Having fun with Chia Seeds ~ homemade drinks full of superfood goodness

I came across a unique drink one day while I was in Whole Foods, from the company ~ Mamma Chia.  Jewel-toned, fruit juice flavored beverages, that are a bit strange looking...because they're full of the superfood ~ chia seeds.  The drink comes in a variety of fruit juice flavors and I decided to give it a try.  My thoughts on the drink...it has an interesting, 'almost-melted jello-like' texture (because of the coating the chia seeds make from swelling in the juice), a light crunch (due to all the tiny seeds), and a nice fruit juice flavor.  It's probably not a drink that everyone would enjoy, (because of the 'texture', my son wouldn't try it) but I liked it.

As I was going through some of  my old food photos, I found some pictures I took of the drink bottles.  Well, that made me want to have some more, so I decided to try making my own spin.  I decided to made a fruit juice version and a yogurt version.  My drinks didn't come out as colorful and pretty as Mamma Chia's because I used dark chia seeds.  As the seeds rehydrated, they ended up giving the fruit juice version a dull, grayish cast.  The dark seed color slowly faded into the fruit juice, but the flavor/texture was similar.  (Mamma Chia must use white chia seeds for their beverages)  So, if you're interested in enjoying your chia seeds in a new way, consider 'drinking' them.  It's a simple way to get more of this superfood into your diet.  :)

Fruit Juice with Chia Seeds

one serving

It started out a pretty color, but it lost it's hue as the chia seeds swelled...

Ingredients

• 4oz. of your favorite fruit juice
• 2/3 cup cold water
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds

Directions

Combine all ingredients in bottle, shake well.  Keep bottle in fridge until all seeds have rehydrated, about an hour. Shake before serving.  Enjoy.

Vanilla Yogurt Drink with Chia Seeds

one serving

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup cold water
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt (optional)
• stevia or other sweetener, to taste

Directions
Combine all ingredients in bottle, shake well.  Keep in fridge until all seeds have rehydrated, about an hour.  Shake well before serving.  Enjoy.

Chocolate Yogurt Drink with Chia Seeds
one serving

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup cold water
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 Tbsp cocoa powder (mixed in a little hot water until all lumps are gone)
• pinch of salt (optional)
• stevia or other sweetener, to taste

Directions
Combine all ingredients in bottle, shake well.  Keep in fridge until all seeds have rehydrated, about an hour.  Shake well before serving. Enjoy.