Confession: I still had 80’s hair in 1990. Not quite as big, but permed, with bangs I was trying to grow out but still sprayed stiff with Aqua Net. To my defense, this was pre-Internet and I lived in a town that was three hours from the nearest shopping mall. I wasn’t the only one in my town late to the straight-hair party.
So the chia seed jam party isn’t the first party I’ve been late to. I fully embrace, however, the mantra better late than never. Yes, chia seed jam’s been around the block a few times by now. And yes, this is my first time trying it.
What can I say? My reluctance to try it may have had something to do with the utter failure that was chia seed pudding. It made me gag. That texture. I just couldn’t do it.
Let me assure you that the texture of this jam is not funky at all. It’s just, well, like jam.
The awesomeness of this jam is in its simplicity: 3 ingredients. 5 minutes. You are in control of what goes into your jam. It’s much lower sugar than most jams.
And it’s full of chia seeds! Are you new to chia seeds? They are powerful little guys. Check out their healthy stats: they help prevent blood sugar spikes, are full of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and other minerals, and are also a good plant-based protein source! (source)
Chia seeds can be found in most major grocery stores. The best deal I’ve found on them is the Simple Truth brand at Kroger. Get some!
I hope I’ve convinced you that this chia seed jam is worth trying. If not, here’s one more reason: I’ve got two great recipes coming up that use this healthy jam. You’ll definitely want to have some ready!
5-minute Raspberry Chia Seed Jam
Chia seed jam is a healthy, low-sugar alternative to regular jam. You can whip this up in 5 minutes and have an incredible, homemade jam in your fridge! I used this post as my guide for this recipe.
2 cups raspberry (if using frozen, defrost first)
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons warm water
2-4 tablespoons honey (preferably raw)*
1/2 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
Add all ingredients (start with 2 tablespoons of the honey) to a blender or food processor, and pulse until the it is the texture you prefer. I didn’t want mine chunky, but you may leave it that way if that’s how you like it. Taste and add more honey if you would like a sweeter jam. (I like it with 2 tablespoons, but with the raspberries being a tart fruit, it isn’t as sweet as regular jam, so add more if you want it like more traditional jam.) Transfer the mixture to a container with a lid (I used a mason jar) and allow to set in the fridge, about an hour. Enjoy!
*Substitute another liquid sweetener, such as agave nectar, to make this vegan
Have a great week, friends!
Healthy Living Playbook!
How long does this keep for in the fridge? Sounds delicious!
It will keep in the fridge for about a week. I have also read that chia jams freeze well, but I have not tried it yet.
My family is used to eating very sweet jams. I made this recipe with only two Tblsp. of honey. I had to add two more Tblsp. and I just hope that is enough to sell them on it. I like this recipe personally. I like the powerful raspberry taste. Thank you.
You’re welcome! Yes, my family is already used to lightly sweetened jams, so I can see how some families may need more sweetener. I hope they enjoy it!
Will this recipe work with black berries?
I don’t see why not! But I haven’t tried it. 🙂
I agree–the texture of chia pudding can be a a bit off-putting. Have you tried letting it sit overnight and then blending it so it’s smooth? That’s my fave way to eat it! I love mashing reheated frozen berries with chia seeds for a quick pancake topper. Love your version!
No, I haven’t tried that, but I need to! 🙂
I think it works well in jam because the seeds are reminiscent of raspberry seeds. Though, I do like chia pudding too.
I think you’re right. It also probably helps that I don’t take a big bite of this jam from the spoon but enjoy it on something else.
I still have 80’s hair, and not by choice. If I walked out of the house without doing anything to it, it would poof up like the worst perm you ever saw. Consequently, I wear it in a boring but manageable bun all the time.
This jam is my jam. Er, can I say that if I’m not 16? Raspberry jam disappears fast around here because how much I love it.
Oh, you can totes say that. 😉
This looks good! I’m late to the chia party too. I don’t really know what to do with it besides adding to smoothies. I loved the intro about your hair – we WERE pretty isolated…
It’s so quick and easy– it’s worth trying. I put chia seeds in my oatmeal or use as an egg replacer if I need it. I may never buy regular jam again, though, because this is awesome.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful recipe! My kids love chia seeds (yes, the pudding too…) so this will be a big hit in our house.
You’re welcome! I hope you and your family enjoy it. 🙂
Anything that takes 5 minutes is a winner in my book!! Just found your blog, and already loving all of your recipes!!
Thank you, Sarah! Really glad you found me. 🙂
I love a good jam on some toast. Such a lovely deep colour too. I~m sure its lovely!
Mmmm, me too. Jam on toast reminds me of my childhood. 🙂
This is genius! I have to go out a buy some chia seeds thats all there is to it.
Yes, you need to!
Love it! I make chia pudding all the time, but I haven’t tried a jam yet. I’ve seen them cooked too so I think how easy this is! Thanks!
The fruit flavor really comes through in the chia jam. I don’t think I’ll be getting store-bought jam too often anymore!
Ooh, what a great idea! I have no problem with chia seeds, I throw them in my yogurt & let them sit & swell 15 mins before eating. I have to try this- I love that it’s not filled with sugar! Thanks for sharing, glad I found you today!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you found me, too. 🙂
Very tasty and so easy! Have you tried this with strawberries?
I haven’t tried it, but I have some frozen strawberries and plan on trying it for my next batch. I can’t see why it wouldn’t work just as well.
Just made this using three cups of fresh strawberries, 3 tablespoons of chia seeds, and a tablespoon and a half of honey. I think I could get away with using even less honey, but it’s freakin’ delicious! Thanks for sharing:-)
You’re welcome! Thanks for letting me know how it works with strawberries. I’m planning on trying it soon! 🙂
Try and stop me from eating the whole jar at once!
🙂
Maryea, I now make this at least once every couple of weeks for my family. I have reduced honey to 1 TBS and no one has noticed, not even me. It’s delicious w/all kinds of fruit. I have used raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and mixed berries. All of them have worked out fine. My family absolutely loves this jam!! I think I’m even thinking about trying mango out next time. Thanks for a recipe that has now become a staple for us.
I’m so glad to hear this, Lisa! I’ve made it with blueberries, too, but need to try more fruit.
Can you freeze this jam? If so how long do you think it would keep for? Thanks!
I just made this this afternoon. I put some in the freezer, so I’ll let you know how it goes.
Great–keep me updated! 🙂
I froze it in small mason jars and it looks great.
Good heavens, thanks very much for posting this! It is going to be so helpful when I buy Chia Seeds at the store! Very Extraordinary!
Looks great in the mason jars in the freezer. I’m sure it will be great.
Hello Maryea:
Looks devine…just wondering if you can replace the honey with maple syrup…I am vegan and do not eat honey
Thank You, June
Hi June! Yes, maple syrup will work as a sweetener in this recipe. Enjoy!
Yumm…yummy..best part is it takes 5 mins & so healthy…I tried making it last week..however I have one question…how long it’s good to eat as it’s not cooked or no preservatives.
It’ll keep for about a week in the fridge!
Sounds wonderful!! I was wondering if you or anyone else has told you how this works/tastes using Stevia or Truvia?!?
Hope to hear from you soon! Did you ever try any other fruit combinations?!?
Debra
Yes, I have tried a lot of different fruits now and it works well! Raspberry is still probably my favorite because raspberry jam naturally has seeds so it looks like regular jam. The other fruits having seeds seems strange to me, but that’s just me being weird I think this would work great with stevia if you like the flavor of stevia!
I was wondering also – did anyone get back to you to let you know how well it freezes?!? Although I am guessing it may not last long enough to freeze unless you are giving it as a gift!
Debra
I have not tried it yet and haven’t heard any feedback about freezing–sorry!
This jam sounds great! I wasn’t a fan of the chia seed pudding either. I ordered a Vita Mix blender and as soon as it arrives I’m going to make this! Excited to have control over what goes into my body.
I am just making this jam for the first time right now. It turns out I only have one tablespoon of Chia seeds… will this greatly effect the outcome of the jam?
I would use less fruit. If you’ve already added the one tablespoon to the 2 cups of fruit, it may still work, but will probably not gel up as much. I’m guessing it will be more runny. I hope it works out for you!
Flavor is great however it does not thicken. It is raspberry sause.
Did you use the same ratio of fruit to chia seeds? How long did you let it sit? I’ve never had it not thicken–chia seeds thicken very well.
Thanks for the inspiration for this delicious and healthy raspberry jam! I shared it with my viewers today, along with my Healthy Eating Raspberry Muffins.
https://theuncommonpearl.wordpress.com/2017/06/19/when-the-raspberries-are-on-sale/
I’ll be making more jam this summer! Thank you!
I’d love to try it but I’m pretty sure I ciuldn’t use it all in one week. How much does it make ?
This actually freezes very well! Lately my daughter is the only one using jam, so I’ve started dividing it in half and freezing half. It makes a small mason jar container full–I can’t remember how many ounces that is right now.
So true!