Have you ever made Chia Jam before? I hadn’t until recently, but it’s now one of my favourite recipes to make. Rich in fibre and antioxidants, this low-sugar Chia Jam is a perfect replacement for store bought jellies. Get creative with your favourite fruits!

Sean’s sister made me a few batches of chia jam for Christmas and I ate all three jars in just a couple of weeks. I’d never made chia jam myself before but I was so over-the-moon in love with them that I had to get the recipe from her!

Turns out, chia jam is ridiculously easy to make. All you need is frozen (or fresh) fruit and chia seeds. It’s also low in sugar, unless you choose to add some additional sweetener.

How to Make Chia Jam

Are you ready for the easiest ingredient list ever? All you need is:

• fruit/berries of choice: I love mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, cherries), but you could do any individually. I use frozen, but fresh would work too.
• chia seeds: these are what turn the mixture into a jam. Chia seeds are highly absorbent and become gelatinous when mixed with water. Plus, they’re a great source of omega-3 fats.
• sweetener (optional): I personally prefer my chia jam naturally sweetened from the fruit itself, but if you want to, you could add in a spoonful of honey or maple syrup.

You’ll also need a saucepan and some mason jars for storing.

The ratio for this recipe is 1 cup of fruit to 1 tbsp of chia seeds. To fit an 8oz jar, I use 2 cups fruit and 2 tbsp of chia seeds. Double or triple this recipe as desired. Here’s how to make it:

1. Measure 2 cups of frozen berries and add to a saucepan. Cover and simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until all fruit is softened and lots of liquid is produced. Add sweetener if preferred.
2. Stir well and mash lightly with a fork. You don’t need the mixture to be a puree, just mixed enough so there aren’t huge pieces of fruit.
3. Mix in 2 tablespoons of chia seeds and combine well.
4. Transfer contents to 8oz glass jar.
5. Place in refrigerator to thicken for a few hours or overnight.

The berry juices are highly pigmented when simmering away. Make sure you’re wearing an apron or are extra careful not to splatter the juices all of over your favourite shirt. 😉

How to Use Chia Jam

Enjoy this chia jam any way you’d use regular jam. On toast or waffles, with yogurt, as a topping for dessert, or if you’re like me, a few heaping spoonfuls just on its own.

If you try this recipe, I would LOVE to see your delicious creations! Leave me a comment below with what fruits you used, and tag me on Instagram @meghanlivingstone.