Chia seed gel is incredibly nutritious, inexpensive, and simple to make. In this post, I’ll share with you the nutritional benefits of chia seed gel as well as a chia seed gel recipe that is customizable for your taste and enjoyment.
The chia seed gel recipe can be varied for your own personal preference, especially if you are drinking it as a beverage. Some people may like more chia in their drink while others may prefer a more diluted “Chia Fresca” beverage.
Chia Gel Nutrition Benefits
Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help raise HDL levels, the good cholesterol. They are also packed with protein, carbohydrates, calcium, and antioxidants. All of which contribute to optimal health. They are also prebiotics, which means they help feed the good bacteria that live in our guts! Chia seeds absorb liquid quickly and can hold up to 10 times their weight in liquid.
Chia Gel Uses
Chia seed gel, like dry chia seeds, is very versatile. You can make chia seed gel with any liquid really and then add it to any number of dishes. You can use it as a thickening agent for things such as Chia gel is great for thickening things like smoothies, soups, or puddings. You can also add it into salad dressings, any type of juice, kombucha, water, mocktails, whatever your hearts desire. It’s great to get creative. You can even use chia seed gel as a replacement for eggs if you run out of eggs or just don’t eat eggs for whatever reason.
How long does chia seed gel last?
Chia seeds have a very long shelf life. Once chia seeds are mixed with liquid, they tend to only be good for about a week. You also want to consider the expiration of the liquid or what it is mixed with. Fresh-squeezed juice is always best consumed within days for optimal retention of nutrients. Chia seed gel made with water should last about a week. You do want to refrigerate chia seed gel if it’s not consumed in the first hour or two.
Chia Seed Gel Recipes:
Chia Gel as an Egg Substitute:
For each egg you are replacing the replacement is:
1 tbsp of chia seeds
3 tbsp of water
Large Batch of Chia Seed Gel
1 cup of chia seeds
4 cups of water
Small Batch of Chia Seed Gel
¼ cup chia seeds
1 cup of water
Chia Gel as a “Chia Fresca” Beverage
When I’m enjoying chia gel as a beverage, I prefer to dilute it so it’s not very thick.
12 Oz of water
1 tbsp or chia seeds
*optional you can also add flavor to customize such as lemons, limes, splash of juice and honey to your drink
For each of these chia seed gel recipes:
Add the chia seeds and water together in a bowl, mix and allow to sit for about 5 minutes.
Mix again.
The mixture will begin to thicken and become gel-like after about 5-10 minutes. That’s it!
Have fun and experiment with chia seed gels, they are a simple and easy way to add antioxidants, prebiotics, fiber, and omega-3s into your diet. Cheers to chia seeds!
Karla Kueber is a Certified Evidence Based EFT Practioner and Health Coach, with a double Masters Degree in Education. She works with people to overcome emotional eating, curb cravings, and overcome resistance to eating new healthy foods. You can learn more about coaching with her here.