5 Chia Seed Recipes for a Healthy Breakfast or Snack

Discover this new trendy superfood for all your delicious needs.

Chia seeds are the new avocados and has become a superfood staple. The tiny seeds—which taste like a poppy seed, and are lauded for their high levels of omega 3, fiber, calcium and protein—are found in nearly every grocery store isle these days. They are also a great source of antioxidants. Chia seeds are one of my favorite nutritional powerhouses. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, which can improve heart health, reduce cholesterol levels and promote intestinal health.” If you haven’t tried chia seeds before, here are 5 recipes that are simply too easy to resist. Enjoy these chia seeds recipes as a snack, breakfast, or even dessert. It is a creamy, filling, and healthy option to jump-start your day.

1. Chia Almond Butter Overnight Oats

Start the day with energizing oats and omega-3-rich chia seeds with this delicious breakfast. You can make it vegan depending on the milk you use, but you can use cow’s milk and yogurt, if you prefer. This will be very filling as it uses a combination of oats, banana, fresh blueberries, yogurts, seeds and nuts. Breakfasts don’t get healthier than this! You can also eat this as a mid-afternoon snack or dessert after dinner or when you need a late-night craving.

2. Raspberry Chia Seed Jam

Now while not a breakfast or snack, this recipe will make a perfect topping for just about anything, from your pancakes, to cereals and yogurts.  And best of all, it’s healthy, sugar free, and naturally sweetened with honey and fresh fruits as it only uses four ingredients. Another great thing is that, you can store it for months in the refrigerator to use whenever you want.

3. Chia Seed Pudding

If you haven’t tried chia pudding before, here is a recipe that is simply too easy to resist and one that I make almost every weekend. Enjoy this 3-minute chia pudding as a snack, breakfast, or even dessert. It is a creamy, filling, and healthy option to jump-start your day. Try adding a drizzle of maple syrup for some extra sweetness if you like. I like mine topped with fresh fruit—juicy berries or sweet bananas—and crunchy granola, but feel free to go crazy with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients: 

2 cups dairy-free milk
6-8 tablespoons chia seeds (add 8 if you want a thicker pudding)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla
Drizzle of maple syrup on top (optional)

Instructions: 

1. Stir together your chia seeds and milk in a bowl or storage container.
   2. Once chia pudding mixture is well combined, add cinnamon and vanilla and stir well.
   3. Cover and place in fridge either for two hours or overnight.
   4. When ready, the pudding should be nice and thick. If it is not thick enough, you can add in more chia seeds.
   5. Drizzle maple syrup on top (optional).
   6. Eat as a perfect snack or nutrient-packed breakfast, and feel free to add nuts or fruit as toppings for added flavor.

Dietary Info: Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free

Serving Size: 2-4 servings

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours in fridge, or overnight

4. Blueberry and Oat-Chia Seed Muffins

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. These muffins are wonderfully light and moist and make for a great breakfast but also a mid-morning snack, post work-out pick me up or even a tea time treat! And that raspberry chia seed jam above works perfect on it too!

5. Pineapple-Spinach Smoothies

Who needs protein powder anyways? Packed with greek yogurt, spinach, chia seeds, pineapple and banana, this shake will energize you and keep you full all morning. This tropical and creamy chia seed smoothie gets its signature green hue from heaps of fresh spinach. The chia seeds make the smoothie thick and make you feel fuller longer. A favorite of mine and my daughters.

Photos: Pexels