Healthy Strawberry Jam Recipe Without Pectin (With Chia Seeds)

This clever recipe will let you make homemade strawberry chia jam that is loaded with natural nutrients! The author of Raw Fusion (affiliate Amazon link) created this pectin free jam recipe for “Magic Jam” that makes a “superfoods” jam with no pectin, no sugar, and no animal products or preservatives. You will feel great about making this healthy strawberry jam recipe for the whole family and you will love knowing that this jam doesn’t have any artificial ingredients and is made without pectin.

Originally published on April 14, 2012. I have added a recipe card and republished here for my new readers to enjoy.

Is strawberry jam healthy?

Strawberry jam can be part of a healthy diet—but it depends on how it’s made and how much you eat. Here’s the breakdown:

Pros

• Strawberries = Nutrients: Even in jam form, strawberries provide vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber (if not not cooked or overly processed). Organic strawberries are best because they are raised without pesticides.
• Homemade Jam = Control: If you make it yourself, you can reduce sugar, use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, or even add chia seeds for an omega-3 boost.

Cons (especially store-bought jam):

• Additives: Store-bought jams may contain preservatives, artificial colors, or high-fructose corn syrup.
• High Sugar Content: Many jams, including freezer jams, can have more sugar than fruit (sometimes over 50% sugar by volume!).
• Low Fiber: Commercial jams are often strained or cooked down, removing most of the fruit fiber.

This healthy strawberry jam recipe without pectin and with chia seeds is definitely on the healthier end of strawberry jam choices. Just 3 simple ingredients in this easy strawberry chia seed jam with a low amount of natural sweetener!

Strawberry Jam Recipe No Pectin

This delicious 3 ingredient strawberry jam recipe is contributed by LindaJoy Rose, Ph.D, author, therapist and wellness chef. You can find more of her work at the Natural Wellness Academy. She specializes in helping people find a healthy, realistic and manageable eating plan through a movement called “Raw Fusion” – the blending of the incredible benefits of the raw foods lifestyle with the comfort and convenience of mainstream meals. She is a raw and healthy food expert contributor to Huff Post and she appears regularly on NBC’s Daytime Show.

Healthy Strawberry Jam Ingredients:

1 8 oz. bag of frozen strawberries, defrosted (or fresh strawberries)
3 TB. of pure maple syrup or agave
4 TB. of chia seeds

This is a strawberry jam recipe so, of course, we have listed strawberries in the ingredients. However, know that this recipe works equally well with other fresh fruit such as raspberries, blueberries and blackberries if you want to make raspberry jam, blueberry jam, or blackberry jam.

You can find chia seeds in the health food sections of many stores or search online (Carrington Farms has excellent ones). Chia seeds have a fantastic nutritional profile, including high protein and amino acids. They are hydrophilic and absorb 20x their weight. This has the magical effect of the chia seeds turning the fruit into a delicious and delightful jam. The chia seeds replace pectin as the thickening agent.

How To Make Strawberry Jam Recipe:

Blend defrosted fruits. If you want to make completely kid friendly, they can mash the fruits with a potato masher to avoid using the blender.

Add 2 TB of the maple syrup and test to see if sweet enough – if not add the extra tablespoon.

Add 4 TB. of chia seeds, mix well and let set for at least 20 minutes, stirring several times in between. The mixture should set like a thick jam or you can add another TB. of the chia seeds if it is a bit runny.

Serve and enjoy!

This no-cook strawberry chia seed jam is super easy and naturally healthy, but since it’s not cooked or canned, it doesn’t last as long as traditional jam. Store for up to 1 week in an airtight container, such as a mason jar. Or up to 3 months if stored in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Printable Recipe For Strawberry Jam With Chia Seeds

Conclusion

This homemade strawberry jam does not have any preservatives and is a low sugar recipe so it will need to used up more quickly. It will keep, in a covered glass jar, up to a week max in the fridge.

You can enjoy this chia seed jam recipe spread on toast or waffles. This jam made without pectin is great for “PB & J” sandwiches or even as an ice cream topping! It is also perfect for Greek yogurt parfait. Your own homemade jam is a delicious way to add fruit to just about anything!

I hope you enjoy this strawberry jam recipe as much as my family does! This is such an easy recipe- no refined sugar or saucepan needed! Have you ever made homemade jam before?

Related Recipes:

Blueberry Lemon Jam Recipe

Fresh Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe

3 Healthy Overnight Oats Jar Recipes You Will Find Delicious