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A quick, flexible chia seed berry jam made with fresh or frozen berries, water, optional sweetener, chia seeds, and lemon juice. This healthy jam comes together in about 15 minutes of active cooking, thickens naturally with chia seeds, and is perfect for spreading, baking, or dipping.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes (including resting)
  • Yield: About 2 cups (approx. 8 servings) 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or mixed)
  • 1/4 cup filtered water
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons chia seeds (2 for softer jam, 3 for thicker jam)
  • Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

  1. Combine berries, water, and maple syrup in a nonstick saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally and mashing some berries to release juices.
  3. If using frozen berries, simmer 2 to 5 minutes longer to cook off extra water.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons chia seeds evenly; let rest for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken. If jam is too loose after cooling, stir in additional chia seeds as needed.
  5. Add juice from half a lemon to brighten flavor unless berries are very tart and no sweetener was added.
  6. Pour jam into an airtight glass jar and let cool to room temperature; chill overnight in the refrigerator to thicken further.
  7. Store refrigerated and consume within 7 to 14 days; can also freeze up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

Notes

Use any fresh or frozen berries you have on hand or mix multiple kinds for flavor complexity., If you prefer a smoother jam, mash more thoroughly during cooking or blend with an immersion blender before adding chia seeds., Try swapping maple syrup with agave, honey (if not vegan), or other liquid sweeteners., Add warming spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract during cooking for different flavor profiles., Make small batches to avoid waste and keep jam fresh., Not suitable for traditional shelf-stable canning; store only in refrigerator or freezer., Thaw frozen jam overnight in fridge before use and gently warm if too firm.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Spread / Jam
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: Approximately 30 kcal per 2 tablespoons
  • Fat: 2 g per serving (2 tbsp)
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g per serving (2 tbsp)
  • Protein: 1 g per serving (2 tbsp)