A chia seed drink with lychee is a lychee-flavoured drink with hydrated chia seeds suspended in it, usually 1–2% seeds by weight. In a 320 ml can that is about 3–6 g of seeds, providing roughly 1–2 g of fibre and 0.5–1 g of plant omega-3 (ALA). The seeds add texture and some nutrition; the syrup and lychee juice set the sugar.
Key facts at a glance
- Chia seeds per 100 g: 34 g fibre, 17.8 g ALA omega-3, 16.5 g protein (USDA).
- ALA is not the same as fish omega-3 (EPA and DHA); the body converts only a small fraction.
- Lychee supplies 71 mg vitamin C per 100 g raw fruit, but drinks contain far less after dilution and heating.
- Sugar in these drinks typically sits at 8–12 g per 100 ml.
- Basil seeds are a common, visually similar alternative with a different nutrient profile.
What a chia lychee drink provides
| Component | Per 5 g chia seeds | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | 1.7 g | About 6% of a 30 g daily target |
| ALA omega-3 | 0.9 g | Adequate intake is 1.1–1.6 g a day for adults |
| Protein | 0.8 g | Nutritionally minor |
| Calcium | 32 mg | Small contribution |
Calculated from USDA FoodData Central values for dried chia seeds.
Chia versus basil seeds
| Chia seeds | Basil seeds | |
|---|---|---|
| Gel coating | Thinner, slower to form | Thick, forms within minutes |
| Omega-3 (ALA) | High | Lower |
| Texture in drinks | Slightly crunchy centre | Soft, tapioca-like |
| Typical market | Western health positioning | Southeast Asian traditional drinks |
How the drink is formulated
- Seed hydration: seeds are pre-soaked so they swell before filling and do not settle as a dry layer.
- Suspension: a small amount of gum or the seeds’ own mucilage keeps them distributed; some settling is normal, which is why cans say “shake well”.
- Heat treatment: the drink is acidified to below pH 4.6 and pasteurised, or retorted, to be shelf-stable.
- Flavour: lychee juice, purée or natural flavour; lychee’s floral aroma covers the mild, earthy seed taste.
What brands should specify with an OEM
- Seed type and content, measured as dry seed weight per can.
- Lychee source — juice percentage versus flavouring.
- Sugar target for your market’s tax and labelling rules.
- Nutrition claims — an omega-3 or fibre claim must meet local thresholds; test before printing.
- Allergen and novel food status. Chia is authorised in the EU with conditions; confirm for each destination.
Frequently asked questions
Are chia seed drinks healthy?
They add some fibre and plant omega-3, and the seeds make the drink more filling. The main drawback is sugar, which in many versions is similar to regular juice drinks.
How much omega-3 is in a chia drink?
A can with 5 g of seeds provides about 0.9 g of ALA. This is plant omega-3, not the EPA and DHA found in fish.
Why do the seeds sink?
Hydrated chia seeds are slightly denser than the liquid. Shaking redistributes them; this is normal.
Is it safe for children?
Hydrated seeds are generally safe. Dry chia seeds should never be eaten and then followed by water, as they can swell in the throat.
Can the recipe be customised?
Yes. Seed type and content, flavour, sweetness and pack design are standard OEM variables.
Seed drinks from ACM Beverage
ACM Beverage produces chia and basil seed drinks in Vietnam for OEM and private label customers, in facilities certified to ISO 22000, FSSC 22000 and HACCP, exporting to more than 40 countries. See the 320 ml chia seed drink lychee flavour or the juice and drink range. To discuss a formulation, contact our export team.
