Storing Chia Seeds – Everything You Need To Know

If you have recently stocked up on some chia seeds for sprinkling on your breakfast or salads, then you might be wondering the best way to store these seeds in order to keep them fresh. 

Chia seeds should typically be stored in an airtight sealed container to keep them away from moisture and bacteria, they can also be stored in the fridge to extend their shelf life.

We’ve discussed in more detail below how long chia seeds last, how to know if they have gone bad, storage methods and the shelf life of popular foods with chia seeds.

How Long Do Chia Seeds Last? 

Chia seeds have a very long shelf life and can be stored for a long period of time in the pantry as long as they are in an airtight container, on average you’re looking at a lifespan of around 2 years however some have a best before one year date. 

When chia seeds are stored out of the kitchen cupboard in a dry container in the fridge, they could last up to four years or more! 

How Do I Know If My Chia Seeds Have Gone Bad?

It takes a long time for chia seeds to go rancid, but direct heat sources like the sun or moisture can force chia seeds to go bad quickly even if they have been stored in an airtight container since they need to be kept at a constant temperature to remain fresh. 

Look for the following signs to see if your chia seeds have gone bad. 

• Bad odour – If you notice a bad smell when opening your airtight container of chia seeds it’s best to chuck them away, this could happen when the rancid chia seeds have been exposed to high temperatures for long periods.
• Visible mould – If you can see any mould inside of your chia seeds this likely means that the mouldy seeds have been in contact with moisture.
• Bitter taste – These dry seeds should not have a strong bitter taste when consumed, chia seeds normally have no discernible taste.
• Infestation – Look for any bugs inside your chia seeds, if your plastic storage container was not air sealed it can be easy for these types of seeds to become infested.
• They are wet – As soon as your chia seeds get wet it’s best to throw them away and buy a fresh pack of chia seeds before they start to form mould.

The Best Storage Methods For Chia Seeds

To store your chia seeds for a long time and use them in a variety of recipes you want to make sure you are storing them properly, we’ve listed the three best storage option choices down below to try out.

• In the freezer – For extra-long term storage, you can store your chia seeds in a single container inside of the freezer.
• Inside the pantry – Chia seeds can be stored in a container or pantry bags inside your pantry as long as they are air sealed.
• Fridge – When stored in a see-through container, we suggest keeping chia seeds in the fridge to help them remain at a constant temperature and you will end up using them more rather than them being tucked away in your pantry. 

Should I Store Chia Seeds In The Fridge?

Chia seeds do not need to be stored in the fridge and are perfectly fine to keep in the pantry, the only advantage of putting your chia seeds in the fridge is that they can last a little longer since the fridge remains at a constant temperature.

Just ensure the chia seeds will not be exposed to any moisture inside the fridge.

Chia Foods & Shelf Life

Chia seeds can be mixed into a variety of baked goods and other recipes such as chia pudding, all with different storage needs and expiry dates. 

We’ve listed some popular foods with chia seeds down below along with their suggested storage and lifespans. 

• Overnight chia seed oats – Overnight chia seed oats make a healthy and filling breakfast for the next day, they can last for around 3 days and then store in an airtight container.
• Chia seed biscuits – Chia seed biscuits will last for around a week max when stored in an airtight container.
• Chia seed pudding – These puddings need to be stored in the fridge in an airtight container and can last around 3-4 days.
• Chia seed bread – This bread is best stored in the freezer if you want it to last for a long time and can last for around 3 weeks, when stored at room temperature it will start to dry out pretty quickly and last for around 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Storing Chia Seeds 

Which type of seeds has a long shelf life? 

Chia seeds, flax seeds and sunflower seeds all have a fairly long shelf life as long as they are kept in an airtight container and are not exposed to moisture.

How long do raw sunflower seeds last? 

Raw sunflower seeds will last around 2-3 months when stored in a sealed container.

How should I store raw hemp seeds?

Raw hemp seeds have a shelf life of up to 14 months and are best stored in the fridge in a sealed container.

Final Words

Overall, chia seeds should be stored in a sealed container away from moisture and temperature change, this can be in the pantry for around 1-2 years or in the fridge for up to 4 years, just ensure they are not exposed to moisture.

If your chia seeds show any signs of mold, or have a bitter taste or a rancid smell then throw them away.