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    Home » Wellness Tips » Healthy Living Tips

    How To Use Chia Seeds Everyday

    Modified: Apr 15, 2024 · Published: Nov 24, 2016 by Shelby Stover · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

    Four chia seed snacks in a collage with text in the middle of the image.
    Pinterest image with text: multiple images of chia seed recipes, the top image of energy balls and the bottom of pudding, smoothies and muffins
    Pinterest image with text: multiple chia seed recipes like pudding, granola and smoothies in a collage with text about how to use chia seeds
    Pinterest image with text: chia seed granola in a white bowl with homemade granola scattered around it

    As a powerhouse of plant nutrition, working chia seeds into your daily diet can be a big health boost! Learn everything you need to know about how to use chia seeds and which ones are best along with 18 deliciously tasty chia seed recipes!

    As a Certified Nutrition Coach, chia seeds are a staple ingredient for myself and my daughters. In just two tablespoons they contain 6 grams of essential amino acids making them a great addition to oats, smoothies, and yogurt.

    Jar of chia seeds on a wooden cutting board with chia seeds spilling over and text on the image.

    These little seeds can be a mental hurdle for many people getting started on eating healthily. However, as a crucial toddler food right up there long with bone broth, I truly think that they’re a great addition to your diet.

    When mixed with water (or any liquid) chia seeds create a gel-like texture. For a lot of people, this is off-putting, but it also means that in many recipes it helps work as a binder to hold ingredients (like cookies) together.

    Benefits Of Chia Seeds

    In case you're wondering, chia seeds have a ton of benefits. And while they're definitely not a cure-all, they are a great addition to a healthy diet! Chia seeds:

    • Increase your fiber intake thus helping out your gut
    • Slow digestion helps keep you full longer
    • Improve brain health through their omega three's
    • Give a hefty dose of calcium which is especially important if you're dairy-free (read more tips on eliminating dairy)
    • has a unique blend of amino acids (protein!)

    All in just two tablespoons. Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to do everything you can to eat more protein.

    Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds vs Chia Seeds

    This is a common comparison and both seeds have wonderful properties. Both have a lot of anti-inflammatory properties from omega threes and are generally nutrient-dense.

    That said, hemp seeds (also known as hemp hearts) have more protein per serving than chia seeds (roughly 11 grams per two tablespoons) making them a great addition to a vegan diet. Chia seeds, on the other hand, have more fiber in them which can help with digestion.

    So, is one better than the other? No. They’re both great and should be used in their own ways as part of your diet.

    Chia Powder vs Chia Seeds

    Though they’re made from the same thing, chia powder and chia seeds are typically used very differently.

    Chia seeds are the whole seed where whereas chia powder is made by grinding the raw seeds into powdered form. The nutrition in these are the exact same as they have the same ingredient: chia seeds.

    Chia powder won’t “bubble” and create the same kind of gel as whole chia seeds will, though they do still act as a binder. Instead, the entire powder is absorbed as one. For this reason, chia powder works best in baking recipes to create almost a “casing” and hold the ingredients together. Whereas chia seeds work better in raw or non-baking recipes.

    You can still use full chia seeds in your baking recipes (I do!) they just won’t replace a binder like eggs.

    How To Eat Chia Seeds

    There are so many chia seed recipes out there and you'll find the best ways to use chia seeds below. However, please remember that the purpose of chia seeds is to absorb liquid.

    These little seeds absorb roughly ⅓ cup of liquid from just a couple of tablespoons. 

    The reason this is important is that they must absorb the liquid prior to entering your body. You want them to create the chia seed gel outside of your body and not in it. Mainly because it can cause issues with swallowing, digestion, etc if you randomly eat them solo.

    So, the best ways to use chia seeds are:

    • In smoothies
    • For overnight oats
    • In cookies or muffins
    • Mixed into yogurt
    • To make a chia seed pudding
    • When making chia jam
    • As an egg replacement

    Learn the exact tips you need to make chia pudding and not hate the texture as well as how to build a balanced smoothie using chia seeds. And of course, check out these 6 protein chia pudding recipes!

    Chocolate chia pudding in a jar with whole30 whipped cream and bananas on top and a spoon going into the jar.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Using Chia Seeds

    How do you use chia seeds in smoothies?

    Chia seeds and chia powder can be used in smoothies by just blending them in. However, because these seeds absorb water like crazy they will change the texture of your smoothie. The more chia seeds you add, the more gel/jello-like it will be.

    What’s the difference between black vs white chia seeds?

    Nutritionally, the chia seeds are the exact same. More often than not, white ones are ground into powder more frequently but otherwise, they’re interchangeable. Some people just like the aesthetic appeal of one versus the other.

    Do chia seeds go bad?

    It’s not common but like anything else, chia seeds can go bad. If you want to extend the life of your chia seeds, store them in a sealed jar in the fridge. Stored like that, chia seeds should last at least a year unless liquid gets into the jar as you use it. You’ll know your chia seeds have gone bad if they start to clump together. Otherwise, I wouldn’t worry about it.

    Best Chia Seed Recipes

    Below you'll find a handful of delicious, healthy, dairy-free chia seed recipes! Everything from easy breakfast ideas to fueling snacks. Scroll through and find some new ones to try and get started using chia seeds every day!

    Blueberry Chia Pudding (High Protein)
    Packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and protein this creamy, blueberry chia pudding is easy to make and perfect for busy days on the go.
    Check out this recipe
    Strawberry Smoothie Without Milk
    Deliciously simple this strawberry smoothie is made without milk and totally dairy-free! refreshing, fueling, and the perfect pick me up.
    Check out this recipe
    Strawberry smoothie in a glass with chia seeds on top and a strawberry on the glass.
    Chocolate Protein Balls (dairy and gluten-free)
    These chocolate protein balls are a fudgelike, high-protein snack! These easy chia seed balls are made with vegan protein powder and the perfect on-the-go snack.
    Check out this recipe
    Featured image of three chocolate protein balls in blue cupcake liners with more on an orange linen behind them and a tub of protein powder
    Creamy Keto Chia Pudding
    A delicious blend of coconut milk and vanilla to make the smoothest keto chia pudding you’ve ever had. Sweetened minimally with a hint of stevia this chia seed pudding recipe will become a staple to your days.
    Check out this recipe
    Keto chia pudding in a mason jar with raspberries on top and a spoon in the jar on a white plate with berries and a blue linen behind it.
    Vegan Protein Cookies (gluten-free_
    Made with vegan protein powder and nut butter these protein cookies are loaded with healthy ingredients but taste indulgent! A tasty on-the-go snack or speedy, healthy breakfast option
    Check out this recipe
    Six trail mix, gluten-free protein cookies stacked on top of one another with coconut around them
    Creamy Coffee Chia Pudding Recipe
    Indulge in this creamy, coffee chia pudding first thing in the morning or for an afternoon energy boost.
    Check out this recipe
    Mason jar with coffee chia pudding topped with dairy-free whipped cream and a spoon in the jar
     Peanut Butter Protein Chia Pudding (dairy & gluten-free)
    The best high-protein chia pudding! This chia seed pudding is swirled with peanut butter, sweetened with maple syrup, and made ahead of time to provide you with an easy meal prep recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    Peanut butter chia pudding with chocolate chips in a mason jar on a cutting board with more chocolate chips around it and a spoon coming out of the mason jar.
    Cookie Dough Protein Overnight Oats
    Swirled with nut butter and high in protein these cookie dough overnight oats make for the tastiest snack or meal prep breakfast!
    Check out this recipe
    Three mason jars filled with high protein cookie dough overnight oats topped with chocolate chips on a wooden cutting board and a spoon pulling out of one jar.
    Dairy-Free Chocolate Chia Pudding With Banana
    A six-ingredient, gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate chia pudding recipe. Perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack.
    Check out this recipe
    Chocolate chia pudding in a jar with whole30 whipped cream and bananas on top and a spoon going into the jar.
    Berry Overnight Oats (Dairy-Free, Vegan)
    Easy, creamy, and refreshing! These berry overnight oats are a fueling way to start the day. Make them the night before and simply grab and go in the morning!
    Check out this recipe
    Dairy-free overnight oats in a mason jar topped with frozen berries and coconut whip cream with the jar lid beside it and a bowl of berries behind it
    Banana Chia Seed Protein Pudding
    A creamy, comforting blend of flavors made into a healthy snack for busy days. This banana chia pudding is the perfect make ahead recipe that combines both sweet flavor and high protein!
    Check out this recipe
    Banana chia pudding in a mason jar with a spoon in it and sliced bananas, and cinnamon on top and the jar on a wooden board.
    Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding Recipe
    This four-ingredient dairy-free chocolate pudding recipe is fast to whip up and makes a perfect, healthy snack for kiddos or adults!
    Check out this recipe
    Featured image with text: dairy-free chocolate pudding in a white ramekin with coconut whip cream on top and a spoon pulling out of the pudding
    High Protein Chia Seed Pudding
    A deliciously creamy snack or breakfast! This make-ahead, protein chia pudding is the perfect way to brighten up your day and stay fueled.
    Check out this recipe
    Lemon chia protein pudding topped with coconut cream in a small jar with lemons on top and a spoon in the pudding.
    High Protein Maple Pecan Oatmeal
    An indulgent way to kick off breakfast or brunch! This protein-packed, maple pecan oatmeal is classically flavored with maple and vanilla but comes with a fueling, dairy-free twist.
    Check out this recipe
    White ramekin with oatmeal topped with pecans and a wooden spoon in the ramekin.
    High Protein Overnight Oats Without Protein Powder
    Skip the vanilla protein powder and whip up this protein overnight oats recipe topped with thick, rich chocolate! All the indulgence of a creamy cup of oatmeal with all the fuel of protein.
    Check out this recipe
    Clear glass with overnight protein oats in it topped with chocolate and sea salt on a wooden coaster on a blue linen.
    Crunchy Cinnamon Granola
    Loaded with healthy nuts and seeds and flavored with caramel-like almond butter. This vegan cinnamon granola works on top of yogurt and bowls or as a snack in itself.
    Check out this recipe
    Mason jar with cinnamon granola in it and orange scoop and white ramekin with more granola in it.
    Dairy-Free Chia Pudding Parfait
    A creamy, comforting, sweet recipe perfect for breakfast or brunch. This chia pudding parfait recipe has layers of chocolate peanut butter, whipped cream, sliced bananas and crunchy protein cookies to make each mouthful an indulgent bite.
    Check out this recipe
    Chia pudding parfait in a glass layered with cookies, whipped cream, and bananas.
    Dairy-Free PB&J Overnight Oats
    With a classic flavor combo of peanut butter and jelly these overnight oats make a healthy, make-ahead breakfast recipe for busy mornings!
    Check out this recipe
    Close up of a mason jar with peanut butter and jelly overnight oats on a white cheese cloth.

    More Every Day Healthy Living Tips

    • Beef tallow boiling in a slow cooker.
      How To Use Beef Tallow
    • Multiple high protein foods like steak, salmon, shrimp, and edamame in a wooden cutting board.
      Food Staples For A High Protein Diet [With Grocery list]
    • Top 4 Ways to Add Protein to Oatmeal
    • Smoothie in a jar with a straw and bananas, oats, and nuts around it.
      How To Eat 100 Grams of Protein A Day

    Comments

    1. Anne says

      May 02, 2024 at 3:12 pm

      Wow! So many great ideas. I will definitely come back and book marked this blog!

      Reply

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    I'm Shelby, a Certified Strength & Nutrition Coach who has spent the last 10 years helping women feel more comfortable in their skin though home strength training and healthy food- no diets, no shortcuts

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