
About this recipe
Chia seed jam is a quick, healthy, and naturally thickened alternative to traditional jam—no pectin or refined sugar is needed! Made with just a few simple ingredients, this jam is packed with flavor, omega-3s, and fiber.
Use it as a spread on toast, a topping for yogurt, or even swirled into oatmeal. It’s the perfect way to enjoy homemade jam with less sugar and more nutrition. Keep reading to learn how to make your own berry chia jam in just 10 minutes!
What Are Chia Seeds and Why Use Them in Jam?
Chia seeds come from Salvia hispanica, a plant in the mint family native to Mexico and Guatemala. Though they became popular recently, they were a staple in Aztec and Mayan diets for centuries.
What makes chia seeds special? When mixed with liquid, they absorb it and form a gel-like consistency—perfect for naturally thickening jam without needing gelatin or pectin.

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds aren’t just for thickening jam; they’re also loaded with nutrients:
✔ Rich in Omega-3s – Great for brain and heart health
✔ Packed with Fiber – Helps digestion and keeps you full
✔ High in Antioxidants – Protects against free radicals
✔ Hydration Boost – Absorbs liquid and helps retain moisture; check out my Chia limade for a delicious drink.
That means this chia jam isn’t just tasty—it’s also good for you!

How to Make Chia Seed Jam (3 Ingredients, No Pectin!)
Making this jam is the easiest thing to do; it is a matter of putting all the ingredients in a pot and letting it cook. Here are the steps:
- Add the frozen berries, chia seeds, and sugar (if using) to a small pot
- Turn on the heat to low and wait until the berries are thawed
- Mix everything, and that’s it. It is that easy.
TIP Use any type of berry you like, it can be blueberries, black berries, strawberries, or a mix.

Ways to Use Berry Chia Jam (Beyond Just Toast!)
This jam started as a pancake topping in my house, but soon, we found ourselves using it on everything! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
🍓 Spread on toast or crackers – A healthier alternative to store-bought jam
🥣 Swirled into yogurt or oatmeal – Adds a boost of flavor and nutrients
🍦 Topping for ice cream or nice cream – Naturally sweet and fruity
🥪 In sandwiches – A delicious addition to almond butter or peanut butter sandwiches
🥞 As a pancake or waffle topping – Drizzle over your breakfast for extra goodness
Pro tip: Mix it with granola and coconut yogurt for a quick and nutritious parfait!

Berry chia seed jam
Equipment
- Saucer
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen berries
- 2 tablespoons Chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional
Instructions
- In a saucepan over very low heat add the frozen berries with the sugar and chia seeds. Stir slowly and with the back of a spoon crush the berries as much as you can.
- Stir and pour into a jar with a lid. Let it cool and add the lemon juice if using. Let it sit for a couple of hours until the chia seed fully absorbs the liquid.
Notes
How to Store Chia Jam
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze in small portions for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the fridge before using.
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
This recipe is republished in February 2014.
- Thai-Style Red Curry Meatballs (Easy, Creamy & Full of Flavor) - March 21, 2025
- Alcohol-free pineapple mint margaritas - March 19, 2025
- Kale Pesto Recipe (Easy & Nutritious Sauce for Pasta and More!) - March 18, 2025