What differences are there between Chia and Flax Eggs?

In substituting Flax Eggs (milled/ground flax seeds in a water slurry, after they congeal) for regular eggs, I have found them to be a versatile aide in baking and thickening any number of dishes.

I have begun to hear tell of using chia seeds instead of flax or something like Ener-G egg replacer. Can chia be used in the same fashion once the seeds are ground as flax?

Is the chia composition the same as a flax egg (1 part milled flax seed to 3 parts water, in slurry)?
Do they set the same, i.e. congeal in the same time?
Can they be mixed for super supplement-y egg substitutes?
What differences are there in how you make or use them, and which is preferred for different uses (if either)?

Best Answer

With flax seeds I like using 1T of seed (ends up being 2.5T of powder) to 3T of water, and use it for thing that are suppose to be light like cake or something that needs a nutty flavor.

But with chia seeds I use exactly 1T of powder to 3T of water (ends up looking like egg whites) and use it in brownies, cookies and so on. Also chia doesn't add flavor like flax does.

**For me chia is definitely stronger.

The first time I used a chia egg I thought it was like a flax (1T seed = 2.5T powder) but I was wrong, my baked good came out very dense in the middle and tasted raw. You can still use a chia but you have to be exact.

Also a chia egg will become very thick and gloppy once it's mixed with water whereas a flax just get gooey.

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Quick Answer about "What differences are there between Chia and Flax Eggs?"

Chia seeds are much more gelatinous and therefore do not really require chilling, but the drawback is that they are not the cheapest things to buy. Flax seed with water (commonly called a flax egg) looks like an unlikely egg replacer

Which is better flax or chia eggs?

Use 1 flax egg or 1 chia egg as a direct substitute for muffins, quick breads, cakes, cookies, burgers etc. Depending on how the recipe uses the egg, use chia egg when you need more binding, and flax for most other needs. Flax seeds come in brown and golden colors.

Does a chia egg work the same as a flax egg?

It's not an exact 1:1 substitution in every recipe because it doesn't bind and stiffen during baking quite like an egg does. But, similar to a flax egg, it works well in pancakes, quick breads, muffins, cookies, and many other baked recipes.

Can you substitute chia egg for flax egg?

Although you may use a flax egg and chia egg interchangeably in most baked goods recipes, I prefer chia because of it's neutral taste. That said, whatever I have available in the pantry is what I use, so just use what you have! Most baked goods recipes calling for 1-2 eggs can be replaced using flax or chia eggs.

What is better for you chia or flax seeds?

Chia seeds have slightly fewer calories and more fiber. They also have 2.5 times more of the bone-strengthening mineral calcium, as well as slightly more iron and phosphorus. Both seeds are very nutritious. If you're looking for more omega-3s, pick flax seeds.

Chia Seeds vs Flax Seeds Benefits (Flax And Chia Seeds) - Which Is Better?

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Images: Heather Jonasson, Pavel Sadilov, Mike van Schoonderwalt, Mike van Schoonderwalt