Do Chia Seeds Go Bad? 5 Storage Secrets you need to know!
No, chia seeds don't go bad, and they don't go stale either, so that you can use them for a long time. The nutritional properties of chia seeds can degenerate in quality over the years, but they don't expire.
- Fresh chia seeds. The expiration date is set at 2 years from preparation. However, the chia seeds are good for 2-4 years if they are stored properly. So this label will be good for another 2 years, which means that it is safe to eat these chia seeds for a total of 4-6 years.
- Chia flour. Their shelf life is unlimited if kept in a dry, cool environment. Although a 36-month shelf life has been determined after packaging, it is for the health department's usage.
- Soaked chia seeds. You have to eat them after 3-5 days of soaking. After that, they go bad, and I don't recommend you to eat rancid chia seeds.
- Chia gel or pudding. You have to consume them somewhere between 5-7 days after preparing them. After that, they go bad. You don't want to eat expired chia seeds!
What are chia seeds?
If you haven't heard of chia seeds before, then you probably don't know that they are one of the healthiest foods on earth.
They come from a plant closely related to mint, and it has been cultivated for its nutritional benefits in Mexico since Mayan times.
Chia seeds are tiny black seeds with a mild nutty flavor. Add a few to your next smoothie, or sprinkle some on your breakfast cereal if you haven't tried them before.
These nutritious seeds are highly dense with vitamin D, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
In addition, they have a meager glycemic index score, which means that they won't cause your blood sugar levels to spike up when you eat them.
Why don't chia seeds go bad?
Chia seeds can last forever if left unopened and at room temperature. The only reason why they spoil is when they are exposed to water for too long.
Chia seeds have a high oil content, so they can go bad if moisture enters the package.
When it comes to the shelf life of chia seeds, manufacturers claim that you can store them up until five years without any problems.
But even if you don't use chia seeds for this long, you can still use them after three years.
How to store chia seeds
To ensure that your chia seeds don't go bad in time, you should store them properly in a cool and dry place.
Always keep the package tightly sealed when not using the product. Furthermore, avoid getting moisture in contact with your seeds at all costs.
The high oil content of these tiny seeds means that they will quickly go bad if exposed to water for too long.
Since chia seeds don't expire and can last for years, you shouldn't worry about the shelf life of these little nutritional powerhouses.
Instead, always store them properly in a cool and dry place, and you can use them until their expiration date has passed.
Tips for storing chia seeds properly.
Avoid the refrigerator
Chia seeds can last for a long time if left at room temperature, so you don't have to put them in the refrigerator. It's only when they come in contact with water that they spoil quickly.
Keep them far from sunlight.
Sunlight can damage the nutritional properties of these seeds, which is why you should keep them in the dark place.
Use glass containers to store chia seeds properly.
Another tip is to use glass containers instead of plastic ones for storage purposes. Chia seeds are sensitive to smells, and plastics tend to absorb scents over time. On the other hand, glass containers don't affect the freshness or taste of chia seeds, which is why you should store them in this type of container.
Seal the package after using them
Always seal the package tightly after you add chia seeds to your favorite recipe. This way, you can prevent moisture from entering and spoiling them quickly.
Use a food vacuum sealer if possible.
If you have a food vacuum sealer, use it to seal your packages of chia seeds quickly. Chia seeds are very delicate, so they can spoil quickly if you don't remove the excess oxygen from the package.
Using a food vacuum sealer for this purpose is best, so it's worth investing in one of these devices if possible.
When should you toss chia seeds?
If your chia seeds have been exposed to water for too long, then they are likely to go bad. This is why you should never rinse these seeds under running water. Instead, soak them in water and then use the water soaked in for smoothies and other recipes.
In addition to this, chia seeds have a short shelf life after being roasted. If you roast your chia seeds, then this will greatly reduce the time they can last at room temperature. This doesn't mean that they spoil quickly after being roasted, but they will lose their crunchy texture, which is why you should roast them just before using them for best results.
Water exposure
As long as you don't expose these tiny seeds to water for too long, then they can last for years. Chia seeds don't require a lot of attention, but there are certain situations in which you should discard them.
If they have been exposed to humidity for a long time, these chia seeds are likely spoiled, and you should discard them. If moisture is left in contact with your chia seeds for too long, this can cause mold growth, making them unfit for human consumption.
Bitter taste
If you taste a bitter aftertaste when eating them, this is also a sign that these chia seeds have become unfit for human consumption.
Also, if the texture of your chia seeds changes after being soaked in water for some time and turns slimy, then it's another indication that they are no longer good to eat.
Bad smell
If they have an unpleasant smell or appear discolored after being soaked in water for some time, then this is the sign that your chia seeds have gone bad, and it's time to throw them away.
Spoiled chia seeds
When chia seeds have been exposed to moisture for too long, they become susceptible to microbial growth. In most cases, this will cause them to rot and develop a bad smell.
They can also become a breeding ground for mold, which is another sign that you should get rid of these seeds.
When it comes to foods that can last for years, there are some tips you should follow to ensure that they last as long as possible.
For example, chia seeds can last for a long time if stored properly, but you should also know how to tell when these tiny nutritional powerhouses have gone bad, and it's time to discard them.
How can you eat chia seeds?
When added to our meals, Chia seeds improve their nutrition and provide a subtle and pleasant taste. In addition, they have a lot of uses since they're so versatile.
You can use them in any dish because of this property. Let's take a look at how to make them.
Soaked in liquid
To make chia pudding, put the chia in a cup of water. The water should be about ten times the volume of the chia. You can soak it for fifteen minutes.
You can use any liquid, like almond milk or coconut milk. To this pudding, you can add chopped fruit or nuts to taste.
Raw
When eaten raw, they're not required to be crushed, even though they're offered ground, because we'll gain all of their nutritional advantages when chewing them. Sprinkled on oatmeal, yogurt, salads, or other meals
Sauces or shakes
Because of their ability to absorb, they're great for thickening soups. They're also an important component in morning smoothies due to their nutritional value.
Tender chia sprouts
In less than a week, we'll have some lovely sprouts at home. They're delectable and high in vitamins and minerals.
Chia Fresca
In Mexico, they refer to this refreshing beverage made with chia seeds. We combine two cups of water, a lemon, and sugar in a third of a cup of seeds.
Nowadays, people like to eat chia seeds. This is because it has many health benefits, like weight loss and appetite control.
You can eat it every day as long as you do not go over the recommended amount of 30 grams per day.
They have five times the amount of calcium as milk, twice the amount of fiber as oatmeal, more potassium than bananas, and twice the protein than any vegetable has.
Chia seeds are also good for athletes because they help them with their exercise.
Chia seeds are extremely nutritious and can be consumed in many ways. Here are some delicious recipes using these tiny nutritional powerhouses:
- Strawberry avocado chia pudding
- Homemade chia seed gel
- Chai chia smoothie
- Blueberry vanilla chia pudding
- Dark chocolate chia pudding
- Chocolate avocado pudding
- Strawberry almond crumble bars
- Chia vanilla yogurt
- Lemon raspberry chia pudding popsicles
- No-bake peanut butter energy bites
- Skinny green monster drink
- Banana oat breakfast cookies
- Chocolate avocado mousse
- Low fat chocolate chia pudding
- Chocolate almond butter cups
- Skinny chocolate pumpkin spice drinks
- Brownie batter dip
- Strawberry-banana popsicles
- Peanut butter and jelly breakfast bars
- No-bake strawberry cheesecake bites
Can you freeze chia seeds?
Yes, you can freeze chia seeds. Freezing is a simple technique to keep a huge quantity of chia seeds for up to ten years. First, make sure there is no extra air or moisture in the freezer container or bag.
Chia seeds can absorb up to 10 times their weight in water. So no matter what way you choose to store them, always keep the moisture away from these tiny little nutritional powerhouses.
Conclusion
Chia seeds are one of the healthiest foods on earth. They're packed with protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.
You can eat them raw or soaked in water to make a pudding that's perfect for breakfast.
It is best to store chia seeds in an airtight container at room temperature away from sunlight to prevent spoiling before their expiration date (six months).
Don't worry about eating too many as they don't contain any starch, sugar, or fat, making them easy to digest!
Medically reviewed and approved by Nataniel Josue M D.
