Chia seeds are an amazing superfood – they’re highly nutritious, easy to incorporate into your diet, and can help support your overall health. But with their newfound popularity, it seems there are literally hundreds of products available online, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which one is right for you. There are many factors, like quality and sourcing, certifications, and packaging, among others, that decide whether or not the chia seeds you buy online are good or not. In this article, we will help you understand how you can ensure that you get nothing but the best chia seeds from an online source.

Variety of Chia seeds

Black chia seeds are the most common type of chia seed. 

• They were the first variety of chia seeds introduced to the market and are still the most popular. Black chia seeds have a mild, nutty flavour that is similar to poppy seeds, making them versatile and easy to incorporate into a variety of recipes.
• Similar in nutritional makeup to the white variety of chia seeds, black ones are a good source of healthy Omega-3 fats and fibre. Their main difference is the seed coat. Black chia seeds have a slightly stronger taste but are less noticeable, especially when using ingredients like lemon or lime. Some people also prefer it when making baked goods, as they’re darker in colour, so it doesn’t show up as much in recipes that call for chocolate for example.
• Widely available: It’s likely you’ll find black chia seeds at your local grocery store more easily than white chia seeds since they are more commonly used in recipes.

White Chia seeds

• White seeds have slightly more protein and antioxidants than the black variety.
• Slightly milder flavour: White chia seeds are said to have a milder flavour.
• Aesthetic appeal: Some people prefer white chia seeds as they find a neutral colour better when it comes to dishes, particularly those that are of lighter hues, like puddings or smoothies.

Why it matters: If you know the chia seed varieties, then it will be easy for you to decide which one to go for as per your dietary and culinary needs.

Check for quality certifications

When you buy chia seeds online, make sure that the product you are buying has certain quality certifications. These certifications are an assurance of the standard, safety, and authenticity of the product.

Key certifications

• USDA organic or equivalent. Indicates that chia seeds were grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
• Non-GMO verified. This means the product does not contain any genetically modified ingredients.
• Fair trade certified. It is important the seeds are sourced ethically and the farmers are paid a fair wage.

Why it matters: Certifications are a way to provide confidence that the chia seeds are meeting specific standards of quality and sustainability and can help guide your purchase in a more meaningful way.

Read the ingredient list

Pristine chia seed packages will come with one ingredient: chia seeds. Some products, however, may include additives, preservatives, or even sugar that can reduce the health gains.

What to look for: The label should read “chia seeds” and not have any other added ingredients in the product.

Why it matters: You want to make sure you’re buying pure, high-quality chia seeds – not chia seeds with added ingredients that could potentially lower their nutritional profile.

Check the origin and sourcing

The quality of chia seeds often comes down to where they’re sourced. Chia seeds are native to Central and South America – mainly, areas of Mexico, Argentina and Peru where they have historically been harvested.

What to consider

• Country of origin. Choose a chia seed product that is sourced from an area known for growing quality seeds.
• Ethical sourcing. Look for brands that are focused on ethical and sustainable farming practices, meaning the chia seeds are being grown responsibly.

Why it matters: Sourcing from reputable regions and brands means you’re getting chia seeds that are not only nutritious but also produced with a mindset of respect for the environment and the communities that farm them.

Review product packaging

Packaging of chia seeds is an important thing to keep its freshness and nutrients protected. Packaging saves chia seeds from moisture, light, and air that can spoil or make them lose their power.

Packaging tips

• Airtight sealing. Opt for a product that has resealable packaging so that you can store chia seeds in an airtight container after opening.
• Opaque packaging. Also ensure that the packaging is such that it protects the seeds from being exposed to light, as it can degrade some of the nutrients.
• Bulk vs small packs. If you use chia seeds frequently, bulk packs can be more cost-effective but check whether the packaging is good enough to keep it fresh.

Why it matters: Proper packaging helps maintain the quality of chia seeds and also increases their shelf life, allowing you to derive maximum benefits from your purchase.

Look for customer reviews and ratings

One of the easiest ways to learn about the quality, taste, and reliability of a chia seed product is by reading what other customers have to say. Check out reviews on the seller’s site or do a quick search before you decide.

What to look for

• Consistent positive feedback. Look for overall satisfaction in respect of quality, taste, and packaging.
• Specific mentions of quality issues. Be on the lookout for complaints about things like freshness, foreign particles, or misleading labelling. 
• Brand reputation. Look for brands that have a good reputation for producing high-quality, satisfied customers.

Why it matters: Reviews and ratings are a reality check from other consumers. Don’t waste your time on subpar products when there is likely a better one out there.

Takeaway

Purchasing chia seeds online is a great option to include this superfood in your diet, but you must make an informed decision to get the best quality. Knowing about different types of chia seeds, looking for quality certifications, reading the ingredient list, and keeping parameters like packaging and customer reviews in mind will help you make the right choice for high nutritional value. The apt choice should be pure, well-sourced, and should suit your dietary requirements to help you obtain all the benefits from this super powerful food.

Adam Mulligan, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.