13 Reasons Why Chia Seeds Are the Best Thing Ever

Published March 2, 2016 by PETA Staff. Last Updated April 2, 2024.

Remember those commercials chiming “ch-ch-ch-chia”? Those very same chia seeds used to grow “hair” on a terra cotta dog are useful for much more than home décor. Chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses and may be the perfect food for people looking to save animals and kick their health into overdrive!

Chia seeds contain more omega-3 fatty acids per ounce than salmon flesh does (as if we needed another reason to leave fish alone), and they’re packed with antioxidants, which can protect your cells from damaging free radicals. They also contain five times more calcium than milk. If you’re still not convinced, they’re loaded with fiber: Just 2 tablespoons contain more than 30 percent of your daily intake. They’re called a superfood for a reason!

Here are some simple vegan recipes that can help you add more chia magic to your diet:

1. Chia Seed Pudding

It takes just five simple ingredients to create this delectable dessert, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.

2. Quick and Easy Falafel Salad

This gorgeous falafel salad, courtesy of Vegan Insanity, features a power trio of chia, flax, and sesame seeds. If you’re not in the mood for salad, you can always pair the falafel balls with pita bread and hummus or tahini sauce. You really can’t lose with this Mediterranean treat.

3. Vegan Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are the best—they take just a few minutes of preparation, and then the oatmeal makes itself while you’re catching your z’s. This recipe from Oh She Glows includes oats, mashed banana, cinnamon, almond milk, vanilla extract, and our star ingredient, chia seeds.

4. Sautéed Zucchini with Toasted Chia Seeds

One great thing about chia seeds is that they can easily be added to many dishes, making whatever you’re cooking up that much healthier. This recipe by Eat Drink Better calls for tasty toasted seeds.

5. Almond Sweet Potato Biscuits and Mushroom Gravy

Chia and vitamin-packed sweet potato are combined in this recipe, courtesy of The First Mess, to make a biscuit that’s much healthier than average.

6. Almond Chia Seed Scones

When you soak chia seeds in water, they take on a gel-like texture (“chia gel”), which serves as an easy egg substitute. This recipe from Versatile Vegan is so simple, we’re convinced you’re going to add scones to your baking repertoire.

7. Raspberry Banana Chia Smoothie

Bloggers at Oh My Veggies say that it took a while to get this recipe just right, and we feel lucky to taste the benefits of their hard work.

8. Vegan Strawberry Chia Seed Jam

If you’ve always thought that making jam is too tricky or time-consuming, this super-simple recipe is for you. Vegan Insanity uses strawberries, but any of your favorite fruits can be substituted to make the jam of your dreams.

9. 3-Minute Vegan Maple Oatmeal Cookie

Oh She Glows also uses a chia seed mixture as an egg substitute for these scrumptious cookies, which make a great breakfast treat, if you ask us. Try them with peanut butter on top for an extra protein kick.

10. Healthy Chia Waffles

Using two tablespoons of both flax meal and chia seeds, Holy Cow Vegan makes waffles so healthy, they’ll obliterate any possibility of carb-related guilt.