Dessert

How to Make Chia Seed Jam Recipe

ByRico Loranz February 8, 2026February 8, 2026

Introduction

Chia seed jam is a simple, healthy alternative to traditional jams, made with fresh berries and natural sweeteners. It’s quick to prepare and naturally thickens without added pectin, making it perfect for breakfast or snacks.

A clear glass jar filled with dark red, slightly thick chia seed jam, showing the texture of the tiny seeds mixed within the spread, with a metal spoon sticking out from the jar. In front of the jar on the white marbled surface, there is a halved lemon with pale yellow flesh, a sliced strawberry showing its red interior and green top, and a shiny black blackberry. Nearby, there is a wooden spoon heaped with light beige chia seeds, with some seeds spilled beside it, and a glass jar filled with chia seeds in the blurred background. A folded blue and white cloth with mixed berries sits behind the jar. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups fresh berries of choice
¼ cup filtered water
1 tbsp maple syrup
2-3 tbsp chia seeds
Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

Step 1: Add the berries, water, and maple syrup to a nonstick saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally and mashing some of the berries as they soften.
Step 2: Remove the pan from heat, stir in the chia seeds until well combined, then let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
Step 3: Stir in the lemon juice, transfer the jam to a glass jar, and store in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a rich flavor.
Adjust the maple syrup to taste or substitute with honey or agave syrup.
For a smoother texture, blend the berries before cooking.
Experiment with adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Storage

Store chia seed jam in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Before serving, stir well, as the jam may thicken further when chilled. It can be enjoyed on toast, yogurt, or as a topping for desserts.

How to Serve

A slice of white bread with a thick, deep red jam spread unevenly on top, with a silver butter knife resting on the jam. The bread sits on a white speckled plate with three blueberries placed at the bottom edge of the plate. To the upper left, a white speckled bowl is filled with fresh berries including whole and halved strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. To the upper right, there is a glass jar filled with the same deep red jam. Below the plate, there are some scattered chia seeds with a silver spoon heaped with chia seeds nearby, and a half lemon is partially visible on the right side. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a blue and white checkered cloth partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries for this jam?

Yes, frozen berries work well. Thaw them slightly before cooking and follow the recipe as usual.

How thick will the jam get after cooling?

The chia seeds absorb liquid and thicken the mixture as it cools, usually achieving a spreadable consistency within 5-10 minutes after adding the seeds, and it will set further in the fridge.

How to Make Chia Seed Jam Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 116 reviews

This vibrant chia seed jam is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy fresh berries with a natural sweetness and added fiber. Made by simmering berries with water and maple syrup, then thickening with chia seeds and a splash of lemon juice, it requires no added pectin and is perfect for spreading on toast or mixing into yogurt.

Author: Rico
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: About 1 1/2 cups of chia seed jam 1x
Category: Condiment
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3 cups fresh berries of choice (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
¼ cup filtered water
1 tbsp maple syrup (adjust to taste)
2–3 tbsp chia seeds
Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

Simmer the berries: In a nonstick saucepan, combine the fresh berries, filtered water, and maple syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally, mashing some of the berries to help break them down and release their juice.
Add chia seeds: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2-3 tablespoons of chia seeds until evenly mixed. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow it to thicken as the chia seeds absorb the liquid.
Finish with lemon juice: Stir in the juice of half a lemon to brighten the flavors. Transfer the jam to a clean glass jar for storage.
Store properly: Keep the chia seed jam refrigerated for up to 7-14 days. Use it as a spread, topping, or mix-in as desired.

Notes

You can choose any fresh or thawed frozen berries according to your preference.
Maple syrup can be adjusted or substituted with honey or agave for different sweetness levels.
Chia seeds naturally thicken the jam and add fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Ensure to use a nonstick saucepan to avoid sticking and burning during simmering.
The lemon juice adds a nice acidity and helps preserve the jam.
This jam needs refrigeration and does not have conventional canning preservatives.

Keywords: chia seed jam, homemade jam, fresh berry jam, healthy jam, no pectin jam, natural sweetener, easy jam recipe

Rico Loranz

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