REVIEW: Chia Pod Chia Seed Pudding

One of my favorite things about food shopping (really my only favorite thing about food shopping because food shopping sucks) is when I see the "NEW ITEM" sticker and that new items turns out to be vegan. I stumbled upon Chia Pod Chia Seed Puddings the last time I went shopping. They make these in a variety of flavors, but my food store only had Vanilla Bean, Mango, and Banana. Vanilla is my go to for everything, so I decided to try that one.

Each pod comes with a spoon attached underneath the lid. My OCD complaint is anyone can take off the lid and touch the spoon with their dirty little fingers, so I didn't use it. I appreciate the thought though. The pudding itself is sealed, thankfully.
If you don't have OCD, you can just grab the Chia Pod and go for an on the go, ready to eat, nutritious snack.

The ingredients are simple and real: Chia Seed Gel (Filtered Water, Chia Seed), Coconut Milk, Vanilla Bean Paste, Cinnamon. No fancy fake stuff here! All Chia Pods preservative and additive free. They're also gluten free. And, they use cold processing to ensure full nutrition.

Chia seeds provide a decent amount of fiber and and omega-3. You can eat chia seeds raw or put them in water where they create a gel like substance around the seed. You can try them in: smoothies, juices, teas, water, oatmeal, applesauce, yogurt, baked goods, etc... They're a great add in to incorporate in your every day diet. In addition to fiber and omega-3, they packed with a lot of other nutrients, antioxidants, and protein.

I have tried on several occasions, including with this pudding, to enjoy chia seeds in liquid products. The texture of the gel is too much for me. I imagine that the texture is similar to eating slimy fish eggs or something gross, and I just can't get passed it. I have also put them in water before and wasted my water because I was grossed out. If you try to chew them, they kind of pop between your teeth and that really gets me. If you just swallow them, it might be easier to manage, which perhaps I'll try next.

The flavor of this pudding wasn't bad. In fact, I actually enjoyed it. Chia seeds don't necessarily have a taste. So, all I tasted was coconut milk with vanilla and a hint of cinnamon. If you can get passed the texture, definitely give this pudding a shot. They make a variety of flavors, more than the ones I saw at my store. However, they're a little pricey. I think this was like $3. If you can afford that, then maybe purchase a few and split them up throughout the week.

How do you guys feel about chia seeds? Have you ever made your own chia seed pudding?