Chia Seed Round Up

Gone are the days of the quirky Chia Pet and here to stay is a healthy ingredient that seems to be finding its way into all facets of our diet.  From drinks to breads to super protein bars, chia boosts a recipe's nutritional value with a mere tablespoon or two.

Bursting with protein, calcium, fiber and potassium, chia swells with nutrition just like it swells to 10 times its own weight when added to liquid - it's gel-like qualities earn it a place in diets as an egg replacement and gelling ingredient for puddings, jams, etc.

Chia, the Mayan word for "Strength", was once a staple in the Incan, Mayan and Aztec times, and ranked in importance only behind corn and beans.  Sometimes even used as payment for taxes or offerings to the gods, chia also fed the people and provided nutrition and energy.

A potent little seed, 2-tablespoon of Chia contains 138 calories and 9 grams of fat along with a whopping 10 grams of fibre, 5 grams of protein and 18% of the daily value for calcium.  Also packed with omega-3's, chia provides more per ounce than flaxseed.  (sited from Food and Nutrition)

So... has chia found its way into your diet?  We've asked some friends from around the world for their favorite recipes and the scoured the web for even more recipes to increase your chia repertoire.  Which one is your favorite?

Chia Drinks
Chia Agua Fresca from girlichef

Chia Meyer Lemonade from Shockingly Delicious

Green Tea and Chia Energy Drink from In Sonnet's Kitchen
Banana, Chia and Spinach Smoothie from What's Gabby Cooking
Beet, Berry, Apple Chia Smoothie from The Roasted Root
Chia Fresca from Oh She Glows
Raspberry Lemonade Chia Drink from Busy Mommy
Pre-Workout Hydration Powerhouse from Walk, Jog, Run
Cherry Chia Seed Juice from Vibrant Wellness Journal
Apple Arugula Detox Drink from Liv Life
Chia Fresca from The Local Vegan

Sweet Chia Treats
Chia Cupcakes from grilichef
Chia Rice Krispie Treats from A Healthy Life for Me
Blood Orange Upsidedown Cake from Recipe Renovator

Ultimate Granola Cookies from An Edible Mosaic
Gluten Free Pie Crust from The Tomato Tart
Lemon Chia Protein Cookies from Amy's Healthy Baking
Chia Peanut Butter Cookies from Yummy Mummy Kitchen
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies with Chia and Flax from Cooking Melangery
Banana Chia Bread from Savvy Naturalista
Mango Chia Pops from Jelly Toast
Whole Wheat Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Chia from Joyful Healthy Eats

Chia Pudding
Coconut Almond Chia Pudding from Food Babbles
Vanilla Bean Chia Pudding from Frugal Foodie Mama
Dairy Free Chia Seed Pudding (with Coconut Milk) from Apron Strings
Bananas Foster Chia Pudding from Eats Well with Others
Vanilla Chai Chia Pudding from Blissful Basil
Orange Coconut Chia Pudding from Well Plated

Cranberry Pistachio Coconut Chia Pudding from Happy Food Healthy Life
Tropical Coconut Chia Pudding from Gourmet Innovations
Peanut Butter and Jelly Chia Pudding from Eats Well with Others
Lemon Raspberry Chia Pudding from The Healthy  Maven
Super Green Chia Pudding from Poppies and Papayas
Chunky Monkey Chia Pudding from Do you Even Paleo
Mint Chocolate Chip Chia Pudding from Fresh, Fit and Healthy
Cake Batter Chia Pudding from Edible Perspective
Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Chia Parfait from Vegan Yack Attack
Mango Chia Pudding from Ashley Neese
Coconut Pomegranate Chocolate Chia Pudding from Natural Chow
Sticky Bun Chia Pudding from I Heart Eating
Chocolate Chia Pudding from Liv Life

Protein and Healthy Chia Treats
Protein Packed Energy Bites from Tasting Page
DIY Protein Powder from Fork & Beans
Super Seed Bars from The Muffin Myth
Chocolate Chia Coconut Energy Bites from The Lemon Bowl
Apricot Cashew Granola Bars from Mariah's Pleasing Plates
No Bake Energy Bites from Cooking on the Front Burner
No-Bake Apricot Chia Energy Bars from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
Tropical Snack Bites with Almond and Chia from Two Healthy Kitchens

Chia for Breakfast
DIY Homemade Waffle and Pancake Mix from Liv Life
Blackberry Chia Seed Jam from Fork & Beans
Cranberry Chia Granola from 365 Days of Baking and More
Cranberry Vanilla Chia Jam from Liv Life
Raw Raspberry Vanilla Chia Jam from Shockingly Delicious

Coconut Cranberry Chia Granola from A Cedar Spoon
Strawberry, Blueberry,  Mango Chia Jam from Liv Life
Yogurt Breakfast Bowl from Diethood
Lemon Chia Seed Pancakes with Roasted Strawberries from Two Peas and Their Pod
Blueberry Rosemary Chia Seed Jam from Tasty Yummies
Coconut Strawberry Overnight Oats from Liv Life
Strawberry Banana Steel Cut Oats with Chia from The Lemon Bowl
Blueberry Buckwheat Chia Muffins from An Edible Mosaic
Blueberry Chia Jam from Liv Life
Paleo Granola from The Tomato Tart
Overnight Almond Oatmeal with Chia and Maple Syrup from Liv Life
Power Pumpkin Pancakes with Chia form Liv Life
Ancient Power Oatmeal with Chia, Walnuts and Flax from Liv Life

See also our book review from Mama Chia herself for The Chia Cookbook: Inventive, Delicious Recipes Featuring Nature's Superfood

Have more recipes to share?  Feel free to leave links in the comments below to help spread the chia love!

Liv Life Note:  This post contains an Amazon Affiliate link to the Mama Chia Cookbook... if you purchase through this post Liv Life receives a small commission (at not cost to you).  We thank you for your support!