This Strawberry Chia Seed Jam is fresh, fruity, and made with just 3 simple ingredients. An easy homemade chia jam recipe with strawberries, honey, and chia seeds, with no pectin required.
This Strawberry Chia Seed Jam is the kind of simple homemade recipe that makes everyday breakfasts and snacks feel so much better – and healthier! It’s bright, fruity, lightly sweet, and made with only three simple ingredients, so it’s a wonderful alternative to traditional jam when you want something fresh and easy without a long ingredient list. The chia seeds thicken the jam naturally which means no pectin, no complicated canning process, and no fussy steps. Oh, and did I mention there’s no refined sugar in this recipe?!
What makes this jam recipe especially worth keeping in your fridge is how practical it is. It comes together in just a few minutes, it works beautifully with fresh strawberries, and you can leave it a little chunky or blend it smooth, depending on how you like your jam. It’s easy enough for a weeknight kitchen project, but useful enough that once you make it, you’ll want to keep a jar on hand for toast, yogurt, sandwiches, and more.
This recipe works because it’s super simple while still giving you a jam-like texture and bright, fresh strawberry flavour. The strawberries and honey cook down together first, which helps soften the fruit and concentrate the flavour, and then the chia seeds are stirred in to thicken everything naturally as the mixture simmers and cools. That means you get a spreadable jam texture without needing pectin or gelatin.
It also works because it’s incredibly approachable. There’s no thermometer needed, no special preserving technique, and no complicated ingredient list. If you want a chunkier jam, you can leave it as-is after simmering with large chunks of berries. If you prefer it smoother, you can pulse it briefly in a blender or use an immersion blender. That flexibility makes it a great homemade staple for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
And because most conventional jams are made with a ton of refined sugar, this chia seed jam recipe is the perfect alternative if you’re health-conscious, cutting carbs, or just trying to reduce the sugar in your diet. Its sweetness comes from fresh fruit and a little bit of honey, so it’s a wholesome alternative to jam from the grocery store and great for kids!
PRO Tips for Strawberry Chia Seed Jam Success
Because the ingredient list is so short, the flavour of the fruit really matters. Sweet, ripe berries will give you the best-tasting and best-looking jam.
Let the fruit soften and come to a boil first. Adding the chia seeds after that helps them thicken the jam properly instead of the chia seeds clumping if you add them too soon.
For a more rustic jam, mash the berries lightly in the pot. For a smoother texture, break them down more thoroughly or blend the jam a bit at the end.
A gentle simmer is enough. This gives the seeds time to hydrate and thicken the mixture without burning the jam.
The jam will seem looser and more fluid while it’s still hot. Give it time to cool and chill and it will thicken nicely.
If your berries are especially tart or a little underripe, you may want to add a little more honey. The beauty of homemade jam is that you can adjust it to your taste.
Time needed: 40 minutes
Follow these steps for the BEST healthy jam recipe with chia seeds!
- Start by cooking the strawberries and honey together
Once the berries begin to warm up, they’ll release their juices and soften quickly. Stir them often so the honey melts in evenly and nothing sticks on the bottom of the pan.
- Mash the fruit while it softens.
This is where you get to decide what kind of jam you want. If you like more texture, just mash enough to break the berries down. If you prefer a smoother jam, you can mash it more now or blend it later.
- Add the chia seeds once the mixture is boiling.
Once you see a slow boil and the berries are softened, stir in the chia seeds and reduce the heat. From this point on, you’re really just giving the jam time to thicken and come together.
- Simmer gently and stir regularly.
A low simmer for about 15 minutes gives the chia seeds time to do their job. The jam should look glossy and slightly thickened, but it may still seem looser than expected while it’s hot.
- Blend if you want a smoother finish.
If chunky jam isn’t your thing, pulse it a few times in a blender or use an immersion blender very briefly. You don’t need to puree it completely unless that’s your preference.
- Let it cool completely before storing.
Pour the jam into a jar, let it cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate it. It will thicken more as it cools, so this final resting time is part of the process.
- Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave. If you want a vegan version, both are good options and work well in this recipe.
- Use other fruit. This style of chia jam also works well with other fruit, especially berries and soft fruit. It’s a great method to keep in mind when strawberries aren’t in season. If you like this jam, you’ll love our Healthy Chia Seed Peach Jam, our Easy 3-Ingredient Chia Seed Raspberry Jam, or our 3-Ingredient Blueberry Chia Seed Jam.
- Add some vanilla. Adding vanilla extract gives this jam even more flavour and somehow makes it taste sweeter. You could even try almond extract for a different flavour twist.
- Make it smoother or chunkier. This is one of the easiest ways to change the recipe without changing the ingredients. Mash lightly for a more rustic texture, or blend briefly for a smoother spread.
- Adjust the sweetness slightly. If your strawberries are especially tart, you can add a little more honey. Since the recipe is so simple, small adjustments like this make a noticeable difference.
This jam is not shelf-stable, so it should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Keep it in a tightly sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Because it’s lower in sugar and not processed for canning, it should not be stored at room temperature once it’s cooled after cooking.
For freezing, let the jam cool completely first, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer jam jar. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 6 months. If you like to keep small portions on hand, freezing it in smaller jars or containers makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
This jam is lovely on toast, scones, crackers, and English muffins, but it’s also a really easy way to add fruity flavour to everyday breakfasts and snacks. Spoon it over yogurt, swirl it into oatmeal, or use it as a topping for pancakes and waffles. The lightly sweet, fresh strawberry flavour also works beautifully with nut butter for peanut butter and jam sandwiches.
It’s also delicious in simple desserts. Try it over vanilla ice cream, layered into parfaits, or spread onto a snack board with crackers and cheese if you want something a little bit different. Because it’s soft and spoonable, it’s easy to use in so many ways throughout the week.
Is this jam shelf-stable?
No. This recipe is not shelf-stable because it does not contain enough sugar for safe room-temperature storage. It should be refrigerated or frozen.
Is it safe to can chia seed jam?
No. This is not a canning recipe, and it is not recommended for canning because the sugar content is too low for shelf stability.
Can I freeze this healthy strawberry chia jam?
Yes. It freezes very well for up to 6 months in an airtight container or freezer-safe jar.
Can I make this jam with other types of fruit?
Yes. This style of jam works with other fruit as well, especially other berries and soft fruit. If you like this jam, you’ll love our Healthy Chia Seed Peach Jam, our Easy 3-Ingredient Chia Seed Raspberry Jam, or our 3-Ingredient Blueberry Chia Seed Jam.
Can I use chia seeds instead of pectin in other jam recipes?
No. Chia seed jam and pectin jam are not interchangeable methods for making jam. If you want to use chia seeds, it’s best to follow a recipe developed specifically for chia jam.
How long does it last in the fridge?
It keeps for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in a sealed container.
Why does this jam seem too runny at first?
That’s normal. While it’s hot, the jam will look looser and more fluid than the final texture. The chia seeds need time to hydrate and thicken the mixture as it cools and chills.
Can I make it smoother?
Yes. If you prefer a smoother jam, pulse it briefly in a blender or use an immersion blender after cooking.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar and the recipe still works beautifully.
More Easy Fresh Fruit Recipes
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Strawberry Chia Seed Jam
Recipe: Equipment
Recipe: Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
- 3 tablespoons honey add 1 more tablespoon if you like your jam very sweet, or other vegan honey substitute
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Recipe: Instructions
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the strawberries. Add the honey and place on the stove over medium heat.
- As the strawberries begin to soften over the heat, stir them around in their juices and the honey.
- Once the berries have softened to the point that they’re starting to fall apart, use a potato masher or fork to break them up even more.
- Let the mixture come to a slow boil, stirring almost continually. Once you see some big bubbles break the surface, add the chia seeds.
- The chia seeds will help the jam achieve a gelatinous texture while also adding fibre, protein, and healthy Omega-3 fats.
- Continue stirring the mixture over low heat for about 15 minutes, and then remove the pan from the stove.
- If you enjoy jam with small chunks of fruit in it, then you’re done! Simply pour the mixture into a mason jar and cover it tightly with a lid.
- If you’d prefer jam with a smoother texture, feel free to add the mixture to your blender and pulse it a few times before pouring it into a mason jar. Or, use an immersion blender and pulse only a few times.
- While the jam is still hot, it may seem more fluid that you would expect. The chia seeds need a bit of time to do their work, so let the jam cool to room temperature in the jar and then put your jar of jam in the fridge for a few hours and it will achieve the perfect texture.
- Enjoy on toast, gluten-free crackers or scones, over yogurt or even ice cream.
Recipe: Notes
Storage Instructions
This jam keeps for up to 2 weeks in the fridge, but beware: since it doesn’t contain any preservatives, has a low sugar content, and hasn’t undergone the proper canning process it must be kept refrigerated or frozen. We do not recommend canning this jam as it does not have a high enough sugar content to be shelf stable.Freezer Instructions
This jam can be frozen for up to 6 months.Recipe: Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
If I use blueberries or blackberries how much sugar would I need?
If using other berries I’d add several more tablespoons of honey to taste.
Oh my … have my brain going now …. bet you could do this with just about any berry too. Blueberries, blackberries, gooseberries, raspberries. Mmmmm. Have you tried with other berries?
I’ve made it with blueberries with great success! Enjoy!
This is my all time favourite jam. Incredibly easy and delightful fresh strawberry taste. I made a double batch, followed recipe exactly, put one jar in the fridge and one in the freezer. On removing the freezer jam I noticed it was a little bit thicker which made it absolutely perfect !!! Not too sweet, a little tart, wonderful, thankyou !!!
I’m positive I need some of this in my morning oatmeal!!!!! LOL! Can this be frozen too?
It can be frozen, absolutely! Enjoy!
To preserve the jam would I not need to use sugar as well as honey as when making normal jam? When i process/pasturise my jams they normally have a shelf life of 2years due to the fruit to sugar content.
I can’t speak to that as this recipe is a fridge/freezer jam. If you want to can it you’ll probably have to change the recipe like you suggested.
I grow and can my strawberries do a single jar isn’t very efficient. It would be helpful to know if this is a recipe that can be processed for use later.
This is a fridge/freezer jam. Of course you can make and freeze a large batch! 🙂
Will the heat not affect the health properties of the honey and chia seeds? Can I cook the strawberries and cool it down a bit before adding the honey and seeds?
It’s possible that the heat will, however I have found that not adding the chia seeds in early enough causes them not to create as much of a gelatinous texture as is needed for this recipe. The earlier you add them the more jam-like the consistency is 🙂
Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this amazingly easy recipe with whole ingredients!!! Made it tonight but switched out the strawberries for raspberries and it is scrumptious 😊!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment! 🙂
It’s just a suggestion. Put the honey when the strawberries and chia seeds cool down. It’ s not good to overheat the honey.
Great suggestion! However to achieve the proper texture, it’s best to add the chia seeds in the early stages.
hi…I am going to try this for sure….I wondered if you could add cia seeds to rhubarb jam to for thickening…
thanks for you help
I can’t speak to how it would affect rhubarb, but I would assume it would react the same way as with the berries. You’d have to adjust the sweetness with more honey, since rhubarb is more sour than berries 🙂
Can you do this recipe with grapes?
I can’t say as I’ve never tried this. I doubt it, since when making grape jelly you use the juice only and pectin to create the gelatinous texture. It’s probably best to stick to a fruit that you’d use whole in jam, rather than jelly.
I made concord grape jelly once…delicious..but the amount of sugar was staggering..I wish this recipe worked for grapes.
Unfortunately it doesn’t work for recipes using on the juice from the fruit (to make jelly) – but you can also use other berries in this recipe and it will work great!
I just made jam with blackberries (just the juice), agaive nectar and chia seeds and it worked well. Maybe double the amount of. His seeds?
What kind of seeds do you get
Chia seeds are available from your local grocery store with a health section, or from any health food store.
Where can we buy chia seeds?
Any grocery store with a healthy food section should have them, or at your local health food store!
Chia seeds are pretty much everywhere- even Wal-Mart. 🙂
I purchase mine at Sams Club or Costco. You can also purchase online via Amazon.
How do you freeze this jam? In jars?
I like to freeze it in those plastic jars you can buy for freezer jam. Stores like WalMart carry them, and probably also most grocery stores – especially during canning season.
do the Chia seeds make this a very seedy jam or do they soften during the cooking process?
The chia seeds soften quite a lot and they blend in very nicely with the texture of the jam. It doesn’t have a very seedy texture.
Do you think this would work with frozen berries? I have plenty of those during this off-season.
Yes it does work with frozen berries, however just be sure to cook off all the extra liquid that is produced with frozen fruit!
Do I cook the frozen berries first before adding the honey and chia seeds?
Yes, you can.
Can this recipe be canned.
I believe it could be canned, however you’d have to follow proper canning procedures to make sure it stays properly preserved 🙂
How long does the jam last?
The jam lasts for several days in the fridge, but it’s also possible to freeze it. 🙂
Specific suggestions for freezing?
Be sure to freeze in a freezer-safe container and leave lots of room at the top for the jam to expand as it freezes. Thaw in the fridge and enjoy as normal!
Can i use maple syrup instead of honey
Yes you can, although you made have to add a little more or a little less to your tastes!
Hi! Wondering how much jam this makes? Approximately 2 cups? I am going to be canning another big batch of jam so I would like to process this so it is shelf stable. Thanks!
It yields about a cup and a half to 2 cups. I hope you enjoy it!
Did it work to can it?
I’ve never canned it, so I can’t comment on that process unfortunately. Sorry!
I think it’s dangerous to can anything with honey bc of botulism…?
Regardless, going to try this today 🙂
Looks excellent!
Thanks! I wouldn’t suggest canning this recipe as it is a freezer or fridge jam. Hope you like it!
So you can freeze this jam? I knoe in fridge it ladts for 2 weeks. How long with it last in freezer?
Yes, this jam freezes well for up to a couple months.
Pasteurized honey is safe
Hi. Canning products with Chia seeds is not recommended for shelf stable products due to lack of testing from USDA. This would be a fantastic freezer jam!
Just made the jam
and it came our fabulous! I thought the honey would overpower the strawberry flavor. That wasn't the case. All you taste is yummy strawberries! Thank you for posting this recipe.
So glad to hear you are enjoying it!!
It looks like it will be delicious and quick to make and good for Xmas gifts thanks happy holidays
Yes! That’s such a great idea!!😍
i love chia seeds! I've never made jam with them though I will have to try it! stopping by from healthy eating habit! Anne@simpelandsavory
Thanks Anne! I hope you give this recipe a try!
Can I use raspberries or other fruit? I am not really a strawberry fan.
Feel free to use raspberries or blueberries – just adjust the amount of honey as neither of these fruits are quite as sweet as strawberries! 🙂
Can this jam be made with sprouted grounded chia and flax? Jane
I’m sorry, I couldn’t tell you as we’ve never tried that. If you try, let us know! 😊