less than 5 minutes hands-on time. Doesn’t get easier!
  • Meal prep perfection: Make it ahead of time and chill for easy, no-fuss, healthy breakfasts. Just top with berries and/or nuts and you’re good to go!
  • Refreshing and delicious: I especially love this Basil Seed Pudding for warmer months, when I crave something cool for breakfast.
  • Nutritious and satiating: One serving is packed full of fiber, protein, and all kinds of micronutrients. Plus this basil seed pudding keeps me full for hours!
Basil Seed Pudding ingredients on a white marble background

Ingredients

  • Basil seeds – Otherwise known as sabja or sweet basil seeds, basil seeds are somewhat hard to find locally, but I’m really hoping that changes soon. I get ZenBasil seeds on Amazon.
  • Water – I find that basil seeds plump up best when they first get some time in water. So I give them an initial quick soak before adding the other ingredients. The good news is, they soak up the liquid fast – way faster than chia seeds do, actually!
  • Coconut milk – I love the thick creaminess and subtle sweetness that coconut milk brings. You can also use your choice of milk – dairy milk, oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk all also work great. Make it your own!
  • Pure maple syrup – I like to use maple syrup for some warm sweetness. Honey or even some granulated sugar will work too.
  • Vanilla – I use pure vanilla extract, or if you’re worried about alcohol contact, vanilla powder is delicious, too.
  • Cinnamon – Just a touch for a bit of cozy flavor.
  • Salt – A pinch or two to bring out the flavors.

Adaptations/Variations

Sugar Free Basil Seed Pudding

  • I sometimes swap in one teaspoon of granulated Stevia for the pure maple syrup for a lower-carb, sugar free basil seed pudding.

Strawberry Basil Seed Pudding

  • Stir in a cup of chopped or pureed fresh or frozen strawberries with the coconut milk. Top with more chopped berries.

Chocolate Basil Seed Pudding

  • Stir in 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder with the coconut milk (I like to use almost the whole can of coconut milk with this version). Double or even triple the sweetener until it’s perfect. Top with mini chocolate chips or – my fave – blueberries.

High Protein Basil Seed Pudding

  • Stir in 1 cup cooked quinoa and 1/4 cup hemp seeds to increase the protein and make your Basil Seed Pudding even more hearty. You can also swap out some of the coconut milk for Greek yogurt, if you like.

Chai Latte Basil Seed Pudding

  • Make a strong chai tea and soak the basil seeds in 3/4 cup of that instead of plain water. Add a pinch of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger.

How to Make Basil Seed Pudding

  1. First, you’ll want to mix the basil seeds and water together in a medium-size bowl.
  2. Let it sit at room temp for about 5 minutes, until the basil seeds have developed a thick, clear, gel layer on the outside.
  3. Whisk in 3/4 cup of the coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. If you’d like a thinner basil seed pudding, add some more coconut milk.
  4. You can eat your basil seed pudding right away, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t just swap basil seeds for chia seeds. Basil seed pudding is made a bit differently than chia seed pudding, because basil seeds really seem to like to soak up water before having creamy ingredients added to it.
  • Use lukewarm water for the fastest, most efficient soaking.
A spoon scoops basil seed pudding out of the jar

I hope you love this Basil Seed Pudding as much as we do! It’s fast and easy to make, super healthy, and perfect for meal prep. It doesn’t get any better than this for breakfast prep!

three jars of basil seed pudding with fruit
Print

Basil Seed Pudding Recipe

This creamy vanilla-cinnamon pudding makes the perfect breakfast! Basil seeds are very similar to chia seeds, but even more full of nutrients. This pudding is SO simple to make and perfect for breakfast meal prep.
Course Breakfast
Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword basil seed pudding
Servings 4
Calories 99kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons basil seeds
  • 3/4 cup lukewarm water
  • 3/4 – 1 cup coconut milk can sub milk of choice such as dairy milk, oat milk, almond milk, etc.
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup*
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch salt

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, mix together the basil seeds and lukewarm water. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes until the seeds have soaked up the water. The mix will be thick and gelatinous.
  • Whisk in 3/4 cup coconut milk, pure maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and pinch salt. If you're happy with the thickness, you're done. For a slightly thinner pudding, add the remaining coconut milk.
  • Can eat immediately or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Notes

* Sugar Free Option
Swap in 1 teaspoon of granulated Stevia product

Nutrition

Calories: 99kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 124mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 0.5IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 2mg

More Basil Seed & Chia Seed Recipes

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