Chia seeds have been consumed for thousands of years and continue to be popular in todays diets as a source of fiber, plant based protein, phytonutrients, and more! If you are interested in more learning about whether or not you should be adding chia seeds to your plate, check out my dietitian review of chia seeds!
Despite their rise in popularity, sometimes you may need a chia seed alternative! Whether you can’t tolerate, don’t enjoy, or simply don’t own chia seeds, here are 6 substitutes for chia seeds that can mimic the thickening properties, protein, fat, or appearance of chia seeds themselves!
The best alternative to chia seeds:
1) Flax seeds
One of the most common chia seed alternatives that people use are flax seeds and it comes in as the best alternative for a reason! Unlike some of the other alternatives mentioned in this blog, flax seeds feature multiple nutrients and properties of chia seeds including protein, healthy fats, fiber, and thickening capabilities. Here is a quick macronutrient side by side of chia seeds vs flax seeds:
