Chia Seed Green Tea

Chia seed green tea is a fun way to add seeds and texture to regular iced green tea. Add lemon slices or customize however you like to add additional flavors to your tea. This is a refreshing drink any time of year, as an afternoon treat or to enjoy with lunch or dinner.

this recipe

I fell in love with chia seeds a few years ago. I had a berry lemonade at True Food Kitchen and it had chia seeds floating in it. At the time, I had no idea what I was drinking, but later realized the weird floating seeds were chia seeds!

Since then, I've loved having chia seeds in my drinks. I drink chia seed water almost every day. And I love making this chia seed lemonade. My new favorite thing though? Chia seed green tea.

Being a Texan, I love iced tea. Being a health-conscious Texan, I drink unsweetened iced green tea. And now? Chia seed iced green tea.

I have to admit this drink it's for everyone. Some people are not a fan of the chia seed texture. But if you love chia seeds and tea, you'll love this.

What are chia seeds?

Chia seeds are tiny seeds that are high in fiber and omega-3s. They are tiny (about the same size as sesame seeds). Most people add them to smoothies, add them to a liquid like water, or make chia seed pudding.

When you add them to a liquid and let them sit for a couple of hours, they "bloom" and absorb some liquid, so the outside gets a little gel-like. Sounds a bit weird, but I love the texture in water.

Where do you buy chia seeds?

Chia seeds are pretty easy to find these days. You can find them at Trader Joe's, Target, Whole Foods, and probably your local grocery store!

If you have difficulty finding them in your area, you can also purchase from online stores like Amazon.

What type of green tea should I use?

You can use whatever you like! I typically just use plain, unsweetened iced green tea. We make a pitcher to keep in our refrigerator, and then I pour some into another container when I want to make this chia seed green tea.

Customize it:

• I like to add two slices of lemon to my glass of iced tea to add a bit of brightness. (Can swap out out the lemon for limes or oranges).
• Add fresh mint to your glass.
• Want more chia seeds? Double the amount and add 1 teaspoon per cup of iced green tea.
• Like your tea a little sweeter? Add some agave, simple syrup, or honey to your tea.

Instructions:

First, take your brewed iced green tea. Add to a measuring cup or other container you can easily but in your refrigerator.

Measure out your chia seeds. (½ teaspoon chia seeds per 1 cup iced tea). Add your chia seeds to your iced green tea. They will stay on the top.

Stir together until the chia seeds are wet and have been stirred into the tea. (Alternately, you can also add the chia seeds to the glass before adding the tea. Most likely, you will still need to stir to make sure the chia seeds are incorporated and not sticking together.)

Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the chia seeds to "bloom." Pour into your glass with ice and lemon slices.