There is nothing quite like homemade jam! This refined sugar free jam is a delicious and sweet spread that is set using healthy chia seeds instead of adding pectin or gelatine. This lovely jam can be made with any fresh or frozen berries and is perfect for breakfasts or afternoon tea. Using only 3-ingredients, chia jam is so easy to make AND super healthy. Choose your favourite berries from the list below, or mix and match!
Try this beautiful, tangy refined sugar free jam recipe that is naturally thickened with chia seeds and flavoured with lemon. It won’t spike your blood sugar or leave you with a sugar overload.
Berries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, while chia seeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fibre and calcium, making this no sugar jam a perfect healthy lunchbox treat.
Store it in your fridge for the perfect addition to scones, granola, pancakes, jam drop biscuits, toast, desserts and more!
How to make refined sugar free jam
Most jams rely on pectin or a LOT of sugar to set properly. In this recipe, chia seeds naturally thicken the jam instead. This simple and healthy raspberry chia jam is made using only three natural ingredients. It has the perfect balance of tart and sweet and has the same jammy consistency, minus the sugar overload.
Chia seeds are a great way to thicken jam without the need for excess sugar, as they can hold 12 times their weight in liquid!
When added to liquid, chia seeds develop a gel coating and become thick and gelatinous. This coating acts as a binding agent to hold the jam together.
Blueberry chia jam is a favourite in our home, because our blueberry bushes always have so much fruit! But any favourite fresh or frozen berries can be used in the same quantities. The chia to berry ratio is 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to 2 cups of berries.
To make this healthy chia jam;
- Add the berries and lemon juice and zest (and natural sweetener if you are using one) to a saucepan and bring to a low simmer over medium-low heat. Simmer on low heat for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries have broken down.
- Sprinkle the chia seeds over the top and stir until combined.
- Add the hot jam to sterilized jars and cover with the lid, turning upside down until cooled to seal the jars.
Natural sweetener suggestions
Refined sugar free jam recipes don’t need added sweeteners, because the berries are packed full of natural sugars! For chia jam for babies over 12 months, no extra sweetener is required.
But, if you prefer your jam a little sweeter, try adding any of the following natural sweeteners;
- Maple syrup is a source of zinc, calcium and potassium and contains antioxidants. Darker syrups contain more benefits.
- Medjool date paste can be made by soaking medjool dates in a little boiling water until soft and then blitzing the water and dates in a food processor until it forms a smooth paste.
- Raw honey is a superfood and one of the best natural sweeteners (avoid this if making vegan jam). It is packed with antioxidants, potassium, iron, zinc, calcium and Vitamin B6. The darker the honey, the greater the nutritional benefits.
- Stevia is 200 times sweeter than sugar, so minimal amounts are required.
- Brown rice syrup.
- Coconut sugar.
How to sterilise jars for jam
To sterilise jars to use for jams, lemon butter, chutneys and other spreads, either soak them in a sterilising solution like Milton’s, or thoroughly wash the jars and place them in the oven at 120 °C for 20 minutes.
Carefully remove the jars from the oven. To seal the jars, add the hot jam, close the lids and turn upside down until cool. The lids should seal as the jam cools.
How to store sugar free jam
This sugar free jam can be stored in a sterilised jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Portions can also be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. It can be used in cooking this way, or simply thawed at room temperature for spreading.
Low sugar strawberry freezer jam is perfect for topping cheesecakes or desserts!
Other healthy chia recipes that you will love!
Or check out the recipes in my Healthy Freezer Friendly School Snacks e-book!
If you try this refined sugar free jam, I’d love to hear about it! Feel free to leave a comment or rating below, or send me a message. For more food inspiration, tips and to share your own recipes and creations, head over to my Facebook Recipe Group.
Refined Sugar Free Jam (Any Berry!)
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen berries raspberry, blackberry, blueberry or strawberries.
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- zest of one lemon
- 2-3 tbsp maple syrup or natural sweetener of choice
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
Instructions
- Place the raspberries, lemon juice, zest and maple syrup together in a small saucepan and stir together over low heat until the raspberries break down. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir through the chia seeds. Transfer to a sterilised jar and allow to cool. This jam can be stored in a sterilised jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
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