Chia Seeds

SPECIFICATION OF CHIA SEEDS

Source and Origin of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are derived from the Salvia hispanica plant, a member of the mint family, long used in Central American diets. Once nearly forgotten, chia has made a strong comeback in global food markets due to its nutritional profile and adaptability. Today, chia is cultivated extensively in South America and Australia, ensuring year-round supply and consistent quality.

Uses of Chia Seeds

Thanks to their neutral taste, high absorbency, and excellent binding properties, chia seeds are widely used in:

• Baked goods – as an egg substitute or fat replacer in gluten-free and vegan recipes

• Breakfast cereals, muesli, and bars – boosting omega-3 content and fiber

• Dairy and fruit beverages – enhancing texture and nutritional value

• Ready meals, sauces, and dressings – as a natural thickener or emulsifier

• Plant-based snacks and spreads – valued for protein and fiber content

In food processing, chia seeds also serve as foam stabilizers, binders, and suspending agents due to their unique gel-forming mucilage.

Nutritional Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are one of the most nutrient-dense foods per calorie, making them ideal for functional food production:

• ~9.8g of fiber per 28g serving – supports digestion and satiety

• ~5g of ALA Omega-3 fatty acids – promotes cardiovascular and cognitive health

• ~4.7g of protein – includes all essential amino acids

• High in phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron

• Excellent source of antioxidants – including quercetin, chlorogenic and caffeic acids

• Naturally gluten-free and allergen-friendly

These features support consumer demand for healthier, plant-based ingredients in everyday foods.

Organic vs. Conventional Chia Seeds

• Organic chia is grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs, offering a clean-label option ideal for natural and organic brands.

• Conventional chia allows the use of modern agriculture, often providing higher yields and lower costs – perfect for high-volume or price-sensitive markets.

• While protein content may vary slightly between the two, organic seeds often deliver a better essential amino acid profile and improved techno-functional properties in processed foods.

Quality Control and Functional Properties

At Seedea, we partner only with verified suppliers who meet rigorous food safety standards such as FSSC 22000, BRC, or IFS. All chia seeds are:

• Cleaned, tested, and certified for food use

• Stored and shipped under strict hygiene and traceability controls

• Offered in packaging tailored to industrial needs

Chia seeds remain stable under processing conditions and are approved in the EU as a novel food, with usage limits set at up to 15g per portion in most food categories to ensure safe consumption.

We provide:

• Chia Seeds – Conventional and Organic

• Origin: Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Australia

• Packaging: 25 kg paper bags or 750–1000 kg big bags

• Minimum order: 12 tons

• EU-compliant specification, nutritional values, and lab test results available