Do Chia Seeds Go Bad & How I Store Them

Chia seeds have become a staple in every household thanks to their amazing nutritional value, important minerals, and benefits. They are tiny black seeds and originate from the Salvia hispanica plant. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and many micronutrients, you cannot go wrong when coming up with recipes that include chia seeds.

But, one thing that is important with any other food is, how to store chia seeds. If you want to maintain the freshness of chia seeds and want to make the most out of their nutritional value then you need to know how to store chia seeds.

So, do chia seeds go bad, and how should you store them? Let’s dive right into the details of how to store chia seeds to avoid them from going bad and keep them in their shape for as long as possible.

What Are Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds come from the family of Salvia hispanica plant which is a member of the mint family. It is a native product of Central and South America. The word ‘chia’ is derived from the word ‘chain’ which means oily.

For ages, chia seeds have been used as a ‘superfood’ due to their high nutritional value and were a part of the Mayans’ staple diet, just like maize, barley, and wheat. They were also sometimes referred to as ‘runners food’ because they provide energy for a long time and make great food for athletes.

Chia seeds have a nutty flavor and you can add them to smoothies, soups, baked foods, pudding, and other desserts. It is best to eat chia seeds after soaking them in water but you can also eat them whole or ground. If you’re a vegan, chia seeds are a great alternative to eggs. If you are looking for a substitute for maple syrup then check out this article!

The Nature of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds have a high level of antioxidants, which helps in preserving their freshness naturally. These antioxidants keep the seeds fresh and prevent them from being spoiled; the same is the case with many other seeds. This means storing chia seeds properly can have a long shelf life.

Shelf Life of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds come in a variety of forms, including whole seeds, ground seeds, and chia oil and each variety has a different shelf life. Let’s take a look at them individually.

• Whole Chia Seeds: This type of chia seed stays fresh for the longest time, and if unopened, you can easily store it for up to 2-4 years. But make sure to keep it in a cool and dry place. Once opened, try to use it within 1-2 years.
• Ground Chia Seeds: Ground chia seeds will usually last 1-2 years if unopened but after opening try to use it within 6 months.
• Chia oil: This form of chia seeds goes bad very quickly. If unopened, you can use it within a year, but once you open it, you shouldn’t leave it for too long and try to finish it within a couple of months.

Do Chia Seeds Go Bad? Signs That Chia Seeds Have Gone Bad

Although chia seeds have a long shelf life it doesn’t mean they will never go bad. Chia seeds will eventually go bad. So here are some signs you should look out for when you want to check whether chia seeds have gone bad or not.

Change in Appearance

Chia seeds should normally be either white or black, if you see any discoloration, mold, or clumping then that is a clear sign that your chia seeds have gone bad. So keep an eye out for the appearance of your chia seeds if you’re unsure about whether you should eat them or not.

Change in Taste

Usually, chia seeds have a nutty yet subtle flavor. But spoiled chia seeds will have a different taste. If they taste sour or bitter don’t eat them as they are expired chia seeds.

Different Smell

Fresh chia seeds have almost no scent to a very mild natural smell. If you smell the seeds and they smell different or give off a sour smell then it’s time to discard them. The reason they give off this bad odor is because the oil in the seeds has oxidized and chia seeds are now spoiled.

Different Texture

If you see a difference in the texture of chia seeds for example they might be lumpy or sticky then that means they have either gone bad or are on their way to spoiling. It is best to discard them at this stage and not use them.

How to Store Chia Seeds?

If you want to maximize the shelf life of chia seeds, you need to know how to store them properly. Proper storage of chia seeds helps them stay fresh, and you can use them for a long time. Different varieties of chia seeds require different storage techniques. Let’s take a look at some of them:

• Whole Chia Seeds: The best way to store whole chia seeds is to keep them in an airtight container to protect their moisture from building up in them. Ideally, store them in a glass jar with a tight lid. Then, make sure you keep the air-tight jar in a cold, dark place. You can easily put them in your pantry or cupboard, but avoid putting them in direct sunlight, and exposure to sunlight leads to a build-up of moisture, due to which chia seeds can go bad. If you want to further increase the shelf life of chia seeds you can also refrigerate them however, it is not necessary.
• Ground Chia Seeds: Similar to whole chia seeds, ground chia seeds also need to be stored in an air-tight container to avoid moisture buildup and to keep them fresh. And if you want to keep ground chia seeds fresh then you can also refrigerate them to maintain their freshness and nutritional benefits.
• Chia Oil: Chia oil should be stored in a dark-colored glass jar with a tight lid. This is usually done to protect chia oil from light exposure. Like other forms of chia seeds, it is best to store chia oil in a dark cold area. if you want to improve the shelf life further then you can store it in the refrigerator after opening the oil.

Nutritional Value of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds might be small but they are full of nutritional benefits and are nutrition-dense seeds. Let’s take a look at what makes these seeds so full of health benefits and strong nutritional value.

Chia seeds contain a mixture of micronutrients and micronutrients, making it power-packed food. Some micronutrients that are found in chia seeds are:

• Fibre: Chia seeds make a great option for dietary fibre as only 2 tablespoons of chia seeds contain around 11 grams of fibre which makes up around 40% of the recommended fibre intake. This makes your digestive health better, regulates blood sugar levels, and will make a perfect snack if you’re trying to lose weight, as it keeps you full for a long time.
• Fat: Chia seeds contain high fat particularly it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. One ounce of chia seed which is approximately 2 tablespoons contains 9 grams of fat. Omega 3 is essential for brain development and supports overall health too.
• Protein: Chia seeds contain 4 grams of protein per ounce and if you’re a vegan looking for options to eat a diet high in protein then chia seeds should be your best friend!

If we talk about micronutrients in chia seeds, then you will be shocked to know that they contain many beneficial micronutrients, including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and many more, making it the best choice to include in your diet to improve your overall health.

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are nutrient-dense seeds with many health benefits. They are known as ‘superfoods,’ and humans have made sure to include them in their diets for thousands of years. Chia seeds offer a ton of nutrition in a small package. So, let’s take a look at some of the health benefits of chia seeds.

1. Heart Health Benefits: With a high level of omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds are an excellent source of heart health as they reduce inflammation, decrease the risk of heart diseases, and lower blood pressure. If you are looking for a food that will reduce cholesterol levels, then make sure to include chia seeds in your diet as it also lowers cholesterol levels.
2. Blood Sugar Regulation Benefits: We all know chia seeds have a gel-like texture when soaked in water. This helps stabilize blood sugar levels in the body by slowing down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. If someone is suffering from diabetes they should include chia seeds in their diet as it also prevents spike in sugar levels. Plus if you’re diabetic then you should look for healthier sugar substitutes!
3. Digestive and Bone Health Benefits: Chia seeds help in getting rid of constipation and promote regular bowel movements as it aids in digestion. Chia seeds are rich in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus which helps maintain a high level of calcium in your body improving bone health and preventing osteoporosis.
4. Aids in Weight Loss: As chia seeds help you stay full for a long time it makes a great food especially when trying to lose weight. When you eat chia seeds it creates a sense of fullness which reduces your overall calorie intake and aids in weight loss.

Different Ways to Use Leftover Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are versatile and can be used in many different ways. You can incorporate them in different dishes or enjoy them on their own too. Let’s take a look at some ways you can use chia seeds.

Chia Seed Pudding

This is a popular dish that many people enjoy and is delicious! You can mix chia seeds in water or milk and let it sit for 2 hours or overnight. You can add your choice of sweetener, too. Once you soak the chia seeds, they will become thick and form a pudding-like form. You can add your favorite toppings, including fruits, berries, nuts, and seeds.

Baked Goods

Chia seeds make a great addition to baked goods like bread and muffins as they can be a great substitute for eggs. If you want to replace eggs with chia seeds then mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds in water and let it sit till it forms a gel-like texture then you can add it to your bread, muffins, or cupcakes. If you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease out this article for the best gluten-free cereals!

Smoothies

If you want to make your smoothies a power-packed one add a spoon of chia seeds to your smoothies to give an extra boost of protein and omega 3 fatty acids. If you don’t like the texture of chia seeds, then you can add them while blending the smoothie or sprinkle them at the end of the smoothie at the top.

Salads or Yogurt

You can add sprinkle chia seeds on top of your salads or yogurt to give it a crunchy texture plus added nutritional benefits too.

Water Infusion

Chia seeds absorb water very quickly, making it a great source of extra hydration. You can add them to plain water, lemon juice, and detox water which will help you keep full and hydrated for a long time.

FAQ’s

Can You Eat Expired Chia Seeds?

Although eating expired chia seeds will not make you severely ill, the taste of expired chia seeds is not pleasant, and it can also cause discomfort in digestion. It is best not to eat expired chia seeds and discard them if they show signs of spoilage.

Can You Freeze Chia Seeds?

Yes, you can freeze chia seeds to extend their shelf life. Make sure you place them in an air-tight container to avoid moisture build-up. Although frozen chia seeds can last years in the freezer, it is best to use them within a year to maintain their freshness.

How Should I Eat Chia Seeds?

If you’re wondering how to eat chia seeds, then the best way is to incorporate them in different foods and drinks throughout the day. The best is to eat soaked chia seeds, especially if you like a gel-like texture; otherwise, you can also sprinkle them on top of your food to give it a crunchy taste.

Who Should Not Eat Chia Seeds?

While everyone can eat chia seeds if you have bad digestive issues or have a possible choking hazard then it is best not to eat chia seeds. Chia seeds can get stuck in your throat if you’re eating them plain so if you have difficulty swallowing then it is best to avoid eating them.

How Can I Use Chia Seeds in Recipes?

There are many ways you can incorporate chia seeds in different recipes and foods. You can make chia seed pudding, make smoothies out of it, add them to baked goods or you can also add them to different drinks like lemonade or plain water.

Conclusion

Chia seeds are a perfect addition to any diet and are a versatile food that can be eaten in many ways. It also has an impressive shelf life, making it easier to store and reuse them when needed; however, like any other food, chia seeds also need to be taken care of as chia seeds go bad if not stored properly.

The key to keeping chia seeds fresh is to keep them in air-tight containers away from sunlight. One thing you need to take care of when storing chia seeds is to avoid moisture build-up. If there is moisture then your chia seeds will go bad quickly.

If you’re in doubt whether your chia seeds have gone bad or not then look for signs of spoilage like the texture, smell, and appearance. If all looks fine then you’re good to go and eat chia seeds without any worries!

So stock up on chia seeds, as they are nutrient-dense seeds with protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, and add them to different recipes. If you store your chia seeds properly you can keep them fresh for years!