How to Make a Chia Egg

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Here’s how to make a chia egg with just chia seeds and water. This easy recipe is great for vegan and egg-free baking!

I use flaxseed eggs in a lot of my recipes but chia seed eggs are rarer! But did you know you can also use chia seed to make a vegan egg replacement? It’s worth clarifying that these “eggs” don’t work in all recipes but they are really great for vegan baked goods.

A small ceramic bowl with chia seeds and water mixture. A spoon is lifting some out.

What is a Chia Egg?

A chia egg is a vegan egg substitute in some recipes that is made from water and chia seeds. When combined, they gelatinize and can help bind baked goods together.

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are powerful little seeds! For starters, they are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and have been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases. They’re a good source of antioxidants, plant-based protein and fiber! Learn more about the health benefits of chia seeds.

Ingredients measured out to make a chia egg.

Here’s What You Need

  • chia seeds – black or white chia seeds work! And no need to grind the chia seeds, just use whole chia seeds! Some of my favorite brands are Mamma Chia, Navitas and Bob’s Red Mill.
  • water – the liquid in this mixture.
Side by side photos of chia seeds in a bowl of water, before and after gelling up to make a chia egg.

How to Make a Chia Egg

In a small bowl whisk together chia seeds with water. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it gels up and use as directed in the recipe you’re making.

Do the Chia Seeds Need to be Ground Up?

While you can use ground chia seeds to make a chia egg there is no need to grind the seeds. You can just use whole chia seeds!

A close up of a spoon with chia seed egg above a ramekin.

How to Use Chia Eggs

One traditional egg can be substituted for one chia egg in a lot of baking recipes. I typically like to only use this substitution if the recipe notes that it is okay – sometimes the baked good doesn’t rise as well with an egg substitute, like with brownies for instance. Chia eggs work well when the traditional egg is acting as a binding agent and not the star of the show. If a recipe calls for a flax egg, but you don’t have ground flaxseed on hand you can easily swap in a chia egg instead.

Here are some recipes where you could use chia eggs:

More Staple Recipes to Try

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5 from 3 votes

How to Make a Chia Egg

Here's how to make a chia egg with just chia seeds and water. This easy recipe is great for vegan and egg-free baking!
Prep Time: 1 minute
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
Servings: 1 chia egg

Ingredients  

  • 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
  • 3 Tablespoons water

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl whisk together chia seeds with water. Let mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it gels up and use as directed in the recipe you're making.
    Mixing chia seeds and water together to make a chia seed egg.

Nutrition

Serving: 1chia egg | Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 5g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: How to recipe
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chia egg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @eatingbirdfood and tag #eatingbirdfood!

About Brittany

Hey there, I’m Brittany, the creator of Eating Bird Food, cookbook author, health coach and mama of two littles. Here you’ll find quick and easy recipes that make healthy fun and enjoyable for you and your family!

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made the Chocolate pudding, and added several springs of mint. The blender mixed it in quite well. Excellent recipe.