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It takes just 5 ingredients to make this Berry Chia Seed Jam and it'll come together in just 10 minutes. You won't believe how easy it is!
Yes, it's true...making your own Chia Seed Jam is just as easy as getting it from the store and it's seriously so much tastier!
Plus, it's so easy to customize and it requires very little sweetener. You can even omit the sugar and enjoy the natural berry sweetness if preferred.
Why the chia seeds? Well, besides being filled with goodness, they help thicken the jam beautifully. It's really that simple!
Chia jam is used in the same way as regular jam so feel to get creative. We use it for peanut butter & jam sandwiches, as a topping for pancakes, hot cereal, vegan cornbread, crackers, coconut yogurt and so much more.
It is also perfect for baked goods and it's what I use for my popular vegan thumbprint cookies. You've gotta try them!
I know that you're going to love this jam. It's fresh-tasting, subtly sweet, and delicious!
Ingredients, Notes, and Substitutions
️🌟 This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. For the complete ingredient amounts and instructions, scroll down to the recipe card below.
- Raspberries - you can use fresh or frozen berries. If you don't have raspberries, you can use strawberries, blueberries, lingonberry, blackberries, gooseberries, cherries, or cranberries.
- Fresh Lemon Juice - orange juice adds a nice touch too.
- Agave Nectar - maple syrup is another great choice but you can use any sweetener that you have on hand.
- Ground Chia Seed - if you don't have ground, you can use whole chia seeds.
- Sea Salt - helps bring out the flavors more, but you can omit it if preferred.
How to make Chia Seed Jam
- Add berries to a saucepan over medium heat. They will start to release their liquid and break down after a few minutes. Gently mash with a potato masher to break down larger pieces, but leave some texture. Bring to a simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened and saucy.
- Stir in the agave, lemon juice, ground chia seed, and salt. Cook on low for another 1-2 minutes to thicken.
- Remove from heat and let cool. It will thicken more as it cools.
Flavor Add-In Ideas
This chia seed jam recipe is delicious the way it is, but if you want to add a little something extra, here are some flavor amp-up ideas.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest or orange zest
- ½ teaspoon fresh minced ginger
- 1-2 teaspoons fresh-chopped mint, or basil.
Ways to use jam
- Serve with a savory dish such as vegan swedish meatballs
- Add to a vegan charcuterie board
- Spread on toast or vegan cornbread
- Add to a salad dressing to brighten it up
- Use it as a filling or topping for cake, muffins, donuts, crepes and more
- Add it to a smoothie or protein shake for a hint of sweetness
- Swirled in ice cream
How to Store Chia Seed Jam
You can store this chia jam in an airtight container/jar in the fridge for 5-7 days. I don't recommend storing it in the refrigerator door area. The temperature changes a lot in that area when the door opens.
You can also store it in the freezer for 3-4 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight.
More Fruit Recipes to Try
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📖 Recipe
Berry Chia Seed Jam
Ingredients
- 2 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen) or berries of choice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice , more to taste
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar or any sweetener, more to taste
- 1 tablespoon ground chia seed or 2 tablespoons whole chia seeds
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Recommended Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
Instructions
- Add raspberries to a medium saucepan over medium heat. The berries will start to release their liquid and break down after a few minutes. Use a potato masher to gently break down larger pieces, but don't mash too much, you want to leave some texture. Bring to a simmer for 3-5 minutes until it’s slightly thickened and saucy. Stir frequently.
- Stir in the agave, lemon juice, ground chia seed, and salt. Cook on low for another 1-2 minutes to thicken (it'll thicken a lot more when it cools). Taste for flavor and add more if needed.
- Remove from heat and let it completely cool. Pour into an air-tight jar and store in the fridge for 5-7 days.
Notes
- Chia Seeds - if you don't have ground, you can use a coffee grinder or you can use the seeds whole (just double the amount). The whole chia seeds will add more texture, but they will soften perfectly in the jam.
- Other Berries for Jam - strawberries, blueberries, lingonberry, blackberries, gooseberries, or, cherries, cranberries. If you use fresh strawberries, trim stems and chop them before measuring. For frozen strawberries, thaw first before using.
- Flavor Add-In Ideas - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest or orange zest, ½ teaspoon fresh minced ginger, 1-2 teaspoons fresh-chopped mint, or basil.
- Yields - about 1 cup
Ross
Could this basic recipe used to make jam from any fruit? Blueberry is my favorite..the chia just acts as a binder like pectin would right?
Melissa Huggins
Hi Ross, Yes, blueberries will work beautifully! The chia seeds will swell and thicken everything up. Works like a charm! 🙂
Tracey
I’m seriously obsessed! So easy and delicious. Thank you for the recipe.
Melissa Huggins
You are welcome, Tracey! 🙂