Chia Seed Recipes and Ideas
Looking for chia seed recipes? All our original and tested chia seed recipes are quick to make and easy to follow. We aim to get you started using chia seeds with confidence and also to give you some ideas on how to be more creative using them in your own recipes..
If you want to know how to use chia seeds, this site will give you information, techniques, recipes and plenty of ideas.
New recipes are being added frequently as we continue to try new ways of using these healthy little seeds.
Cooking with chia seeds is easy, fun and very healthy.
Chia seeds are tiny, hard and have a subtle nut-like flavor when chewed, but they have the unique property of absorbing liquid. When stirred into liquid they soften and absorb 9-12 times their own weight of the liquid. They take on the taste of whatever liquid they are placed in, which makes them ideal to use as a thickener in all sorts of recipes.
The high omega fat content of the seeds makes them useful as a substitute for butter or eggs in baking, which can cut down on calories and adds to their versatility.
If you have already bought chia seeds, then I invite you to try some of our recipes. If you have been thinking of trying them, the best place to buy is online, where you can often get a good price for 1lb to 5lb packs.
You can use black, white or mixed seeds, although its often easier to get black seeds. You can also purchase milled seeds, which are whole ground chia seeds. The nutritional value is roughly the same, no matter what colour seed you buy.
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Nutrition
When you add chia seeds to your diet, you will soon begin to see the results. They are a true superfood, a powerhouse of nutrition. Most people soon notice an increase in energy, clearer thinking and a calmer, happier mood. The high fiber content aids regularity in a natural, gentle way.
After a couple of months you should notice clearer skin and more glossy hair, a result, I believe, of the high omega 3 content of the seeds. Because chia seeds digest slowly they make you feel fuller longer which can be an aid to weight loss.
The video below gives in-depth information on the nutritional value of these little seeds and also demonstrates how to make chia gel, which is the basis of many of the recipes on this site.
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One to 2 tablespoons of chia seeds per day is a good amount for an adult. Children have less, say half to one tablespoon per day. As with any new food, its best to start off with a small amount and gradually build up. There are no known allergic responses to this food.
What do chia seeds taste like?
Chia seeds have a slightly nutty flavor when eaten on their own. When incorported into a recipe they do not have a noticeable taste. When chia seeds come into contact with the moisture in a recipe, be it a pudding, soup, cookie or smoothie they absorb that moisture and take on the flavor of what they are put into. This makes them a wonderful healthy addition to any recipe, whether sweet or savory.
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.About our recipes
In this site I will tell you how to make and use chia gel. In general you will need to hydrate the seeds (ie make a gel) before adding the seeds to any recipe or when adding to a liquid dish, such as a soup, pudding or smoothie, allow the mixture to stand for at least 10 minutes so the chia seeds can expand, soften and take up the flavor of your main ingredients .
There is also information on how to make chia puddings of various kinds and chia drinks including chia fresca and smoothies.
There is information on how to make and use ground chia, how to make cookies and pancakes using ground chia, plus recipes for main courses, soups and desserts.
I have also included some of my own favourite recipes, including chia pinole, and a chia pan bread for you to enjoy, together with simple ideas on how to use chia seeds in your everyday cooking.
There are recipes for both sweet and savory dishes. and many recipes are suitable for vegetarians, vegans and raw food enthusiasts.
Please enjoy these chia seed recipes.
When you take Chia Seed dry swallowing them down with liquid, they expand in your stomach giving you a feeling of being full.
As I received chia seeds as a gift, I had no experience, as to their usefulness. I added 2 tbs. to my yogurt and noticed, the longer it sat, the thicken my yogurt became, but, it didn’t change the taste.
I’d like to start adding chia seeds into other foods that I’m baking…such as muffins.
Since the chia seeds absorb so much water, do I need to add additional liquid to a muffin recipe?
Thanks!
I usually add the amount of liquid asked for in the original recipe, then add any extra liquid at the end. Be guided by your own common sense as it varies, but is generally close to the original recipe.
I am allergic to lobster and crab and was wondering if I could take chia seeds due to the omega in it. I do take fish oil but am not sure about chi’s seeds.
The omegas in chia seed are not the same as those in any type of sea food Dawn. You should not have any reaction at all to them, even if you are allergic to lobster and crab. When trying a new food, it’s always wise to try a little first, just to make sure there are no adverse reactions. However, adverse reactions to chia seeds are extremely rare.
I accidently happened upon chia seeds. I bought a Hello Kitty Chia Pet at a thrift store. Hmmmmm. Looked online and was enlightened. My Hello Kitty has a full head of “hair” aka sprouts after one week.
I also have been using chia seeds in my diet etc.
Very interesting. Also sent away for a chia seed diet book. So this was a win win situation by accident.
Can I get the benifits of Chia seeds by just taking a tablespoon full and swallowing them with liquid?
Absolutely Mickey. The only reason not to have them like that is that most people like to icorporate their chia seeds into some kind of recipe purely for the taste benefit
I grew-up taking Chia seeds.
Chia Seeds should be soaked first in water, almond or Soya milk for the best results. After soaking they can be used in any Drinks, Yogurt, Smoothy and Cereals, etc.
Taking a tablespoon full of Chia Seeds and swallowing them with liquid doesn’t work
Why is this Samantha is it that the Chia Seeds would pass straight through your digestive system if swallowed whole with water? I am just starting to experiment with chia and I’m hoping they will help me kick start my weight loss again as I’m currently maintaining.
Chia seeds are highly nutritious Christine. However, they digest slowly and expand when added or taken with liquid. This means that you feel full and satisfied when you take them in this way, and eat less of other foods. That’s the reason they help with weight loss.
The chia pudding sounds good! Personally, I like to add chia to my energy drinks or water. It’s also really good mixed in with quinoa as a breakfast cereal, then you get amazing protein and omega-3s. To get an in-depth nutrition profile on chia to go along with the recipes check out: Health Benefits of Chia Seeds.
Hi i have given up smoking, i have started eating more food and am putting on weight. I have decided i am starting a healthy eating program using the Chia seed, what would be the recommnded amount to start with
Hi Karen, Always start small when adding a new food to your diet, say 1 or two teaspoons. Gradually build this up to 2-4 tablespoons a day. For weight loss its good to put the chia seeds into a low calorie soup and have this throughout the day. This will help stop hunger and food cravings.
Hi I am from Melbourne and we have no probs buying Chia seeds being that it is grown in Australia!
What a wonderful website which I just found this afternoon – I am looking forward to trying many of your recipes especially for Breakfast – for lunch today I added 1.5 tsps white chia to my reheated chilli con carne beans and only just waited the 10 mins required time to eat it but am intending to use them all the time as am mostly vegan, grain free – what a godsend you are! Thank you for all your efforts you are truly appreciated all around the world – TG for the internet!
light and love and…laughter!
Thank you for your kind words Verity. White chia seeds in chilli con carne – yum! Chia seeds are a very good addition to a mostly vegan grain free diet. There are so many ways you can use them in your recipes.
I buy my chia seeds and all other hard to find organics at http://www.nuts.com. They have great mahjool dates, diabetic candy, and other health foods
I used a recipe for a cold oatmeal cereal using chia seeds that sits over night in the fridge and now I cannot find it. Any chance you could help?
Thanks for letting me add my two cents! Blessings!!
I tried chia seeds and had a problem so checked with a knowledgable friend. She said not everyone can take chia seeds because their body for some reason can’t handle it. Will try it again in small dose to see if I have same problem. Was really sad that I may not be able to use chia seeds. Glad it helps others though. Just wanted to let others know that some people may not tolerate it.
I have a son that has a rare epileptic disorder…his immune system is low,among many more difficult things he has to deal with.i am always looking for new natural ways to help his health and well being ( it is not an option to not take pharmacy ducal meds) the only thing he can take his meds with is applesauce. I was wondering I I could add seeds to the applesauce? I would probably have to add more water when I make it no? What ratio of water to seeds do u think so as to keep the applesauce consistency? Thnx. I love chia seeds and want so much to share with him so maybe he can get some benefits as well!
Hi Beth. Yes, you would need to add more water or juice to your apple sauce recipe. I suggest adding 1 teaspoon of chia seeds to 3 tablespoons of water to about a cup of apple sauce to maintain the original consistency . You can always add a little more water if the consistency is too thick or a a little more chia if it is too watery. You know best what your son likes. White chia seeds will be less visable in apple sauce. Alternately, you could use milled chia seeds. If you use a blender, you can add the seeds and extra liquid and blend with your apple sauce. Allow the mixture to stand for at least 10 minutes so the chia seeds can gel. Good luck Beth.
Hi, very informativesite, LUV IT!!!
I had just had my first dose of Chia yesturday and it was amazing!! Had it for breakfast and amazingly enough my sweet tooth was under control, I am a CHOCOHOLIC!
My first Chia breakfast receipe:
1/2 cup Grape Nut Cereal
1 cup Silk Almond Milk
1 tbsp Chia Seeds
1 tbsp ground Flax
Mix all ingredients together, place in refrigerator and let soak up liquid. Enjoy!!
Looking for more delicious receipes to enjoy the Chia benefit. Thank you again.
Your recipe sounds great Milagros, and chia has been shown to stabilize blood sugar and help take away those sugary cravings. I’m sure you will notice more health benefits over time
Yes, I have notice quite a decline on my unbearable cravings. I have managed to maintain my caloric intake and portion control during the first week using Chia Seeds; about to make Chia Fudge Brownies.
That’s wonderful to hear Milagros
Just wondering…I have been incorporating chia seeds into my diet and I feel that it is making me retain water. Could this be true?
I have not heard of this happening with chia seeds Rebecca. From what I have read about fluid retention, it can be a sign that you are not having enough water in your diet. Have you tried having more water? It’s always wise to drink plenty of water when adding chia seeds to your diet as the seeds do absorb fluids -(just eat a teaspoon of raw chia seeds and you will end up with a very dry mouth). If you are worried about your fluid retention, do seek medical advice.
Hi, very impressed with your site and video, having just found out about these seeds today, and found I can get them here in New Zealand through the Asian food outlets ! Thanks very much !
Thanks for your kind comment Miriam. I’m so glad you have chia seeds available in New Zealand.
Hi Miriam
I’m not sure whereabouts in NZ you are but I got my first lot of Chia seeds from Countdown Henderson in Auckland.
Regards
yes you can get them at Countdown in Welly too
Bin In also stock Chia Seeds. I purchased some at the weekend from the Rangiora Store.
I should like to know any reliable and reputable bulk suppliers of both chia seeds and also quinoa in ireland, we live in West Cork.
Hi Shakti. I hope our readers can help you.
Contact: Ireland’s Raw Kitchen, Unit 8, Westside
Hi Shakti (March 20th)
This company may be able to help you…
Enterprise Centre, Westside, Galway
Tel: 091-394359 Email: [email protected] Copyright © 2011 Ireland’s Raw Kitchen
http://www.irelandsrawkitchen.ie/chia-seeds-p-84.html
Website shows
250grm is Euro 7.35
500 grm is Euro 11.95 and
1kg is Euro 21.45
I just got a 2-lb. bag of chia seeds at Costco for just under $14.
Hi Beth, I purchased a 2 lb bag at Costco in NJ for under $10. Just FYI.
While it isn’t cheap, I find that the Navitas Naturals website isn’t too badly priced. Plus they are organic and raw (which is best). But, Amazon has good prices for them as well. Hopefully you’ll find this helpful.
Try nuts.com. They are very fast with shipping and you get a free sample of a random product from them as well. Very great company.
Shakti you can get them in health food store also chiabia brand in supermarket
You could try Nourish Foods an Irish based health food chain which is now also online or I see them in my local Dunnes Stores in Dublin,Ireland in the health food section where gluten free products are. They have them whole or milled at €9.99 for 400grams. Nourish have the Infinity brand for €6.25 for 250grams.
I made the awesome breakfast mix I got from here a few days ago using the chia, hemp, goji berry and sunflower kernels. It was amazing! Now, I cannot find it or the author to say thank you so much for the wonderful recipe. If you see this note, Thank you so much!
Trying these for the first time today. I need to lose at least 10 lbs (gained half of that after I quit smoking in Nov). Me and a gal at work are trying them. Thanks for all the suggestions
Good luck to you and your friend Bones. I would love to hear how you go.