Strawberry Chia Seed Jam with 4 Simple Ingredients

Make a healthy, homemade strawberry chia seed jam with just four simple ingredients: strawberries, chia seeds, lemon juice, and maple syrup. This naturally sweetened jam works great with fresh or frozen berries and is perfect spread on toast, pancakes, or stirred into yogurt bowls with granola.

This easy recipe is ideal if you want to reduce processed sugar and avoid the additives often found in store-bought jams.

Delicious, Naturally Sweetened Berry Jam

If you have leftover berries in the fridge or freezer, this simple chia jam is an excellent way to use them. It requires only strawberries, lemon, maple syrup or honey, and chia seeds. Chia seeds are the secret: they absorb liquid and thicken the jam naturally, so there’s no need for cornstarch or pectin.

How to Make Strawberry Chia Seed Jam

Combine the strawberries, lemon juice, and maple syrup in a small pot. Warm the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until the strawberries soften and release their juices. When the berries are soft, mash them with a fork or potato masher to reach your desired texture.

Stir in the chia seeds, then turn off the heat and let the jam sit in the pot to thicken. Stir a few times as it cools to prevent chia seeds from clumping.

Once cooled, transfer the jam to an airtight container or glass jar and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for about a week for best flavor and freshness.

Everything You’ll Need

• Strawberries: Fresh or frozen both work well.
• Chia seeds: Add plant-based protein and naturally thicken the jam.
• Lemon juice: Aids flavor and helps preserve the jam briefly in the fridge.
• Lemon zest (optional): A small amount enhances the brightness of the berries.
• Maple syrup or honey: Adds a touch of sweetness so the jam tastes familiar without refined sugar.

Substitutions and Tips

Can I use different berries? Yes. Swap strawberries for raspberries, blackberries, or a mixed berry blend if you prefer.

No lemons? You can use a splash of orange juice instead. It will change the flavor slightly, but the citrus still helps balance sweetness and extend the jam’s fridge life.

Recipe