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Best Flaxseeds

Updated January 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Premium Gold Ground Golden Omega Flaxseed
Premium Gold
Ground Golden Omega Flaxseed
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Simple Yet Solid
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A resealable bag of flaxseed that offers 4 grams of fiber per serving.

Pros

A 24-ounce bag of finely ground flaxseed. Made without preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, or genetically modified ingredients. Offers omega-3, lignans, iron, and calcium. Cold-milled and made in the USA on a farm. Gluten-free.

Cons

Some may not like the taste.

Best Bang for the Buck
FGOOrganics Whole Golden Flax Seeds
FGOOrganics
Whole Golden Flax Seeds
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Wholly Organic
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A 32-ounce resealable bag of organic, climate-friendly flaxseeds full of health benefits.

Pros

There are no additives in this heavy-duty bag of USDA-certified organic flaxseeds. They're American-grown without any harmful GMOs. The omega-rich seeds can be ground into your smoothies, pancakes, baked goods, and more.

Cons

Some had issues with the re-seal on the package's longevity.

Viva Naturals Ground Flaxseed Organic
Viva Naturals
Ground Flaxseed Organic
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Highly Versatile
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All-natural fiber substitute; a healthy option to add to desserts, baked goods, and more.

Pros

Has a soft texture. May lower cholesterol. Could help with digestion. Kids like the great taste. Good way to eat more omega-3 fatty acids. Cold-milling adds shelf-life. The long sifting process method keeps broken and whole seeds from occurring.

Cons

Doesn't dissolve in some liquids and seeds could be hard to eat. May not retain flavor.

Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Brown Flax Seeds
Terrasoul Superfoods
Organic Brown Flax Seeds
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Customer Favorite
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Raw and sproutable flaxseeds rich in fiber, sourced from family-owned organic farms in Canada and the USA.

Pros

One hundred percent clean and organic. Packed with dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. A great food addition for people on Keto or gluten-free diets. Affordable price. Buyers really love the helpful and responsive customer service.

Cons

Some users found the seals on their packages to be faulty.

Bob's Red Mill Organic Whole Ground Flaxseed Meal
Bob's Red Mill
Organic Whole Ground Flaxseed Meal
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

An affordable and natural flaxseed meal made without genetically modified ingredients.

Pros

Comes with 4 32-ounce bags of flaxseed meal, 8 pounds total. USDA organic and kosher. Made without genetically modified ingredients. Gluten-free and high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Cold-milled and ground from whole flaxseed.

Cons

Some reported issues with packaging.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
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We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best flaxseeds

Flaxseeds, also known as linseeds, are tiny-but-mighty golden or brown seeds that are one of the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet. Doctors recommend consuming flaxseeds for a myriad of reasons, from lowering cholesterol to balancing hormones. They contain a high amount of fiber, plant-based protein, and antioxidants call lignans. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, flaxseeds are an essential alternative source of omega-3 fatty acids and can even be used as an egg substitute in recipes.

Health benefits aside, flaxseeds are as delicious as they are nutritious. They are commonly added to smoothies and sprinkled over cereal and salads, adding a rich, nutty flavor. As you can imagine, this popular superfood is offered by a multitude of brands.

Not all flaxseed is created equal, however, and we’re here to help you understand the difference between ground and whole seeds and other important considerations you’ll be faced with when buying a bag.

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The consumption of flaxseeds date back 5,000 years to ancient Babylon. They came back into fashion as a health food in the 1990s, especially for their ability to fight heart disease.

Health benefits of flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are a popular health food for their rich source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). These are different from the omega-3s found in fish oil that contain EPA or DHA. Flaxseeds are also the biggest source of lignans in the human diet.

Flaxseeds are also a great source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, and they contain minerals and vitamins such as magnesium, manganese, and thiamine. Here’s how these properties may benefit your health.

Reduced risk of heart disease

ALA is considered a healthy fat. In studies, it has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and promote heart health in a myriad of ways. Like all omega-3s, the ALA contained in flaxseed is anti-inflammatory.

Supported digestion

Two tablespoons of flaxseed per day can cover 25% of your daily recommended fiber intake. It’ll also help maintain regular bowel movements and support colon detoxification. The fiber content and low carb content of the seeds can also help you feel fuller, promoting weight loss.

Improved skin, hair, and nails

The omega-3 ALA in flaxseed strengthens hair and makes it shinier. Flaxseed also contains B vitamins, like B6, that can reduce dryness and flakiness for skin and nails as well. Taking two tablespoons of flaxseed a day may also relieve symptoms of acne, eczema, and rosacea.

Lowered cholesterol

One study has found that flaxseeds help lower cholesterol by increasing the amount of fat you excrete. The soluble fiber in the seeds may also trap cholesterol, as well as fat, so that they pass unabsorbed through the digestive tract.

Improved estrogen balance

For women, the lignans in flaxseed act as phytoestrogens, which have the ability to increase or decrease estrogen levels depending on what your body needs. Menopausal women especially can benefit from flaxseed.

Reduced blood pressure

A study shows that flaxseeds can help reduce blood pressure. The seeds must be ground and consumed for over 12 weeks for anti-hypertensive results.

Possible reduced risk of cancer

Preliminary studies suggest that flaxseeds may help fight breast cancer as well as diabetes.

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Did you know?
Flaxseeds also contain omega-6 (linoleic acid) but in a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 than other seeds.
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Culinary uses for flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are not a health food you need to choke down to reap the benefits to your body. They are actually a yummy addition to almost any meal. They are used as egg substitutes in vegan baking recipes but also are added to non-vegan baked goods for their nutty crunch — all while being nut-free and gluten-free! These little seeds are amenable to paleo and keto diets, too.

Ground or whole flaxseeds can be added to smoothies to make them more filling. They can be sprinkled on top of cereal, oatmeal, and yogurt and mixed into granola. Try adding flaxseed to your salad for an added crunch, or use flaxseed oil in your salad dressing.

Considerations

Brown vs. golden seeds

Brown flaxseeds are more commonly found on the shelves of grocery stores, but you can find golden flaxseeds in health food stores. While both color varieties are nutritious, brown flaxseeds have slightly more ALA than golden ones: 2.5 grams per tablespoon vs. 2.1 grams per tablespoon.

Whole vs. ground flaxseeds

Flaxseeds come either whole or ground. Ground seeds are also called “flaxseed meal.” To optimize health benefits, most nutrition experts recommend ground seeds, as the grinding process unlocks some healthy components. However, whole flaxseeds can easily be ground at home with a coffee grinder.

"Flaxseeds are available pre-ground, which is sometimes called flaxseed meal or milled flaxseed."
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Features

Quantity

Flaxseeds typically come in plastic bags, though a few brands carry them in plastic containers. They may be available to buy in bulk at health food stores, which is the most cost-effective way to purchase them. Bags typically come in 12-ounce, 16-ounce, 24-ounce, and 30-ounce quantities, or in 1-lb, 2-lb, 4-lb, or 6-lb bags.

Resealable bags

Some flaxseeds come in resealable bags, which makes it easier for you to store them and prevent over-exposure to the air, which can spoil them. Ground flaxseed will turn rancid faster than whole seeds.

Milled

“Milled” is a word you might find on some labels; the process of milling is claimed to unlock more nutrition. However, it is important to note that milled flaxseed is the same as ground flaxseed. “Cold-milled” just means that the seeds were ground at a cool temperature so as to keep omega-3s and nutrients stable.

Organic and non-GMO

Whether you’re a health nut or just becoming health conscious, you may wish to purchase flaxseed that is labeled as organic and non-GMO. This will help you avoid ingesting unnecessary pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and other potentially harmful chemicals.

Flaxseed prices

Low-priced, non-organic flaxseed ranges from $0.14/ounce to $0.28/ounce. This includes whole seeds and ground flaxseed.

Mid-priced flaxseed ranges from $0.31/ounce to $0.48/ounce. This includes organic flaxseed, both whole and ground.

Top-quality flaxseed ranges from $0.50/ounce to $0.93/ounce. These seeds are almost always organic. Some include blends with other super seeds or are of a “sprouted” variety.

Tips

  • If you grind whole flaxseeds at home, it’s best to consume them right away to reduce their exposure to air.

  • When adding flaxseed to a smoothie, use more milk — cow, nut, or coconut — than you’re used to, as the seeds will absorb some of the liquid.

  • Always store ground seeds in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from oxidizing and turning rancid and from losing their ALA and omega-3 properties. Store the seeds in an opaque, lidded container or sealable bag.

  • Store whole flaxseeds in a cool, dry place in a closed container. Whole seeds can last up to a year longer than ground ones.

  • Drink more water or fluids when adding fiber sources, like flaxseed, to your diet.

  • If baking with flaxseed, choose recipes that don’t exceed a 300°F baking temperature to keep the omega-3s stable.
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Flaxseeds are a good source of minerals and vitamins like thiamine (B1), copper, magnesium, phosphorous, and molybdenum, an essential trace mineral.

FAQ

Q. How much flaxseed should I consume a day for its touted health benefits?
A.
Most nutrition experts recommend one to three tablespoons per day. A tablespoon of flaxseed oil each day is sometimes recommended in addition or in lieu of this amount. Check with your healthcare professional when supplementing with flaxseed.

Q. Which are better for me: flaxseeds or chia seeds?
A.
Chia seeds are another superfood that’s gained popularity in the health and wellness world. These tiny white or black seeds also contain a lot of fiber and ALA. However, flaxseeds contain more of this omega-3, whereas chia seeds contain more fiber. Flaxseeds stand alone in their high content of lignans. Chia seeds have similar mineral and vitamin content, but they contain more calcium than flaxseed.

Q. Are there any drawbacks or side effects to ingesting flaxseeds?
A.
Because of their high fiber content, flaxseeds can loosen the bowels to an undesirable degree. You might temporarily experience symptoms related to adding fiber to your diet like gas, abdominal discomfort, bloating, and decreased appetite. You should avoid taking flaxseed if you’re on blood thinners. Because of their phytoestrogens, it’s recommended to limit flaxseed intake if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.