Blueberry Jam

This is a 3-ingredient recipe for making homemade, sugar-free jam with fresh or frozen berries. The jam is naturally thickened with chia seeds; no pectin needed. It looks and tastes just like regular fruit jam.

blueberry jam lifted up by spoon

Blueberry Jam

5.00 from 1 ratings
Prep
5 mins
Cook
10 mins
Total
15 mins
Makes
6 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Cook Fruit: Add blueberries and water to saucepan (Note 4). Bring to boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring frequently and using utensil to burst most blueberries. Stir in chia seeds. Continue boiling while stirring nearly constantly until mixture looks thick and jam-like, about 2 minutes. Turn off heat.

  2. Taste & Serve: When cool enough, taste jam and add sweetener if desired. Serve (Note 5) or save for later (Note 6).

Nutrition

Makes 6 Servings
Amount Per Serving (1 tbsp):
Calories 20  
Total Fat 0g 1%
   Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Net Carb 3.5g  
Total Carb 4.5g 2%
   Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
   Sugars 3g  
Protein 0g  
Vitamin A 0% · Vitamin C 5% · Calcium 1% · Iron 1%

Photos

NOTES & TIPS

(1) Blueberries. About 6 ounces weight. You can use fresh or frozen, or other berries like chopped strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Stick with berries, as other fruits tend to have a lot more carbs. Since berries differ in their natural sweetness and how long it takes to break them down, you may need to add a sweetener and/or adjust the cooking time.

(2) Chia Seeds. They play an important role in this recipe, acting as a thickener by swelling up to absorb liquid, so I don't recommend substituting with similar seeds. Jam is traditionally thickened with pectin and sugar, which combine together with fruit acid to form a gel. This recipe eliminates the need for either by using chia seeds.

(3) Sweetener. I don't use a sweetener, but if you prefer sweeter jams or if your fruit isn't very ripe, you may want to add a sweetener to taste. I recommend using erythritol blends like swerve or other sugar-free options. Since the sweetener is optional, it's not included in the nutrition estimate.

(4) Saucepan. I use a 7-inch stainless steel pan. The pan needs to be large enough to comfortably hold all of the ingredients.

(5) Serving. The jam can be used right away, as a spread over low carb muffins or bagels, over almond flour cookies to make thumbprint cookies, or as a fruity topping over low carb cheesecakes.

(6) Saving For Later. Once the jam has cooled completely, transfer it to a clean container or resealable bag. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Discussion & ratings

7 comments · 5.00 / 5 from 1 ratings

★★★★★

I just made this and I love it and it is so easy! I used frozen blueberries and it worked just fine. I didn't even have to adjust the cooking time too much. I can't wait to try it with other fruit!
Like (2)
Carmen G Banks
Can you can this in jars? If so, how long should I water bath it?
Like (2)
Can this jam be stored on the cupboard or does it need to be refrigerated?
Like (0)
Can you use hemp seeds in place of chia seeds ???
Like (0)