Here is all the info you need about exactly how to store chia seeds, flax seeds, and other types of fresh superfoods.
Superfoods, like chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and more, are becoming commonplace in kitchens across the world.
Now that we all know what they are and why we should eat them, it's time to learn how to store them properly.
The BEST way to store flax and chia seeds—and all nuts and seeds—is in a glass mason jar in the refrigerator.
While keeping nuts and seeds at room temperature can be ok for a short period of time, the longer they sit, the higher chance there is that they can go bad. If you live in a mild climate this will be ok for a little while.
However, if you live in a warm and/or humid climate, then your nuts and seeds can spoil really quickly in a cupboard or pantry.
How to store chia seeds and flax seeds to ensure freshness
This is the best way to ensure they stay fresh and don't go rancid. Keep reading to learn why!
It sounds simple, but storing your superfoods this way is super important. Here's why:
1. Easy Access: You can see what you have and how much you have left.
Too many opaque containers get pushed to the back of the refrigerator, and you might not even know they're there. Storing them in a see-through container means you'll use more of them, more often.
Tip: use a label or masking tape to add the name and expiration date to the lid if there's a chance you won't use it by the expiration date or if you might forget what's in the jar.
2. Extended shelf life: Nuts and seeds contain delicate oils, and those oils can quickly spoil.
Storing them in the refrigerator will extend their shelf life; this will save you money in the long run. Mason jars can also be sealed with a lid, which keeps the air out and helps prevent oxidation. Throwing away expired or rancid food is sad for everyone.
Note: If your superfoods came in a package on the shelf - flax and chia seeds often are - that's perfectly fine. Some companies vacuum seal their packages to store them at room temperature to be shelf-stable. Just store it in the refrigerator after you open them.
3. Fewer dishes: Most of these superfoods are easy to pour out of the jar; fewer scoops and spoons mean fewer dishes.
Sprinkling your favorite superfoods onto salads and into the blender with your smoothie ingredients has never been easier. Use the lid as a guide if you have a heavy pouring hand.
4. Glass jars are inexpensive and can be found online or at a hardware store.
I've found them in packs of 12 for less than a dollar each. You can use any type of jar that has a lid you can seal.
Mason jars also make excellent drinking glasses and flower vases. You can store your green drinks in them, too.
5. Glass jars are reusable and last forever
Using glass jars to store your food is good for the environment.
Plus, glass is non-reactive, so you can feel good about storing chia seeds or flax seeds in them for long periods of time.
Tip: Mason jar companies now make BPA-free plastic lids that are cheap and are a little easier to open than the traditional metal canning lids. The metal canning lids can also rust after multiple uses, so these new white lids are awesome. I found them at my local hardware store for just a few dollars.
Here are a few of the superfoods that are always found in mason jars in my refrigerator:
- Raw almonds
- Raw hemp seeds
- Ground flaxseeds
- Raw sunflower seeds
- Cacao (raw cocoa powder)
- Chia seeds
- Dried goji berries
Lisa Ball
I wanted to know if I can mix chia and flax seeds together and store the in fridge ball jar. Should I put them in blender and blend as not sure I have to blend chia or not but flax is whole. How long will they last in n Fridge?
Elizabeth Rider
Hi Lisa, you can store them together, but I would not blend them if you store them together. I prefer to keep them separate in case I want one or the other. Chia seeds do not need to be blended (but they can be). The nutrients are better absorbed from flax seeds if they are blended. ~E
amy
what size are your mason jars?
Elizabeth Rider
Hi Amy, the ones in the photo here are quart size. Pint size also work if you want smaller amounts. ~E
Lucy J
Storage idea: Save the plastic top from a regular-size container of grated Parmesan cheese. The top fits perfectly on a glass Mason jar (also on my empty and washed mayonnaise jar) and is handy for shaking out chia seeds. The holes also are nice for holding a straw if serving smoothie in a jar. If you are vegan, ask a friend to save you a lid.from the cheese.
Glass jars
I have always felt that containers made of glass are the best storage containers. BUT, lately I have had five crack in the refrigerator! I had to throw out the contents fearing shards. The cracked jars all were around 10 years old and not freezer safe. I’m sure these two facts were what did them in. I would advise everyone to replace their jars once they are past eight years old. It will save them the clean up and replacement costs of the contents. In my case I lost soaked and roasted cashew! The cost of the nuts and prep time lost were huge. Thanks for the tip on the new lids. I will now look for the freezer safe jars and non-metal lids to replace what I have lost.
Dmember
"FEWER" (not LESS) SCOOPS AND SPOONS ..... 🙂
Thanks for the good article!
Nyita Doria
I got a load of seeds, chia, amaranth, poppy, sesame, flax seeds etc. Would it be okay to freeze them in zip lock bags? there is no way they'd fit in my fridge, I'd need over 20 jars and I don't have them, nor the room in the fridge. Although I do have a big chest freezer. Thanks for the help
Wesley Hall
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Marietta
I bought bagged chia seeds off the shelf. After opening them I put them back in my pantry and didn't realize until two days later they were suppose to be refrigerated. Are they still ok to use? TIA!
Raechelle Peterson
I did the same. Oops. Did anyone answer your question?
Terri
Wondering if they can also be frozen?
Elizabeth Rider
I don't think there is a need to since they last at least 6 months in the fridge. But you can store nuts and seeds in the freezer, but be sure to used a straight-edged container as curved edge containers can break in the freezer if the glass expands.
Audrey Hunt
Love your site - Very useful information and great photos. I'm a fan!
Elizabeth Rider
Glad to have you!