Juice with Chia Seeds

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

One mini watermelon, a bunch of fresh mint, and one lime on a gray backdrop.

Watermelon contains about 92% water, which makes it an excellent hydrating food. It's nutrient-rich and is a good source of antioxidants, including lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. These compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, certain cancers, and inflammation. Watermelon is relatively low in calories and naturally cholesterol-free.

Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, providing both soluble and insoluble fiber, which supports digestive health, regulates blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness. They are also a source of plant-based protein and contain all nine essential amino acids. Chia seeds can absorb large amounts of liquid, forming a gel-like consistency. This property can help maintain hydration. This is especially beneficial when you are physically active.

Lime juice adds a slight tang, and citrusy quality to this watermelon drink recipe.

Fresh mint brightens the flavor and adds a herbal freshness.

Add a dash of Tajin if you have some on hand. It is a popular Mexican seasoning blend known for its unique flavor profile. It is primarily made from a combination of chili peppers, lime, and salt.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🍉 Substitutions

Watermelon - instead of watermelon, try adding gelled chia seeds to cantaloupe, apple, orange, or a different fruit juice of your choice

Lime - use lemon zest and juice instead and make a watermelon lemonade

Tajin - Tajin is the perfect seasoning for fresh fruit. Add some to this juice for a kick.

Tequila or white rum - add a splash of alcohol as desired

Mint - omit as desired

Salt - add a pinch for more flavor

See this naturally sweetened Chia Cocoa Pudding on my website.

📖 How to Make Juice with Chia Seeds

Chia seeds in a measuring jug with water gelling with a black spoon. Plus, one lime and one half watermelon in the background.

Step 1. Gel the chia seeds: Add the chia seeds to 2 cups water. Mix well. Set aside for 10 minutes. Stir frequently so they evenly gel.

Ice cream scoop-sized watermelon pieces in a blender beside one-half watermelon and an ice cream scooper.

Step 2. Scoop the watermelon (or fruit of your choice) and transfer it to a blender.

Scoops of watermelon inside the canister of a blender with mint leaves and lime juice.

Step 3. Blend the watermelon with the lime zest, lime juice, and mint until smooth.

Blended watermelon with chia seeds in a blender with a black spoon.

Step 4. Pour the gelled chia seeds into the blender with the watermelon juice. Pulse a few times until ground and evenly incorporated.

💡 Expert Tips

Use a standard 4-ounce ice cream scoop (#8) to remove the watermelon flesh for ease! Or cut it into 1-inch cubes.

Stir the chia seeds frequently in the water so they gel evenly. Don't use expired seeds as they will fall to the bottom and not gel well.

Find a good quality watermelon. Watermelon juice is only as good as the melon you use! Yellow watermelons have four times as much citrulline!

Storage: Refrigerate any remaining watermelon drink in a pitcher with a lid, or in a thermos, for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

Can I make Chia Seed Juice with pre-ground chia seeds?

Yes! Use two-thirds the amount of ground chia seeds as whole seeds. For this Watermelon Juice with Chia Seeds, mix 3 tablespoons of ground chia seeds into the blended juice and stir well until fully dissolved.

What juice is good with chia seeds?

Watermelon juice is rich in lycopene – a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient along with flavonoids and carotenoids that make it a top choice amongst fruits in the fight against damaging free radicals. You can also use fresh cantaloupe juice, apple juice, orange juice, or a preferred juice of your choice. Store-bought juice will also work.

Do you need a juicer to make juice with chia seeds?

No. A regular blender works perfectly well. Make sure to use a seedless watermelon or fruit of your choice, or remove the seeds and core before blending.

Do chia seeds help with weight loss?

Chia seeds are rich in soluble fiber, which absorbs liquid and forms a gel-like consistency in the stomach. This gel can help increase feelings of fullness and satiety, potentially reducing calorie intake and preventing overeating. This refreshing juice with chia seeds beverage can be consumed throughout the day, potentially helping to curb appetite and support hydration. However, it's important to keep in mind that a balanced diet is the healthiest and that chia water should not be relied upon for weight loss.

📖 Recipe