Chia Pets have remained a beloved cultural icon for over 40 years. These quirky terra cotta planters, which grow sprouts resembling “hair” on various animal shapes, have captured the imaginations of generations since they were first introduced in the 1980s. The catchy “Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia!” jingle, along with their unique design, made them an instant hit, and the product has sold more than 25 million units. Chia Pets even earned a place in the Smithsonian Institution, cementing their place in pop culture.

The origin of Chia Pets traces back to 1958, when Joseph Pedott, a graduate of the University of Illinois, moved to San Francisco to establish his own advertising firm. In 1980, Pedott came across a terra cotta planter shaped like a ram at a housewares trade show, which, when watered, would sprout chia seeds. Although the product had potential, it wasn’t profitable. Pedott decided to purchase the rights to the product from its inventor, Walter Houston, and embarked on a mission to revitalize it.

Pedott traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico, where the planters were crafted, and discovered that a middleman was skimming profits from the production process. He immediately removed the thief from the equation and began working directly with the artisans who made the planters. Next, he faced the challenge of marketing the product. In 1981, Pedott established Joseph Enterprises and began selling the Chia Pet, starting with the Chia ram, which became the first majorly marketed version. The product’s success was propelled by memorable TV commercials, featuring a catchy jingle that turned the Chia Pet into a household name throughout the 1980s. The success of the Chia ram led to a range of animal shapes, including turtles, kittens, and puppies.

The “Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia!” jingle became synonymous with the product and remains a defining part of its identity. While the jingle’s exact origins are debated, it is believed to have emerged from either a brainstorming session at the ad agency or a spontaneous idea in a bar. Regardless of its inception, Pedott recognized its potential and capitalized on it. In 1985, the company introduced another memorable product: the Clapper, also marketed with a catchy tune.

By the 1990s, Chia Pets had gained widespread cultural relevance, even being parodied on shows like Saturday Night Live. In the early 2000s, the company began producing Chia Pets based on popular characters from franchises like Looney Tunes, Homer Simpson, and Mr. T. In 2001, a Chia Pet was even placed in a time capsule in New York, intended to be opened in the year 3000.

In 2003, Pedott donated a collection of Chia Pets, along with company documents and advertisements, to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. By 2008, Chia began producing planters of public figures, starting with President Barack Obama. These Chia figures, especially in election years, became a fun and quirky way to engage in the political process, with some people even using them to predict electoral outcomes.

In 2018, Joseph Enterprises was acquired by NECA (National Entertainment Collectibles Association), a company known for distributing licensed products. NECA continued to produce Chia Pets based on popular franchises, including Star Wars. In 2023, Chia.com unveiled a revamped, interactive website, continuing the brand’s tradition of innovation while preserving its nostalgic charm. Despite its evolution, Chia Pets remain a unique and enduring part of pop culture, appealing to new generations while maintaining a special place in the hearts of longtime fans.