How to Drink Chia Seeds

Co-authored by Theresa Fitzpatrick, LMSW and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: February 23, 2023 References

Chia seeds are loaded with antioxidants, calcium, fiber, potassium, and Omega-3s.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Theresa Fitzpatrick, LMSW
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Expert Interview. 23 August 2021.} Not only can you cook with them, you can drink them too! Chia seeds can absorb ten times their weight, which is why they transform into a gel-like consistency when submerged in liquid.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Theresa Fitzpatrick, LMSW
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Expert Interview. 23 August 2021.} To reap their health benefits, add soaked chia seeds to your favorite beverage, create chia detox water, or make chia seed smoothies.

Ingredients

Chia Seed Beverages

1 cup (250 mL) of water
3 tbsp (43 g) of chia seeds
1 cup (250 mL) of the desired liquid (juice, milk, coffee, etc.)

Chia Detox Water

12 oz (355 mL) of drinking water
1 tbsp (14.3 g) of chia seeds
¼ tsp (1 mL) of agave nectar
Juice from 1 lime

Blueberry and Chia Seed Smoothie

2 tbsp (28.6 g) of chia seeds
1 ½ cups (375 mL) of almond milk
1 cup (227 g) of blueberries
1 tsp (5 mL) of pure vanilla extract
1 heaping tbsp (15 mL) coconut butter or coconut oil
A pinch of cinnamon
1 tbsp (15 mL) of raw honey

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making Chia Seed Beverages

1
Microwave 1 cup (250 mL) of water for 30-60 seconds. Fill a microwave-safe container with drinking water. Heat it for 30-60 seconds or until warm. Alternatively, you can use warm tap water.^{[3]
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Add 3 tbsp (43 g) of chia seeds to the container and stir well. You can increase or decrease the amount of chia seeds you add, if desired. Be sure to stir the chia seeds thoroughly into the water.^{[4]
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3
Cover the container then place it in the refrigerator overnight. Cover the container with a tight-fitting lid or with plastic wrap held in place by a rubber band. Allow it to sit in the refrigerator overnight in order to give the chia seeds time to completely absorb the water and transform to a gel-like consistency.^{[5]
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- If you don’t have time to soak the chia seeds overnight, allow them to soak for at least 10 minutes before adding them to your drink.
4
Mix 1 cup (250 mL) of the desired liquid into the chia seed water. Remove the container from the refrigerator in the morning and take off the lid. Transfer the chia seeds and water to a larger vessel, if necessary. Add 1 cup (250 mL) of your favorite beverage—anything from iced coffee to pomegranate juice to almond milk—to the chia seed water and mix it thoroughly. Enjoy!^{[6]
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- If you want to reap the benefits of chia seeds without having to drink a glass of jello, you can add them to a salad or yogurt.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Theresa Fitzpatrick, LMSW
  Certified Holistic Health Coach
  Expert Interview. 23 August 2021.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Creating Chia Detox Water

1
Fill a lidded container with 12 oz (355 mL) of drinking water. The container needs a lid as you will be shaking the drink to mix the chia seeds and water. A glass Mason or Ball jar works well for this, but you could also use a water bottle or Tupperware, then transfer the drink to a cup or glass.^{[8]
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- You could use coconut water instead of plain water, if desired.^{[9]
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2
Add 1 tbsp (14.3 g) of chia seeds to the container and replace the lid. The chia seeds will absorb the water and swell significantly. You can increase or decrease the amount of chia seeds you add based on your personal preferences. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed so the container doesn’t leak.^{[10]
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3
Shake the container, then let it sit for 10 minutes. Shake the container thoroughly to distribute the chia seeds. Allow the chia seeds to soak for 10 minutes to absorb the water.^{[11]
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4
Add lime juice and agave nectar to the container. Remove the lid from the container. Roll one lime on the countertop with your palm to break the sections inside it. Cut the lime in half and squeeze each half over the jar. Then add ¼ tsp (1 mL) of agave nectar, honey, or another sweetener, if desired.^{[12]
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5
Shake the container, then drink the contents. Be sure to replace the lid before shaking the container. The chia seeds will have a gel-like consistency, which may take some getting used to.^{[13]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making a Blueberry and Chia Seed Smoothie

1
Add chia seeds and almond milk to a jar or cup and stir. Use 2 tbsp (28.6 g) of chia seeds and ½ cup (125 mL) of almond milk. Be sure to stir the mixture thoroughly so that the chia seeds can absorb the almond milk.^{[14]
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2
Allow the mixture to set for 10 minutes, or refrigerate it overnight. If you’re in a hurry, allow the mixture to set for only 10 minutes to let the chia seeds absorb the almond milk. If you have more time, you can cover the mixture with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate it. It will last for up to 4 days in the fridge.^{[15]
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3
Blend almond milk, blueberries, vanilla, coconut butter, and cinnamon. Put 1 cup (250 mL) of almond milk, 1 cup (227 g) of blueberries, 1 tsp (5 mL) of pure vanilla extract, 1 heaping tbsp (15 mL) coconut butter or coconut oil, and a pinch of cinnamon into a blender and blend it well.^{[16]
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- You can substitute these ingredients for others, if desired. Simply blend the chia seed and almond milk mixture into your own favorite smoothie.
4
Add the chia seeds and almond milk, then blend. Use a spatula or spoon to transfer the chia seeds and almond milk from the cup or jar to the blender. Blend the concoction until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the liquid is smooth.^{[17]
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Sweeten the drink with honey, and enjoy. If desired, you can add 1 tbsp (15 mL) of raw honey to your smoothie. Mix it in thoroughly with a spoon, or blend the drink again.^{[18]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Are chia seeds actually good for you?

Theresa Fitzpatrick, LMSW
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Theresa Fitzpatrick is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and the Owner of Mind Your Body Holistic Coaching. She specializes in helping women lose weight and gain confidence. Theresa holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and received her Transformational Coach Certification from The Health Coach Institute.

Theresa Fitzpatrick, LMSW

Certified Holistic Health Coach

Expert Answer

Most definitely! Chia seeds are packed with fiber and protein, as well as omega fatty acids and potassium. The higher fiber content of chia seeds helps you feel full, while the protein helps you feel satiated for longer.
Question

Do chia seeds change the taste?

Theresa Fitzpatrick, LMSW
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Theresa Fitzpatrick is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and the Owner of Mind Your Body Holistic Coaching. She specializes in helping women lose weight and gain confidence. Theresa holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and received her Transformational Coach Certification from The Health Coach Institute.

Theresa Fitzpatrick, LMSW

Certified Holistic Health Coach

Expert Answer

Chia seeds don't really have any flavor, so they won't change the taste of your favorite drinks.
Question

Why do chia seeds become gelatinous?

Theresa Fitzpatrick, LMSW
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Theresa Fitzpatrick is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and the Owner of Mind Your Body Holistic Coaching. She specializes in helping women lose weight and gain confidence. Theresa holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and received her Transformational Coach Certification from The Health Coach Institute.

Theresa Fitzpatrick, LMSW

Certified Holistic Health Coach

Expert Answer

Chia seeds become 10 times bigger than their original size after soaking in liquid. Because of this, just 10 minutes of soaking chia seeds in liquid can turn your drink into gelatin.