How to Consume Chia Seeds:
whole, Milled, Raw or Soaked?
by: Tiny Sprouts Foods
One of the many reasons we LOVE chia seeds is their versatility – they can be eaten whole, milled, raw or soaked. But what’s suitable for adults isn’t always best for little ones with tiny tummies, developing digestive systems and HIGH nutrient needs. At Tiny Sprouts Foods, we recommend milled chia seeds for little ones as young as 6 months for various reasons:
- They are easier to digest. The cold-milling process breaks down the hard outer shell while keeping the full nutrition of the seeds intact.
- They allow for maximum nutrient absorption. When studying the effectiveness of milled vs whole chia seeds, it was found that omega-3 ALA levels in the blood increased by 58% when milled seeds were consumed!1 That's a HUGE difference!
- They reduce choking risk in babies and toddlers. While the risk of choking on whole chia seeds is very small, it is a common concern among parents. Milled seeds are an easy way to reduce this risk even further, giving parents peace of mind during the feeding process.
- They don’t have a gel-like consistency when wet which is a clear NO NO for many picky little eaters! And let’s not forget the mess that whole seeds leave behind…no one wants to clean that up!
Do chia seeds need to be soaked before serving them to babies & big kids?
- FACT: Whole chia seeds absorb 10-12x their weight in water. So, for little ones it’s ideal to soak whole chia seeds when serving in larger quantities or simply include them in wet foods such as yogurt, kefir, pancake batter, overnight oats, oatmeal etc. This will allow for better digestion and will ensure that the chia seeds do not soak up water from within little bodies.
- A small sprinkle of dry whole seeds is perfectly fine such as for coating fruits or topping toast. When serving whole dry chia seeds, we recommend increasing your little one’s water intake as well.
- MILLED chia seeds absorb far less water and are safe for consumption either wet or dry by little ones as young as 6 months! When milled, chia seeds become a coarse flour like powder which can be sprinkled on almost anything for a safe & wholesome boost of so many vitamins & minerals.
Tiny Sprouts Foods is a children's nutrition company focused on producing convenient, nutrient-rich products that offer functional health benefits to the developing child. They are committed to making every bite count through their debut range of Organic Superseed BoostersTM, which can easily be added to any food to boost nutritional content, support a child’s daily health needs, and give parents the peace of mind they deserve. Learn more at https://www.tinysproutsfoods.com.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog is based on the experience of the author and science-based research. It is not intended to replace medical advice or diagnosis from a physician or other medical provider. This blog is not intended as a substitute for a consultation with a physician or other healthcare provider. The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions discussed in this blog. It is important to talk to your doctor or your child’s pediatrician prior to starting any new medications or supplements.
