Mixed berry chia seed jam isn’t as complicated as you may think. It has a similar taste, texture, and consistency as regular jam but with more nutrients! The mixture of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries (or whatever fruit you want to use) provide nutrients like fiber and vitamin C. The fresh orange juice also adds vitamin C, as well as a subtle citrus punch. The chia seeds form a gel, resulting in the jam-like consistency. We love the texture of the seeds in this recipe because it feels like you’re eating super fresh jam made with whole fruits! Which you basically are. The seeds just add to the effect. 🙂
Why this chia jam recipe is so easy
It’s quite a simple recipe – cook the fruit in a saucepan on the stove, mash it until it reaches your desired consistency, stir in the remaining ingredients, and let it cool. That’s it! The chia seeds will absorb most of the liquid, causing them to swell and form a gelatinous mixture. As the mixture cools, it will start to thicken. And there you have it – berry chia seed jam!
Recipe FAQ
Absolutely. Simply replace the mixed berries with whatever fruit you want! Some good alternative flavors would be all strawberry, blackberry, apricot, or cherry!
Short answer – yes! This chia jam is fairly healthy because it’s made with fewer ingredients that are fresher (aka will have more nutrients), has less added sugar, and has the added bonus of fiber, protein, and omega 3 fats from the seeds.
Whatever you normally eat regular jam with! We love spreading it on toast, making a PB&J on honey wheat bread, mixed in Greek yogurt, or blended in smoothies. It’s versatile and can be eaten however you want!
Whatever you have. Depending on the season, we will use either. If a fruit is in season, we use fresh but if it’s not in season, we use frozen!
There are a few benefits. Chia seeds are a good source of fiber, protein, calcium, and omega 3 fats. This berry chia seed jam is less processed than typical jam and has fewer ingredients, including added sugar.
Other “healthier alternative” recipes you may like
- Healthier Ranch Dip
- Protein Hot Chocolate
- Healthy Cookie Dough Dip
- Espresso Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins
- Baked Oatmeal with Blueberries and Almond
- Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
If you try our recipe, we would love for you to rate and review it below! We also love connecting on social media so snap a photo and tag us @theperfectpear8 so we can see! 🙂
PrintEasy Berry Chia Seed Jam
Mixed berry chia seed jam isn’t as complicated as you may think. It has a similar taste, texture, and consistency as regular jam but with more nutrients! We love using this as a spread on toast, on a PB&J, or mixed into a smoothie!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Sides
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen mixed berries
- 2 Tbsp chia seeds
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp orange juice
Instructions
- Wash and prepare fruit if fresh (remove pits, stems, skins, etc. if desired).
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook fruit until it breaks down and becomes mushy (~8-10 minutes).
- Using the back of a spatula or potato masher, mash fruit until it reaches desired consistency. Mashing longer will result in a somewhat smoother jam, mashing for a shorter amount of time will result in a chunkier jam.
- Stir in chia seeds, honey, and juice.
- Remove from heat and cool for 10-15 minutes. Jam will thicken as it cools.
- Serve or transfer to an air-tight container.
Notes
- You can use whatever sweetener you have – honey, maple syrup, granulated sugar, etc.!
- In lieu of orange juice, you can use apple, lemon, or lime!
- Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- If not eating soon, portion the jam in ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, store in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to 2 months!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Tbsp
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 3
- Fat: 1
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
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