Strawberry Chia Seed Jam Recipe

This easy chia jam recipe is made with just strawberries and chia seeds with a touch of honey for added sweetness.  If you love homemade jam, I highly recommend making this strawberry chia seed jam recipe and putting it on EVERYTHING!

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Strawberry Chia Jam Recipe

Is strawberry jam healthy?

I probably have a different view of the word healthy than many other people.  I think a rich, homemade dessert with real butter and cream is healthier for you than a ‘lite, low fat chocolate cookie’ from the grocery store.  So, is traditional strawberry jam healthy?  Sure, as long as you buy the all natural version.  However, this strawberry chia jam recipe is even healthier.  WHY?  Because you have loads of extra fiber from the chia seeds and a lot less sugar.  As a result, you have fewer calories which helps keep the pants fitting a little better!  So, make chia seed jam and spread it on a whole wheat English muffin for breakfast this week!

Like this strawberry chia seed jam recipe?  Try these strawberry recipes, too!

Sliced strawberries in pan with honey

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What fruits can you use to make chia seed jam?

Chia seed jam is an easy way to make homemade jam without using pectin.  And the great thing about chia jam is that you can use a ton of different kinds of fruit!  Any fruit that creates a lot of juice can be turned into homemade jam using chia seeds!  Frozen blueberries are another great option, as are juicy fresh fruits like peaches.  If your fruit isn’t quite juicy enough, try adding some juice as it simmers.  

Yogurt Topped with Strawberry Chia Jam

How to make chia seed jam

This is a very simple jam recipe, however, like all kitchen experiments, it helps to have some insider information.  Want to start making your own jam without pectin?  Here are a few tips on making chia seed jam to keep in mind before you start:

  • The ratio of fruit to chia seeds is approximate.  Not all fruit is going to contain the same amount of liquid, which determine’s it’s sweetness.  Start with 1 pound berries plus 1/4 cup (optional) sweetener (honey or maple syrup work well)  and 2 tablespoons chia seeds.  If your final jam is not thick enough, add another tablespoon of chia seeds. 
  • Make sure your fruit is clean and you have removed any over ripe bits.  Chop larger fruits into smaller pieces before putting it into the sauce pan to cook. 
  • If you want a smoother consistency, put your fruit, sweetener, and chia seeds into a blender for a few seconds before cooking.  This will yield a smoother, less chunky homemade jam.  
  • The amount of sweetener needed will vary, depending on the fruit. You may not need any at all.  If you prefer, you can wait until your fruit is done cooking to taste it.  Then, sweeten if necessary.
  • Make sure you allow the fruit to come to a full boil. Then, let it continue to boil until it starts to break down and form a ‘saucy’ consistency.  This will take about 5 minutes.
  • This strawberry chia seed jam recipe will take time to set.  After adding the chia seeds, let it sit a minimum of 10 minutes.  It will continue thickening as it cools so the longer you let it sit, the thicker it will be. 
  • To store this jam, place it in a mason jar or other air tight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Canning chia seed jam is NOT recommended. 

Chia seeds honey and strawberries

Why does chia seed gel?

Chia seeds contain a ton of soluble fiber.  They have a coating around them that gives them a unique ability to ‘gel’ when added to liquid.  In fact, they can actually absorb about 10 times their weight in liquid!  As a result, you can thicken homemade jam with them pretty easily without using any pectin at all. This also makes them very filling.  Check out my post on the health benefits of chia seeds if you want more info about them. 

Strawberry Jam with Chia Seeds and Honey

Is it safe to can chia seed jam?

To be honest, canning of any sort terrifies me so I personally just don’t do it.  The biggest concern in home canning is botulism.  This is caused by a micro organism called Clostridium botulinum.  Most fruits are naturally high in acid, which makes them safer to can than some other foods.  However, when you add chia seeds, you alter the pH and introduce an unknown ingredient into the mix. 

There really isn’t enough known yet about canning things with chia seeds to know if this is safe to do in a home kitchen.  Is it safe to can chia seed jam?  Honestly, it is a big unknown and I can’t really recommend it.  This recipe will make about 2 cups of jam and should last about 2 weeks in the refrigerator.  Use it up or throw it away!

honey on a wooden spoon with bowl

Sweetening chia jam

Everyone is going to have a different preference when it comes to sweetening chia jam.  Personally, I like using honey or maple syrup since those are the most natural sweeteners.  You can certainly use granulated sugar if you prefer.  If you want to make a keto strawberry chia jam, you can leave out the sweetener completely.  Or choose a zero carb natural sweetener like Monk Fruit Liquid Drops or Truvia.  Make sure you start with a minimum of sweetener, no matter what you choose.  You can add MORE, you can’t take it back out!

Strawberry jam with chia seeds and honey

Strawberry Chia Seed Jam Recipe

When making homemade fruit jam with chia seeds, the seeds do all the work! Skip the refined sugars and make your own healthy chia seed jam with fresh strawberries.  This strawberry chia seed jam recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make and is delicious and healthy! Want more chia seed recipes?  Try my pumpkin chia seed muffins, too!

Yield: 2 cups

Strawberry Chia Seed Jam Recipe

Strawberry jam with chia seeds and honey

This strawberry chia seed jam recipe has only 3 ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to make. It is vegetarian and gluten-free. It is a healthy topping for toast or even added to yogurt!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups strawberries, destemmed and sliced
  • ¼ cup honey (optional)
  • 2 to 3 Tbsp Chia Seeds (depends on how thick you want it!)

Instructions

  1. Place sliced strawberries and honey into a sauce pan over medium heat.
  2. Heat to a low boil and cook 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture is 'saucy'. Mash with a potato masher if you want the pieces smaller.
  3. Remove from heat and add chia seeds. Stir to mix.
  4. Let sit at room temperature 10 minutes or so before using. It will thicken more as it cools.
  5. Store in a mason jar with lid in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

2 TBSP

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 30Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 1g

Nutrition information not always accurate

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