How to Make Easy Berry Chia Seed Jam in Minutes
This homemade berry chia seed jam is made in 10 minutes with just 2 ingredients and makes a healthy alternative to store-bought jam.
What is chia seed jam?
Chia seed jam offers the same delightful taste as traditional jam but is very easy to make in just 10 minutes, using only two simple ingredients: fruit and chia seeds.
The magic of chia seeds lies in their ability to transform the fruit into a jam-like consistency by absorbing moisture and naturally thickening, eliminating the need for pectin, cornstarch, or other thickeners.
Chia jam is nutritious, flavourful and versatile. It can be made with a variety fruits, including berries, a combination of berries, stone fruits, or any blend of fruit, and can be made with or without added sugar, making it healthier than regular jam.
Enjoy this wholesome and delicious homemade jam on your morning toast, pancakes, oatmeal, or yogurt, or incorporate it into your baking recipes.
For more easy ways to eat more chia seeds, try this Mango Chia Pudding, Chocolate Chia Pudding, or Banana Split Chia Seed Pudding. Chia seeds are also perfect for thickening stovetop oatmeal and overnight oats. You can even add them to pancakes!
Ingredient Notes
This list is not complete. Please see the recipe card at the end of the post for the complete ingredient list with measurements and detailed instructions.
- Berries: This recipe is for blueberry jam but you can use strawberry, raspberry, a mixture of berries or even other juicy fruits like mango or kiwi. I like chia seed jam best made with frozen fruit bur fresh fruit works too.
- Chia Seeds: Black or white chia seeds work, just make sure they’re fresh.
- Optional Sweetener: If you prefer your jam a little sweeter, you can add 1-2 tbsp sweetener of choice such as maple syrup or agave syrup. I like to add a splash of lemon juice as well, which is also optional.
Variations & Additions
- Mixed Fruit Jam: Use any combination of your favourite berries such strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor of your jam.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, cardamom or nutmeg can give your jam a warm and cozy aroma.
- Coconut: For a tropical twist, mix in some shredded coconut or coconut extract.
- Ginger: Use up to 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger for a spicy, slightly tangy kick to your jam.
- Apple or Pear: Grate an apple or pear into your jam for natural sweetness and additional fiber.
- Citrus: Add up to 1 tbsp orange zest or lemon zest for a zesty, citrusy flavour. It complements the sweetness of the berries nicely.
- Chopped Dates: Add chopped dates for natural sweetness and a caramel-like flavor.
- Stevia: If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, use stevia as a calorie-free sweetener.
- Mango or Pineapple: Mix in some diced mango or pineapple for a tropical berry jam.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add the frozen berries to a small saucepan and heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thawed and juicy. This should take about 5-6 minutes.
Use a fork or potato masher to break them down into a chunky consistency.
Step 2: Add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds and give it a good stir.
If you’d like to add sweetener, add that now as well. Turn off the heat and let the pot sit on the element to thicken.
Taste the jam and adjust the sweetness if needed. You can also experiment with other flavours like vanilla, ginger, orange, lemon or cinnamon.
It should start to thicken in about 5 minutes. You can enjoy it after 5-10 minutes but it will have a more jelly-like consistency the longer it has to cool and thicken.
Transfer the jam to a sealable container like a mason jar and store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Recipe FAQs
What fruit can I use to make chia jam?
You can use any soft fruit like strawberries, cherries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries or any combination of berries to make mixed berry jam.
Stone fruit such as peach and apricot and other juicy fruits like kiwi and mango also work well.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Yep. I actually prefer frozen fruit for making chia seed jam because it gets juicy when it thaws which is perfect for the chia seeds to soak up all that juicy goodness!
How long does chia seed jam last?
Chia seed jam will last for about 1 week in a sealed container in the fridge. It can also be frozen in an ice cube tray then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
How can I sweeten chia seed jam?
If you’d like your chia jam sweeter and more like traditional jam, you can sweeten it to taste with sugar, maple syrup, agave, honey or a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.
No-Cook Method
This no-cook method is perfect for preserving the freshness and nutritional benefits of the fruits while still creating a delicious and healthy jam. Feel free to customize your jam with different berries and sweeteners.
- Prepare the Berries: If you’re using frozen berries, allow to thaw at room temperature in the fridge then mash. If you’re using fresh fruit, mash well in a bowl.
- Add Chia Seeds: Sprinkle the chia seeds over the berry mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the seeds.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Add your sweetener of choice (optional) and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired to the mashed berries. Stir to combine. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness as needed.
- Let it Sit: Cover the mixture and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 . During this time, the chia seeds will absorb the liquid and help thicken the jam. Stir the mixture every 5-10 minutes.
- Check Consistency: After 15-30 minutes, your chia seed jam should have thickened to your liking. If it’s too runny, you can add more chia seeds, a teaspoon at a time, and wait for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Store: Once you’re happy with the thickness, transfer the jam to an airtight container or jar. Refrigerate it to cool and allow it to set further. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
