3-ingredient Chia Jam
This 3-ingredient Chia Jam is a healthy alternative to store-bought jam that’s ready in 15 minutes, thickened using chia seeds (hello omega-3 fatty acids and fiber) and incredibly delicious!
In case you are wondering what my current snack fixation is, it’s a sprouted english muffin topped with almond butter and this 3-ingredient chia jam. I just can’t get enough of it!
I have to admit something. I was never a fan of peanut butter and jelly as a kid. Crazy, right? Peanut butter and jelly is the most notorious packed lunch. Back then, it wasn’t my thing, until now. I’ve only just now realized, in my 20s, what I had been missing out on. The salty and nutty peanut butter paired with the sweet and fruity jam is the perfect combination!
Take your peanut butter & jelly game to the next level with this 3-ingredient Chia Jam. It’s a staple recipe in our family, and I’m sure it will become a staple recipe in yours as well.
Why you’ll love this 3-ingredient Chia Jam
- Only 3 wholesome ingredients – the only ingredients in chia jam are: fruit, chia seeds and maple syrup (or any other natural sweetener such as honey). This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free and naturally sweetened.
- Healthier alternative – do you ever look at the ingredients in most store-bought jams? It’s mainly processed sugars, additives and preservatives! Well, that’s not the case in this jam. We’re using the good stuff: fruit and seeds!
- So easy to make – just heat the fruit until it breaks down, then stir in maple syrup and chia seeds. Let it sit while the chia seeds get to work thickening the jam. After some time, you’ll have the perfect spreadable consistency of jam!
- Ready in 15 minutes – just stew the fruit, mix in the other ingredients, and you’re done!
- Versatile – this recipe works with nearly any juicy fruit: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, peaches, apricots, kiwi, pineapple. Feel free to use fresh or frozen fruit.
- Incredibly delicious – you’ll never go back to store-bought jam after trying this! It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart. You’ll be spreading this chia jam on everything!
What you need to make 3-ingredient Chia Jam
- Fruit – this recipe is incredibly versatile. I use mixed frozen berries (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries & raspberries) to create a mixed berry jam. Feel free to use whatever fruit you like!
- Chia Seeds – the star of the show! The chia seeds are what thickens the jam. Chia seeds also offer valuable nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
- Maple Syrup – this adds a little sweetness, as many fruits are tart. Feel free to use another natural sweetener like honey or agave.
Fresh fruit vs frozen fruit
Both fresh and frozen fruit will work when making chia jam! I prefer to use frozen fruit since it’s cheaper and contains just as high, if not more, of a nutritional value. Most frozen fruit is picked at peak ripeness and then frozen, which preserves the nutrients, compared to fresh fruit which typically sit on a truck for days on end, losing much of its nutritional value.
Make chia jam in 3 simple steps
- Step 1: Add the fruit to a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, until most of the fruit is broken down. Use a masher or fork to further mash the fruit to your desired consistency.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup (or other natural sweetener) and chia seeds.
- Step 3: Transfer to a container and place in the refrigerator to cool. It will thicken as it cools. Et voila!
How to enjoy it
My favorite way to enjoy chia jam is on an english muffin with almond butter and hemp seeds. The possibilities are endless! What’s your favorite way to jam? Let me know in the comments!
- Spread it on toast or use it to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich
- Spoon it on top of pancakes or waffles
- Swirl it into yogurt
- Mix it into hot oatmeal
More breakfast recipes you’ll love
All vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and naturally sweetened.
3-ingredient Chia Jam
Ingredients
- 2 cups fruit, fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, or honey or agave
Instructions
- Add the fruit to a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, until most of the fruit is broken down. Use a masher or fork to further mash the fruit to your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup and chia seeds.
- Transfer to a container and place in the refrigerator to cool. It will thicken as it cools. Enjoy!
Notes
- I like to use mixed frozen berries to create a mixed berry jam. See the blog post above for tips and ideas.
- Adjust for sweetness as desired. Depending on the fruit, you may want to add less/more sweetener. For example, raspberries are more tart than strawberries, so you would want to add a bit more maple syrup.
Love it! How long do you think it will keep in the fridge?
Thank you!
Hi Lara, it should last 8-10 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge (if it’s not already gone by then!). Enjoy!