19 Vegan Chia Recipes That Aren't Pudding - Best of Vegan (2024)

FAQs

How to eat chia seeds besides pudding? ›

Other Ways to Use Chia Seeds

In addition to pudding, smoothies, and drinks, chia seeds are a great addition to oatmeal and baked goods such as muffins, pancakes, and bread, says Brown.

Similar to chia seeds, old fashioned oats (or rolled oats) will absorb the liquid they're submerged and swell into a pudding like texture. If you want to try overnight oats, check out some of these recipes: Cinnamon Overnight Oats for overnight oats without chia seeds.

Crisp-tender chia sprouts make tasty additions to salads and sandwiches. (See below for how to grow your own.) And chia gel, made by soaking chia seeds in water, can be used as a whole-food vegan thickener or egg substitute in recipes.

For the best chia seed pudding, you want to let it sit overnight. Why didn't my chia seed pudding thicken? It's possible that you didn't stir the mixture enough. It's important to stir, wait and then stir a couple of times until there are no clumps of chia seeds before you store it in the fridge.

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.

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.

Chia seeds are a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion. The omega-3 fatty acids and caffeic acid in chia seeds may reduce inflammation in the gut. This can alleviate symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

Reduces inflammation

Caffeic acid, an antioxidant found in chia seeds, can help to fight inflammation in the body.

You May Experience Digestive Issues

About 2 tablespoons of chia seeds pack nearly 10 grams of fiber. And although fiber is an essential nutrient for gut health, a side effect of fiber is gas and bloating, according to Mount Sinai. "Some people may experience GI and digestive issues from eating too many chia seeds.

Which color chia seeds are healthiest? ›

Brown chia seeds either lack sufficient sunlight and water to mature properly, or they've been hit by a climatic event, such as frost on the crop. As long as your seeds are black or white, you can be sure you're getting the most nutrient-rich dose of Omega-3, dietary fibre and protein.

In particular, due to the high content of soluble fiber, chia seeds have the capacity of absorbing water, up to 15-20 times their weight. When they pass through the esophagus, they absorb water like a sponge in the intestine area and expand in the stomach. This is what leads to bloating.

If you don't soak chia seeds long enough, they may not swell up and form a gel as much as they should. This means they will be harder to digest and absorb and may cause some discomfort or bloating in your stomach. They may also have a crunchy texture that some people may not like.

Chia seeds can aid in weight loss through several mechanisms. Firstly, their high fiber content promotes a feeling of fullness, reducing overall calorie intake by helping control appetite. When mixed with liquid, chia seeds expand and form a gel-like substance, creating a sense of satiety.

Fresh citrus, vanilla and honey are a perfect match for chia seeds. Especially when you're using a base of creamy homemade cashew milk. You can also use store-bought almond milk or coconut milk, but I really love the rich, neutral flavor and creamy texture that cashew milk provides.

There is no RDA for chia seeds. Still, they can be safely eaten in amounts of 50 grams daily, which is about five tablespoons. Two tablespoons provide all of the nutritional benefits listed above. Soaked chia seeds have a gel-like texture.

Dry chia seeds can also be added whole or ground to smoothies and juices, mixed into yogurt and oatmeal, or sprinkled on top of a salad. If you're adding the seeds to a drink or a "wet" dish like porridge, they'll swell up slightly while you eat but retain a slight crunch.

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.