We've been hearing a lot about chia seeds usurping flax as the new health food seed, and it's clear to see that they have been gaining in popularity. Chia seeds are making their way into baked goods, smoothies and are even getting added to a simple glass of water. They've gone mainstream -- and can now be found in a lot of the healthier products at the grocery store. We are totally into it, especially when they make their way into decadent puddings.
But as we were shoveling blueberry chia pudding into our face, we got to thinking: is this the same chia seed of the ch-ch-ch-chia pets? We suspected it was and we were right. They are one and the same, people -- and a glowing example of marketing genius. While they are a healthy food that dates all the way back to the Aztecs and Mayans, and they do also sprout very easily, there's something unsettling about lumping the hot new health trend in the same category as the Chia Pet.
Here are some chia-loaded energy bars...
And here's the very same seed ON OBAMA'S HEAD.
Now look, chia's showing up in your drink.
BUT WAIT. It's also giving Mr. T a mohawk.
Here are chia seeds making your waffles even healthier.
Hold up, those same seeds are also at work making Garfield look CRAY CRAY.
Watch out, chia has made it into your loaf of bread.
They're also flourishing on Shrek's head.
Chia seeds are in your granola.
But that doesn't mean they aren't also giving Homer an afro.
These versatile seeds are even debuting in fancy desserts.
But we still love them best when they're making elephants fluffy.
