Once upon a time, if you ate chia pudding in the office, you’d be accused of sucking on frogspawn. Then we all became obsessed with gut health and slowly but surely, people started cottoning onto the incredible power of chia.

The seeds have been a staple for centuries in South America and today, you’ll find chia pudding on the breakfast menu at many cafes. Chia seeds are often found scattered on top of smoothie bowls, mixed into acai concoctions or sprinkled over salads. And there’s good reason for that: chia is one of the most nutritious foods out there. Not only are the tiny seeds packed with fibre, but they’re also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and are one of the few plant-based sources of complete protein.

But what’s the most nutritious way to consume chia? TikTok seems to be moving away from the good old pud and towards chia water – a gelatinous-but-drinkable glass of swollen seeds. Creators advise mixing two tablespoons of chia into 300ml water with a squeeze of lemon or lime. Leave for 15 minutes, then swill. In fact, chia water has over 21 million views on the platform so far.

Chia water versus chia pudding – which one is better for gut health, digestion and hydration?