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Nuts, Seeds & Oils

Chia Seeds Nutrition Facts

Chia seeds are tiny black seeds from the Salvia hispanica plant, native to Mexico and Guatemala. They're renowned for their exceptional omega-3 content, being one of the richest plant sources of ALA. When soaked, they absorb up to 12x their weight in water, creating a gel-like texture.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g serving

Calories486
% Daily Value*
Total Fat
30.7g47%
Saturated Fat
3.3g17%
Trans Fat
0.0g
Polyunsaturated Fat
23.7g
Monounsaturated Fat
2.3g
Cholesterol
-0%
Sodium
16mg1%
Total Carbohydrate
42.1g14%
Dietary Fiber
34.4g123%
Total Sugars
-
Protein
16.5g33%
Vitamin A
54mcg6%
Vitamin C
1.6mg2%
Vitamin D
-0%
Vitamin E
0.5mg3%
Vitamin K
-0%
Vitamin B6
-0%
Vitamin B12
-0%
Folate
49mcg12%
Calcium
631mg49%
Iron
7.7mg43%
Potassium
407mg9%
Magnesium
335mg80%
Zinc
4.6mg42%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Health Benefits

  • ✓Highest plant-based omega-3 source after flax
  • ✓Exceptional fiber content at 34g per 100g
  • ✓Very high calcium for bone health
  • ✓Absorbs water for sustained hydration
  • ✓Complete protein with all essential amino acids

Best For

Chia pudding and parfaitsSmoothie boostersEgg replacement in baking (chia egg)Overnight oats toppingEndurance athlete hydration

Storage

Store in airtight container in cool, dark place for up to 2 years. Chia seeds have long shelf life due to high antioxidant content.

Serving Sizes

1 tablespoon58 cal
1 oz136 cal
1/4 cup194 cal
Quick Calorie Lookup

Frequently Asked Questions

Do chia seeds need to be soaked before eating?

No, but soaking for 20+ minutes creates a gel that aids digestion and hydration. Dry chia seeds are fine on salads but drink water with them.

What's the difference between black and white chia seeds?

Nutritionally identical. Black seeds are more common; white (or golden) chia has a milder flavor and blends better in light-colored foods.

How do chia seeds help with hydration?

Chia absorbs 12x its weight in water, slowly releasing it during digestion. Runners use chia gel for sustained hydration during long events.

Track Chia Seeds with CalorieGram

AI-powered nutrition tracking with complete macros and micronutrients