Chia Seed Jam (how to make fruit jam without pectin)
Looking for a healthier alternative to traditional jam? This easy chia seed jam recipe is packed with nutrients & flavor, and no refined sugar, making it the perfect addition to your breakfast or snack. Try it out today and enjoy a guilt-free treat!
Homemade raspberry chia seed jam
A low-sugar alternative to regular jam, chia jam can be made in 10 minutes and served on toast, with overnight oats, over granola, or waffles.
There are many chia seed jam recipes out there; we use frozen raspberries for a quick and healthy homemade jam recipe.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Ingredients
Just a few healthy + simple ingredients are needed for this recipe.
- Frozen Fruit: This recipe works best with berries of any kind, Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, and Blackberries. Fresh berries will also work well for this recipe, and there is no difference in taste from using frozen to fresh fruit.
- Lemon Juice: You can use whatever you have on hand; this recipe is supposed to be easy and use ingredients you might have in the pantry or freezer. Store-bought lemon juice or fresh lemon juice will work just as well.
- Chia Seeds: For this recipe, we have used black chia seeds; white chia seeds would also yield a tasty jam.
- Honey: Honey gives the jam a slight sweetness but not too sweet, with much less sugar than a regular jam. Vegans – sub for maple syrup.
Substitutions
- Substitute honey for coconut sugar or maple syrup.
- Use your favorite fruit! Feel free to test out different berries to find your preference. Raspberry blueberry, strawberry, and blackberry are all unique flavors to experiment with. Another variation to try: 1⁄2 cup of raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries to make Bumble Chia Jam!
- What is the best ratio of chia seeds to fruit? 1:1 = 1 cup of unprepared fruit to 1 tablespoon of chia seeds.
Some tips for preparing for making this recipe
- Begin by heating the fruit in a saucepan over low heat – medium heat. Then use a potato masher to crush up the fruit.
- Next, add chia seeds, lemon juice, honey and give it a good stir to combine.
- Allow to cool at room temperature – it will thicken.
- Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list in the recipe card below.
What if I don’t like the seed consistency?
If you don’t want to see the chia seeds, after the jam has cooled, blend in a blender, or with an immersion blender, until smooth. This will give it a jam-like consistency. Then, decant into air-tight containers and refrigerate for up to 7 days.
Serving Ideas
This jam recipe is pretty versatile! Here are a few favorite ways for serving yours!
- With bread or bread rolls, serve with almond butter for a twist on the classic PB+J. Or try with peanut butter which is also delicious together!
- Spooned onto oatmeal & your morning coffee.
- As a topping for granola or yogurt. Try it in a delicious Greek yogurt parfait!
- Put a small bowl of chia jam on a brunch board or charcuterie board.
- Mix with Chia seed pudding.
- As a topping for overnight oats.
- Spread over waffles or pancakes.
- Add to healthier thumbprint cookies.
Can I ‘can’ Chia jam?
Don’t use traditional canning methods with Chia Jam. The ph. level in the chia seeds is too low to make them sustainable for canning via a water bath or other methods.
Alternative to Canning: Double or triple your batch and freeze in these containers. To thaw: Simply remove from the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator, and use within seven days of thawing.
How to store finished chia seed jam
Pour into an airtight container and store for up to 7 days in the refrigerator. For longer term storage, add to freezer safe storage for 3-6 months.
To thaw: Remove from the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator, and use within seven days of thawing.
More favorite delicious breakfast recipes
Here’s a few of our favorite breakfast recipes that we think you’ll love too!
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
Chia jam has a slightly runnier consistency than traditional jam; storing it in the fridge helps keeps a thicker texture. If you prefer a thicker consistency, add another teaspoon of chia seeds.
This low-sugar healthy alternative to regular jam is packed with antioxidant-rich berries and fiber. Chia seeds pack 11 grams of fiber per ounce and are loaded with essential minerals, an excellent source of plant protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, and if that isn’t enough, chia seeds are also a probiotic, keeping your gut health in check.
Yes! Simply substitute the honey for pure maple syrup in equal amounts.
Both! Spread cold over warm toast or warm the chia jam for dipping on a charcuterie board.
Chia Seed Fruit Jam
Equipment
- Weck Jars or other favorite storage
Ingredients
- 2 cups Frozen Fruit Your choice of Raspberry, Blueberry, Strawberry, or Blackberry (we used raspberry in this recipe).
- 2 tablespoons Black Chia Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup for vegan
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the fruit over medium heat; using a potato masher crush the fruit to your desired consistency. Remove from the heat.
- Add chia seeds, lemon juice, and honey, and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Let the mixture cool for 20 mins; the jam will thicken as it cools.
- Pour into an air-tight container, and store for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
