Chia Seed Recipes: Ideas for a Healthy Breakfast, Snack, Drink and Meal

Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

These fatty acids can help to raise HDL cholesterol, the good cholesterol that helps protect against heart attack and stroke. They are also rich in antioxidants and full of fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Chia is also considered a nourishing superfood. If you want to maintain a healthier lifestyle, go for chia instead of carbohydrates like rice, bread, and noodles.

Looking for ways to make drinks, snacks, or meals with chia? We have a list of recipes to explore!

Chia Seed Recipes for Weight Loss, Keto or Healthy Diets

There are many people who enjoy these chia seed recipes for weight loss, for their keto diets and for staying healthy.

These seeds are generally tasteless on their own, so they’re a clever ingredient to mix with other food to make a healthy drink, snack or meal!

You can easily mix the seeds with yoghurt, fruits, or milk (cow milk or plant-based milk) for great-tasting and healthy organic meals.

It doesn’t matter whether you use black or white chia – the nutritional value in black or white chia is the same. For us, we love using black seeds because it stands out and looks good on our food.

How to Soak Chia Seeds for Baby

Soaking chia seeds is a simple task.

Mix a moderate amount in water, in a ratio of 1:10 of chia to water (around 1.5 tablespoons of chia in 1 cup of water). Let the seeds sit for about 30 minutes to two hours before using them.

How to Prepare Chia Seeds for Baby

There are multiple fun and creative ways to prepare chia seeds for your little one! Read on to find out our easy everyday recipes that you can make wherever you are.

Quinoa and Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

Ingredients:

• Quinoa
• Chia seeds
• Peanut butter
• Banana
• Almonds (Feel free to substitute other fruits or nuts)
• Milk (low-fat, full cream, goat’s or cow’s or plant-based milk such as almond milk, it’s up to you!)
• Maple syrup or honey

Directions:

1. Boil the quinoa for 10 – 15 minutes
2. Scoop it out in a bowl to cool
3. Add milk
4. Add maple syrup or honey for a tinge of sweetness
5. Sprinkle chia seeds and stir them well
6. Refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours
7. Smear peanut butter on your pudding
8. Add banana slices, and sprinkle sliced or crushed almonds on top
9. Enjoy your cold dessert!

DIY Breakfast Chia Jar with Fruits Recipe

Ingredients:

• Chia Seeds
• Cocoa Powder
• Maple Syrup or Honey
• Milk (any type)
• Fresh fruits like kiwis, strawberries, apples, melons, watermelons, bananas and mangoes
• Coconut cream
• Chopped or sliced almonds

You can forgo the sweet ingredients for a healthier version!

Directions:

1. Add chia seeds to a mixing bowl
2. Add some honey or maple syrup
3. Add milk
4. Stir and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours
5. Add the cold chia seeds base to your serving jar
6. Add fresh fruits or more chia seeds to alternate
7. Add coconut cream on top for a creamier taste.
8. Seal the jar and serve when ready to eat!

Chia Breakfast Pudding: Peanut Butter, Jam and Blueberries Recipe

Ingredients:

• Chia seeds
• Maple syrup or honey
• Milk (any type)
• Blueberries or other fresh fruits like kiwis, strawberries, apples, melons, watermelons, bananas and mangoes
• Peanut butter
• Strawberry jam

You can forgo the sweet ingredients for a healthier version!

Directions:

1. Add creamy peanut butter to milk and stir
2. Add honey or maple syrup to the chia seeds if you prefer a little sweetness
3. Add chia seeds to the peanut butter milk mixture and stir
4. Stir and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours
5. Add the cold chia seed base to your serving jar
6. Place blueberries at the bottom of the jar
7. Add to your chia seed base
8. Cover half the top with peanut butter and the other half with your fruit jam
9. Add more blueberries on top
10. Ready to eat!

Chia Pudding Chocolate Caramel Cream Recipe

Ingredients:

• Chia seeds
• Cocoa powder
• Maple syrup or honey
• Milk (any type)
• Caramel syrup
• Whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles
• Banana
• Chopped or sliced almonds

You can forgo the sweet ingredients for a healthier version!

Directions:

1. Add chia to a mixing bowl
2. Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
3. Add milk
4. Stir and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours
5. Drizzle caramel syrup at the side of your serving jar (clear jar for a visual treat)
6. Pour the chia pudding into the jar
7. Whipped cream, syrup and chocolate sprinkles on top
8. Skip the sweet stuff and just add chopped almonds for a healthier meal

Chia Breakfast Oats with Peanut Butter and Banana Recipe

Ingredients:

• Chia seeds
• Banana
• Peanut butter
• Rolled oats
• Maple syrup or honey
• Milk (any type)
• Chocolate sprinkles
• Coconut shavings
• Chopped or sliced almonds

You can forgo the sweet ingredients for a healthier version!

Directions:

1. Smash 1 banana
2. Stir peanut butter with the mashed banana
3. Add rolled oats into the mixture
4. Add maple syrup or honey into the mixture
5. Add milk
6. Add chia
7. Stir well and serve in a cup or jar
8. Add banana, coconut shaving, chocolate sprinkles and chopped almonds on top
9. Skip the sweet stuff and just add banana and almond for a healthier meal

A Simple, Quick and Easy Chia Pudding Recipe

Want a simple chia recipe with no fanciful toppings or extravagant taste?

Chia can easily be added to smoothies, juice, or oatmeal for extra protein and a creamier texture.

Here’s a quick and easy basic recipe for beginners:

Basic Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

1.  Mix 1/4 cup of chia with 1 cup of liquid (milk, water, juice or other alternatives)
2. Allow it to sit for a few hours in the fridge. If you do not have time, just wait for 15 minutes for the chia seeds to absorb the liquid.

Top with fresh fruits or nuts as desired.

Chia Seed Recipes for Your Baby

Although most of the recipes above can be used for babies as well, here’s one that’s really going to make yours happy!

Banana Chia Pudding Recipe

Ingredients:

• Banana
• Chia
• Milk (any type)

Directions:

1. Blend the banana and milk
2. Add the chia in parts and stir them into the mix
3. Pour it into your baby’s favourite bowl or cup and chill for 20 minutes

Can Babies Eat Chia Seeds?

Yes, babies can eat chia.

Generally, chia can be introduced into your baby’s diet around six to eight months of age.

Remember that chia has a laxative effect so introduce it carefully and slowly increase the serving amount.

How Much Chia Can My Baby or Toddler Eat?

While there’s no specific number, you should take it slow and start with a small serving.

This is because chia is high in fibre, and too much fibre isn’t ideal for children below two. Children get full easily, and overeating chia can lead to stomach discomfort.

We recommend starting with half a teaspoon and observing along the way.

Can Babies Eat Chia Seeds Dry?

Chia seeds should not be eaten dry or raw, and this applies to both babies and adults, especially those with a choking risk.

Children tend to have smaller airways, making them more vulnerable to choking. Chia seeds can absorb up to 27 times their weight in water, which means that eating them dry and raw may lead to clumps forming in the throat.

This may cause an obstruction and gagging or choking, which can be fatal for young babies.

Used safely, chia can be a great supplement to your child’s diet!

Can Babies Be Allergic to Chia Seeds?

Although a chia seed allergy isn’t common, some research has shown that those with a sesame allergy may also be allergic to chia.

If you have a family history of sesame allergy or if you think your baby may be allergic to chia, consult a medical professional before feeding it.

Where to Buy Chia Seeds

Can’t wait to get started?

Grab a pack of chia at HoneyCity, Singapore’s leading health food and supplement retailer! You’ll find our signature black chia under the Seeds and Nuts category. Have fun!