Food & Cooking Recipes Breakfast & Brunch Recipes Soaked Chia Seeds 4.3 (6) They're packed with nutrients and ready for all your breakfast, snack, and dessert needs. Prep Time: 20 mins Total Time: 20 mins Servings: 2 to 4 Jump to recipe Our method for soaking chia seeds is a basic, straight-forward technique that makes them easier to eat and work into all manner of recipes. You'll only need two ingredients: some liquid for soaking—you can use water, non-dairy or cow's milk, or even juice—and the chia seeds themselves. It only takes 20 minutes to soak them, after which they'll take on a chewy texture reminiscent of tapioca pudding—and you can use them to thicken or bind various recipes. Despite their small size, chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses. Once you know how to soak chia seeds, you’ll be able to enjoy them all the time. Even better, they can be refrigerated for up to five days, so make a big batch over the weekend and work them into smoothies, parfaits, and more throughout the week. 5 Mistakes You're Making When Eating Chia Seeds Credit: Julia Hartbeck What Are Chia Seeds? Chia seeds are considered a superfood and are known for both their nutritional value and versatility. They're full of fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, and with a recommended serving size of just two to three tablespoons, it easy to reap their nutritional benefit. The seeds are the edible portion of Salvia hispanica, a plant from the mint family that is native to the desert in Mexico and Central America. They have been consumed for centuries and were a staple in the diets of the Aztecs and Mayans. Today the seeds are grown commercially in many countries and can be white or black. (Many of the chia seeds sold in grocery stores are a mix of black and white chia.) Chia seeds can be eaten raw, soaked in liquid, ground into a chia seed powder, used as an ingredient in recipes, or even used as a thickening agent to replace eggs or dairy in vegan recipes. What Chia Seeds Taste Like Chia seeds have a mild taste, and take on the flavor of what they are added to. Easy Ratio for Soaking Chia Seeds For a thick, pudding-like consistency, use one part chia seeds to four parts liquid. Our easy recipe below calls for combining 1/4 cup chia seeds with 1 cup liquid, which will make about two servings of soaked seeds. Chia seeds can also be combined with larger amounts of liquid to add a nutritional boost to beverages like lemonade, green tea, and fruit juice. If you'd rather drink than eat your chia seeds, stir 1/4 cup seeds into 4 cups of liquid. How Long to Soak Chia Seeds When chia seeds come in contact with liquid, they expand and form a gel. This makes them easier to digest. Chia seeds do not need to be soaked for a long time. In just five minutes, they have absorbed liquid, but we prefer to soak them for 20 minutes to achieve a pudding-like texture. Directions Credit: Julia Hartbeck Soak the seeds: Soak the seeds in almond milk or water until they take on a chewy texture reminiscent of tapioca pudding, about 20 minutes. Credit: Julia Hartbeck Credit: Julia Hartbeck How to Store Chia Seeds Soaked chia seeds can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. (If you've soaked more chia seeds than you're able to use in that time, you can freeze them in ice cube trays for one to two months. Toss them into smoothies when blending for an instant nutrient boost.) Dry chia seeds should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place like a pantry. They should last for six months or more. Make sure they are still good to use by checking they smell fresh, not rancid, before you soak them. Easy Ways to Use Soaked Chia Seeds Stir a couple of spoonfuls of soaked chia seeds into a smoothie, yogurt, or oatmeal. Make a parfait: Mix 1/2 cup soaked seeds with 2 tablespoons almond milk; top with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup. Dollop soaked chia seeds on top of an acai bowl along with other toppings like toasted coconut, granola, berries, and sliced banana. Make chia pudding, like this delicious vanilla version. More Nutrient-Dense Recipes to Try Banana Energy Bites Green Smoothie Warm Lentil Salad With Poached Eggs Brown Rice, Farro, or Spelt Breakfast Bowl Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes Frequently Asked Questions Do chia seeds need to be soaked? No, chia seeds do not need to be soaked—they can be eaten dry, but we do not recommend this as they may get stuck in your throat and pose a potential choking hazard. This is why most preparations call for soaking chia seeds before using them. We find they are also more palatable when soaked. Can chia seeds be soaked in other liquids besides milk or water? Yes, chia seeds can be soaked in other liquids besides milk or water. You can use fruit juice or even tea to soak them, using the same 1:4 ratio provided above. Chia seeds will take on the flavor of whatever they're soaked in, from a more neutral tasting milk to a sweet or tangy fruit juice. Can chia seeds be used in baking recipes? Yes, chia seeds can be used in baking recipes. In fact, many vegan baking recipes will call for making a "chia egg" to serve as an egg replacement. Chia seeds have a thin exterior hull that is hydrophilic, meaning they bind with water. When soaked in liquid, the hulls of chia seeds expand and form a gelatinous substance. This natural gel adds structure to baked goods. To make a chia egg: mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons water, stir, and let sit for 10-15 minutes so the water absorbs. Updated by Esther Reynolds Esther Reynolds Esther Reynolds is an experienced recipe developer, recipe tester, food editor, and writer with over a decade of experience in the food and media industries.