Is Mamma Chia Healthy (Nutrition Pros and Cons)?
In this blog post, I’ll review whether Mamma Chia is healthy or not? Find out what this product’s nutrition pros and cons are and if it’s worth the money. For most people, Mamma Chia snacks are considered healthy! I’ll also share a copycat Mamma Chia recipe if you want to make your own.
Mamma Chia products are a line of drinks and snacks made primarily with chia seeds. The products are Mamma Chia, LLC, a company founded in 2009 by Janie Hoffman.
The company focuses on creating organic, plant-based foods and beverages that are both nutritious and sustainable.
Mamma Chia products are made for health-conscious consumers who prioritize natural and organic ingredients. They are popular with people seeking plant-based sources of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Mamma Chia Ingredients
Mamma Chia drinks and snacks are organic, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Because of the health benefits of chia seeds, the products are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
Depending on the product and flavor variation, they contain various natural and organic ingredients.
Here are some common ingredients you might find in Mamma Chia products and what they might mean for your health.
Fruit and Vegetable Juice Concentrate
Depending on the flavor variation, Mamma Chia products contain different fruit and vegetable juice concentrates, including banana, apple, strawberry, acai berry, raspberry, blueberry, pomegranate, Jerusalem artichoke, and beet juice concentrate.
Juice concentrates are cheaper alternatives to real juice that don’t spoil quickly and are used to enhance flavor and sweetness naturally.
Some juice concentrates are healthier than others, depending on whether other ingredients are added during processing and the methods used to process the fresh fruit and veggies into concentrates. Some may even provide added nutritional value. However, they are still processed and sometimes contain sweeteners and other additives.
Sweeteners
Besides the two seed options, black and white, Mamma Chia products are sweetened and contain between 3g and 9g of added sugars or natural sugars per serving.
Some of this sugar comes from the fruit concentrate, and some is added cane sugar. The company also uses monk fruit extract or stevia leaf extract as sweeteners, depending on the variation and flavor of the product.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are tiny little seeds known for their health benefits. These tiny seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They also have a high soluble and insoluble fiber content.
When you mix chia seeds with water or other liquids, their soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance. This substance can regulate bowel movements, which can help improve digestive health.
Nutrition Pros
Mamma Chia drinks and snacks are organic, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
Because they contain chia seeds, the products are rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. The seed snacks only have one ingredient: organic seeds, making them a healthy snack.
Some other Mamma Chia snack variations contain added fruits and veggies that boost nutrition. These snacks are a convenient way to boost nutrition for busy people who don’t have the time to make nutritious snacks at home or as an occasional treat.
Throw them into gym bags or backpacks as a convenient snack. I keep them at my bedside if I get the middle-of-the-night munchies!
Nutrition Cons
Mamma Chia products are definitely healthier snack options than regular candy bars, energy drinks, or sodas. They are a convenient way to boost energy in between meals and can help you reach your daily fiber intake.
Still, they are expensive and come packaged, so they’re not the best option for environmentally conscious people due to the plastic packaging.
FAQs
The amount of omega-3 fatty acids in Mamma Chia products can vary depending on the serving size and specific product variant. The Mamma Chia Squeeze snacks contain around 1,200 mg of omega-3s, and the Mamma Chia beverages have 3,400 mg of omega-3s per serving. The brand’s pudding mixes contain 5 g of omega-3s. Chia seeds typically contain around 5 g of ALA per one-ounce (28 g) serving.
Yes, you can! See my recipe below for a nutritious and delicious copycat Mamma Chia recipe!
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Copycat Mamma Chia Recipe
Here’s a simple Mamma Chia copycat recipe that you can make at home. Serve it in a bowl or glass. To take it on the road, simply pour it into a portable container of your choice. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
- Total Time: 30 Minutes
- Yield: 2 Servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 cup water (for chia gel)
- 2 cups fresh blackberries (you can also use frozen fruit if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup water for blackberry blend
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (substitute with any other plant-based milk or fruit juice)
- 1 tablespoon organic honey or agave syrup (optional for added sweetness)
Instructions
- First, mix 2 tablespoons of chia seeds with ½ cup of water in a cup or a small bowl. Let it sit for about 20 minutes to form a gel.
- Meanwhile, blend the fresh blackberries, lemon juice, and water until smooth. You can strain this mixture to remove blackberry seeds for a smoother texture.
- Combine the blackberry blend with the chia gel in a large pitcher.
- Stir in the almond milk. If desired, add organic honey or agave syrup for added sweetness.
- Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir the drink well before serving, as chia seeds may settle at the bottom. Pour into glasses and enjoy your homemade Blackberry Chia Bliss Drink.
Notes
- The nutrition data on this recipe does not include any added sweetener.
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe
- Calories: 146
- Sugar: 7.2 g
- Sodium: 103.7 mg
- Fat: 6.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20.6 g
- Fiber: 12.1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Conclusions
Mamma Chia products are some of the healthier convenience snack foods available. They are free from major allergens and organic, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. For the healthiest and most budget-friendly alternative, make your own chia-based snack at home using real food ingredients.
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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and is studying to be a holistic nutritionist. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send her a message through her contact form.
Note: this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations related to your individual situation.
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