Chia seeds are small ovals with a diameter of about 1mm, mottled with brown, grey, black and white. The seeds are hydrophilic and absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid when soaked. When soaked, the seeds generate a gelatinous/mucilaginous coating that gives chia-based beverages a distinctive texture. They are high in protein and have 5 times the calcium of milk, plus large amounts of omega-3 essential fatty acids. They also contain magnesium, manganese, copper, niacin, zinc and other notable vitamins.