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I’ve been a big fan of chia seeds for a really long time…
I use them in healthy energy bars, chia-kombucha energy drink, and even as an egg replacement.
Why Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are an amazing superfood and a great source of calcium, omega-3s, and antioxidants. They also hold many times their weight in water, creating a natural “gel” that provides energy and nutrition.
Legend has it that they were used by the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incans as an energy food and for hydration. They were nicknamed “Indian Running Food” for their supposed ability to help warriors and athletes maintain energy and hydration during long and strenuous activity.
Chia Seed Squeeze Pouches:
My children love chia seeds and especially love these Mamma Chia squeeze pouches, but they are expensive (almost $2 each) and not ideal when I need 1-2 per child per snack.
When I found reusable silicone squeeze pouches, I realized we could make our own for a fraction of the cost of buying pre-made, and avoid all of the waste of the disposable pouches as well. Silicon can be somewhat controversial for food use, but this post details why I feel comfortable using them at room temperature like this.
Bonus: the pouches are no-mess and have been mess-tested by my two year old.
We’ve had fun experimenting with flavors and different types of juice to make different “chia squeezes” and these are now a favorite summer snack at our house. We even figured out how to make these into popsicles (recipe soon).
Supplies You’ll Need
- Reusable silicone pouches
- Chia seeds
- Organic juice of choice
- Water
- A bottle or pitcher for mixing
Flavor Variations
- Cherry and lime (with tart cherry juice)
- Strawberry lemon
- Pomegranate
- Green (with green juices)
- Orange mango (equal parts orange and mango juices)
- Pineapple lime
- Any other combination you can think of
Chia Seed Squeeze Pouches Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups unsweetened fruit juice
- ¼ cup lemon or lime juice optional
- ¼ cup organic chia seeds
- sweetener of choice optional
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a pitcher or mason jar.
- Let sit in the refrigerator overnight so that the chia seeds can hydrate and create a natural gel.
- Pour into pouches and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
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What is your favorite recipe that uses chia seeds? Share below!
Sounds interesting and refreshing for summer! I add chia seeds or sometimes flax seeds to my Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie. It’s low sugar but still rich and yummy.
Those pouches are awesome but there are more economical options out there as well like these:
https://www.target.com/p/kiinde-40pk-foodii-pouches/-/A-15323093
I know y’all were on the Cure Tooth Decay Diet for a while and you still don’t eat many grains or nuts. Do you know how much phytic acid is in chia seed? I haven’t found any information on them. I have read, though, that seeds are higher in phytic acid than both nuts and grains. What are your thoughts?
To argue that some plant foods are “unhealthy” because of their phytic acid content seems mistaken, especially when phytic acid’s potential negative effects on mineral assimilation may be offset by its health benefits.
So yummy! Did blueberry pomengranite juice with a little bit of lemon. Loved it, thanks for sharing!
What a great idea. Can I sub water with kefir water for added probiotic boost?
I haven’t tried…
I plan to try a batch with coconut water.
I am not big on fruit juices however it seem that green food juice would work with the same quality and value…
Can you just use a regular cup for this instead of buying the containers in the recipe? Maybe a cup and straw? Or a cup with a standard lid on it? Thoughts? My kids are old enough that they don’t really need a “leak proof” cup
Wonderful idea!! I have questions on chia seeds.. How do you soak them to remove phytic acid since they turn gelly you can’t really soak n rinse them? I’m new to soaking nuts and seeds. 🙂
Ohhhh I’m going to try this!! My son loves squeeze pouches, and we just bought some reusable ones. I haven’t used chia seeds in awhile, need to go to the store and get some! Thanks for the great recipe!
Amazing!!! Truly! Will try…but how many pouches are needed for this recipe? Also, chia seeds okay for little ones…like 16 months?
I’ve given it to mine, but check with your pediatrician if concerned…
Why is this not pin-able? I really like this post and would like to be able to save it on Pinterest but it only saves a link to the photo. ?