Delicious, quick & easy! You make this Healthy Strawberry Jam with fresh, juicy strawberries, chia seeds, lemon juice, and a touch of natural sweetener. It bursts with fruity goodness while keeping your sugar intake in check.
Learn how to make Strawberry Chia Seed Jam. It's easy, delicious, and Nutritious and only requires 4 ingredients! It's gluten-free, contains no refined sugars, is Paleo Friendly, and has no canning involved.
Fresh Strawberry Jam from sun-kissed berries is so good. Like, lick the spoon good! We just love homemade berry jam! The chia seeds in this recipe make it healthier than its store-bought, sugary cousin. If you've got 5 minutes, you can enjoy this strawberry chia jam!
Don't get nervous if you've never made a healthy jam. This recipe is so simple. It requires only four ingredients, and there's no canning involved.
If you like Blackberries, try this scrumptious Blackberry Chia Seed Jam!
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Why You'll Love This Jam
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this low-sugar strawberry jam recipe.
- Sweet strawberry flavor. If it's strawberry season, this jam is pure delight.
- Easy to make, and also healthy! This 5-minute jam is packed with the goodness of a superfood - chia seeds. Chia seeds are super high in Omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, you get a healthy dose of antioxidants, fiber, calcium, and protein.
- Low Sugar. Sweetened with just a little maple syrup, this homemade jam recipe is better than a sugary store-bought jam.
- No pectin is needed. When exposed to moisture, the chia seeds plump up and thicken the jam naturally. Yum!
- No canning required. Store your jam in the fridge or freezer, and enjoy!
Ingredient Notes
- Strawberries - ripe, fresh strawberries make the best jam. Make sure to wash them before using them.
- Maple Syrup - this will sweeten the jam without using processed sugar. Omit it to make sugar-free strawberry jam.
- Chia Seeds - Chia seeds act as a natural pectin to thicken the jam. You can use fresh black or white chia seeds in this recipe.
- Lemon Juice - A squeeze of fresh lemon juice balances the sweet berries and provides a natural preservative. You can also use a little lemon zest.
Find the full recipe and instructions in the printable recipe card below.
This jam is a refrigerator jam—it doesn’t require canning or special equipment, so there is no need to sterilize the jars or place them in a water bath to seal them.
Substitutions
- FRUIT - Basically, any “juicy” fruit works in the recipe. For example, berries (including strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries), cherries, peaches, apricots, plums, pineapple, and kiwi.
- SWEETENER - Instead of maple syrup, use honey, agave nectar, coconut sugar, or Stevia.
- THICKENER - You can use cornstarch or gelatin sheets instead of chia seeds.
Step-By-Step Instructions
There are two ways to make this simple recipe. If you're short on time, go the easy route which requires no cooking at all. To make it this way, you'll need a food processor or blender.
No matter what recipe you use, wash and take the stems off your strawberries before use.
Blender Jam
- BLEND INGREDIENTS. Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor (Image 1) and pulse until blended to the desired texture (Image 2). Blend more if you want your chia seeds pureed and less if you don't mind them whole. PRO TIP: If you want a chunkier version, you can reserve some chopped strawberries and add them after blending.
- LET IT COOL. Transfer the jam to an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and allow it to set in the fridge for about an hour (Image 3). It will thicken as it cools. Refrigerate for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Stovetop Jam
- CUT FRUIT. Slice strawberries into small pieces. No need to do anything with smaller berries.
- COOK. In a pot on medium heat, add the strawberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Let them come to a rolling boil for 5-7 minutes, using your spoon to help break down the fruit.
- MASH. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to puree the fruit, then turn off the heat.
- ADD CHIA SEEDS and COOL. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, let the jam cool slightly, transfer it to an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and allow it to set in the fridge for about an hour. It will thicken as it cools. Refrigerate for 1-2 weeks or freeze for up to 3-4 months.
Expert Tips
- STORING. Store fresh jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. You can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- For smoother jam, blend it longer in the food processor or blender.
- Yield: This recipe makes about 1.5 cups of jam.
Ways to Use Your Jam
You can enjoy this delightful Strawberry Chia Jam that's both satisfying and nourishing in the following ways.
- Put a spoonful of jam in plain yogurt
- Mix into your oatmeal
- Top your pancakes
- Spoon it on ice cream
- Make amazing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
- Spread it on toast, sourdough bread, or English muffins
- Place on top a cracker with cheese
- Dollop on cottage cheese
- Eat it right from the jar 🙂
Recipe FAQs
Chia seed jam will last about one week in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. You can freeze this jam for 3-4 months.
No pectin or gelatin is needed to make this strawberry jam. The chia seeds thicken it perfectly.
Because of its low sugar content, this jam is not shelf-stable, so we don't recommend canning it.
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More Easy Jam Recipes
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Printable Recipe
Healthy Strawberry Jam Recipe (Low sugar)
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (washed, hulled, and quartered)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (or to your liking)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Blender Jam
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and pulse until blended to desired texture. Blend more if you want your chia seeds pureed and less if you don't mind them whole.PRO TIP: If you want a chunkier version, you can reserve some chopped strawberries and add them after blending.
- Transfer the jam to an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and allow it to set in the fridge for about an hour. It will thicken as it cools.
Stovetop Jam
- COOK. In a pot on medium heat, add the strawberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Let them come to a rolling boil for 5-7 minutes, using your spoon to help break down the fruit.
- MASH. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to puree the fruit, then turn off the heat.
- ADD CHIA SEEDS and COOL. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, let the jam cool slightly, transfer the jam to an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and allow it to set in the fridge for about an hour. It will thicken as it cools. Refrigerate for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3-4 months.
Notes
- STORING. Store fresh jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. You can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- For smoother jam, blend it longer in the food processor or blender.
Nutrition
This homemade strawberry jam recipe was originally published on June 14, 2016. We updated it with new information and images on June 29, 2023.
Sharina says
I love using this strawberry jam on my fav French toast and it is always a satisfying meal! Love having it for busy mornings. So rich and delicious!
Erin Henry says
Us, too, Sharina! It makes a wonderful topping for waffles and pancakes!
Kylie R says
We love this! I am sure this will be in my fridge all summer long.
Erin Henry says
Perfect! It's nice to have a healthy, delicious recipe at the ready!
Olivia says
I love how this strawberry jam is healthy and super easy to make! Everyone in my family enjoyed it, thank you for sharing!
Cleo says
This is perfect! Healthy, yummy and so easy to make! My family loves it. Thank you for sharing 💗
Erin Henry says
Yes! We couldn't agree more. So easy to make, plus it's healthier than store-bought!
Bess says
Hi, Ive come across quite a few of your recipes and they all look wonderful. My question is as to whther or not you could substitute the strawberry for any other berry. I have a bunch of blackberries, blueberries and strawberries. Or do you think it would be better making a mixed version using strawberry as your base? I only ask this due to possible thickness issues. Thanks!!!
Erin Henry says
Good question, Bess. I have a recipe for Blackberry Chia Seed Jam, which can be found here: https://www.suburbansimplicity.com/homemade-blackberry-chia-seed-jam/. We find most berry work well in this recipe since the chia seeds are the thickener. Enjoy!
Selma Tillman says
can the jams be frozen ?
Erin says
Yes, Selma. The jam can be frozen in a freezer safe container.
Sue uhal says
This recipe looks great and easy. I have a few raspberries and blueberries that are frozen. Could I add them to the jam if I blended them first?
Erin says
I think that would be just fine, Sue. Let me know how it goes.
Maureen says
Can this be made as a canned jam so it will last longer?
Erin says
Good question, Maureen. Since this jam is low-sugar, it is not meant for canning.
Heather says
How long does it last in the fridge for?
Erin says
Good question, Heather. I would say a couple weeks. It doesn't really have any preservatives, so eating it soon after it's made is best.
Deb says
Can you make this in batches and freeze? Or is it best to just make it fresh?
Erin says
What a great question, Deb. I love it fresh, but you could absolutely freeze it for later. Since the jam doesn't have any preservatives, freezing would definitely make it last longer. I think I'll add this to the post so everyone knows. I appreciate you asking the question.
Shirley Wood says
We are huge fans of strawberries and especially Strawberry Jam. Thanks for sharing your recipe with us. I can't wait to make it.
Christine says
An edible DIY project sounds right up my alley! Thanks for sharing.
Erin says
Me too! And it's healthy, so I feel good serving this jam to the family. My son didn't even know there was a superfood in there!
Debbie says
Hi Erin, I love the sound of this jam, I've started sprinkling chia seeds on all sorts. I would never have thought to add jam to cottage cheese either.
Thank you for sharing.
xx
Erin says
With the fresh strawberries it's good on just about anything! Crackers with brie? Or on just plain toast. Yum!
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
This is so perfect! My vegetarian has not been eating much this summer, she is getting bored with her "go tos". This would be perfect for her. She loves strawberries and yogurt, or pair this up with goat cheese or brie and crackers. I'm going to whip this up for her, especially with the nutrition values!
Erin says
I'm guessing she's going to love it! The nutrition is great, but the taste is what will keep her coming back for more! I love your idea of brie and crackers!
Jessica says
This looks so good! I'm sure my kids would love this!
Erin says
Just served it on my son's PB&J today. He didn't even know there was a super food in there. Just thought it was delicious!