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A glass jar of thick homemade chia berry jam with visible chia seeds throughout a deep purple-red jam, a small wooden spoon resting in the jar, a piece of golden toast spread thickly with the chia ...
Sarah Mitchell

Chia Berry Jam (No Sugar Added)

If you've never made chia jam before, prepare to wonder why you've been buying store-bought jam your entire life. This takes five minutes of active work, uses any berries you want, requires zero sugar, and produces a thick, spreadable jam that tastes like pure concentrated fruit.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Calories: 15
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or mixed)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 -2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, only if you want it sweeter)

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Glass jar with lid (8-12 oz)
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. If using frozen berries, heat them in a small saucepan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until they're soft and releasing their juices. If using fresh berries, heat them for 5-7 minutes until they begin to break down and bubble.
  2. Use a fork or potato masher to smash the berries to your desired consistency. Smash well for smooth jam or leave some chunks for a rustic, chunky texture.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the chia seeds and lemon juice. If adding honey or maple syrup, stir it in now.
  4. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent the chia seeds from clumping at the bottom.
  5. Transfer to a clean jar, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. The jam will thicken as the chia seeds absorb the liquid and form a gel.
  6. Stir once more before serving. The jam will continue to thicken over the next few hours and will be at its best consistency after a full night in the fridge.

Notes

The chia jam will seem too thin right after you make it — don't panic. It thickens dramatically as it chills. After 1 hour it's spreadable; after overnight it's thick and set. If your jam ends up too thick, stir in a splash of water or juice. If it's too thin, add another tablespoon of chia seeds and wait another hour. Frozen berries make a slightly juicier, more set jam because the freezing process breaks down the cell walls and releases more natural juice.