TikTok’s latest viral weight loss trend? The disturbingly-named “tadpole water” drink.
No, this isn’t frogspawn from your local pond—it’s a drink made by mixing chia seeds into water with a squeeze of lemon juice. It’s been dubbed “tadpole water” as the chia seeds swell into small slimy orbs that look similar to baby frogs.
Despite the taste being called funky at best, people on social media are raving about this homemade concoction as a new way to lose weight. That’s because chia seeds help you feel full as even a small amount packs a high dose of fiber. Just two tablespoons of chia seeds contain 6 grams of fiber—the same as three bowls of lettuce.
Does tadpole water help you stay full?
Fiber slows down your digestion keeping you feeling full for longer, and it also increases the volume in your stomach, activating stretch receptors that signal to your brain that you’re full.
Despite chia seeds’ health benefits (they’re also a source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids), there are some real concerns around this latest fad.
The fiber in tadpole water may keep your hunger at bay for a short while, but it shouldn’t be used as a way to avoid eating a full meal. Yes, chia seeds are good for you, but they don’t provide balanced nutrition on their own. You’re essentially sacrificing essential vitamins, minerals, and other important macronutrients, like carbs and healthy fats.
Regularly skipping meals in favor of this slimy drink can lead to nutrient deficiencies, and low energy levels, and your long-term health will suffer.
If you do decide to try tadpole water you also want to let the chia seeds soak in water for at least 15 minutes before drinking. That’s because if you eat chia seeds dry or without enough water, they can absorb liquid in your intestines instead, making you constipated and bloated.
There’s no magic cure-all for weight loss.
Jumping onto this trend too quickly can also cause digestive problems. Adding in a large amount of fiber too fast can overwhelm your gut if you’re not used to eating that much. And most of us aren’t eating enough fiber—only 60 percent of the recommended 30 g of fiber a day. It’s important to not overload on fiber too quickly as your gut needs time to adjust.
As usual, when it comes to these online trends, it’s always around the idea that one superfood can solve all your health issues or provide a quick fix to weight loss. But in reality, no food is a magic cure-all, and these trends often don’t consider potential long-term health impacts, either.
You probably shouldn’t try the trend to lose weight.
Many of these trends are not backed by scientific evidence and encourage unhealthy practices like skipping meals or cutting out essential nutrients, and often with unrealistic expectations, too.
That doesn’t stop chia seeds from being good for you, but instead of tadpole water, enjoy them in a way that doesn’t make you gag! They can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods like whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables.
Emily Leeming, PhD, RD, is a microbiome scientist at King’s College London, a registered dietitian and former chef. Her first book, Genius Gut: How to Eat to Superpower your Second Brain was published by Penguin in July 2024. To catch more of her writing online, check out her newsletter, Second Brain, on Substack.