Chia is all the craze and for good reason: this simple seed packs a nutritional punch. One serving will help you reach your daily vitamin intake<\/a>; chia seed are chockfull of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin C, and potassium and have twice as much fiber as flaxseeds (per ounce).<\/p>\n

But what can you do with these tiny seeds once you buy them?<\/p>\n

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1. Rekindle your love for (chia seed) pudding<\/h4>\n

Remember snacking on tapioca and chocolate pudding as a kid? Indulge in your childhood comfort foods again without guilt by making your pudding with chia seeds. Toss on some berries and enjoy. Chia seed pudding\u00a0tastes good plain, flavored with vanilla, chocolate, maple syrup, coconut, or your favorite fruits and berries. Serve it in a wine or cocktail glass for added flair. Recipe<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Use chia seeds instead of sesame seeds to give meals a healthy crunch<\/h4>\n

Use chia seeds on salads or in dressings instead of using sesame seeds.\u00a0Chia seeds will give you that great crunch with added nutritional benefits. You can also garnish\u00a0your favorite\u00a0fish, chicken,\u00a0roasted vegetables and mashed potato dishes with chia seeds. Recipe<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Add chia seeds to your sorbet or frozen yogurt<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Who says toppings have to be unhealthy? Add chia and fresh cut fruit\u00a0to your frozen desserts for that sprinkles-like crunch. We know you miss it, too. Recipe
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4. Add chia seeds to your morning smoothie<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Is it possible to make your green smoothie healthier? We think so, if you add some chia seeds into the blender, too. Try them in any flavor smoothie: berry, tropical, green\/kale, strawberry banana, or coconut\/almond. Recipe<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a05. Make Chia Fresca<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Chia Fresca is the drink equivalent of a lava lamp. The seeds add texture and a pretty pattern – just be sure to shake up your Chia Fresca bottle before serving. To make Chia Fresca, add chia and fresh or frozen fruit to water, refrigerate, and serve. You can also use a mix of water and coconut water for more flavor. Recipe<\/a><\/p>\n

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6. Replace poppyseeds with chia seeds in your favorite muffin recipes<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Chia seeds are a great replacement for poppyseed in traditional muffin,\u00a0bread, and baked goods recipes. If you’re eating gluten-free, find a recipe that uses almond or coconut flour. The muffins will make great, nutritionally packed snacks on the go. Recipe<\/a><\/p>\n

7. Make a PB & Chia<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yes, chia seeds are on the never-ending list of things that you can put on\u00a0peanut butter sandwiches! Sprinkle chia seeds on peanut butter, banana, and honey sandwiches for a tasty change of texture. Recipe<\/a><\/p>\n

8. Use chia seeds as a vegan substitute for eggs<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Chia seeds are a great alternative for eggs if you’re making\u00a0egg-free or vegan recipes. You’ll need to grind the seeds down and add some water.\u00a0You can also use the chia base as a thickener to replace cornstarch and flour. Substitution guide<\/a><\/p>\n

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