Do Chia Seeds Expire
By the time chia seeds go bad but not really. They last 1-2 years in the pantry, while 3 to 4 years in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them for more than 10 years. Chia seeds last longer because of their antioxidants, whereas other seeds lack them.
The best-by date is usually established 2 years after processing at most manufacturers, so because chia seeds are best for at least 2-4 years when stored correctly, that labeling usually provides for 2 more years past that best-by date. Chia seeds have really long shelf lives, so as long as you keep your packets stored correctly, your seeds are probably safe for eating. With proper storage, chia seeds last for a very long time, usually about two years in a pantry, or longer if kept refrigerated or frozen.
Many consumers find chia seeds to last long past their printed expiration dates, and in general, chia seeds are shelf-stable for 2+ years. Chia seeds do not spoil, even if stored for years, but you cannot keep them from diminishing in quality as they age. Specifically, due to their high antioxidant content, you can expect them to last years, if stored correctly. Chia seeds can even be stored in your freezer, in a sealed freezer bag, if you really want to prolong their lifespan even longer.
As long as you keep your soaked chia seeds covered and in the fridge, the water-soaked chia seeds (that formed the gel) should last for at least five days to one week, but they are likely fine for up to two weeks. Because chia seeds cover absorbs water quickly, submerging chia seeds in milk or water for several hours (or overnight) may create a pudding-like texture in the seeds, making them an excellent binding agent to hold baked goods together, such as in these coconut-chia-oat crisps. Chia seeds are an excellent addition to any diet, providing fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese, selenium, and vitamin B1. Chia seeds are packed with omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, amino acids, magnesium, minerals, fiber, digestible protein, and as a bonus, chia seeds are gluten-free.
In fact, one ounce of chia seeds equals approximately 10 grams of fiber, making them a perfect food choice for those looking to lose a little weight, reduce their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improve their digestive health. Chia seeds have a long history among Native Americans of the Southern United States, Mexico, and Central America, having been a staple crop since the time of the Incas, where they were used for food, ceremonies, and medicine. We will also find out what chia seeds are, what chia seeds taste like, where they are derived, how to eat chia seeds, how long chia seeds last, as well as how to store chia seeds, their health and nutritional benefits, and shelf life.
| Signs | |
| Taste | They have a bitter taste when they expire |
| Mold | Mold starts to grow on them |
| Lumps | The chia seeds will start lumping |
While you can increase their shelf life by keeping them refrigerated, and will make them last longer, you do not have to. It is not a use-by date, just an indication of how long seeds will last in good quality.
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The producer always prints a best-quality-by date on the product, but seeds stay edible well past this time. As we discussed before, most companies use the best-by date, so even though their seeds might have passed this date, that does not mean that the seeds are really bad. If your seeds are past their best by date, then you will want to check them, as mentioned earlier, before consuming. A general rule of thumb is to remember the best by date, and continue tasting seeds every few weeks.
If your seeds are passing the look, smell, and feel tests, you may want to sample some to make sure they are still fresh. If your seeds smell bad, taste bitter, or have signs of growing on them, then you are better off taking a safe approach and throwing out your whole container of seeds. If you notice seeds sticking to the walls, one on top of another, or a majority sticking to the bottom, toss them out.
In case you really do notice anything wrong, you are better off taking no chances and simply throwing away the seeds. If the seeds smell bitter, it is best to throw them out immediately, since eating the off-flavor could lead to bad effects on your stomach. If you pick some seeds by hand and find that they are slimy and sticking on your fingers, then they are expired and are not safe anymore. Just make sure you keep the seeds airtight in an enclosure to keep the humidity out, and keep the seeds from picking up any lingering smells from the refrigerator.
Keeping seeds in a freezer or fridge is actually a common seed and nuts storage practice, and it keeps seeds and nuts fresher longer. The advantage for plants is you always have fresh seeds, the quality of which you can trust.
You can split your seed packets up into smaller quantities, which you will defrost each month or every other month. This means if you leave the package sitting in your pantry for three years, the seeds are still probably edible. You can preserve seeds like this by freezing it for a day or two, then cleaning out any bugs once it has thawed.
If you are getting Chia plants or seeds for growing on your own, you will want to ask the conditions under which your young plants would do well. If you freeze seeds that are moist, have been soaked, or have been washed, you can expect to end up with a gelled chia seed instead of crispy dried seeds. Chia gel only stays fresh in your pantry for 2 hours, but if you store it refrigerated or frozen, it stays fresh for 2-3 weeks. If you decide to keep your chia gel at room temperature, you are best off eating within one or two hours.
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It is important to store your chia seeds in a sealed container, which is best placed in a dark area, away from direct sunlight, in a dry area, and away from sources of heat, so moisture does not get in and spoilage does not occur. Chia and flax seeds should be stored in a refrigerator to prolong their lives, and to keep their volatile oils from becoming rancid or from oxidizing.
How do you know if chia seeds are expired?
If there is a bitter taste, your chia seeds have gone rancid and should be thrown out. Some regard chia seeds as slightly nutty, while others discover no discernable flavor. It is important to store your chia seeds in a sealed container and in a dark area
Is it safe to eat expired chia seeds?
Chia seeds are quite safe to consume even if you eat them well beyond their expiration date. However, you may notice changes in smell, and the bitter taste may make them less appetizing and flavorful. But as far as health is concerned, expired chia seeds are safe to consume for a relatively extended period.
How long are chia seeds good for after expiration date?
Chia seeds usually have an expiration date of 1-2 years when they are processed and packaged by manufacturers. However, if stored properly, they can last for a further 3-4 years beyond the best-by date, making them perfectly safe to consume during this time duration.