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Easy Sugar-Free Berry Chia Jam

Easy Sugar-Free Berry Chia Jam

Easy Sugar-Free Berry Chia Jam is a quick, healthy spread made from fresh or frozen mixed berries, chia seeds, and natural flavor enhancers like lemon juice and vanilla extract. This no-added-sugar jam is nutrient-rich, naturally thickened, and perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or toppings while being gluten-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons water or berry juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Berries: Rinse fresh berries thoroughly or allow frozen berries to thaw slightly. Mash the berries in a saucepan using a fork or potato masher to release their juices and create a jam-like texture.
  2. Cook the Berries: Place the mashed berries over medium heat, add a splash of water or berry juice, and gently simmer. Stir occasionally as the mixture thickens and the fruit breaks down, about 5-8 minutes.
  3. Add Lemon and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract to balance tartness and enhance natural berry sweetness.
  4. Incorporate Chia Seeds: Mix in the chia seeds evenly. Let the jam sit for about 10 minutes so the seeds absorb moisture and the mixture thickens to a spreadable consistency.
  5. Cool and Store: Transfer the thickened jam into a clean jar or container. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. The jam will continue to thicken as it chills.

Notes

  • Use ripe berries for the sweetest and most flavorful jam.
  • Do not skip the lemon juice; it adds acidity that brightens flavor and helps preserve freshness.
  • Stir frequently during simmering to prevent sticking or burning.
  • Adjust thickness by adding water if jam is too thick, or extra chia seeds and resting longer if too thin.
  • Store refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 weeks for best quality.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar-free jam, berry jam, chia seed jam, healthy jam, no sugar spread, vegan jam, gluten-free jam