Easy Strawberry Chia Jam
156
Published Jun 18, 2019, Updated Jun 12, 2023
This post may include affiliate links. Thank you for your support.
This easy chia jam recipe is made with just strawberries and chia seeds and takes less than 15 minutes to whip up. It’s loaded with fiber and protein, but no added sugar!
As you all know, I’m hooked on chia seeds and try to include them in my breakfast regularly, and while it’s pretty easy to do (especially when having chia pudding, overnight oats or protein pancakes), but I’m always looking for new ways to incorporate them into my meals. Chia jam is the perfect way to add chia seeds to my breakfast routine because it’s so easy to whip up, keeps in the fridge for about a week, and can be added to just about any breakfast recipe. I personally love stirring it into a bowl of Greek yogurt or adding it to my oatmeal.
What is Chia Jam?
Chia jam is a fruit-based jam or jelly made by combining puréed fruit with nutrient-dense chia seeds. The chia seeds help the jam thicken up, without loads of sugar or thickeners like pectin, and it comes together in just 15 minutes. Amazing right?
I’m sharing how to make strawberry chia jam, but you can use any fruit that you like, fresh or frozen, to make chia jam. And it doesn’t have to be heated (y0u can simply mash fresh or thawed frozen fruit) but I’ve found that heating the fruit helps break it down and gives the jam a sweeter flavor.
Once the fruit has been mashed and is the consistency you like, just add in the chia seeds and lemon juice (just to brighten the flavor) and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken up and cool. And that’s it… your chia jam is ready to be used any way you like.
Chia jam can be used the same way regular jam is used! I love using it for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, as a mix-in for oatmeal or yogurt or as a fruity spread on toast.
Why is Chia Jam so Healthy?
Beyond the fact that this chia jam is way lower in sugar, there are some amazing health benefits of chia seeds as well! Here’s a little reminder of why chia seeds are so healthy:
- Chia seeds are a good source of omega 3 fatty acids – Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, meaning that you need to get from food sources because your body cannot produce them itself. Omega 3′s reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. They’re also said to help with weight loss related to their regulation of blood sugar levels and insulin.
- Chia seeds are a plant-based protein – We all know protein is an essential macronutrient needed for many functions in the body, including muscle building and it’s awesome to have plant-based options.
- Chia seeds are loaded with antioxidants – Antioxidants help rid our body of free radicals, which have been linked to cancer and heart disease.
- Chia seeds are a good source of fiber – The fiber content with weight loss by keeping you feeling full, prevents constipation and enhances regularity.
- Chia seeds also contain magnesium and potassium – Two minerals essential for good health.
I had to make another batch for pictures, which worked out quite well because now I have some to put on my protein pancakes and greek yogurt this week!
More Chia Seed Recipes to Try
- Chia Pudding
- Protein Chia Pudding
- Chia Protein Bars
- Chia Oatmeal
- Oatmeal Chia Cookies
- Chocolate Chia Pudding
- Lemon Chia Fresca
More Homemade Spreads to Try
Easy Strawberry Chia Jam
Ingredients
- 1 cup trimmed strawberries, frozen or fresh
- 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 Tablespoon lemon juice
- stevia, maple syrup or honey (to taste)
Instructions
- Add strawberries to a saucepan over medium-high heat and cook until the berries start to break down and the mixture is bubbling. You can use the back of a spoon or potato masher to mash the berries and create your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chia seeds and lemon juice. Then taste, and add sweetener if desired. If your berries are sweet you might not need to add any sweetener at all.
- Remove mixture from heat and let cool the mixture cool and thicken, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- You can use right away or let cool completely before transferring to sealed container and placing in chia jam in your refrigerator. The jam will keep for up to 1 week.
Notes
- I like my jam with texture from the fruit, but if you like your jam to have a smooth consistency, you can blend the mixture in a high-powered blender or use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I have had this recipe saved for awhile and finally decided to try it out today! I made it with frozen strawberries (and some TJ’s chia seeds lol). We love it! I made my 15mo his first PB&J with it for a snack today. Not sure why i waited so long to try this. We will definitely be making it all the time!
Ahh yay! So glad this chia jam was a hit! Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I appreciate it!
I just made this last weekend and had it some cashew milk chia pudding. So good!
I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe!! Thanks for coming back to leave a review, I so appreciate it. 🙂
I made this using 1lb of diced strawberries ( container) 3 Tabs of chia seeds, 1 Tabs of lemon juice and 1 Tabs of Splenda (will omit when berries are sweet) I love this recipe and can’t wait to try using other fruits
So glad you loved this recipe, Michele! Thanks for coming back to leave a review 🙂
Have you made this with a fruit with a skin like golden berries? Does it work with the skins on?
I haven’t tried it, so I’m not 100% sure. Let me know if you try it!
Another great recipe! I made it with mixed berries and added a mashed banana at the end for sweetness. My sister introduced me to your site and now it is my “TO GO” site for everything healthy and delicious! Thank you for sharing your wonderful creations!
Aw!! This makes me so happy to hear, Tat!! I’m so glad this chia jam was a hit. Thanks so much for the review. It means the world to me!
I made this recipe. I chopped up the strawberries. It turned out delicious. I also used blueberries, which also was yummy. Thank you for sharing 😊
Yay! So pumped this jam was a hit, Ismeria! Thanks so much for the review and star rating. I really appreciate it!
Can this be made with raspberries? I have a load in the freezer from our bush earlier in the summer. Normally I make jam in the bread maker which takes a lot longer as for some reason I have to run it through twice. Would be great if I can do I can miss out all that sugar. Or the expense of xylitol.
Definitely!! Let me know if you try it and how it turns out. 🙂
Great strawberry recipes!
Thanks
Gail Bell
Gailbell3370@gmail.com
Yay! Glad you’re enjoying these recipes. Thanks for sharing your review Gail, I appreciate it!
Can I freeze this ????
Hi Barb – I am not sure this would keep will in the freezer, I believe it will change the consistency of the jam. Let me know if you give this recipe a try! Enjoy!