Chia seeds are one of the best things you can eat to improve your health because they’re packed with nutrients, yet most people have never heard of them.
The truth is they are not so common. So if this is your first time buying some chia seeds at a grocery store, you might not know the EXACT aisle to get them.
If they are not too big, grocery stores are SURE cramped with items. You can go up and down the aisles only to realize the item you’re looking for is not there, whereas they are. But where are chia seeds in grocery stores?
Chia seeds are ALWAYS kept in the organic foods section, bakery, or spice aisle in grocery stores. You’ll not get through these sections without spotting a chia seed.
What Are Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are an ancient food that has come back in recent years.
They are tiny, flat, and oval-shaped seeds with a smooth and shiny texture from the desert plant Salvia Hispanic, which is native to Mexico and Guatemala.
Their colors range from brown and black to white.
In addition, Chia seeds are a superfood ridiculously high in nutrients.
For instance, Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, calcium, and other nutrients that can improve your health. In fact, chia seeds contain more antioxidants than blueberries!
They’re also high in fiber and protein, which means they are great for weight loss or maintaining your current weight if you’re trying to stay slim.
What Do Chia Seeds taste Like?
They taste like a crunchy, nutty, earthy seed. They’re similar in consistency and flavor if you’ve ever eaten flaxseed or pumpkin seeds before.
What Are Some Of The Best Ways To Use Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are an incredibly versatile ingredient that can add nutrition and texture to a wide variety of dishes.
Here are some of our favorite ways to use chia seeds:
- Add them to smoothies, overnight oats, and breakfast cereals. They’ll give you extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation.
- Use them in baked goods. The seeds will soak up liquid like a sponge, perfect for binding together doughs or batters.
- Try adding them to bread and muffins or sprinkling them over loaves right before baking.
- Use them as an egg substitute in vegan recipes.
For example, if you want to make cookies but don’t have eggs on hand, try replacing one egg with 1 tablespoon of chia seeds soaked in 3 tablespoons of water for 15 minutes before adding it to the rest of your ingredients!
This will give you a similar texture and mouthfeel as regular cookie dough—and it’s much healthier for you than traditional recipes that rely on eggs for moisture!
You can also sprinkle them on salads, yogurt, oatmeal, and more.
What Grocery Stores Sell Chia Seeds?
The good news is that chia seeds are widely available in most grocery stores across the world –especially those that sell healthy foods and are up to date with modern trends
Here are some of our national chains that are always in stock no matter the season;
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Publix
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods
- Aldi
- And Safeway
They all have them!
Can You Buy Chia Seeds Online?
Yes, you can buy chia seeds online! You can even buy them in bulk if you’re looking to stock up.
Several different chia seeds brands can be purchased at a wide range of prices.
Amazon has some of the lowest prices on chia seeds, but they also tend to have the lowest quality.
The best prices and quality are found at Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market stores.
eBay is another reliable store to venture into.
The best part is that you won’t have to scavenge aisle by aisle for these seeds.
Some Chia seed brands, such as Nutiva, do home deliveries. Just place your order and sit back.
Many people often purchase from third-party retail for discounts, too.
Which Is The Best Type Of Chia Seeds (Whole Or Ground)?
Whole chia seeds are the ones that are sold with their hulls still intact.
They have a crunchy texture and are great for sprinkling salads or yogurt. Ground chia seeds have been processed into a fine powder that can be used in baking or sprinkled on cereal or oatmeal.
Whole chia seeds have more fiber than ground chia seeds, but they also have more calories per ounce (about 30 versus 15).
Plus, it takes a lot more effort to get out all the nutrients from whole chia seeds than it does for ground chia seeds —you have to soak them first before using them as an ingredient in your food.
Additionally, Whole chia seeds have a neutral flavor that works well in sweet and savory dishes.
However, ground chia seeds are easier to consume (they’re more bioavailable), but the crunch factor is gone!
So which is better?
Well, that depends on what you’re using them for! If you’re looking for a specific texture or consistency without losing much of its nutrients, whole seeds may be better suited for your needs.
However, if convenience is more important than texture, ground seeds could be the best option!
Conclusion: Where Are Chia Seeds In Grocery Stores?
As you can see, there are many places in your local grocery store to find chia seeds. Whether in bulk bins, the baking section, or other baking ingredients, there are certainly many options.
But if you’re not familiar with the store and then have the patience to find it yourself, you can always ask the employees for directions.
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