This $5.39 Aldi Find Elevates All Of My Morning Meals

The older I get, the more I find myself taking that “apple a day” advice to heart. But as a 20-something navigating adulthood on a budget, I also believe the simpler the grocery list, the better. I’m all about low-effort meals that are quick to prepare and satisfying—because who wants to overcomplicate food during a busy week? One item that has made all of my mornings easier and my breakfasts more lively is the Simply Nature Chia Seeds from Aldi. These tiny powerhouses helped add extra energy and nutrients to meals I was already eating. Chia seeds are also incredibly versatile—perfect for whipping up a quick chia pudding or tossing into a smoothie. Since adding them into my weekly meal-prep routine, eating mindfully has felt a lot more effortless—and that’s a win in my book.

What Are Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds, those tiny black or white specks (around the size of a sesame seed) you normally find in a jar or bag, come from the plant Salvia hispanica L. These seeds have been a staple in Native American diets for centuries, but they’ve recently gained popularity in the U.S. for their nutritional profile. Chia seeds are known for being packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They also have incredible water-absorbing capabilities, making them easy to blend and mix into other meals. 

In my experience, chia seeds are virtually flavorless, but that makes me love them even more. It’s a quick and simple way to add extra nutrition to my breakfasts without interrupting the flavor of the foods and drinks I love.

Why Aldi's Chia Seeds Reign Supreme

I wanted to try chia seeds for the longest time, but when I went to the grocery store and saw their hefty price tag, I would always leave them on the shelf. That’s why Aldi’s 12-ounce bag of chia seeds was a game changer for me. It’s priced at $5.39, making it stand out amongst the other chia seed products on the market, which typically range from $7 to $13 for the same amount. 

Not to mention, with chia seeds, a little goes a long way. I’ve been working on the same bag for several months, and it gives me peace of mind knowing I won’t have to replace it anytime soon.

How I Use Chia Seeds

Since chia seeds are loaded with fiber, it's best to start small and to use them conservatively, (not exceeding two tablespoons per day). With that being said, once you get a bag of them in your pantry, the breakfast possibilities are endless.

• Make a chia pudding: Perhaps the most popular use of chia seeds, chia pudding is a cost-effective, easily-customizable breakfast that you can prepare the night before. I like to purèe a mixture of strawberries, yogurt, almond milk, and a touch of maple syrup, then hand-stir in one or two tablespoons of chia seeds. After chilling in the fridge for at least four to eight hours, the chia seeds soften in the mixture, creating a rich, creamy texture similar to tapioca pudding.
• Add them to overnight oats: To make overnight oats, you simply soak old-fashioned rolled oats in your milk of choice and mix in your favorite toppings. I like to sprinkle a teaspoon of chia seeds into my oats. Some of my favorite overnight oat combinations include: chocolate and banana, peaches and granola, and even peanut butter and jam.
• Toss them in a smoothie: Smoothies with chia are great for busy mornings (and they’re pretty to look at too). Because chia seeds don’t really have a taste to them, you can put them into any smoothie or shake you desire. I recommend a mango chia or a strawberry banana chia smoothie.