Upgrade your morning toast with my easy, customizable Any Berry Chia Seed Jam recipe! Simply made with just 3 ingredients, zero minutes cook time, and no refined sugars, this homemade chia seed jam with frozen berries is perfect for kitchen newbies.
I don’t know about you, but fruit preserves are big in my house. We use them to make our plain yogurt into DIY fruit-on-bottom cups, swirl them into our morning oatmeal, spread them on toast, and, of course, make PB&J sandwiches for the kiddos. But as much as I love them, store-bought jams and jellies are usually packed with sugar (and are expensive to boot!).
My solution? This easy chia jam recipe! And for all my fellow working parents out there who are thinking “Yeah, right. Like I have time to make my own jam” — this one’s for you. This healthy jam recipe is as easy as dumping a bag of defrosted frozen fruit in a food processor with chia seeds and maple syrup, flipping the switch, and pouring it into jam jars.
In just 5 minutes of prep, you’ll have a delicious batch of the healthiest jam around! The hardest part is having the patience for the chia seeds to do their thickening magic. So, if a speedy, no-cook, refined sugar-free berry jam recipe is something you think would make your life better, come along with me to the kitchen!
Jump to:
- What is Chia Jam?
- What does it taste like?
- Why You’ll Love This Chia Seed Fruit Jam Recipe
- Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions
- How To Make Strawberry Jam With Chia Seeds
- Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Success Tips
- FAQs
- Chia Seed Strawberry Jam Nutrition
- Pricing Info
- Other Homemade Ingredients
- Recipe
What is Chia Jam?
Much like my peanut butter banana chia pudding, this easy chia seed jam relies on the natural thickening properties of these little buddies to achieve the perfect thick consistency. These kitchen superheroes are like little sponges – they can absorb up to 10 times their weight in liquid! When you mix them with your berries, they start soaking up all the juice.
As they swell up, they release a natural gelling substance, thanks to a type of fiber called mucilage. This gel is what transforms your fruit purée into a spoonable, spreadable delight. As a bonus, chia seeds also add a boost of fiber, protein, and omega-3s to your fruit spread. 🥳
Plus, making jam with chia seeds is pretty forgiving — they don’t need to be cooked or need lots of sugar to work the way pectin does. Just mix them with your berry blend, and they’ll take care of the rest as your jam rests. Simple, healthy, and oh-so-satisfying!
What does it taste like?
It depends on which fruit you choose — strawberry chia jam tastes like bright, fresh strawberries; raspberry chia jam has the sweet-tart allure of raspberries; blueberry chia seed jam tastes like juicy summer blueberries. (Anyone else having a “the snozzberries taste like snozzberries!” moment?)
Since this berry jam recipe has so few ingredients, it’ll taste like whatever fruit you use. As they say, “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.” Feel free to dream up all kinds of yummy flavors — mix and match to your heart’s content!
Why You’ll Love This Chia Seed Fruit Jam Recipe
- Ridiculously Quick & Easy – This truly is the easiest recipe for jam. The only real work you need to do is measure out your ingredients, press a button, and wash the bowl of the food processor when you’re done.
- Completely Customizable – You can make this chia smash jam with nearly any frozen or fresh, real fruit of your choice, so your flavor options are endless.
- Way Healthier Than Store-Bought – With a minimal ingredient list and very little added sweetener — in the form of minimally refined maple syrup, no less — this chia berry jam is in a class of its own. Compare that to popular brands like Smuckers that use a triple whammy of HFCS, regular corn syrup, AND sugar, and you’ll see what I mean.
Ingredients Needed
- Frozen Berries – Frozen fruits are picked at the height of freshness and quickly frozen, preserving their delicious flavor and all those good-for-you nutrients. As a bonus, they’re often cheaper than fresh, available year-round, and are already prepped and ready to go. Use any juicy berry or berry blend you like (e.g. boysenberry, huckleberry, blackberry, strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry).
- Chia Seeds – These are the key to making our berry jam nice and thick without pectin. Feel free to use whole or ground chia seeds. So long as they’re fresh (i.e. not rancid), either option will work. Note that whole chia seeds will give the jam a slightly chunkier consistency — it’s not a bad thing, just something to be mindful of.
- Maple Syrup – This is my preferred liquid sweetener since it has a lower glycemic impact and some trace minerals. Make sure you’re using 100% real maple syrup, not the colored corn syrup that masquerades as such.
Substitutions
- Frozen Berries – As I mentioned above, nearly any fresh or frozen fruit will work here. The only exceptions are harder fruits like apples or cranberries since they don’t release enough juice. Though, I suppose you *could* use either and then add a splash of orange juice to achieve the proper consistency? If anyone tries this, let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
- Chia Seeds – While they’re less common in US grocery stores, linseeds can be used in a 1-to-1 ratio in place of chia seeds.
- Maple Syrup – Feel free to swap in the liquid or granulated sweetener of your choice (e.g. honey, agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or granulated monkfruit).
How To Make Strawberry Jam With Chia Seeds
This chia seed jam recipe couldn’t be easier if it tried. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Thaw your berries overnight in the fridge, then add them to a food processor.
Step 2: Blend the berries until they’re smooth.
Step 3: Mix. Transfer the pureed berries to a large bowl, and add the chia seeds and maple syrup. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Rest. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours to thicken up. Feel free to divvy the strawberry chia seed jam into jars or an airtight container or two before refrigerating if you prefer. Enjoy!
Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
- Berry Bonanza: Mix and match your berries to keep things exciting.
- Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to your jam for a bright, citrusy note. You can also add fresh lemon juice or orange juice, though you’ll want to add 1/10th as much extra chia seeds to account for the added liquid.
- Spice It Up: If you’re looking for fun flavor options, turn to your spice aisle. Warming spices like ginger or cardamom or fresh herbals like mint or basil can take your jam from basic to bougie in an instant.
- Sugar-Free: Avoiding all added sugars? Not to worry! Use your favorite sugar-free alternative instead. Just note that different sweeteners have different levels of sweetness, so make sure you adjust how much you add accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some fun and delicious ways to enjoy this versatile treat:
- Morning Delight: Spread it over a warm slice of whole grain waffles or stir it into your overnight oatmeal for a burst of berry goodness to start your day.
- Perfect Pairings: Pair your jam with almond butter for a grown-up PB&J or layer it in a parfait with granola and yogurt for a delightful crunch.
- Cheese Companion: Gussy up your cheese platter or charcuterie board by adding a small bowl of this homemade chia jam alongside some creamy brie or sharp cheddar.
- Dessert Time: Spoon some over vanilla ice cream or swirl it into these creamy mango popsicles for a little extra fruity goodness.
- Smoothie Booster: Blend your berry chia jam into your next smoothie for extra flavor and a healthy fiber kick.
- Savory Spreads: Try using this healthy berry jam as a glaze on grilled chicken or pork, or mix it into a homemade vinaigrette for a touch of sweetness.
Recipe Success Tips
- If you’re using frozen fruit, make sure to let it defrost overnight in the fridge. This will make blending it into a purée way easier!
- If you’re using fresh berries, make sure to wash them thoroughly and remove any stems.
- Taste your jam before it sets completely. If it’s not sweet enough, you can always stir in a little more maple syrup or your sweetener of choice. Remember, it’s easier to add more sweetness than to take it away!
- If you plan on freezing it, be sure to leave some space at the top of the jar for expansion.
- Practice patience. Giving the chia seeds ample time to swell up and do their job promises the perfect jammy consistency.
FAQs
Adding chia seeds to jam is an easy way to thicken it without using pectin. Normally, most jams call for liquid or powdered pectin (a naturally occurring thickening agent) to set. But, adding pectin requires more work (you have to cook it) and often means you need to add more sugar for it to work. By swapping in chia seeds, you eliminate the need for both cooking and added sugars!
The best way to store this strawberry jam with chia seeds is in the fridge or freezer. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. This freezer jam recipe is not intended for canning, so proceed at your own risk.
Yes! Eating chia seeds raw is a great way to take advantage of their nutrients, like fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. I like to add them to jam, overnight oats, regular oatmeal, and even as a crunchy addition for salads and granola. Just remember to drink plenty of water, as they absorb liquid and expand.
Chia seeds don’t get “stuck” in your stomach, but they do absorb a lot of water and expand, which in turn can make you feel full. This property of chia seeds is actually beneficial for digestion and can help regulate bowel movements.
To avoid any discomfort, it’s a good idea to consume chia seeds with plenty of water or other liquids or let them fully plump in your recipe (like this jam) before eating. Letting them expand before they reach your stomach ensures that they move smoothly through your digestive system.
I can’t speak for all recipes, but this one is! The main ingredients in our chia seed jam—chia seeds, fruit, and maple syrup—are naturally halal. However, if you’re buying pre-made chia seed jam or any additional ingredients like flavorings, it’s a good idea to check your labels.
Chia Seed Strawberry Jam Nutrition
Looking for a sweet treat that won’t weigh you down? Our homemade Berry Chia Jam might just be your new go-to! Each serving is super light with only 44 calories and 1 gram of fat, making it a guilt-free addition to your breakfast or snack time.
There’s also a gram of protein and a meager 2 mg of sodium, which is great for heart health. With 9 grams of carbohydrates for a bit of energy and 3 grams of fiber to aid in digestion and help keep you satisfied, this jam is not only delicious but also packed with benefits.
Go ahead and spread it or spoon it on whatever you please, and love every bit of its good-for-you yumminess!
Total nutritional content per serving is:
- Calories: 44 calories
- Total Fat: 1 gram
- Protein: 1 gram
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Carbohydrates: 9 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.
Pricing Info
This is what I personally paid to make this recipe:
- 3 cups frozen berries: $4.38
- ¼ cup chia seeds: $0.59
- 2 tbsp maple syrup: $0.24
The total comes out to be around $5.21, or roughly $0.44 per serving!
Other Homemade Ingredients
Tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the comments below! I would really appreciate your feedback!
Recipe
Easy Berry Chia Seed Jam (No Cook!)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen berries thawed
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Completely thaw your berries overnight, then add them to a food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Transfer the pureed berries to a large bowl, and add the chia seeds and maple syrup. Stir until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours to thicken up.
- Once thickened, divide into small jars or containers of choice. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days and or the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
If you end up making this and loving it, take a photo and tag me on Instagram! I’d love to see your versions of my recipes! And feel free to rate it down below in the comment section. I would really apprec
xoxo Megan
Kylie says
After refrigerating can you blend up the chia seeds?
Megan Byrd, RD says
You can definitely do that, although I’m not sure how it will affect the texture of the jam. I imagine it’d be great, though!
Sierra Dugan says
I love making these, it’s a great way to use up last year’s fruits as well. So so yummy. Thanks for sharing:)
Megan Byrd, RD says
Of course! 🙂