As I have shared elsewhere, due in part to purposeful dieting and then due to my grandkids getting me sick (thanks kids!) I lost a bunch of weight this past year. I have managed to maintain it, within a pound or 2, for 6 months. But its an ongoing effort, so it was suggested to me that I use chia seeds. How are they prepared, what do they taste like? What do you put them it? What is the texture?
Thanks in advance!
I put them in my morning oatmeal, and I don’t taste them. I have intended to try making chia pudding, but I haven’t done it yet. Looking forward to the recipe ideas I’m sure will be shared here!
Do they soften or get bigger in the cereal?
They don’t expand, and they don’t taste gritty to me. They are just sort of “there.”
I had not got on the chia seed train because the whole pudding texture thing is not for me.
But I bought this at Costco and I have been enjoying it as a snack or part of my breakfast. SUPER easy to mix up - it calls for water, I add milk. I also add dried cherries and a few chopped almonds. Make it the night before - good for a few days at least!
To me it tastes like oatmeal with add ins. The chia seeds don’t stand out in texture or flavor but they change the consistency of the mixed up product from liquidy to like semi-set, spoonable.
Would they be gritty if I put them on a fruit smoothie?
Some helpful info from Google:
Soaking chia seeds can make them easier to digest and more palatable. Soaking chia seeds can also help with the following:
To soak chia seeds, you can mix them with water, milk, or juice in a 1:3 ratio and let them sit for at least 15 minutes. You can also add fruits, nuts, and seeds to the mixture.
I haven’t tried them “straight” in a smoothie. Others may have. Seems it would be a good idea to soak them for 15 mins first.
I make chia seed pudding. Couldn’t be easier, just add the liquid you want it to taste like (eg milk and vanilla, or chocolate milk with cinnamon and cardamom). Don’t expect it to feel like a regular pudding, it is it’s own thing.
I love chia seeds! My wife makes chia seed pudding sometimes (as described above), and I like that a lot, but I’ll also just add a bunch of seeds to a bowl of yogurt and stir it in. A really excellent source of fiber.
I use them in my overnight oats! I make a big batch (about 2 cups of rolled oats with about a 1/4 cup of chia seeds) and they just add to the thick,creamy texture when I eat it the next day. Chia sees become a little gelatinous. Other than a little added “creaminess” I don’t notice the seeds at all. I add water, cinnamon, tiny bit of vanilla extract and maybe a tablespoon of maple syrup or almond butter if I have it on hand. Add fruit to my serving and yum!
I sprinkle them on my Greek yogurt (plus raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, a little chopped walnuts and granola). I don’t notice them.
I have only used them straight (unsoaked) - I’ve used them in smoothies & don’t notice any grittiness.
I add them to my steel cut oatmeal every morning. Great way to up the nutrition.
They do expand and look a little gelatinous but I don’t even taste them (I have frozen blueberries and a dash of granola in there too)
They aren’t “gritty” but to me, they feel slimy, which is icky to my sensations. The same way I can’t deal with boba - although chia is far smaller than boba!
I add chia seed for nutrition / fiber. They are a regular part of my variation of avocado toast (1/2 avocado smashed with 1T chia, 1T hummus, sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning - spread on toast, usually Dave’s 21 grain). I also add them to yogurt, oatmeal, salad… anywhere I might think about sprinkling nuts.
Sometimes I make chia pudding (1/2c milk, 2T chia seeds, honey or other flavoring; refrigerate overnight). I like it but understand why others might not. Btw - I like tapioca pudding too… chia pudding is a smoother texture.
I get that. Everyone has their own response to certain tastes, smells, textures, etc. What I enjoy might be considered “yuck” by the next person.
I put them in my smoothies. They soften up a bit but unless you put your tongue and roof of your mouth together they aren’t really noticeable.
I put them in my overnight oats. I make 7 mason jars of them to prepare for the week.
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