Looking for a healthier alternative to traditional jam that's still bursting with flavor? This quick and easy Blueberry Chia Seed Jam is packed with fresh fruit, fiber, and healthy fats, making it the perfect addition to your favorite breakfast or snack.
If you're looking for a healthy jam recipe that's simple to make and bursting with flavor, this blueberry chia jam recipe is just what you need! Unlike traditional jam, which often contains excess sugar and preservatives, this homemade jam is made simply with blueberries, lemon juice, a touch of maple syrup, and the magic of chia seeds.
Whether you're spreading it on your morning toast, swirling it into yogurt bowls or chia pudding, or topping your overnight oats or scrambled oats with it, this blueberry chia seed jam is a game changer! If you're a fan of blackberries, you can also try my blackberry chia jam.
Why You'll Love This Dish
- Quick & Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up this jam in under 15 minutes.
- Packed with Nutrients: Blueberries are rich in fiber and vitamin C, while chia seeds bring a boost of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Lower in Sugar: Unlike regular jam, which can be packed with added sugar, this version uses just a small amount of maple syrup to enhance the natural sweetness of blueberries.
- Versatile: This blueberry chia jam pairs perfectly with everything from peanut butter sandwiches to yogurt parfaits or chia pudding.
Doctor's Tips
- Traditional jam uses thickening agents like pectin along with large amounts of sugar to thicken properly.
- This healthy homemade blueberry chia jam, however, uses the natural gelling properties of chia seeds. They may be tiny, but they pack a nutritional punch! Chia seeds are rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and antioxidants.
- Fiber aids in digestion, keeps you regular, and helps keep you feeling full. Plus, diets rich in foods containing fiber may reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Blueberries are a nutritional powerhouse, offering a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants-all for just 80 calories per cup.
Ingredients
Ingredient notes and substitutions. See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.
- Blueberries- you can use fresh or frozen blueberries; you can also substitute other berries
- Lemon juice- fresh lemon juice adds brightness; you can substitute orange juice
- Chia seeds- you can use black or white chia seeds; find them in the grocery store or buy them online
- Maple syrup- Maple syrup is my go-to, but honey, agave, monk fruit, stevia or any natural sweetener of your choice will work.
How To Make Blueberry Chia Seed Jam Step-By-Step
See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.
- Step 1- Heat blueberries and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Step 2- Simmer until the berries start to soften and break down. Mash them with a fork, leaving some chunks.
- Step 3- Stir in the maple syrup and chia seeds and cook a few more minutes. Remove from heat and cool.
- Step 4- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Chef's Tips
- For a touch of extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or some lemon zest. You can also use fresh orange juice instead of lemon juice.
- You can make this chia jam recipe with other berries like blackberries, strawberries or raspberries.
- You can store this blueberry chia jam in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it.
How to Serve This Jam
This jam is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways:
- With Yogurt: Swirl it into a bowl of Greek yogurt for a nutritious breakfast or snack.
- On Oatmeal: Spoon it over warm oatmeal, overnight oats, or scrambled oats for added sweetness.
- On Toast: Spread it on your morning toast with a dollop of peanut butter for a balanced breakfast.
- In Sandwiches: Use it to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and give it your kids as a healthy snack or lunch.
- In Desserts: This jam is a fantastic way to dress up vanilla ice cream or use it as a filling for homemade pastries.
Recipe FAQs
Store your blueberry chia seed jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Absolutely! This simple recipe works well with fresh raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or a mix of summer berries. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Since this jam is lower in sugar and made with natural sweeteners, it's a better option than many store-bought varieties, but always consult with your doctor if you have specific dietary needs. You can substitute Stevia or monk fruit sweetener or leave the sweetener out altogether.
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Recipe
Blueberry Chia Seed Jam
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup, honey or sweetener of your choice
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
Instructions
- Heat the blueberries and lemon juice together in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer 7-8 minutes until the berries start to soften and break down. Mash the berries with a fork, leaving some chunks.
- Stir in the maple syrup and chia seeds and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often. Turn the heat off and let the mixture cool. As it cools, the jam will thicken.
- Store jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 1 ½ cups of jam.
- This jam is can be used in so many different ways! Spoon it on top of Greek yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious and hearty breakfast. It also makes a great alternative to store bought jelly on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. For a sweet after dinner treat, you can spoon some of the jam on top of your favorite ice cream.
- For a touch of extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or some lemon zest. You can also use fresh orange juice instead of lemon juice.
- You can make this chia jam recipe with other berries like blackberries, strawberries or raspberries.
- You can store this blueberry chia jam in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it.
Carroll says
I make all my jams with frozen fruit this way.
Dr. Sonali Ruder says
That’s great! So much better than store-bought jam, right?
Dawn says
I love this idea of less sugar jam. Is the nutritional information for 1 tablespoon or 2?
Dr. Sonali Ruder says
Thanks for your question! It's for 2 tablespoons. I added the serving size in the recipe card so that it's more clear. Let me know how it goes if you try it out!
Kelly says
Hi Sonali!
If I don't have orange juice, could I use lemon juice?
Can't wait to try this recipe.
Thanks
Dr. Sonali Ruder says
Hi Kelly! Yes, you can definitely substitute lemon juice. Lemon and blueberry is a terrific pairing! I hope you love the dish 🙂