14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (2024)

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Kristy Alpert

14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (1)

Kristy Alpert

Kristy is a freelance travel and food writer with bylines in Food & Wine, Cosmopolitan, and more.

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Updated on February 2, 2021

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (2)

Chia is a nutty, ancient grainlike seed packed with fiber, protein, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. They're naturally gluten-free and contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Also they're super fun to eat! Add them to smoothies, sprinkle them on salads, or use them to thicken sauces and jams. For a dessert-like chia pudding recipe plus healthy chia seed recipes starring savory ingredients, check out these recipes using chia seeds.

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Basic Chia Pudding

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (3)

The toppings are the stars in this chia pudding recipe, where a basic base of milk, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds comes together in just 2 hours in the refrigerator. Top your chia pudding with fresh fruit, toasted coconut, or homemade granola.

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Chocolate Bread Pudding with Mocha "Cream" Sauce

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Chia seeds add unexpected fiber and protein to this melt-in-your-mouth, slow cooker chia pudding recipe. A splash of your morning coffee livens up the mocha sauce and makes it totally justifiable as a breakfast dish!

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Maple Brunch Cake with Apples and Cranberries

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This brunch-perfect apple cake comes together in your slow cooker. Stir a scoop of chia seeds into the brown sugar-based batter to help soak up some of the sweet maple goodness.

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Chocolate-Peanut Butter Granola Bars

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This healthy chia seed recipe is loaded with plant-based protein to keep you fuller longer. Featuring salted pretzels, crunchy chia seeds, honey, and chocolate, these homemade bars have everything you crave in a snack.

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Blueberry and Oat-Chia Seed Muffins

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (7)

Sprinkling ground chia seeds into this blueberry-chia muffin recipe gives the muffins a delightful boost of fiber. Add in the rolled oats and fresh blueberries and you'll see why this healthy chia seed recipe is one of our go-to breakfasts.

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Berry-Chia Seed Jam

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (8)

All the magic of a chia seed pudding in a delicious and fruity spread! Chia seeds act as the thickener for this quick chia jam recipe, loaded with fresh blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Spread it on your morning bagel and freeze any leftovers for up to a year.

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Red Rice Pudding with Almond Milk

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (9)

This slow cooker breakfast recipe comes together like chia seed oatmeal and will brighten your day with tender red rice and warm almond milk. Embellish this chia pudding recipe with comforting stir-ins, such as chewy dried fruit, apple pie spice, and orange peel.

Pineapple-Spinach Smoothies

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (10)

This tropical and creamy chia seed smoothie gets its signature green hue from heaps of fresh spinach. This recipe makes enough for three smoothies, so it's perfect for sharing or storing in the fridge with your other quick and healthy breakfast recipes.

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Strawberries and Cream Pancakes

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Two tablespoons of chia seeds mix right into the batter for these tasty chia seed pancakes. Smear the golden cakes with whipped Greek cream cheese, then top with fresh strawberries.

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Chia-Crusted, Oven-Roasted Tuna with Mango Fruit Salsa

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (12)

Chia seeds make the nutty and crunchy coating for this fork-tender tuna recipe. Serve over balsamic glaze, then top with mango-lime salsa for an invigorating finish for this chia seed recipe.

Buy It: Monari Federzoni Balsamic Glaze ($6, Target)

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Kiwi-Pineapple Smoothies

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (13)

Not all chia seed drink recipes are as packed with flavor and fiber as this kiwi-pineapple chia seed smoothie. Blend a handful of fresh produce—spinach, kiwi, banana, and pineapple—with yogurt, OJ, and some chia seeds for an ultrathick and creamy drink.

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Lemon-Strawberry Chia Seed Muffins

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The chia seeds are ground in this chia muffin recipe to give the muffins a binding boost of fiber. Sweet strawberries and just a touch of tart lemon peel add a fresh punch to the hearty rolled oats in these nutritious muffins.

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Coconut-Chia Oat Crisps

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Top these lightly sweet oat crisps with jam or eat them plain to get a protein-packed crunch, filled with fiber and healthy omega-3s. This healthy chia seed recipe includes oat bran and almond butter, so expect these chia crackers to fill you up.

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Chia Pudding with Fruit

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Unsweetened coconut milk and nonfat Greek yogurt get a sweet boost with fresh berries and pure maple syrup for this simple stir-and-chill chia pudding recipe.

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14 Chia Seed Recipes That Raise the Bar on Healthy Eating (2024)

FAQs

What happens when you start eating chia seeds everyday? ›

Although chia seeds offer a variety of health benefits, eating too many may lead to complications: Digestive issues. Because of their high fiber content, eating too many chia seeds may cause constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas.

What is the best way to eat chia seeds for maximum benefit? ›

Because they quickly swell after absorbing liquid, it is advised to eat chia seeds that have already been soaked in liquid or are served with a moist food, such as oatmeal or yogurt. Do not eat dry chia seeds by themselves.

What is the miracle of chia seeds? ›

Their high ALA content lowers circulating insulin levels.In addition, they reduce inflammation created by body fat that can lead to leptin resistance, thereby aiding in weight loss.

What is the best time to drink chia seeds for weight loss? ›

🥣If you're looking to lose weight, it's best to consume chia seeds in the morning. They are high in fibre, which keeps you feeling full for longer, reducing the chances of overeating throughout the day. Adding chia seeds to your breakfast smoothie or yoghurt bowl is a great way to start your day on a healthy note.

What not to mix with chia seeds? ›

Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is known that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking chia seeds with foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Is it better to eat chia seeds in the morning or at night? ›

Consuming chia seeds with water in the morning helps in giving your digestive system a boost and improves bowel movement. Healthy digestion is a prerequisite to weight loss. The best time to eat chia seeds is when you wake up. Consumption of chia seeds aids in a feeling of fullness and thus a reduced calorie intake.

Do you have to soak chia seeds to get the benefits? ›

Eating them dry can give a crunchy feeling and they're great in smoothies or baking. Just remember to drink enough water when you eat them dry so they don't soak up water in your stomach, which might make you feel thirsty. So, soaking chia seeds is good, but it's not compulsory. You can enjoy them dry too.

How long should chia seeds soak in yogurt? ›

For raw chia seeds, you can soak chia seeds with warm water first and then use them or sprinkle a spoonful of chia seeds directly into yogurt, wait 15-20 minutes for the chia seeds to bloom and then use. Can be used with many other fruits such as watermelon, strawberry, mango, ... to make the dish more attractive.

What organs are chia seeds good for? ›

Chia seeds are very rich in fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. They have been linked to improvement in risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, as well as benefits for digestion and gut health.

How do chia seeds help flatten your stomach? ›

Chia seeds are rich in fiber and expand when soaked, creating a gel-like consistency in the stomach. This gel promotes a feeling of fullness, aiding in appetite control. Additionally, their omega-3 fatty acids and protein content contribute to sustained energy, helping curb cravings and promote a sense of satiety.

What do chia seeds do to your intestines? ›

Chia seeds can function as a prebiotic, assisting your stomach in producing the beneficial bacteria necessary to maintain a healthy digestive system. As chia seeds become a sticky gel-like substance when soaked in water, they can also serve as a digestive system cleanser.

What happens if we drink chia seeds daily on empty stomach? ›

“Drinking chia seed water in the morning can give a boost to your digestion and improve bowel movement,” she writes, calling it “great for your protein intake, heart health, bone health, blood sugar control, digestion, weight loss, and inflammation.” It should be noted that these claims are not substantiated by ...

Does chia seeds help in hair growth? ›

Chia seeds are bursting with essential amino acids and they do some great work from inside the scalp. They inhibit hair fall and give a boost to new hair growth. They also help fight inflammation. Zinc and copper prevent thinning of hair, thus helping hair growth.

Can I eating chia seeds on empty stomach? ›

It's a good habit to start the day by consuming chia seed water on an empty stomach. Chia seeds are rich in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, among other important elements. They absorb water when soaked, turning the liquid into a gel-like substance that promotes digestion and keeps you feeling full.

Is it OK to eat chia seeds every day? ›

Chia seeds are highly nutritious, boast a long list of health benefits and can be a healthy dietary addition for most. However, moderation is key, as eating too many may cause side effects. To prevent this, start with 1 ounce (28 grams) daily and assess your tolerance before slowly increasing your intake.

Do chia seeds reduce belly fat? ›

Both Chia seeds and Ginger have been shown in some studies to help suppress appetite. Feeling fuller for longer may lead to reduced calorie intake, which can contribute to weight loss, including fat loss in the belly area.

Is it good to eat Chia Seeds Daily? ›

Given that chia seeds are high in fiber and omega-3s, consuming them may reduce your risk of heart disease. Soluble fiber, the kind primarily found in chia seeds, can help lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol in your blood. In turn, this can reduce your risk of heart disease ( 15 ).

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