Strawberry Chia Jam (3 Ingredients)
Recipe Key
This is a healthy homemade jam bursting with sweet strawberry flavor. Made with just 3 simple ingredients—strawberries, chia seeds, and maple syrup—it comes together in just 15 minutes. Naturally rich in fiber and protein, it’s a nourishing alternative to traditional jam.
I love this Strawberry Chia Jam. It’s quick and easy to make with the frozen strawberries I keep on hand. Packed with fiber-rich chia seeds and naturally sweetened with just a little maple syrup, it’s bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and makes a healthy addition to breakfast or snacks.
Stirred into Greek yogurt, this jam is a delicious way to add chia into your breakfast and get 28 grams of protein. My goal is 25-30 grams of protein for breakfast to stay strong. It’s also delicious spread on toast or crackers, stirred into oatmeal or making PB&J sandwiches for your children or grandchildren (they won’t know the difference).
What Is Chia Jam?
Chia jam is a simple fruit spread made by combining fruit with nutrient-rich chia seeds. As the chia seeds absorb the fruit juices, they naturally thicken the jam, eliminating the need for pectin or much sugar. It’s quick and easy to make, coming together in just 15 minutes.
I’m sharing my favorite Strawberry Chia Jam recipe, but the beauty of chia jam is that you can make it with almost any fruit you like. Fresh or frozen berries, peaches, mangoes, cherries, and more all work beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Chia Jam
- Made with just 3 ingredients – Strawberries, chia seeds, and maple syrup
- Ready in 15 minutes – A quick and easy recipe with no special equipment
- Lightly sweetened – A little maple syrup enhances the strawberry flavor or you can leave it unsweetened
- No pectin needed – Chia seeds naturally thicken the jam
- Healthier than traditional jam – Tastes like jam but is packed with fiber, protein, heart-healthy fats, and antioxidants, and contains very little sweetener
- Perfect for meal prep – Will keep in the refrigerator for 1 week
- Versatile – Swirl it into yogurt, spread it on rice cakes or make PB&J sandwiches
- Gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free – A recipe everyone can enjoy
Ingredients & Health Benefits
- Organic Strawberries – I use frozen because they are always available but fresh strawberries are good, especially when in season. They provide a boost of Vitamin C, which supports your immune system. Since strawberries are heavily sprayed with pesticides, choose organic.
- Chia seeds – They thicken the jam and are rich in dietary fiber which supports digestion, and prevents rapid blood sugar spikes. They also contain protein and healthy omega 3 fats which support your brain.
- Maple Syrup – I use just a little to enhance the strawberry flavor but it’s also good unsweetened. Add as much or little as you like. Honey can be substituted.
How To Make
It’s very easy to make with only a few steps:
In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries and maple syrup. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat. Cover and cook until the berries release their juices and they are soft, about 5-8 minutes.
Using a fork or potato masher, mash the berries to your desired texture. Stir in the chia seeds. Remove from heat.
Allow jam to cool in saucepan for about 10 minutes., stirring a few times to evenly distribute the chia seeds. The jam will thicken up as it cools and the seeds absorb the juices.
Transfer jam to a jar. Store in fridge for up to a week.
Ways to Enjoy Strawberry Chia Jam
- Swirl into Yogurt – Add a a few spoonfuls to Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
- Spread on Seed Bread – Toasted or untoasted it’s delicious.
- Spread on Rice Cakes – A light and satisfying snack. Try adding a drizzle of almond butter.
- Make a PB&J Sandwich – Pair it with your favorite nut butter for a healthier twist on a classic sandwich.
- Layer Into Parfaits – Alternate jam with yogurt, fruit, and granola for an easy breakfast or dessert.
- Spoon Over Ice Cream – A delicious topping for ice cream especially my Dairy Free Vanilla Ice Cream or frozen yogurt.
- Serve with Gluten-Free Scones or Muffins – Perfect for brunch, tea time, or an afternoon treat.
- Use as a Pancake or Waffle Topping – A naturally sweet topping instead of syrup. Delicious on my High Protein Cottage Cheese Pancakes.
Storing
Store Strawberry Chia Jam in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. As it chills, the jam will continue to thicken slightly.
For longer storage, freeze it in small containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving.
More Chia Seed Recipes
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Easy Strawberry Chia Seed Jam
A simple homemade jam with just 3 simple ingredients you can make in just 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 16 Tablespoons 1x
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Whole30
Ingredients
- 10 ounces frozen strawberries or 3 heaping cups of fresh berries*
- 2 Tablespoons chia seeds
- 2–4 Tablespoons maple syrup or honey, to taste (leave out for Whole30)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries and maple syrup. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat. Cover and cook until the berries release their juices and are soft about, 5-10 minutes. Fresh berries will cook faster.
- Using a fork, mash the berries to your desired texture.
- Stir in the chia seeds. Remove from heat.
- Allow jam to cool in saucepan for about 10 minutes., stirring a few times to evenly distribute the chia seeds. The jam will thicken up as it cools and the seeds absorb the juices.
- Transfer jam to a jar. Store in fridge for up to a week.
Notes
The same recipe can be used with almost any fruit you like. Fresh or frozen berries, peaches, mangoes, cherries, and more all work beautifully.