Chia seeds are one of the healthiest foods on earth. These are very small black seeds from the mint flower plant Salvia Hispanica and were a vital part of the ancient Mayans’ and Aztec’s diet. The name “chia” means “strength” in the Mayan language.
The tiny seeds pack a potent nutritional punch per ounce, full of protein, fiber, fatty acid omega-3, and several micronutrients, without much unwanted calories and just a tiny bit of carbohydrates. No wonder this superfood has gained much popularity among the health-conscious recently. That’s not all, they are organically grown whole-grain food, gluten-free, and Non-GMO. Plus, they are loaded with antioxidants. An added bonus is ease of preparation and addition to other foods and drinks.
Chia seeds are known to help in achieving weight loss, can lower the risk of heart diseases, promote bone health, reduce blood sugar levels, and aid in inflammation reduction. Of course, all these claims are currently under further study and research to be more conclusive.
With all that renewed hype over this “superfood,” it is no surprise that there are a plethora of health products out there based on chia seeds’ benefits. Choosing the best chia seed products to fit your needs can be quite a challenge, so in this guide, we will give you some tips on the essential factors to help you choose. We will present the choice of our top ten brands and their specifics, then we will continue with our criteria of ranking, the product uses and benefits, possible side effects, FAQs, and our final thoughts on chia seeds.
Chia Seeds Supplement Brands Ranked in 2023
- Viva Labs Organic Chia Seeds – Buy here Editor’s Choice
- HealthWorks Chia Seeds – Buy here
- Nutiva Organic Chia Seed – Buy here
- Navitas Naturals Organic Chia Seeds – Buy here
- Bob’s Red Mill Organic Chia Seeds – Buy here
- Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Chia Seeds – Buy here
- Spectrum Essentials Chia Seeds – Buy here
- Now Foods White Chia Seeds – Buy here
- Barleans Organic Chia Seed – Buy here
- Garden Of Life Organic Chia Seed – Buy here
1- Viva Labs Organic Chia Seeds
Our editorial team has unanimously agreed that Viva Labs Organic Chia Seeds is the best chia seed product for the following reasons:
- Organically grown in Argentina, Paraguay, and Mexico
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Comes in affordable two-pound (32oz) bags
- Excellent source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein
Viva Labs Organic Chia Seeds is an excellent food product processed by a reputable company. It utilizes raw, organic chia seeds packed in a convenient and affordable two-pound bag.
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Pros
- two-pound (32 oz) bag packaging
- Sourced from Argentina, Paraguay, and Mexico
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Excellent source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein
- Affordable organic food product
Cons
- None
Rating
4.7 of 5
Who Produces It?
Established in 2011, Viva Naturals has committed to the goal of producing affordable, high-quality whole foods, and organic supplements for the consumers. They are very proud of their dedication to quality, sustainability, and consistency. If you are in the market for the finest natural chia seeds, this product is an excellent option.
2- HealthWorks Chia Seeds
Sold in simple yet elegant 2-lb packages, Healthworks Chia Seeds come fresh and free of pesticides. They are well-reviewed, affordable, and are among the top-selling online chia seed products. The package has entirely fresh pure chia seeds cultivated in South America and Mexico.
Pros
- chia seeds packed in 2lb (32oz) bags
- Raw, uncooked, and unprocessed
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Harvested and grown sustainably
- Rich in omega-3, protein, and High fiber
Cons
- None
Rating
4.7 of 5
Who Produces It?
Healthworks, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a producer and seller of organic food products. The company concentrates on the popular “Superfoods” that are rich in nutrients and are excellent supplements to our modern diet. The brand guarantees that all of their products are of top quality and offer them at an affordable price. Their chia seeds are no exception.
3- Nutiva Organic Chia Seed
Nutiva’s chia seeds is a high-quality organic product that comes in a 32-ounce bag. It is Certified USDA Organic and is very affordable.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Certified Organic by the USDA
- Non-GMO
- 2-pound (32 oz) bag packaging
- Very affordable
Cons
- None
Rating
4.7 of 5
Who Produces It?
Established in 1999, Nutiva has been a leading health food and supplement brand. Their goal is to revolutionize the world’s eating habits by providing nutritious healthy products.
4- Navitas Naturals Organic Chia Seeds
The brand offers gluten-free, non-GMO, organic chia seeds packed in small 8oz bags. The product is perfect for people who are just starting to use chia seeds; they do not need to get big bags. Of course, smaller quantities tend to be a little more costly compared to buying in bulk.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Certified Organic
- Available in 8oz or 16oz packages
- Rich in vitamins, protein, minerals, and fiber
Cons
- Tends to be more expensive
Rating
4.6 of 5
Who Produces It?
A prominent health product brand, Navitas Organics specializes in health foods, particularly superfoods. Having a B Corporation certification, Navitas takes pride in having made a remarkable commitment to environmental and social responsibility. That means their chia seeds are guaranteed as a high-quality product.
5- Bob’s Red Mill Organic Chia Seeds
An affordable and simple organic chia seed brand that is available in bulk, it is backed by a very trustworthy name within the health food community.
Pros
- chia seeds packed in four 12-ounce bags ( total of four pounds)
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Great value
Cons
- Packaged in large quantities (bulk)
Rating
4.8 of 5
Who Produces It?
A dedicated employee-owned company, Bob’s Red Mill has been successful in manufacturing and distributing flours, seeds, oats, and various ingredients. Their products are prominent in stores across the globe, and since they started in 1978, the brand has been reputed for its consistent quality. They offer their chia seed product in bulk with a moderate price, although some people will not want to buy large quantities in one go.
6- Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Chia Seeds
Chia seeds also come in white variants, and Terrasoul Superfoods uses this kind as their product. The white seeds have all the nutritional properties to the typical black variants.
Pros
- White variant of chia seeds
- Non-GMO
- USDA Organic
- Available in one-pound (16 oz) bags
Cons
- Expensive
Rating
4.6 of 5
Who Produces It?
The brand was founded in 2013 by the couple Amy and Dennis Botts in Texas. Since then, Terrasoul Superfoods has grown into a reputable, quality-obsessed producer of organic, vegan, and raw superfoods, as well as health products. Their chia seed product is excellent, but a bit expensive without apparent additional benefits of white chia seeds over the black variant.
7- Spectrum Essentials Chia Seeds
An excellent chia seed brand that comes in small packages of organic superfood.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- USDA Certified Organic
- 12 ounces per bag
Cons
- Expensive
Rating
4.6 of 5
Who Produces It?
Established in Petaluma, California, in 1986, Spectrum Essentials has always made it a goal to be the source of wholesome top-quality products. Spectrum carries a diverse line of cooking oils, health foods, and more. The brand offers an excellent product, although it may cost more per ounce.
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8- Now Foods White Chia Seeds
Another quality supplier of the white variant of chia, they offer their product in convenient 1-lb (16 oz) bags. As mentioned earlier, these have no different nutritional attributes from the black chia.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- USDA Organic
- White variant of chia seeds – essentially similar to black seeds
- one-pound (16 oz) bag
Cons
- More expensive
Rating
4.5 of 5
Who Produces It?
From its humble beginnings in 1968 when Elwood Richards started a few health food outlets in Chicago, NOW Foods has grown into a reputable healthy food and supplements manufacturer on the planet. They have more than 1,400 high-quality products which successfully sell worldwide.
NOW Foods Chia Seeds is an excellent product, but similar to a previous brand, white seeds seem to have no discernible difference compared to black seeds. That would suggest an elaborate marketing ploy.
9- Barleans Organic Chia Seed
Barlean’ s Organic Chia Seed is one of the best black chia products in the market and is produced by a highly trusted health food and oils brand. You are sure of the highest quality in all their products, but they are rather expensive.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- Comes in 12 oz bags
- Certified USDA Organic
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Very expensive
Rating
4.4 of 5
Who Produces It?
For more than 30 years now, Barlean’s has been awarded the Top Health Food Store Brands and Manufacturer of the Year several times for excellence, quality, and innovation.
10- Garden Of Life Organic Chia Seed
An excellent black chia seed product, its manufacturers claim to be the only brand to have dual certifications both from Non-GMO Project Verification and USDA. However, they are quite expensive.
Pros
- Gluten-Free
- Certified USDA Organic
- Non-GMO
- Packed in 12 oz bags
Cons
- Expensive
Rating
4.5 of 5
Who Produces It?
The product is made by Garden of Life, which has been a leading maker of health foods, supplements, and wellness brands. Their products can be seen in prominent stores across the globe.
How we ranked
There are numerous sources and suppliers of the best chia seeds in the market, and they all claim to offer the best kind of superfood to you. We know choosing one can be very challenging, so we give you a list of the criteria we used to evaluate each product.
Brand promise
Does the brand promise chia seeds containing significantly more nutritional components than other brands? Is the company saying that white chia seeds are infinitely more nutritious than the black variant? Be cautious of companies making bizarre claims. Remember that wellness and overall healthy body function is not an overnight success, but an arduous and time-consuming effort.
Brand character
Are you familiar with this brand or company? Are they known in the health and wellness industry? Maybe you know a friend or acquaintance who is familiar with them? You can check them out in Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot to make sure there is nothing suspicious about the brand before making any choices.
Packaging, Quantities, and Pricing
Chia products come in different packaging (bag) quantities and weight. Of course, product pricing will also vary accordingly, but should not differ significantly from each other.
At times, the price can be an indication of quality or, in the case of chia seeds, source location, processing efficiency and distribution costs. However, those factors should not be directly passed on to the consumers as to constitute substantial price fluctuation.
GMO-free
An essential factor, the product (seeds) must be certified to not contain any genetically modified organisms.
Presence of harmful compounds and allergens
Chia seeds are organically grown and cultivated. As such, there should be no toxins, heavy metals, and other harmful elements present. Another vital indication is the absence of allergens like gluten, egg, lactose, soy, corn, and others.
FDA/cGMP certifications and approvals
It is vital to discern that a product contains safe and high-quality ingredients. One perfect way to find out is by checking if the products are made in cGMP/FDA approved or certified facilities and processes.
There are other third-party certifications and seals for other essential matters about ingredients and components. Some of these are the Kosher certification, the NSF-GMP, USDA, Non-GMO Project Verification, and others.
User comments
In instances when you don’t have acquaintances that have tried the product before, you can check out websites like iherb.com or Amazon, as well as other online sites associated with health and wellness campaigns.
How Do I Choose the Best Chia Seed Product?
When selecting a product, first check for certifications that you consider critical. Let’s say that you prefer eating organic foods, then you should be looking for Certified USDA Organic products. They will be more expensive than the standard options, but will be worth the extra money you dole out for your preference.
Because they are organically grown, Chia seeds naturally do not contain gluten as well as various typical allergens. However, should you have allergies or dietary restrictions, you must check the labels to verify if the seeds were processed using dedicated or shared facilities. Some enterprising brands may process the chia seeds in facilities that are also used to process products containing gluten or other allergens, just to lower production costs and sell their products at a considerably less price.
Finally, choose a product that will offer excellent value for money. An example would be brands that offer their products in bulk. In the long run, those packages become more economical, and you get more options at the one- to two-pound range.
What Are Chia Seeds Benefits?
Historically, chia seeds have been considered as a “superfood”, with many claiming that the tiny seeds are potent health-boosters. Although it is evident that chia seeds offer a superb nutrient package and maybe a beneficial diet supplement, a number of impressive health claims can be overrated.
Nutrient package
Chia is clearly filled with nutrients, more so when considering its low-calorie properties. A one-ounce portion of chia has four grams of protein, five grams of fatty acid omega-3,11 grams fiber, 30% of magnesium and manganese,18% of required daily calcium, adequate quantities of B3, B2,B1, zinc, and potassium. More importantly, a one-ounce serving (approx. two tablespoons) contains as little as 137 calories only.
Antioxidant properties
Chia seeds have been known as an excellent natural source of antioxidants, which provide benefits in several means. Antioxidants help in reducing oxidative harm to cells that free radicals have caused. That may aid in slowing symptoms of aging, reducing the danger of some diseases, and enhancing overall health.
Fibers
We need to include more fiber in our diets, as an average American consumes only 15 grams a day, in contrast to the suggested 25 grams to 30 grams daily. As studies indicate, chia seeds have been an exceptional source of fibers. Only two tablespoons providing 10 grams of fiber (approximately 30% Required Daily Allowance).
Healthy fatty acids
Chia seeds are highly filled with fatty acids called omega-3, a healthy fat type known to possess a vast number of health advantages. However, some researchers think that because chia increases ALA and EPA levels of the blood, and not DHA, the seed’s utility as a source of omega-3 could be exaggerated.
Weight management
When used appropriately, combined with exercise and a healthy diet, chia seeds can help in managing a suitable weight. That is attributed to the seeds’ high protein and fiber content, which may assist in increasing satiety and fullness. However, a number of researches considering chia seed’s influence on losing weight haven’t indicated any benefit, thus, requiring more research.
Overall, because chia seeds provide an abundant supply of several essential nutrients, they may offer a vast number of benefits. However, several persons make overrated claims about fantastic health benefits, without any actual research backing up said claims. Nonetheless, chia seeds are proving to be a healthy and tasty diet supplement!
What Are Chia Seeds’ Side Effects?
Chia seed products are natural food items and commonly do not induce any side effects or complications.
However, allergic reactions may still possibly occur. Persons who are diagnosed to have food allergies should proceed carefully by initially trying only small amounts of chia seeds.
In some instances, chia seeds may cause a number of gastrointestinal problems, such as gas or bloating. That is mainly due to chia’s substantial fiber content. In cases wherein you are experiencing side effects of gastrointestinal nature, avoid eating them raw and try to cook the chia seeds first.
Chia seeds are also known to thin blood viscosity down, so possibly decrease blood pressure. Although that is advantageous to people suffering from hypertension, it could cause problems for individuals with already low or even normal levels of blood pressure.
Recommended Uses of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds have a great variety of usages. They can be used in several cuisines and recipes, as toppings/sprinkles for yogurts, salads, etc., additional flavor for shakes, made into pudding, and more. You can find more unique chia seeds usages all over the internet.
Chia seeds have a moderately mild taste, and since it is easy to get to, you can add them on almost anything to benefit from the extra nutrition. A few individuals may not enjoy the texture or taste of chia seeds when raw, so they would prefer cooking them or soaking them using water.
FAQs
What Is A Chia Seed?
Chia seeds are derived from the desert plant called salvia hispanica, which grows in Central America. For many centuries the chia seed served as the staple food of the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans. Today chia seeds are considered as one of the popular “superfoods” used both in modern health industries and cuisines.
What Nutrients do Chia Seeds Contain?
Chia seeds offer an awesome natural nutrient package rich in fiber, fatty acid omega-3, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and iron. They are also fairly versatile to use – you can eat them raw, cooked, soaked in water, ground into flour, and more.
Recap
The chia seed certainly has regained its status from ancient staple food to a modern “superfood.” The seed product deserves that title for packing a powerful nutritional punch in such a tiny structure. Because of the vast number of benefits we have enumerated above, many health aficionados have started incorporating the seeds into their diets, thus causing the re-emergence of chia’s popularity in recent years.
In that light, it is no surprise that a lot of health food and supplement brands have come up with their chia seed products to take advantage of the hype. We have listed our top choices of leading chia seed products indicating their best attributes and offers.
We have also presented the criteria with which we ranked the brands, as well as the benefits that the chia seeds are believed to offer. We also indicated the possible side effects of consuming chia seeds. Of course, it is best to consult your physician before considering intake of these products especially if you have pre-diagnosed health conditions.
As a final note, we reiterate the fact that white and black chia seeds do not appear to have significant differences as far as nutritional properties are concerned. Also, as the above products are invariably similar to each other, subtle differences such as size of packaging and pricing are factors that may affect your choice, but not much so.
We do hope that our guide has given you some enlightenment as to making the best chia seed product choice. Good luck!
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