Quick Summary
What did ConsumerLab’s tests of chia seeds find?
ConsumerLab purchased popular brands of chia seeds (whole and ground) and tested their levels of nutrients and potential contaminants. Two products were found to be spoiled (based on high mold counts) and were therefore NOT APPROVED, although no pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella, were found. Heavy metal levels were very low, but one product contained much more lead than others. All products contained their claimed nutrients, including fiber, and one was found to provide significantly more protein than listed (see How Products Were Evaluated). The cost of getting 30 grams of chia seed ranged from 35 cents to $1.66 and was highest for ground seed (see What CL Found).
Which are the best chia seed products?
Among the products APPROVED for quality, CL selected a Top Pick for whole chia seed and for ground chia seed representing superior quality and value
Products tested include whole, organic chia seeds from 365 (Whole Foods), BetterBody Foods, Bob’s Red Mill, Great Value (Walmart), Mayorga Organics, Navitas Organics, and Trader Joe’s, as well as ground, organic chia seeds from Nutiva and Spectrum Essentials.
What is chia seed?
Chia seeds are small, edible seeds that are highly nutritious. and particularly rich in fiber (which forms an edible gel when the seeds are added to liquid). They are also a good source of healthful oils (particularly the omega-3 fatty acid ALA) and a range of minerals and vitamins (see What It Is).
What does chia seed do?
Although highly nutritious, taking chia as a supplement has not been proven to prevent or treat any health condition (see What It Does).
Chia safety and side effects:
Chia seeds readily absorb water and expand, which can make them a choking hazard if consumed dry. Leave chia in liquid for at least 10 minutes before consuming, allowing it to expand. Chia’s high fiber content may cause some gastrointestinal side effects, and the seeds may cause allergic reactions in some people. Salmonella contamination has occurred in chia seed products, so ConsumerLab tested all products for Salmonella and other pathogenic organisms (see Concerns and Cautions).
See our separate Reviews of Flaxseed, Hemp Seed, and Sunflower Seed products.
