Quick and cozy, this simple stovetop Pinole Chia Oatmeal is a delicious healthy vegan breakfast. If you haven’t tried pinole yet, meet my new favorite way to start the day!
If you follow me on Instagram, then you’re well aware of my pinole obsession.
So when Maya Jacquez from The Pinole Project asked if she could share her love of this incredible superfood and all the many ways to use it, I jumped at the chance!
Keep reading to learn more about this nutrient-rich, delicious food then scroll down for my favorite way to make it, plus 6 more delectable recipes.
Take it away Maya!
what is pinole?
For centuries, my ancestors have been eating pinole (pronounced pih-nole), an Aztec superfood enjoyed all across Latin America.
This whole grain cereal is still eaten today by the Tarahumara, an indigenous community living in Northern Mexico.
Known for their long-distance running abilities, they call themselves the Rarámuri, which, in their native language, means “light feet” or “runners on foot.” To fuel their long runs, the Rarámuri consume pinole.
It’s made out of non-GMO heirloom maize (or corn, as most know it).
The dried maize is ground and mixed with spices, such as cinnamon. Sometimes chia seeds or sweeteners, such as piloncillo (unrefined whole cane sugar) are added.
what makes it so special?
Pinole is the ultimate fuel, whether you’re gearing up for a long day or want sustained plant-based energy during a workout.
The whole grain corn makes it a complex carb, which means it digests at a slower pace, thus providing energy for a longer period of time.
Pinole delivers energy gradually, meaning no spike nor crash.
This fiber-rich food can help build good gut bacteria because of its base ingredient maize, which contains prebiotics. A healthy gut contributes to a strong immune system, a healthy heart and brain, effective digestion and improved mood and sleep.
meet pinole chia oatmeal
My grandmother added pinole to her slow-cooked oatmeal, called avena, to give it an extra boost! Her recipe inspired our Pinole Chia Oatmeal. Packed with 10 grams fiber, loaded with plant protein and 2500+ omega-3’s, it’s the ultimate breakfast upgrade!
We use nutrient-rich ground heirloom corn, harvested from Mexico’s independent, sustainable farms. Oats, chia seeds, and other powerhouse ingredients are then added to provide a high-quality breakfast or pre/post-workout meal.
Pinole Chia Oatmeal is available in three delicious flavors: Peanut Butter & Cacao, Original, and Banana Cinnamon.
how to use it!
There are endless happy breakfasts with Pinole Chia Oatmeal. Here are our top picks!
overnight oats
We love chilled Overnight Pinole Chia Oats during the hot summer. Waking up with a ready-to- go breakfast is so convenient when you’re on the run. Try Yadira Torres Ait’s recipe for Vegan Cherry Overnight Oats .
hot oatmeal done right
Look at these beautiful hot oatmeals!
Check out Kate’s stovetop pinole recipe below or make a comforting bowl in just 2 minutes in the microwave. Quick and easy either way.
We’re particularly fond of Ericka’s beautiful berry-packed oatmeal shown above and Anna’s museum-worthy High-Fiber Fig + Cashew Pinole Chia Oatmeal below.
baked oats
Baked Oats is another one of our favorite recipes to make with Pinole Chia Oatmeal.
It’s a simple, easy to make breakfast and perfect for those fun mornings when you want a decadent meal!
Our friend Aly Barr from Aly’s Oats is the queen of baked oatmeal. Check out her 5 Incredible Baked Oatmeal Recipes, which include Tiramisu Baked Oats!
Her Cinnamon Roll Baked Oats recipe and her Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Baked Oats Recipe are also crazy delicious, not to mention the beautiful Pecan, Walnut & Pear Baked Oats above.
cookies
Who doesn’t love a cookie?!
Check out our Pinole Chia Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies or these amazing Date & Pecan Breakfast Cookies made by Abril of Taste of Mexico with Pinole Chia Oatmeal!
want more healthy recipes?
We can’t wait for you to try Pinole Chia Oatmeal! Download our Pinole Chia Oatmeal Recipe E-book for 30+ more recipes.
more easy breakfast recipes to try!
- Vegan Atole
- Mexican Molletes
- Stovetop Granola Yogurt Parfaits
- Cinnamon Vanilla Mexican Coffee
- Fruit Salad with Honey-Lemon Dressing
- Dulce de Leche Yogurt Parfaits
- Green Tea Smoothie
prep your cereal bowl
Because it’s about to be real busy! Stock up on The Pinole Project’s Pinole Chia Oatmeal and give this simple stovetop recipe a try. When you do, don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see or leave me a comment below (don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating) ! Also, make sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!

Simple Stovetop Pinole Chia Oatmeal
Quick and cozy, this simple stovetop Pinole Chia Oatmeal is a delicious healthy vegan breakfast that will power you all day. If you haven't tried Pinole yet, meet my new favorite way to start the day!
Ingredients
- 1 cup plant-based milk (I use vanilla almond milk)
- 1/2 cup Pinole Chia Oatmeal
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced strawberries
- Toasted coconut
- sesame seeds
- crunchy peanut butter
- honey
Instructions
- Cook pinole. Combine milk and pinole in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly and cook just until pinole thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Top and enjoy. Spoon into a bowl and add your favorite toppings. Dig in!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 501Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 20mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 35gSugar: 4gProtein: 17g
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I would love to try your product ; very interested! Can you send me a sample packet of each flavor? If I like it, I promise to purchase it.
Hi Rosemary! You can purchase the pinole here: https://amzn.to/3svCi1N