Can Chia Seeds Go Bad?

Chia seeds are a superfood that can provide many health benefits. They can be added to smoothies, yogurt, or cereal, or they can be eaten on their own. Chia seeds can also be used in baking recipes.

Can chia seeds go bad? Chia seeds can go bad if they are not stored improperly. If chia seeds are stored in a humid or moist environment, they can grow mold or mildew. Chia seeds can also go bad if they are exposed to light or heat for too long.

The best way to store chia seeds is in a dark, cool, and dry place. Chia seeds can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It is important to store chia seeds properly so that they stay fresh and do not go bad.

Let’s explore why chia seeds may go bad, the best ways to store chia seeds, and find out how long they may last in different situations.

Causes Why Chia Seeds Go Bad

For different reasons and in different situations, chia seeds may go bad. Some of them are:

• The oil in chia seeds contributes to their spoilage. The fatty acids in the oil can turn into trans fats, which can be harmful to your health.
• If chia seeds are not stored properly, they can go rancid.
• Another reason chia seeds can go bad is moisture and humidity. If chia seeds are stored in a humid or moist environment, they can grow mold or mildew.
• Chia seeds can also go bad if they are exposed to light or heat for too long.

LEARN MORE: Can Chili Be Frozen?

Chia Seeds Going Bad in Different Situations

Chia seeds may stay good in some situations, and in some situations, they may totally spoil. Now that we know some of the reasons why chia seeds can go bad, let’s explore how long they may last in different situations.

Soaked in Water

When the covers of chia seeds are soaked in water, they split and form gelatinous shells. The shells now taste fantastic, but there is no longer any protection for the seeds.

Chia seeds that have been soaked can only be kept in the fridge for five days. Before soaking your seeds, split them into appropriate amounts. You can soak chia seeds overnight, but they need to be refrigerated.

Best-to-Use Duration For Chia Seeds

Source: lacademie.com

After the expiration date

Chia seeds can last after the expiration date if they are stored properly. The expiration date is only an estimate of how long the seeds will last.

Refrigerator

Chia seeds can be stored in the fridge for up to two years and chia seeds can be stored in the freezer for up to four years.

Opened Package

If you have an opened package of chia seeds, they can last for up to six months if stored properly.

Chia Meal

When it comes to chia meals, it’s important to remember that they have a significantly shorter shelf life, lasting only four weeks in the pantry. Chia meals, on the other hand, may be frozen and consumed for up to two years, which isn’t awful!

Chia Flour

When stored in a cold, dry environment, it has a shelf life of around 24 months. The maximum storage temperature is 20 degrees Celsius, with a maximum relative humidity of 60%.

Chia Pudding

Chia pudding can last in the fridge for up to five days to seven days. But this also depends on the shelf life of other ingredients used in a chia pudding.

 Source: eatbydate.com

Signs of Chia Seeds Gone Bad

If chia seeds are bad, you will notice some signs.

• Mold: Mold will grow in a matter of days if water gets into the package containing chia seeds or flour. And, as you may be aware, if the seeds have mold on them, they should be discarded.
• Pantry bugs: We’ve had pantry bugs. The seeds are doomed if there are any in the packet. It’s also a good idea to look through the rest of the pantry for pests and get rid of them all.
• Rancid aroma: Because chia seeds contain oil, they have the potential to go rancid. Instead of the usual light nutty aroma, discard them if they have a musty or off aroma.
• Seeds are clumping together: When chia seeds are fresh, they should be separate from each other. If they are clumping together, this is a sign that they have gone bad.
• Bitter taste: If the chia seeds taste bitter, this is another sign that they have gone bad and should be discarded.

The seeds may also have a slimy texture or they may be hard. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the chia seeds.

Storing Chia Seeds

Chia seeds can be kept in the pantry or in a kitchen cabinet, depending on your preference. Simply keep the bag out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.

Chia seeds are usually packaged in a resealable plastic bag. If that’s the case with your seeds, keep using them after you’ve opened the packet.

Consider putting the seeds into an airtight container or a freezer bag if you can’t close the bag. Also, ensure sure the bag or container is kept closed after each usage.

The guidelines are practically the same whether it comes to chia flour or powdered chia seeds (which are typically marketed together with flaxseed powder).

That means you should always keep the powder properly wrapped and stored in a cool, dry location.

Transfer the remainder to an airtight container or freezer bag if you can’t reseal the flour bag.

Keep homemade chia pudding and other chia goodies in the refrigerator at all times.

When storing chia seeds, it is important to make sure that they are in an airtight container. This will help to keep them fresh for longer.

The Risks of Having Expired Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are safe to eat even if they have beyond their expiry date. The most serious danger is a flavor that is no longer appealing to eat.

However, there are certain hazards associated with consuming too much chia seeds. More than two tablespoons of seeds per day might cause digestive issues, blood thinning, and low blood pressure.

Chia seeds may cause an allergic response if you are sensitive to mint. Swelling, watery eyes, a runny nose, and breathing issues are among the symptoms that might occur depending on the severity of the response.

Conclusion

Chia seeds can go bad, but they will still be safe to consume after the expiration date. The main risk is that the seeds will have an unpleasant flavor.

If you are concerned about the safety of chia seeds, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional.

It’s crucial to keep chia seeds in an airtight container. This will help them stay fresh for a longer period of time.