Chia seeds have obtained superfood status for good reason. These little seeds pack a powerful punch by providing a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, and beneficial fiber. But, their biggest claim to fame is their gel-forming abilities, expanding up to 27x their weight when mixed with liquid. This helps to slow digestion, making chia seeds a wonderful addition to your daily diet.

We’ve compiled three simple and delicious recipes so you can easily add chia seeds to your daily life!

Chia seed pudding is a popular breakfast recipe, and it’s no wonder why – it tastes just like dessert! All it takes is three ingredients: any milk of your choice, chia seeds, and your choice of sweetener.

Use this basic Chia Seed pudding recipe from the Minimalist Baker:

Ingredients
0.75 ¾ cups dairy-free milk (use higher-fat milks for creamier, thicker pudding, such as coconut and cashew).
1/4 cup chia seeds
½ – 1 tbsp maple syrup, or to taste
½ tsp vanilla extract

Directions
1. In a bowl, whisk together dairy-free milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
2. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least six hours). The chia pudding should be thick and creamy. If not, add more chia seeds, stir, and refrigerate for another hour or so.
3. Enjoy as is, or layer with compote, or fresh fruit. Will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to five days.

With this basic recipe and a little creativity, you can make dozens of variations. Try toppings like nuts, fresh berries, Cacao Nibs, and shredded coconut, or adding Cacao Powder for a chocolatey twist!

This smoothie from The Endless Meal is a sweet and delicious treat with no dairy or sugar added, and an easy way to add a little extra protein and fiber to your diet:

Ingredients
1 ¼ cups water
1 tbsp chia seeds
½ cup toasted almonds
2 tbsps cocoa powder
4 Medjool dates, pitted
1 frozen banana

Directions
Put the chia seeds and water in your blender, and let them sit for five minutes without blending.
Add the toasted almonds (reserve a few if you’d like some for garnish), cocoa powder, Medjool dates, and the frozen banana. Blend on high for 30 seconds, or until your smoothie is smooth.
3. Enjoy!

Toasting Almonds
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Place the almonds on a baking sheet, and bake them for 6-8 minutes, or until they’re golden.

This three-ingredient chia strawberry jam from The Busy Baker is a healthy alternative to conventional, sugar-packed jam:

Ingredients
1 lb fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
3 tbsp honey (or more, to taste)
2 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions
1. Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the strawberries, and honey.
2. As the strawberries begin to soften, stir them around in their juices and the honey.
3. Once the berries have softened to the point that they're starting to fall apart, use a potato masher or fork to break them up even more.
4. Let the mixture come to a slow boil, stirring frequently. Once you see some big bubbles break the surface, add the chia seeds.
5. The chia seeds will help the jam achieve a gelatinous texture while also adding fibre, protein and healthy omega-3s.
6. Continue stirring the mixture over low heat for about 15 minutes, then remove the pan from the stove.
7. Let the jam cool to room temperature in the jar, then store in the fridge for a few hours to achieve the perfect texture.
8. Enjoy on toast, gluten-free crackers or scones, or over yogurt and ice cream.

Are Chia Seeds a superfood you already enjoy? Link your favorite recipes below.