Have you fallen in love with chia seeds yet? Packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, these little seeds also contain protein, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals like calcium, magnesium and iron. And because of their gelling properties, they help make breakfasts more filling and satisfying without weighing you down. Wondering how to eat them? Here are our favorite ways to add this superfood to morning meals.
1. In Oatmeal: Add a couple tablespoons to cooked oatmeal or other grain porridge. They also make a great addition to overnight oats.
2. In Smoothies: This is a great way to enjoy chia seeds if you don't like their gelatinous texture. Mixed into a smoothie, they add a crunch reminiscent of raspberry seeds.
3. On Yogurt: Sprinkle the seeds over regular or Greek yogurt for a little extra nutrition and satiety.
4. As Pudding: Mix chia seeds with your favorite non-dairy milk (or regular milk) to make a light, tapioca-like pudding that can be eaten plain or mixed with fruit or nuts. For more specific directions, check out our recipe for Cashew-Cardamom Chia Pudding.
5. In Juice: If you enjoy the seeds' unique texture, try mixing them into fruit juice, like in our recipe for fresh Watermelon Strawberry Cooler.
What are your favorite ways to eat chia seeds?
Related: From Chia Pets to Seeds: An Unlikely Journey into the Kitchen
(Images: Emily Ho; Leela Cyd Ross)
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In yogurt is the best way IMO.
I mix them in my home-made yogurt, especially since the yogurt maker I have makes it kind of hard to strain any yogurt. A perfect thickener for fat free yogurt. I also add to my seven grain hot cereal. Love the thickness it adds to everything, but it's not such a great addition in pancakes.
I put in my oatmeal every morning. Also toss in pancakes (does not bother me!), waffles, muffins, breads and cookies... my kids have come to expect it!
Love them in overnight oats- they really thicken it up well. I'm definitely going to try that cashew-cardamom chia pudding.
I just had some granola with chia seeds for the first time with vanilla yogurt and pineapples and cherries. It was delicious.
I mix mine with warmed blueberries and let it thicken into a jam which I dollop on yogurt , pancakes or mashed bananas and it lasts the week!
I second the pudding suggestion - here's the recipe I use for dairy-free chocolate chia seed pudding:
1 1/4 cups almond milk or coconut milk
3 to 4 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup chia seeds
Mix it all up and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours. Delish!
I love it in smoothies, but if you're looking for a really simple way to eat them, try it Tarahumara style: Water with lime juice and a bit of sweetener and a tablespoon or two of chia seeds mixed in. Refreshing and delicious!
I made agua fresca not too long ago, and it was great... until the top popped off the pitcher I had it in and the goopy little frog-egg like things spilled all over the fridge. Let me tell you, it's worse than trying to clean up a dropped egg.
I add chia seeds to almost every breakfast, and the blueberry jam idea from LauraLindaLou is one I can't wait to try. Thanks!
I add it to my green tea. I like the jelly texture in drinks.
I hate that weird, slimy texture they acquire in liquids so I avoid adding them to anything soupy. I sprinkle them on my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! I like the crunch and somehow it makes the treat feel a little healthier.
That is a great idea!! I've been working my way through my supply, and so far I've only been baked them into muffins and put them in juice - both very yummy.