Are Walmart Organic Chia Seeds Good? A Comprehensive Quality Review

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

With an estimated 138 calories per ounce, chia seeds are celebrated for being a nutrient-dense superfood. For budget-conscious shoppers, the question often arises: are Walmart organic chia seeds good enough to deliver the promised health benefits at a lower price point?

Quick Summary

An in-depth review of Walmart's organic chia seeds covers key factors like quality, third-party certifications, customer feedback, and potential risks, evaluating their value proposition for consumers.

Key Points

Price vs. Quality: Walmart's Great Value organic chia seeds offer excellent value, with many customers reporting high quality for a low price.
USDA Certification: The seeds are USDA certified organic, ensuring they are grown and processed without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
Third-Party Approval: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has rated the Great Value brand favorably, noting no significant ingredient or processing concerns.
Recall Awareness: While a specific supplier's lot was recalled in May 2024 for potential Salmonella, this was an isolated incident and not representative of the brand's overall quality.
Freshness Factors: Key quality checks include seeds being mostly black or white, lacking brown immature seeds, and having a mild, nutty smell without rancidity.
Proper Storage: Always store chia seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place to maximize shelf life and prevent spoilage.

The Value of Walmart's Great Value Organic Chia Seeds

Walmart's in-house brand, Great Value, provides a cost-effective option for many pantry staples, including organic chia seeds. Customer reviews frequently praise the product for its high quality relative to its affordable price. Many users report that the seeds are fresh, tasteless, and perform well in recipes like smoothies and puddings. The brand prides itself on offering USDA certified organic options without artificial flavors or preservatives, aiming to provide trustworthy food at a budget-friendly price.

Certification and Quality Assurance

For consumers concerned with purity, Walmart's Great Value organic chia seeds bear the USDA Organic seal. This third-party accreditation ensures that the seeds are produced according to strict organic standards, without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically engineered ingredients. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has also given Great Value Organic Chia Seeds a favorable review, noting no identified ingredient concerns and classifying the product as having no processing concerns. This indicates a high level of purity, free from artificial or industrial ingredients.

Addressing the May 2024 Recall

In May 2024, a specific lot of chia seeds, packaged by a supplier and distributed at Walmart, was recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination. It is crucial to note that this was for a particular batch (Lot # 24095 C018, UPC # 078742300665) and not a widespread issue affecting the entire Great Value brand. The incident highlights the importance of checking for recent product recalls, but does not suggest an inherent, ongoing quality problem with Walmart's organic chia seeds in general. The supplier, Natural Sourcing International (NSI), initiated the recall and provided a contact for consumers who purchased the affected product.

Quality Indicators and Comparison Table

When evaluating chia seeds, it's important to look beyond just the price. Key indicators of quality include color, purity, and freshness. Fresh, high-quality seeds should be primarily black or white; an abundance of brown seeds can signal immaturity and a bitter taste. The seeds should also be free of debris and have a mild, nutty aroma, not a rancid or musty smell.


Feature	Walmart Great Value Organic Chia Seeds	Premium Brands (e.g., Nutiva, Navitas)	What to Look For
Price	Generally more affordable	Often higher priced	Your budget
Organic Cert.	USDA Certified Organic	USDA Certified Organic	The USDA seal on packaging
Purity	EWG found no ingredient concerns	Generally high standards	Minimal foreign debris or dust
Freshness	Customer reviews generally positive	High standard; often fresher due to turnover	No musty or rancid smell
Value	Excellent balance of quality and cost	Superior quality and texture for a higher price	Match quality with your needs

Best Practices for Storage and Shelf Life

To ensure your chia seeds remain good, proper storage is key. The natural oils in the seeds can oxidize and go rancid when exposed to air, light, or heat.

Airtight Container: Always transfer the seeds to an airtight container after opening. This prevents oxidation and moisture exposure, which can lead to mold.
Cool and Dark Location: Store the container in a cool, dark pantry. For maximum longevity, consider refrigerating or freezing the seeds.
Recognizing Spoilage: Bad chia seeds will have a distinct rancid or bitter taste and a musty odor. They may also clump together or have visible mold.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Walmart's Organic Chia Seeds

For those seeking a nutritious, budget-friendly option, Walmart organic chia seeds are a good choice. They are USDA certified, offer a solid nutritional profile comparable to more expensive brands, and are generally well-received by customers. While the 2024 recall is a notable point, it was an isolated incident for a specific lot from a supplier, not indicative of the overall brand quality. By purchasing a fresh bag and practicing proper storage, you can enjoy all the health benefits chia seeds offer without overspending. For more general information on incorporating chia seeds into your diet, consider consulting resources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's nutrition section on chia seeds.

Note: When consuming dry chia seeds, do so in moderation and always with plenty of liquid, as they absorb moisture and can expand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Walmart Organic Chia Seeds

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, based on customer reviews and third-party ratings, Walmart's Great Value organic chia seeds are considered comparable to many higher-priced brands in quality and nutritional content, making them a great value.

There was a specific recall in May 2024 for a particular lot of chia seeds from an external supplier distributed at Walmart, but it does not reflect on the standard quality of the Great Value brand sold regularly.

Fresh chia seeds should have a mild, nutty aroma. If they smell musty, sour, or like stale cooking oil, or if they are clumped together, they have likely gone bad and should be discarded.

Yes, the Great Value organic chia seeds sold at Walmart are certified USDA Organic, as indicated by the Third Party Accreditation Symbol on the package.

For some, buying organic is important as it ensures the seeds were grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. However, in terms of basic nutritional value, there may not be a significant difference.

To extend their shelf life, store chia seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. For best results, consider refrigerating or freezing them.

Yes, many customers use Walmart's organic chia seeds successfully in a variety of recipes, including smoothies, baked goods, and chia seed puddings.