Looking for an alternative to chia seeds? Check out this list of the 8 best substitutes that you can use in your cooking!
Chia seeds are used as a thickener to add texture to food. They are also used to substitute eggs in vegan and vegetarian cooking.
These seeds are high in fiber and protein, making them a great addition to any diet.
However, chia seeds can be expensive and hard to find.
If you can’t find chia seeds or maybe you’re just in need of an alternative that is similar in texture and nutrients, these substitutes will work great for you!
Substitutes for Chia seeds:
- Flax seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Psyllium husks
- Oat bran
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Quinoa
Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are a great alternative to chia seeds. You can use them in any recipe that calls for chia seeds, and they work just as well.
Flax seeds are also known as linseeds, and they come from the flax plant. These little seeds are packed with nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.
They also have a variety of health benefits, such as boosting heart health and aiding in weight loss. You can buy them at most health food stores. Most of the time, they come in brown and golden varieties.
Flaxseed meal has a nutty flavor and can be used in place of a chia seed meal. To make your flaxseed meal, simply grind whole flaxseeds in a coffee grinder or food processor until they’re finely ground.
Note that 1 tablespoon of whole flaxseeds yields about 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal.
Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are a fantastic substitute for chia seeds. They have a similar texture and can be used in any recipe that calls for chia seeds.
Sesame seeds come from the sesame plant, and they’re packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, calcium, and iron.
They also have a variety of health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and aiding in weight loss.
If you’re looking for a chia seed substitute, then sesame seeds are a great option. You can buy them at most health food stores or online.
To use sesame seeds as a substitute for chia seeds, simply grind them in a coffee grinder or food processor until they’re finely ground.
One tablespoon of whole sesame seeds weighs about two teaspoons of sesame seed meal. As such, you’ll want to keep that replacement in mind.
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are a wonderful substitute for chia seeds. They work in any dish that calls for chia seeds, and they have a similar flavor profile.
Furthermore, hemp seeds are also a good source of protein, so they can help you meet your daily needs.
Hemp seeds can be used in many different ways, but the most common way to use them is to add them to smoothies or yogurt. You can also use them in baking, as they will add a nutty flavor to your recipes.
You can find hemp seeds in most health food stores, and they’re usually sold in a 1-to-1 ratio with chia seeds.
Psyllium Husks
Psyllium husks are another excellent alternative for chia seeds. They have a similar texture and can be used in any recipe that calls for chia seeds.
Psyllium husks come from the psyllium plant, and they’re packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, and potassium.
You can use psyllium husks in baking or add them to smoothies or yogurt for a boost of fiber and nutrients.
To use psyllium husks as a substitute for chia seeds, simply grind them until they’re finely ground.
Note that one tablespoon of psyllium husks yields about two tablespoons of psyllium husk meal.
Oat Bran
Oat bran is a good alternative to chia seeds. You can use them in any recipe that calls for chia seeds, and they work well as a 1-to-1 replacement.
Oat bran is high in fiber and protein, and it’s a great way to add some extra nutrition to your food.
Additionally, oat bran is less expensive than chia seeds, so it’s a great way to save money on your food budget.
Oat bran is also lower in calories and fat than chia seeds.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a superb substitute for chia seeds. They have a similar texture and can be used in any recipe that lists chia seeds as an ingredient.
Sunflower seeds come from the sunflower plant, and they’re also packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, and potassium.
You can use sunflower seeds in baking or add them to smoothies or yogurt for a boost of fiber and nutrients.
To use sunflower seeds as a substitute for chia seeds, you need to grind them until they’re finely ground before adding them to your recipe.
Note that one tablespoon of sunflower seeds yields about two tablespoons of sunflower seed meal.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a great alternative to chia seeds. You can use them in any recipe that calls for chia seeds, and they have a similar texture.
Moreover, Pumpkin seeds are full of minerals and nutrients, such as fiber, protein, and potassium.
You should finely grind pumpkin seeds before using them as a substitute for chia seeds.
One tablespoon of pumpkin seeds yields about two tablespoons of pumpkin seed meal.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a great alternative to chia seeds. You can use them in a 1 to 1 ratio, so if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, you can use 1 tablespoon of quinoa.
One great feature about this substitute is that it works in any recipe, making it a great chia seed substitute. In addition, quinoa is high in fiber and protein, and it’s also a good source of iron.
Quinoa is also gluten-free, so it’s a great option for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
It is also a versatile grain that can be used in sweet or savory recipes.
FAQ
What Can I use instead of Chia seeds in overnight oats?
If you’re looking for a substitute for chia seeds in overnight oats, there are a few options to choose from. You can use hemp seeds, psyllium husks, oat bran, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or quinoa.
Can I leave Chia seeds out of a recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chia seeds with another ingredient. Some good substitutes for chia seeds are hemp seeds, psyllium husks, oat bran, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or quinoa. These substitutes work well in any recipe that calls for chia seeds.
Conclusion
Chia seeds are a healthy addition to your meal, but they aren’t the only thing available. If you’re searching for a chia seed replacement, any of the replacements on this list will work well.
However, since all the alternatives are slightly different, you will want to grind them into a meal before using them as a substitute. This will help to ensure that your final product turns out similar in texture to what it would if you used chia seeds.
Now that you know some of the best substitutes for chia seeds, go forth and experiment with them or search for some recipes on our site!