Chia Sago

Name: Chia Sago (Low-Carb Filipino Dessert)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Filipino-inspired
Ingredients: 1/4 cup chia seeds; 1 cup strawberries, chopped; 1 cup blueberries; 2 cups green grapes; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk; 2 cups almond milk; 2 cups ice cubes

Chia sago is a lighter, no-bake take on the classic Filipino dessert that swaps traditional sago pearls for nutrient-dense chia seeds. Combined with fresh berries, grapes, sweetened condensed milk, and almond milk, it's a refreshing, low-calorie treat that requires no cooking.

🌍Filipino-inspired 🏷️Chia sago 🏷️Sago 🏷️Dessert 🏷️Fruit salad No-bake

🏷️

🏷️Low-calorie

-0:00

lowcarbloveonTikTok

Total

5 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$16–$26

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by lowcarblove

-0:00

lowcarbloveonTikTok

Ingredients

1/4 cup chia seeds
1 cup strawberries, chopped
1 cup blueberries
2 cups green grapesoptional
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
2 cups almond milk
2 cups ice cubes

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Instructions

1
In a large bowl, combine the chia seeds, chopped strawberries, blueberries, and green grapes (if using).
2
Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the fruit.
3
Add the almond milk to the bowl.
4
Add the ice cubes.
5
Stir everything together until well combined.
6
Serve immediately and enjoy.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Chill all components (milk, fruit, bowl) before assembling to keep the dessert cold without excess ice dilution.
Add ice cubes just before serving so they don't melt into the mixture and water it down.
Use ripe, sweet grapes and berries to reduce reliance on added sweetness from condensed milk.
Stir gently when combining to avoid crushing delicate berries and maintain visual texture contrast.

Substitutions

Sweetened condensed milk → condensed coconut milk (lighter coconut flavor, slightly less sweetness)
Almond milk → coconut milk or oat milk (richer texture, adjust sweetness accordingly)
Green grapes → red or black grapes, or diced mango (similar sweetness and texture)
Fresh berries → frozen berries, thawed (no flavor difference, softer texture)

Storage & make-ahead

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before serving and add fresh ice cubes as needed.

Common Questions

Can I make chia sago ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare it up to 24 hours ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. The chia seeds will continue to absorb liquid and soften, so add almond milk just before serving if it becomes too thick.

Do chia seeds need to soak before using?

Not in this recipe. The chia seeds absorb liquid from the almond milk and sweetened condensed milk as the dessert sits, creating a pudding-like texture without pre-soaking.

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, dairy milk, coconut milk, or any plant-based milk works. Almond milk keeps the calorie count lower, but adjust sweetness if using unsweetened varieties.

What berries work best for chia sago?

Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are ideal. Use fresh or frozen. Avoid berries that bleed heavily (like blackberries) if you want to preserve the visual appeal.

Is this dessert suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes. Chia seeds are high in fiber and low in net carbs, making them a better choice than traditional sago pearls. Check the sweetened condensed milk label for carb content.