This simple chia berry jam is a great alternative to store-bought spreads. It’s naturally sweet, packed with fiber, and takes only 15 minutes to make. Perfect for toast, yogurt, or as a topping on oatmeal.
This post is all about how to make chia berry jam.
As a dietitian, I'm always encouraging my clients to explore new recipes, and this is usually one of the first I recommend. Why? - because it is SO EASY so easy! It’s versatile and a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth without adding lots of added sugar.
Start mastering recipes like this, and you’ll notice your confidence in the kitchen improve. You’ll see that healthy eating can be both delicious and totally doable!
Wondering what to have this jam with? Well my favorite way to use it up is in my overnight oats in the morning. Or if I want something truly comforting I'll lather it on my Irish Guinness Soda Bread or on top of some protein pancakes!
Jump to:
Why This Recipe is Dietitian Approved
- Easy and Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes!
- Healthy Ingredients: No refined sugar, artificial flavors, or preservatives. If you have ever made real jam you will know how much sugar typically goes into making it.
- Packed with Fiber: Thanks to chia seeds and berries, this jam offers more fiber than most traditional jams.
- Naturally Sweetened: You control the sweetness; it can be made with honey, maple syrup, or even without any added sweetener if the berries are ripe enough.
Key ingredients and substitutions
Below are some ingredient notes. For the exact ingredient measurements and the full recipe, be sure to check the printable recipe card at the bottom.
Berries: Fresh or frozen. Raspberries, blueberries and strawberries all work well here.
Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup.
Chia seeds: These absorb liquid and help thicken the jam. They are also a great source of healthy fats and high in fiber, with 5g of fiber per tablespoon!
Lemon juice: (optional) but adds a nice tang. And if you're feeling extra you can add some lemon zest too!
🔪Step by Step Instructions
Below are the instructions for how to make this Berry Chia Jam with some visuals that I hope are helpful! Don't forget to check out the recipe card at the bottom for the full recipe.
Step 1: Cook the Berries: In a small saucepan, add the berries and cook over medium heat for about 5–10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the berries soften and start to break down. If you’re using frozen berries, you may need a few extra minutes.
Step 3: Add Sweetener and Chia Seeds: Stir in the maple syrup or honey and chia seeds. The chia seeds will act as a thickening agent, creating a gel-like texture as the mixture cools.
Step 2: Mash the Berries: Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the berries to your desired consistency. If you like a chunkier jam, mash less; for a smoother texture, mash more.
Step 4: Let it Set: Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and/or vanilla essence if using, and let the jam sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. If you prefer a thicker jam, add an extra teaspoon of chia seeds and let it sit a little longer.
🥣 Recipe variations
Berry Mix: Experiment with any combination of berries – strawberries and raspberries make a classic blend, while blueberries add a sweet, mild taste.
Flavor Add-ins: Add a splash of vanilla extract for warmth or a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy flavor twist.
Sugar-Free: If your berries are sweet enough, you can skip the sweetener entirely, making this jam low in sugar.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Use a potato masher to break down the berries until they reach a smooth consistency. After mashing, keep stirring occasionally to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom and burning!
- Want a thicker consistency? Add an extra tablespoon of chia seeds
- Want a thinner consistency? Add a bit of water or an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
🥣 How to Use Chia Berry Jam
- Spread on Toast: Enjoy it on whole-grain toast with a dollop of Greek yogurt or peanut butter.
- Swirl into Yogurt: Add a spoonful to plain yogurt for a boost of natural sweetness.
- Top Your Oatmeal: Spoon over warm oatmeal or overnight oats.
- Bake with It: Use as a filling for thumbprint cookies, pastries, or homemade pop-tarts.
Recipe FAQs
This jam will stay fresh for up to one week in a sealed container. I haven't tried freezing this recipe. If you do, let me know how it turns out.
Yes! While berries work great, you can experiment with other fruits like peaches, apricots, or plums. Just adjust the sweetener as needed.
Not really! Chia seeds are pretty neutral in taste, so they let the berry flavors shine.
No but if using frozen make sure to add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
This chia berry jam is the ultimate homemade treat – simple, healthy, and loaded with flavor. Enjoy it fresh or freeze a batch to have on hand anytime the craving strikes!
Related
Looking for other dietitian recipes like this? Try these:
Want to Learn About Nutrition?
Here are some nutrition education articles from a dietitian!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you try it out, please leave a review below or tag me in a photo or story on Instagram. It truly makes my day to know people are enjoying my recipes! 😊 IG: @marialuceyrd_dietitian
📖 The Recipe
Chia Berry Jam
Equipment
- 1 pot
- 1 potato masher optional
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups fresh or frozen berries e.g., raspberries, blueberries or a mix 1 small punnet or 170g
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey adjust based on the sweetness of your berries - 15mls
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds 15g
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional, but adds a nice tang
- Optional Flavor Add-ins: Add a splash of vanilla extract for warmth or a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy flavor twist.
Instructions
- Cook the Berries: In a small saucepan, add the berries and cook over medium heat for about 5–10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the berries soften and start to break down. If you’re using frozen berries, you may need a few extra minutes.
- Mash the Berries: Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the berries to your desired consistency. If you like a chunkier jam, mash less; for a smoother texture, mash more.
- Add Sweetener and Chia Seeds: Stir in the maple syrup or honey and chia seeds. The chia seeds will act as a thickening agent, creating a gel-like texture as the mixture cools.
- Let it Set: Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and/or vanilla essence if using, and let the jam sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. If you prefer a thicker jam, add an extra teaspoon of chia seeds and let it sit a little longer.
- Store: Once cooled, transfer your chia berry jam to a clean jar, and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Berry Mix: Experiment with any combination of berries – strawberries and raspberries make a classic blend, while blueberries add a sweet, mild taste. You can also experiment with other fruits like peaches, apricots, or plums. Just adjust the sweetener as needed.
- Flavor Add-ins: Add a splash of vanilla extract for warmth or a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy flavor twist.
- Sugar-Free: If your berries are sweet enough, you can skip the sweetener entirely, making this jam low in sugar.
eleanor says
great on scones in the morning