How to Make Chia Seed Jam
210 Comments
Updated Jun 07, 2022
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Chia seed jam is a healthy and delicious alternative to store-bought jam. It’s easy to make and uses fresh ingredients that you won’t feel guilty about. Watch how I make it below and read on to see the many ways you can enjoy it!
If you think making homemade jam is difficult, think again. Say hello to this all natural, lip smackin good chia seed jam. It’s rich, sweet, and has the perfect gel-like consistency. And if you’re a chia pudding or chia seed water lover, there’s no doubt you need this in your life.
Is Chia Jam Healthy?
If you’ve ever read the label on a jar of store-bought jam, the sugar content will catch you by surprise. They’re mostly made with high fructose corn syrup, along with standard corn syrup and run-of-the-mill sugar. Not to mention the amount of pectin used to thicken it up.
Homemade chia seed jam is just the opposite of that. It’s filled with nutrient-dense and fiber-rich chia seeds (which naturally thicken it up) and the only sweetener is a smidge of pure maple syrup. But if your fruits are naturally sweet enough already, you won’t even need additional sugar.
Chia Seed Jam Ingredients
All you need for this recipe are 4 simple ingredients.
- Fresh Fruit: You can use strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apricots, nectarines or a combination of several!
- Chia Seeds: Just 2 tablespoons of whole chia seeds.
- Choice of Sweetener: I’m using maple syrup, but you can use honey, or any other sweetener.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
How to Make Chia Seed Jam
First, Prepare Your Fruit
Start with a pound (about 2 cups) of washed, fresh fruit. If you’re using larger fruits like strawberries or apricots, just slice them down into smaller pieces. But, for smaller ones like blueberries or raspberries, no slicing is necessary.
Second, Create The Fruit Jam Base
In a pot over medium heat, add the fruit, a few tablespoons of sweetener and lemon juice. Use a spoon to give everything a good stir. This will help break down the fruit as it simmers. Then, turn off the heat and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
If you like your jam moderately smooth, use a potato masher to break up some of the larger pieces. And for a smoother pureed texture, use a hand blender.
Third, Add The Chia Seeds
Lastly, add your chia seeds and stir until everything is combined. Since some fruits are more liquidy than others, you may have to add more or less chia seeds to get the consistency you prefer. Then transfer the jam to a sealed jar or container.
And similar to making chia seed pudding, your jam will continue to thicken as it cools.
Ways To Use It
Spreading chia seed jam onto warm gluten-free toast is my guilty pleasure. But, there’s so many other ways to use this. Here’s a few of my favorites.
- Use it as a layer in my vanilla bean cassava flour crepes or a turkey sandwich
- Spread it onto zucchini bread, banana bread or gluten-free toast
- Dollop onto pancakes or waffles
- Swirl it into yogurt, porridge, or oatmeal
How Long Does it Last?
Chia seed jam will last about one week in the fridge if stored in a sealed container.
Chia Seed Jam Recipe Video
While this recipe is easy to make, it always helps to watch a quick tutorial video. Give it a watch below!
More Chia Seed Recipes
From sweet to savory recipes, chia seeds can do amazing things.
Easy Chia Seed Jam Recipe
Description
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh fruit, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- If using strawberries, nectarines, apricots, etc., slice them into small pieces. No need to do anything to small berries.
- In a pot on medium heat, add the fruit, maple syrup and lemon juice. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, using your spoon to help the fruit break down.
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to puree the fruit, then turn off the heat.
- Stir in the chia seeds and transfer the jam to a storage container. Place in the refrigerator to cool.
Lisa’s Tips
- You can use black or white chia seeds in this recipe, just make sure they’re fresh. This is the brand that I use.
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Recipe originally published November 2016, but updated to include new information.
This is such an easy recipe! I didn’t have fresh berries, so I used frozen ones, but it still worked! You just need to cook a bit longer, for the berries to soften up. Thanks Lisa!
Glad this chia seed jam was a winner! And yes, frozen berries will take a bit longer to cook.
Kids loved it! Used raspberries
Wonderful! I’m so happy to hear that Mallory.
What is the size of one serving?
Hi Lisa – it’s about 2 tablespoons.
Thank you!
It can out perfect. I used monk fruit sugar to my strawberries but didn’t even need to add any sugar/ maple syrup/ monk fruit to my blueberry jam. I did add 1 tablespoon of flaxseed to the jams as it adds no taste but adds in some protein.
Wonderful! Glad this recipe turned out perfectly :)
Chia seed for the thick consistency is a genius idea!! I love this!
How long does this jam last in the fridge?
This will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge :)
Is this jam, once prepared, freezable – thank you
Yes! You can definitely freeze it.
Lisa, would it be ok to use frozen raspberries or blueberries in this recipe instead of fresh?
Hi Jordana – no problem! Enjoy. :)
Hello! May I ask what pot you are using here?
Thank you 😊
Hi Jennifer- You can find the pot I’m using in the Shop page on my website!
Really good. I used raw honey, 1 tbsp. It actually was a little more tart than sweet. Next time will use the 2 tbsp of syrup or honey.
You can always adjust the sweetness level. But, I’m glad you enjoyed this jam overall!
Really easy to make. Your initial instructions say to turn off the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes. I followed the video. Very tasty and easy.
Beautiful. It could be used on a Candida cleanse too if the sugar is omitted as you mentioned. I am looking forward to trying it.
Hey this should also have protein right ? From the chia seeds ?
Yes, there’s 4 grams of protein in 2 tablespoons of chia seeds. But these calculations are based on 12 servings, so there’s less than 1 gram of protein per serving, which is why it’s not showing.
We do not have frozen blueberries nor fresh blueberries here. What do you think if I use dried blueberries in this recipe and how much should I put the dried blueberries for this recipe? Thank you
Hi Anastasia – you do need fresh berries for this recipe. Unfortunately it won’t work with dried berries.
THIS IS THE BEST JAM RECIPE THAT I HAVE SEEN. I WILL BE MAKING IT VERY SOON. THANK YOU. PAT.
Can’t wait for you to dive into this Pat!
Absolutely magical!
This jam comes together in minutes. I will NEVER make the “classic jam” again. I used wild blueberries, reduced raw organic honey to 1 tablespoon (because…I can heehee), and used lime because I didn’t have lemom. We love this jam and will definitely be making it again (I am currently on my 3rd batch within 2 weeks).
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!
Hi Darline- So happy to hear you loved this chia seed jam! It definitely gives store-bought jam a run for their money :)
Love, love, love <3 ….. does this freeze well?
Hi Becky – I’m so happy you love the recipe! And yes, you can freeze and meal prep this, no problem!
so good, I’m going to make it with nectarines tonight!!
Hi Claudia- Sounds great with nectarines!
And how much time can it be used if frozen?
It can be frozen for several months.
I made the strawberry chia seed jam and the whole family loved it! The kids even requested it over store-bought jelly. Thank you so much for sharing!
Hi Jennifer- Wonderful! Happy to hear the kids are enjoying this homemade version!
I’m thinking of trying grape jelly – have you tried this with grapes? I assume the cooking process would be the same?
I haven’t tried this with grapes yet, but yes you can try cooking it the same way!
Thank you for sharing this lovely recipe, keep sharing.
Hi Charmi – Hope you love this chia seed jam!
You’re so awesome!! I love watching your videos! Have a great Memorial Day weekend Lisa!!
Xoxo
Michelle Sims
Rochester NY
Aw, thanks so much Michelle! Have fun whipping up a batch of chia seed jam. And enjoy the long weekend as well!
Love this chia seed jam it’s delicious! So easy to make and loved how helpful your video was too!
Hi Luci – Thrilled to hear you loved this jam, and found the video helpful!
I love this!! My kids enjoyed this too!
Wonderful! Definitely perfect for a kid-friendly spread that’s filled with nutrients!
The store bought fruit jams are always too sweet for me. This recipe has the perfect balance of sweetness and so simple to make! I love it! Thanks Lisa for sharing this healthy and delicious recipe!
Love,
Ada
Astoria, NY
Hi Ada – I’m happy you loved the recipe! Yes, this homemade version is much healthier and with far less sugar. Enjoy!
Love this healthy jam alternative! Chia is soooo healthy and filling too. This would turn toast into a filling meal! Love it.
Most definitely will :)
Love that you added chia seeds for extra fiber! Love that I can enjoy a guilt-free jam because I can choose the sweetener I want that’s not overly sweet! And how can you go wrong with 4 ingredients!!! Such a winner!
Definitely a much healthier version of regular jam!
This sounds so good. I love making my own jam so I know what’s in it. Never thought to use chia seeds but I will now for sure. Thank you for sharing.
The chia seeds give it the perfect gel-like consistency :)
Looks great!! Definetely will make it. I thinking on using it as a cheesecake topping :)
Great idea! This will be perfect for a cheescake topper :)
Oh man, I cannot believe how delicious this recipe is! I added some raspberries in because I was slightly low on strawberries and the flavor combination is great. This will be my go-to recipe, it is so flavorful yet simple. Thank you Lisa :-)
Wonderful! I’m so happy you loved the recipe Katie!
Hi Katie- So glad you enjoyed this chia seed jam! You can always experiment with different types of berries as well :)
I made this jam today with blueberries and it was so super easy and the result is very tasty, best jam I ever had ☺ and it’s unbelievable how sweet and tasty it is without any added sugar. Thank you again, I’m hooked on your blog, cooking every day something new from you and it works ❤️
Hi Barbora- Wonderful! I’m so glad you loved this chia seed jam. It’s the best for using as a spread on any baked goods. And, I’m glad you’re enjoying all my recipes as well – can’t wait to show you tons more healthy recipes :)
I made this jam two more times now, the last time with raspberries! I am never going to buy any other jam :)
What if I want to make several jars of chia seed jam, do I need to do a water bath (as in canning)?
Thanks
Liz
Hi Liz – I haven’t preserved any of my chia jam as it’s so easy to make on the fly. But yes, I imagine you would do it the same way as you would with canning, in a hot water bath.
I can’t believe how easy this is to make, and how delicious it is!! I tend to use raspberries and blueberries mixed together as my pound of fruit (takes away the need to do the cutting lol). I’ve made it twice so far. It’s done in minutes, and then I can put it on biscuits, toast, or whatever! I love knowing exactly what’s in it!
Hi Darlinda – This definitely is one of my favorite ways to make jam, especially with leftover fruits! Glad you enjoyed this recipe and have been using it for multiple purposes.
Super easy recipe. I had some frozen blueberries that I used and it was a little more liquid as I defrosted them in the pan. Still thickened up nicely.
Hi Gina- Glad this recipe turned out well with your frozen blueberries!
The concept of Chia Jam is Exciting to me!
I make a dark rye bread with seeds I eat every morning with marmalade but I have gone low sugar and I’m trying to find a marmalade option that is low sugar do you think it would be possible to make Chia jam as a marmalade? If so do you think there’s any way I could make it with Stevia?
Any ideas would be lovely 😊
Thank you for your wonderful YouTube videos and this beautiful website. You and the spaces you’ve created are an island of inspiration, peace and Serenity in this world thank you 🙏
Hi Arlene – I’m so happy you’re loving all my recipes and YouTube videos! I think you could definitely make a marmalade chia jam. And yes, you could sweeten with stevia as well. It’s really quite a flexible recipe. Enjoy!
Can this jam be canned?
Hi Julie – I haven’t tried that yet.
Love this. Great as a topping as well for things like cheesecake, and other desserts, and a great way to sneak in some extra fibre.
My only tip is that if you’re using blueberries, they’re just going to slide right through a potato masher. lol. Find something solid to break them up a little bit.
Hi Megan – Yes! This is definitely a great jam or sauce to pair with other desserts :)
How long does the jam last before it inevitably goes bad? I don’t want to make too much, but I also work a lot so I don’t have much time to make it.. So I want to have a good amount available!
Hi Shiane – because there are no preservatives in this jam it won’t last as long as store-bought jam in the fridge. But it should last up to a week in the fridge no problem. You can always make a large batch and freeze any extra, then just thaw as needed. :)
Hi! Lisa, I loved your recipes and wonderful tips. For theJam recipe, I wonder if I can use Stevia instead of Maple Syrup, I am in a Candida diet and can’t use any sweeteners except for Stevia. Thank you! ???
Yes, no problem! :)
I love chia seed jam – yours has me drooling! I have all the ingredients – I might have to whip this up before I call it a night!
Yes, this jam recipe is delicious! I hope you have time tonight to make it! :)
This is a great recipe and I love that I can have it available for several items throughout the week! Enjoyed it this morning with toast and coffee; perfect way to start my day!
Awesome, Sara! Yep, this is my go to for breakfast spreads. So glad you loved it. :)
This wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I love strawberries too.
Great, I’m so glad it turned out for you, Andrea!
Love to put a layer of this in my parfaits!
Yes, this would be perfect on a parfait! Thanks, Suzy!
Your Chia Seed jam sounds wonderful, and a perfect topping for lots of delicious foods. So good to lower the sugar content and instead that natural flavours.
Thanks, Helen! Yes, anywhere we can lower processed sugar the better! :)
I tried using an apple instead but the maple syrup started to boil and turn black before the apple turn soft. so i turned off the heat and break the apple first before turning on the heat again. In the end, the mixture feels… dry… there wasn’t any liquid or anythin. It looks nothing like yours… i feel like im doing the whole thing majorly wrong…
Apples don’t have a lot of moisture and won’t break down the way berries and other fruit will (at the same speed). It would be best to make applesauce first, then turn it into the chia seed jam. In fact, if you have apple sauce, you wouldn’t even need to boil it, just add any sweetener and the chia seeds. This recipe works best with berries, stone fruits, etc. :)
I realize this was over 6 months ago, but have an easy tip. You could just steam your apples and mash them, then add the other ingredients, depending on your preference. I used to steam apples to make a quick apple sauce for my son when he was little. Personally, I doubt you would need any maple syrup for apples.
Have you ever tried canning this?
I haven’t. Let me know if you do though!
An I use my coffee grinder to grind the chia seeds? My husband doesn’t like chia seed texture. I made pudding before and it was not enjoyed. :(
Yes, you can grind the chia seeds. Hopefully your husband likes it better ground up. :)
Lisa could you use frozen fruit? We’re heading into winter and berries are out of season :(
Yes, absolutely! And it will likely break down much easier as well. :)
Love your website. Wondering if you ever did a video on herb growing in your kitchen. I have noticed yours in background and would love to do something like that.
Thanks so much Judy! I haven’t done a video on herbs yet, but I’m hoping to do one in the near future. Stay tuned! :) x
I’ve never heard of chia seed jam but it looks delicious and I have all those ingredients in my kitchen right now… I’m going to give it a try! I agree, I hate how store bought jam is filled with so much sugar and artificial ingredients!
Oh, perfect! And yes, totally agree about all the nasties in store-bought jam. I think you’ll be a convert! ;) x
That IS interesting about boysenberries/New Zealand. This is certainly the perfect homemade jam recipe! Definitely beats store-bought. The flavor I’d make first though is apricot – I’ve always been partial to apricot jam :)
You and my mom both! After I posted this video she requested a new batch of apricot jam. :)