This chia jam is made with just four ingredients, sweetened with a touch of honey, and is a delicious, healthy alternative to grocery store jam!
I have been on the hunt for a clean, better-for-you (lower sugar) jam for quite some time. When the craving hits, I want to be able to whip up a good PB&J sandwich without all of the junk that so many store-bought jellies and jams are packed with. Enter: homemade chia jam! Made with just 4 wholesome ingredients, this jam makes my PB&J dreams come true in a way that tastes and feels good!
Is Chia Jam healthy?
Made with just a few wholesome, good-for-you ingredients, this jam absolutely is healthy! Many store-bought jams and jellies are loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and other junky ingredients, but ours is packed with nutritionally dense chia seeds, real fruit, and a touch of honey; in short, it’s a really tasty, nutritious traditional jam substitute that you can totally feel good about.
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are tiny nutritional powerhouses! Not only do they give this jam a really yummy (almost seedy) texture, they also bring a lot to the table (er, jar?) nutritionally. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, iron, and calcium, so their appearance in this jam automatically ups its nutritional density!
Ingredients
We’re making 3 chia seed jam variations today! While they all have three ingredients in common, the fourth ingredient completely depends on your taste and preference. Here’s what you’ll need to add to your next grocery list:
Basic Chia Jam Ingredients
First thing’s first, you’ll need these 3 basic chia seed jam ingredients no matter which fruit variation you choose:
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Chia Seeds – we’ll use 2 tablespoons of chia seeds here. It may not seem like a lot at first, but thanks to their soluble fiber content, these tiny seeds swell and become almost gel-like when combined with liquid.
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Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (preferably fresh – the juice from ½ a lemon should do!) counters the sweetness from the fruit + honey and adds a touch of brightness to the jam.
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Honey – we LOVE the hint of subtle sweetness that honey brings. You’ll use between 2-3 tablespoons – the final amount is totally up to your preference!
Fruit Variations (Pick One!)
We’re giving you 3 different fruit options to choose from. Each one is completely delicious and guaranteed to be a great choice! If you’re making your chia jam with fresh fruit, we recommend going with a fruit option that’s in season, as the taste will be far better that way!
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Peach Jam – for this variation, you’ll need 1 pound of peeled, pitted, and chopped peaches.
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Cherry Jam – if you’re going the cherry chia jam route, you’ll need 1 pound of pitted cherries.
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Berry Jam – for a deliciously sweet berry jam, you’ll need (you guessed it!) 1 pound of berries. Any combination of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries work great!
Can I use frozen fruit?
You can! Frozen fruit works just as well as fresh fruit here, so if you’re craving berry chia jam in the dead of winter, grab a bag of frozen berries at the store, and get to simmering! Frozen fruits (and veggies) are actually picked and frozen at peak ripeness, so they taste incredible, and nutritionally, they’re just as good for you as the fresh stuff!
Can I use a different fruit?
Again, yes! This chia jam recipe is completely customizable and can be made with 1 pound of any fruit that you love! If you’re using a larger fruit (like peaches), be sure to chop them into smaller pieces. Small fruits (like berries and cherries) can be left whole. You can also combine fruits for a delicious, unique spin on your homemade jam!
How to Make Jam with Chia Seeds
As I’m writing this, I feel almost silly admitting that homemade jam has always been something that I’m totally intimidated by, when in actuality, it’s SUPER easy. Here’s how to make your very own honey-sweetened chia jam:
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Combine the Fruit, Lemon Juice, and Honey – add the fruit, lemon juice, and honey to a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Then, stir it all together, cover the pot with the lid, and let the mixture cook for 7-10 minutes, until the fruit is fully broken down and mushy.
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Mash the Fruit Mixture – mash the fruit, honey, and lemon juice mixture with a potato masher (or puree with a blender for a smoother consistency).
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Stir in the Chia Seeds + Refrigerate – stir in the chia seeds, then pour into a container (these mason jars are perfect!), and refrigerate for at least two hours, until cooled and thickened.
Ways to Use it
You can use this chia jam just like you’d use any jam, jelly, or fruit spread! Here are a few of our very favorite ways to use it:
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For a simple, well-balanced breakfast, spread chia jam on a piece of buttered toast and serve alongside a slice of breakfast casserole.
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Jazz up your favorite baked good (like this chocolate chip zucchini bread or these blueberry scones) with a smear of any flavor chia jam.
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Add a dollop of chia jam to your overnight oats or yogurt bowl for a delicious addition to a healthy breakfast!
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Top your next batch of pancakes or waffles with butter, chia jam, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a deliciously fruity twist on the classic.
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For a sweet and savory take on chia jam, spread a layer on your next turkey sandwich! Cranberry chia jam (1 pound of cranberries + chia seeds, honey, and lemon juice) would be especially delightful here!
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Use it to make a peanut butter and chia jam sandwich (strawberry chia jam would be SO yummy here!)
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Use it as the swirl in these no-bake cheesecake bars for a sweet treat that’ll please a crowd!
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Dollop it over a few scoops of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert in!
How long does it last?
If stored in an airtight container in the fridge, your chia seed jam will last for about 2 weeks, but we’re willing to bet that’ll it’ll be devoured well before then! If you’d like to make a few batches at once, chia seed jam can be frozen for longer keeping!
More Chia Seed Recipes
We hope you love this healthy chia jam as much as we do! Our challenge to you? Try all 3 flavor variations (peach, cherry, and berry), and then comment below with your favorite one!
Chia Jam 3 Ways
Ingredients
Peach Chia Jam
- 1 pound of peaches peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2-3 tablespoons honey to taste
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Cherry Chia Jam
- 1 pound pitted cherries fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2-3 tablespoons honey to taste
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Berry Chia Jam
- 1 pound mixed berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2-3 tablespoons honey to taste
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Instructions
- Place the fruit, lemon juice, and honey in a medium pot with matching lid over medium heat and stir everything together. Cover the pot and let cook for 7-10 minutes, until the fruit is fully broken down and mushy.
- Mash the fruit with a potato masher, or puree with a blender if you'd like a more smooth consistency.
- Stir in the chia seeds, then pour into a container and refrigerate for at least two hours, until set, to let the jam cool and thicken.
Recipe Notes
- You can use maple syrup or coconut sugar in place of the honey, if desired
- Nutrition is for Peach Chia Jam
Nutrition
What’s the shelf life for this?
Hi Juliette! If stored in an airtight container in the fridge, your chia jam is good for 2 weeks. You can also freeze it to extend its life. ~Melissa