Flaxseeds may be tiny, but they’re packed with nutrition. From plant-based protein and fiber to beneficial fatty acids and lignans, flax is often called one of the most powerful plant foods you can eat.
But here’s the catch: how you prepare your flaxseeds makes all the difference. Grinding them unlocks their nutrition and makes them easier to digest.
In this article, we’ll look at the best way to grind flaxseeds at home, what tools to use, and how to store them properly. We’ll also share why Premium Gold’s True Cold Milled® golden flax is a fresher, easier option, if you’d rather skip the grinding step.
Why Grind Flaxseeds?
Whole flaxseeds can pass through your body undigested, which means you’re missing out on their full nutritional benefits. But when you grind your flaxseeds, you release their fiber, lignans, and fatty acids, which makes them easier for your body to absorb.
So, is it better to eat flaxseed whole or grind it? Research from the Harvard School of Public Health and Healthline confirms that ground flax is better for nutrient absorption and digestion than whole flax.
That’s where Premium Gold comes in. With our True Cold Milled® process, we grind our golden flax without heat, preserving its nutrition and flavor. Unlike store-bought flaxseed that can lose freshness quickly, our flax stays fresh for up to 24 months from the date of manufacturing with no refrigeration required.
Learn more about the difference in ground flax vs whole flax.
Tools You Can Use to Grind Flaxseeds
Grinding flaxseeds at home is easy, and you don’t need fancy equipment. Here are some of the most common tools you can use:
Coffee Grinder
A coffee grinder is the best way to grind flax seeds if you want a fine, consistent flaxseed. It works in seconds and gives you perfectly ground flax that’s ideal for smoothies, baking, or making a flax egg substitute for plant-based recipes.
Blender or Food Processor
Blenders and food processors are a good choice if you want to grind a larger batch of flaxseeds at once. The texture might be a little coarser than with a coffee grinder, but it still makes a nutrient-rich flaxseed meal you can store and use throughout the week.
How to Grind Flaxseeds Without a Grinder
No grinder? No problem. You can still prepare flax at home with a few kitchen tools. These hacks work in a pinch, though the grind might be uneven:
Mortar & Pestle
A mortar and pestle is the traditional, hands-on way to grind flaxseeds. While it takes more effort, it gives you full control over the texture and can be a satisfying method if you’re only preparing small amounts.
Spice or Pepper Mill
A spice or pepper mill makes it easy to grind flaxseeds in small, on-demand portions. This is a great option if you want a sprinkle of fresh ground flax over salads, yogurt, or baked goods without committing to grinding a large batch.
Rolling Pin
If you don’t have a grinder, a rolling pin works in a pinch. Just place the flaxseeds in a sealed plastic bag, then roll firmly over them until they’re crushed. It won’t create a super fine meal, but it’s an easy, mess-free option for small amounts.
Freshly Ground vs Pre-Ground Flax
When it comes to flax, freshness is key. Grinding your flaxseeds at home gives you access to all the nutrients right away, but the downside is that freshly ground flax begins to oxidize quickly. Even if you store it in the fridge, it can go rancid in as little as seven days.
Pre-ground flax that you find on store shelves is convenient, but it often sits for long periods, which means it may have already lost some of its nutrients and fresh taste before you even open the bag.
That’s why choosing a source that preserves both nutrition and freshness makes such a big difference, and why Premium Gold’s True Cold Milled® flax is so great. Our process locks in flavor and nutrients while keeping flax fresh and shelf-stable for 24 months from the date of manufacturing with no refrigeration needed.
Related read: Do Flaxseeds Go Bad?
How to Store Flaxseeds After Grinding
Storage can make or break your flaxseed nutrition:
- Whole flaxseeds – Stay fresh for up to 36 months in a cool, dark place.
- Home-ground flax – Use within 7 days if kept in the fridge.
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Premium Gold True Cold Milled® flax – Shelf-stable for up to 24 months from the date of manufacturing, no refrigeration needed.
Still curious about shelf life? Read our guide: How to Store Ground Flax.
Easy Ways to Add Ground Flax to Your Diet
Once you’ve ground your flaxseeds (or opened a bag of Premium Gold True Cold Milled® flax), you can add them to almost anything:
- Blend into smoothies or protein shakes.
- Sprinkle over oatmeal, yogurt, or salads.
- Use in baking—breads, muffins, or cookies.
- Whisk into salad dressings or sauces.
- Make a flax egg substitute: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flax with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit 5 minutes, and use in place of 1 egg in recipes.
- Use as a binder in veggie burgers or meatballs, perfect for keto or low-carb recipes.
Need more ideas? See our post on What to Eat Flaxseeds With.
FAQs About Grinding Flaxseeds
What is the best way to grind flaxseeds?
The best way to grind flaxseeds is with a coffee grinder, since it produces a fine, consistent flaxseed meal in just a few seconds. This makes it easy to add to smoothies, baking recipes, or even a flax egg substitute without any gritty texture.
How can you grind seeds without a grinder?
If you don’t have a grinder, you can still crush flaxseeds using simple kitchen tools like a mortar and pestle, a rolling pin, or even a pepper mill. These methods work best for small amounts and give you freshly ground flax on demand.
Is it better to eat flaxseed whole or ground?
It is generally better to eat flaxseeds ground, because whole flaxseeds often pass through your digestive system without breaking down. Grinding them makes the fiber, lignans, and healthy fats more available for your body to absorb and use.
The Premium Gold Difference
At Premium Gold, we’ve been growing golden flax since 1906. We perfected our True Cold Milled® process, so you don’t have to worry about grinding flax at home or losing nutrition to oxidation. Our flax is smooth, mild, and ready to use in your favorite recipes.
If you love the idea of fresh ground flax nutrition without the extra step, choose Premium Gold’s True Cold Milled® flax.
Shop our flax collection and enjoy flax that stays fresh for 24 months, guaranteed.