Before we left for our trip, I found myself with a couple pints of blueberries and a few spotted bananas to use up. I’ve been meaning to make my strawberry chia seed jam for a while now, so I ended up adapting my recipe using blueberries, all-natural sweetener, and a touch of vanilla. It turned out lovely and was ready in 20 minutes flat!
This is the strawberry chia seed jam that I made a couple years ago:
Chia seeds are magic. I love using them as thickeners in all kinds of foods from homemade jam to vegan overnight oats to pasta sauces.
This strawberry chia seed “jam” is a tasty filling for my Healthy Strawberry Oat Squares! You can use any kind of filling that you like in these oat squares. They remind me a lot of a healthy nutri-grain bar.
This is not a traditional jam recipe by any means, but then again I’m not one for following traditions all that often when it comes to food. Instead of using white sugar, I used maple syrup to lightly sweeten the berries. The maple and vanilla extract do a great job of bringing out the flavours in the blueberries without overpowering them. Chia seeds thicken the mixture nicely while adding a tasteless burst of nutrition in every bite.
If you’ve got 20 minutes, you can make this jam. It’s a snap. All you do is add blueberries and a touch of maple syrup into a pot. Bring it to a low boil and then reduce it to simmer for about 5 minutes or so. Then stir in the chia seeds and simmer it for another 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently until it’s as thick as you desire.
Before adding the chia seeds, the blueberries will be quite watery.
Have no fear chia is here!
After adding in the chia seeds and cooking the mixture down, it thickens up beautifully! Hence, the name – magical jam. You won’t believe your eyes how thick this gets. Thanks to the chia seeds, we’re also pumping up the jam with all kinds of healthy omega fats, iron, fibre, protein, magnesium, and calcium. Who knew jam could be so healthy?
Enjoy this on toast, oatmeal, vegan overnight oats, thumbprint cookies, tarts, in smoothies, and so much more. Also, feel free to try this out with any seasonal fruit you wish.
Magical Blueberry Vanilla Chia Seed Jam
Print, Email, or Text this recipe
Adapted from my strawberry chia seed jam.
Yield: ~ 1 cup
Ingredients:
- 3 cups fresh blueberries
- 3-4 tbsp pure maple syrup, to taste (or other liquid sweetener)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1. In a medium-sized non-stick pot, bring the blueberries and 3 tbsp of maple syrup to a low boil. Stir frequently, and reduce heat to low-medium to simmer for about 5 minutes. Lightly mash the blueberries with a potato masher or fork, leaving some for texture.
2. Stir in the chia seeds until thoroughly combined and cook the mixture down until it thickens to your desired consistency, or about 15 minutes. Stir frequently so it doesn’t stick to the pot.
3. Once the jam is thick, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add more maple syrup to taste if desired. Enjoy on toast, English muffins, oatmeal, vegan overnight oats, oat bars, tarts, cookies, banana soft serve, smoothies, and more. The jam should keep for at least a week in an air-tight container in the fridge.
A breakfast sandwich sounded like a good idea.
Banana slices, sunflower seed butter, and blueberry jam all sandwiched in a toasted English muffin….I couldn’t wait a second longer.
*Poof*…it was gone just like a magic trick.
~~~
We’re off for our flight back home this morning! I think my first meal back will be banana bread oatmeal with blueberry jam & sunbutter to top it all off…yum. And then about a week’s worth of salads because I kinda got off track with the salad-a-day challenge a bit. Whoops.. This last week of June is going to be a leafy one…
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{ 318 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Angela, I’ve been silently following your blog for some time. You’ve inspired me towards a largely plant based way of eating, and I am feeling so much better for it, thank you! And this jam looks amazing, I’ll certainly be giving it a try.
Thank you, I’m so happy to hear that! Hope you enjoy the jam.
This looks delicious! Any idea of how well it would freeze? I have a bunch of blueberries in my fridge right now and worried I won’t use them up before vacation.
I have the same question :)
I’d also like to know… :)
Good Q! I’m wondering the same. I’m not sure as I haven’t frozen it before, but now that I’m home I will try it out and see. I will update the recipe when I find out.
A little late in noticing this … but if nothing else freezing the blueberries before making the jam is always an option (until you have time to make it). I made this jam with previously frozen blueberries and it turned out wonderfully. I used it as a topping for a tart and sweetened it with agave nectar instead of maple syrup. It was my first time cooking with Chia seeds and I’m very glad to have tried it! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us :-)
Im curious also, so I wil test that now that im back home. Ill update the recipe!
I made a quadruple batch of this the end of July with raspberries my husband and I picked at a near-by farm. I kept one pint in the fridge and froze the rest in pint portions. We flew through the first pint (omg, so yummy, and I love how little sugar there is!!!) and I took one out of the freezer a couple of days ago to thaw in the fridge. Ate some this morning in my oatmeal, and it’s wonderful! So, I would say this recipe makes a great freezer jam! Can’t wait to try it with some other fruits!
This post made my day, I was going to add lemon, but I might freeze out instead :) anyone have any opinions on adding lemon?
Allie,
citrus is high in pectin and works well as a setting agent for jams. You can make your own pectin from unripened citrus, however, the chia is by far a more nutritious way to thicken your jams/jellies without the need to add sweetener.
I’m dragging the boyfriend to a blueberry farm this weekend to pick our own – we’ll definitely be making this! I’m also trying to eat more chai seeds since I keep hearing how amazing they are so this is just perfect :)
I love using chia seeds to make jam…actually, I love chia seeds for everything! This one looks fantastic, I’ll have to give it a try!! :)
Girl, you are GENIUS! I saw a pint o’ blueberries at the farmers market last weekend and didn’t know what I’d do with all of them and here you are giving me the nudge I need. Blueberry english muffin, here I come!
Oh My! This is amazing! I will definitely try it. I’m planing to make it from blackberry!
That would be great :)
Angela, this is marvelous! I’ve made freezer and traditional jams in the past. Though I loved them, I know now that those recipes have way too much white sugar. I love how fresh and quick this chia jam looks. I will certainly be trying it with the strawberries we just picked! :) By the way, I didn’t have a chance to write back but I tried the layered raw taco salad, and it was fantastic! http://ohsheglows.com/2012/06/12/layered-raw-taco-salad-for-two/
I’m glad you enjoyed it!!
This looks amazing, any ideas on a different sweetner? I cannot use maple syrup, would Splenda work?
I think you could use any sweetener you want probably. I dont have any experience using splenda but I cant see why it wouldnt work too. My original strawberry jam recipe used dry sweetener.
You could try blackstrap molasses (excellent with cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg) for a dark, rich taste, or homemade date syrup for something lighter – both highly nutritious. Until I saw Dr Greger’s short video on sweeteners, I’d thought maple syrup, agave nectar, and brown rice syrup were healthy, and was shocked to find that they’re pretty much empty calories. Blackstrap molasses and dates, though, are not just great sweeteners, they’re amazingly nutritious.
I am so excited to try this! Looks delicious.
Could you use frozen? I don’t make jam that often, so I really don’t know, but I really want to try this.
Someone else commented below that they used frozen blueberries and it worked. :)
This is nothing short of brilliant. I can’t wait to give it a try! I can see I’m going to have to order more chia seeds! Well worth it!
This looks amazing and easy enough to get my 13 year old son into the kitchen to help me out with this. Thanks!
What a fantastic idea to thicken up a jam with chia seeds! Genius!
Mmmm that sandwich looks so good! I’m not really a huge jam girl but I really like the idea of using it as a vehicle for chia seeds!! If you’re near a David’s Tea at all, go in and try (or at least) smell their Blueberry Jam tea…. it’s lovely and would probably pair very nicely with your sandwich! :)
bluebery jam tea?? I’m all over that… :)
I love the idea of adding chia seeds! I bet it makes it so nice and thick!
This is genius! I have tons of blueberries in the fridge and love to make low-sugar jams for the kids. Excellent use of chia!
This reminds me of my grandma’s homemade jam : )
I was just thinking about trying to find a healthy jam recipe. This definitely fits the bill! I love the idea of using chia seeds to thicken the jam; makes me feel good about eating it.
Love this idea! Amazing! I’ve been following your blog for a long time!
Chia jam is one if my all time favorite things to make! I love how easy it is to mix up a quick healthy topping for my oats, pancakes, waffles and toast! People are always shocked that it doesn’t have gelatin in it. I have some cherries that need to be used up…I’m thinking it’s time to make some jam!
chia seeds truly are magical, aren’t they? i am definitely pinning this to make later this week!
I can’t wait to try this, I am on my last jar of homemade blueberry jam from last week and was wondering how i could make it more “naturally” so this is perfect timing! I am 8 months pregnant and have been cutting out a marjority of my processed foods, meat and sugar and boy do i feel good! Needless to say your blog has been a blessing for me over the past few months so THANK YOU!
Thank you Sara! Congrats on your pregnancy :)
This looks heavenly. You continue to amaze me with your creativity using Chia seeds. Thank you so much.
This looks delicious- you just can’t beat chia seeds! Now I want to try this in a blueberry pie-ish dessert. :)
Chia seeds make everything better! I will have to add this to my list of recipes to make for brunch one day.
I too love chia seeds and sneak them into almost every dish! Haha :) But this is such a great way of using them, let a lone sounds and looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.
I completely forgot about chia jam! This looks so good. I just picked up a bunch of peaches that would make a rocking’ jam… Maybe with some ginger?
Peach ginger sounds scrumptious. One of my faves is peach-banana. Fig is also an eye-roller- and naturally sweet. Just add a touch of lemon for the contrast. Oh, yum!
Yes please! I love jam, and this is PERFECT for making it more nutritious! I am excited about making this with raspberries.
how have I not made overnight oats yet this summer?!? Special weekend breakfast with some yummy jam! Can’t wait. Have a beautiful day!
How long does this keep while refrigerated? Normal jam seems to last quite awhile, is it similar?
It has lasted 1 week in my fridge so far and its still going strong. I would expect 2+ weeks, but I will update the recipe when I know.
This looks amazingly delicious! I AM going to try this soon… i just need to get my hands on some berries! :)
Oh my gawsh this is the BEST idea ever. Enjoy your flight home!
Yum… I feel like this jam is a requirement in my life!!
YUM! Such a good way to use chia seeds! And that breakfast sandwich looks out-of-this-world ridiculous! I’m thinkin’ I’ll have to crank out the recipe and a copy-cat sandwich of yours for breakfast tomorrow.
Hope you enjoy it!
So simple and sounds so delicious!
There’s a blueberry u-pick farm close to where we live & I’ll be taking my kids there this week. This is a great recipe to do after our little excursion. I too, love those little amazing chia seeds!
Hey Angela! I made some jam yesterday ( little redberries i do not know the name in english) and it is sooooo liquid. Do you think i can reheat it and add the chia seeds then? I might just try it and see what will happen. Thanks for the idea!
Yes I think you probably could try that. It thickens things quite well.
What a great recipe to have for the season of summer. I know for fact I’ll need to get rid of some berries at some point and fast too! you weren’t kidding, this looks so easy and hello…very delicious too!
oh yes, that would definitely qualifiy as magical! it looks so delicious! yummmm!
I’m so excited to have seen this – chia seeds for thickener – brilliant :) And, I’m about to make plum jam today with plums from our trees. Great photos!
WOW what a brilliant idea. I cannot wait to get blueberries at the farmers market this weekend and make this! Thanks so much for another great recipe!
That looks suuuuuuuuuuper yummy and so easy to make.
Thanks Angela, can’t wait to try !!
Isa
This recipe has made me cry.
When I was at “blueberries”, my eyes became misty. Then, at “chia seeds”, tears were rolling down my cheeks. Then, at “vanilla”, I broke down and cried.
Think I could use Raspberries for this instead??
I can’t see why not!
I made raspberry and its wonderful!
I am so pinning this!! Love this idea!
That’s incredible! Is the finished texture quite bitty though? Or do the seeds soften enough that you don’t notice? And how well do you think it would stand up to being blended to make a smooth jam?
I dont mind the seeds in there and yes you do notice them. I would suggest using ground chia seed if you dont want the seeds in there.
Yum! I’ve been meaning to try a chia seed jam. I’m so impressed with how much it thickens! Loooooove blueberries too :D
I’m going berry picking next weekend and wanted to make my own jam from what I pick. Because I can’t handle white sugar I decided to make my own, naturally sweetened jam and was looking around for a good recipe. Love that this one includes chia seeds and uses whole sweeteners. Thank you! I’m pinning it as we speak :).
I LOVED your strawberry version last year, can’t wait to make this jam! Never will I buy it at the store again, what’s the point when I can make this deliciousness?! I honestly can’t get enough of chia seeds either, so versatile!
Enjoy your last few moments in Calgary!
this is perfect! love the easy jam-making method and no pectin needed; just…chia seeds! It’s amazing how thick they make things (and keep on making it thicker in my experience even a day or two later…chia seed pudding is super thick on day 3 compared to day 1 when stored in my fridge, at least for me). Wondering if the jam keeps on getting a bit thicker as time passes or if it levels off?
Either way…it looks fabulous!
It seemed to level off :) But if you stopped cooking it while it was still thinned out, I’m sure it would thicken up in the fridge.
I love it! I don’t normally use much jam because it’s always high in sugar. And I find only using a little jam is boring – but this is awesome and you could seriously lather it up! Drool!
Can you hand me a tissue? My mouth is watering.
This is brilliant!!! :)
Oh, your timing is epic. I had a huge bowl of blueberries that I needed to hurry up and do something with. I just finished doing this! What didn’t fit into my mason jar is going into a cake in a few minutes. Thanks for this brilliant recipe!
Glad the timing was right! I bet it’s great spread onto a layer of cake…yum. Enjoy Crissie.
I can’t wait to try this! How long do you think it would last in the fridge? Also SunButter is on super sale at the Loblaw’s stores in Toronto! AND they have a crunchy version, I haven’t tried it yet but I imagine its amazing!
Its lasted 1 week in my fridge so far and its still going strong. I expect it will last at least 2 weeks or possibly longer. I will update my recipe when I know :)
Oh this looks amazing!! What a simple recipe and low in calories for the most part. I’ll be making a spin on this soon :)
Nicely done!
so beautiful! i love homemade jam – totally worth it!
Yummm! I love jam, but I really don’t like mine too sweet. I love that this is simple but allows for lots of customization :)
Amazing idea! Most commercialy bought jams are so high in sugar and random additives, this recipe is so simple and pure. Will definetely try this once I get more blueberries :D
That’s such a good idea! I just got a bunch of chia seeds from my mom for my birthday, and I love jam, but not the high sugar content of it. This is just wonderful, thanks!
Do you know how long this might keep in the fridge for – would it be the same as non-chia jam do you reckon?
It’s last a week so far in my fridge and still going strong. I will update when as I go :) I expect 2 weeks or possibly longer.
Oh my God! I want to try this NOW!
Buying blueberries tomorrow. So simple and beautiful.
I love it!
OMG, I might never buy overpriced, organic but still sugary jam again!
Yummy! Sounds great.
That looks so darn yummy! I have been stalking your blog for a while and you have the best recipes!
These jams look amazing! I have been thinking about making a chia jam with all of the amazing fruit that’s in season and you’ve given me a great recipe to try– thanks!
I love making jam! It’s so much healthier than what you find in the store. Do you think this would work with frozen blueberries?
You really are a magical jam genius!
I made mini jars of this today with mini jars of your kitchen sink nut butter to give out as gifts to 3 girlfriends who have birthdays this month. Nothing like a loaf of homemade whole wheat bread with fancy nut butter and jam!
This looks awesome Angela! So magical (and healthy)! And I love that it takes such a short time to prepare!
Oh man. It’s been YEARS since we have used chia seeds. What a great idea!
Oh this jam looks incredible!! I am so excited to try it, it’s not even funny.
I made my own raspberry jam last summer using a traditional recipe and I liked that it was homemade without added ingredients, but I still wished that it was lower in sugar. Berries are sweet on their own – they don’t need it! I definitely need to try your version this summer. :)
Love this idea! Last summer I made blueberry jam – I added a small amount of OJ instead of any sugar. It actually thickened up enough to use for toast. Can’t wait to add chia!
This recipe is awesome! Is it difficult to find chia seeds in stores?
YUM!!! I want that for breakfast tomorrow!
This looked so good, I had to make it tonight! I “cheated” and used frozen blueberries since that’s all I had. Soooo good! Thanks, Angela!
Jena
Hey Jena,
Aw I was wondering if frozen bklueberries would work, thanks for letting me know! Did the cooking time differ at all and did you thaw them before use?
Nope, they were still frozen. I still simmered them for 5 minutes. It probably just took longer for mine to start to simmer…maybe another 5 minutes for that.
This looks lovely! I’m surprised to say I’ve never heard of chia seeds though– where are they from/what’s their history in cooking? And where does one obtain them?
I never would have thought to put chia seeds in my jam, but I bet the consistantcy is perfect!
Gonna! This looks so great. Love blueberries AND chias.
Great recipe!! Homemade jam is just the best! This looks divine and your pictures are stunning!
Can you think of any tropical fruits to make this with? I don’t have strawberries or blueberries at my disposal!
banana and mango? haha. It probably wouldn’t be quite the same with banana in there though.
But have you ever heard of Monkey Butter? It’s banana, pineapple and coconut and sugar. Sounds potentially delicious and in need of health-ifying!
No I haven’t but it sounds interesting!
wow… all of your creations always look so darn delicious!
This looks delicious! I love the texture of chia seeds. Have you tried the chia kombucha yet?
No I haven’t but that sounds right up my alley :)
This looks amazing! I make the Strawberry Chia Jam from Brendan Braziers book and slather it on everything from buckwheat pancakes to homemade biscuits (and yes – I sometimes eat it directly from the jar with a spoon!). Looking forward to trying the blueberry variety. I love your blog Angela. Keep the great recipes coming!! Excited for your recipe book!
Angela,
This looks delish! I wanted to tell you my friends and I have been doing the salad a day challenge for June. We even started our own facebook page where we post our pictures and share our recipes. Love it!
Glad to hear that Sue!
This looks SOOO delicious! It also looks rather easy to make!!
This looks devine!!! Just text myself the recipe! I am doing before the weekend for sure!!
I sent this recipe to my mom and she suggested replacing the syrup with dates. Apparently if you soak fresh dates for a few minutes then liquidise them into sweet paste it’s a great alternative to sugar.
Angela what do you think?
Great minds think alike…I was thinking about trying a date version too. I can’t see why it wouldn’t work!
I use soaked-dates in my strawberry chia jam. I soak them overnight, then drain and rinse. They last in the fridge, in a sealed container, for about a week. I use them to sweeten my morning smoothies as well!
I’m going blueberry picking this weekend, so this is going to be a perfect way to use up all the fresh berries!
I am going to make this for my mother. It looks delicious, and I love how there aren’t many ingredients involved.
Smart, smart, smart!! MAKing….<3
All I have to say is that you are amazing. :-)
And I’ve been doing really well with the salad-a-day challenge and I feel better, my clothes fit better, someone at work actually asked if I was losing weight…wonderful! Thank you so much for the motivation to make myself healthier!
Just got done making this! Amazing! I may try making it a bit thinner and using it as a pancake topping, yum. Thanks so much for this wonderful recipe.
A pancake topping is a great idea :) Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi!
Question on your strawberry bars. When you say reserve 1/2 cup of the mixture is that before or after you at the liquids? Do you reserve half of the dry then add the liquid to the remainder or mix the liquid into all of the dry then reserve half a cup. Just curious!
Thanks!
Sarah
Hey Sarah, It’s after mixing everything. You reserve half of it so you can sprinkle it on top before baking. Does that make sense?
I have never tried using chia seeds in anything but I think this recipe convinced me! I really love jam but I am always wary of the sugar content and preservatives in most store bought varieties. Jam always seemed more life a sweet treat but not anymore with this recipe!
Seriously Angela, you are so creative in the kitchen!! I can’t wait until your book comes out!
Just curious are you still doing the newsletter thing?
Wow, this is such an answer for me! I love making jams and jellies, but just recently cut out sugar (and gluten/dairy/meat/corn) completely and have been thinking about ways to make jam more health-conscious. Thank you for the inspiration!
I just made this with blueberry/blackberry combo and you are a genius. I’m trying it with fresh peaches from my farmers market next.
Thanks Angie! Makes sense.
Genius! Making this today :)
This will be my Saturday afternoon project. I have to get to the market first to find my berries! It looks so good and so healthy. Thanks for sharing. :)
Great blog and I have a few clients who will be interested in this so thank you.
Many thanks
Nick
Brilliant idea, I can’t wait to try it out with all kinds of fruits!
Hi Angela and thank you for all the great recipes and stories! I also love making my own jelly and jam and thought I was the only one that thought to add the vanilla ~ silly me. I can’t wait to try the chia seeds which I will be buying this weekend. The vanilla adds such a nice subtle flavor. Thank you for sharing ~ Adriana
I agree…I add vanilla to pretty much anything! hah
Perfect timing Angela! I have a ton of blueberries that need to be eaten ASAP. My boyfriend is in town and I think I’m going to surprise him with this for breakfast :)
Your pics make me want to make some right now!! I use chia seeds on my cereal but never thought to use in a jam recipe….brilliant!!!
I hope you don’t mind I add your blog to my list of blogs to follow? You are an incredible inspiration and your recipes are fantastic!
Question: is L-cysteine always non-vegetarian, or can it be vegan? For example, I thought the pies from Mcdonald’s were vegan, as they list no eggs or milk…but they are made of l-cysteine and I’m not exact sure what this consists of. Thank you =)
I love blueberries and I love jam so am totally keen to try this natural lower sugar option! BTW – I made your potato burritos today and they were delicious – a keeper for sure! Keep the delicious recipes and creativity coming!
I love chia seed jam! The blueberry, maple syrup and vanilla combo sounds delicious. :)
Wow, I (a) want to make this jam asap and (b) am going to use whatever jam I have currently to make that banana, jam, butter sandwich tomorrow morning. Looks so mouth watering!
I have found so much inspiration on your sites, and for that I am deeply thankful. I’ve had so much fun trying your recipes, like this one above. Can’t wait to try the batch I made this evening on an english muffin in the morning! A million thanks!
– Kate
Thank you Kate, Im so happy to hear that! Enjoy :)
Looks amazing. I used chia seeds for a chocolate pudding and it is quite magical to see the transformation from runny to just right! :)
This looks SO good! Any idea if I can put this into sterilized jars and can it so it keeps all winter? Right now I make a jam recipe that uses berries, sucanat, honey, and green apples for the pectin to thicken, it goes into sterilized jars, and then into a boiling water bath in the canner for 5 minutes, and I have jars of jam that keep all year. Do you think I could do the same with this recipe? Thanks!
Hey Leah, That is a great question and Ive wondered it myself! I have no prior experience with canning so I wouldn’t be able to say for sure. Maybe someone else has tried it and can give us their advice!
I’m going to give it a go over the next few weeks. I’ll be out picking bilberries in August, so will have a crack at it and let you know how it goes.
Made this yesterday, thank you SO much!! It took hardly anytime to make and it is a winner in our house. Chia seeds to thicken is unreal, thank you:))
Chia seeds in anything with liquid usually totally gross me out – they just get so slimy in the chia puddings and smoothies! But I think this is one I could handle! It would be just like raspberry seeds. :) I’m gonna try it!
yea I found that they reminded me of rasp seeds too. I didnt find it overly slimy!
would stevia work instead of maple syrup?
can’t see why not :)
I was about to ask whether the chia added a slime-factor, but that comment ^^ answered it for me! Plus, I guess jam is fairly slippery anyway so it would be less noticeable. I made jam last year with agar agar flakes, but I’m definitely trying a chia version this summer, thanks for the idea!
Can this jam be canned in a traditional waterbath? I’d love to make some and I love the idea of thickening it with chia seeds. I’ve been canning strawberry jam this year for the first time and using a low/no sugar pectin and a small amount of Sucanat. This recipe sounds amazing.
I think this just changed my LIFE! Lol, okay that sounds a bit dramatic but seriously what a fabulous recipe for easy jam! And by the way, Angela, I love your blog and amazing recipes :)
You are a wealth of brilliant ideas, Angela! Love the idea of adding chia seeds to thicken (and pump up the nutrition) of jam. Sounds delicious!
Amazing! Just made a peanut butter and “jelly” smoothie with it, heaven <3
mmm great idea :)
Just made this – delicious! My jam-loving husband thought it was great and definitely didn’t notice the chia seeds– now I can feel good about his daily PB&J knowing he’s getting fiber and protein!
Congratulations! You passed my PB&J loving 3 year olds high standards when it comes to Jelly. He loved this, and I am thrilled to have a healthy alternative to store bought jelly. Thank you :)
I made this jam last night and used half strawberries and half blueberries- its really fantastic!!!!!
Just finished making a batch and it tastes great! Looking forward to spreading it over an english muffin or mixing it in with some yogurt. Also, half of the blueberries I used were from the freezer and it still turned out great! Glad to know I can make it any time of year.
You inspire me! I’ve been vegetarian for just about 12 years now and have just started the vegan thing a few weeks ago, because I am already lactose intolerant and hate eggs.. so why not just cut out all of the other junk as well! Anyway, I’ve been looking through vegan cookbooks, websites, EVERYTHING and they call for the most crazy ingredients!
I stumbled across one of your recipes while searching for something different to make for dinner, I’m glad I did! I’m on your site all of the time now LOVING YOUR RECIPES! I love your story and I can relate to it..I don’t want to make this too long so I would like to say thank you for sharing your simple and delicious meals for everyone to enjoy!
Hey Chelsea, So nice to meet you! Thank you so much for your comment. That means so much to me! Goodluck with your vegan transition. I hope you enjoy many more recipes to come. :)
I have tried it, super delicious!! Thnak you so much for the recipe!
My mom always says that vegan food taste strange, but my raspberries-chia seeds-vanilla-jam was successfull also with her! i didn’t tell her it was a vegan jam LOL :D
kisses from Switzerland
Thank you for this. I made it with raspberries and blueberries and YUMMY! Thanks again.
You are a genius.
Thank you for such a great recipe! It was super easy and is delicious! I made it to serve for guests and they loved it. Your instructions were spot on and I’m looking forward to making this jam often.
Just had to make another batch! This time with diced, very ripe peaches. I added a squirt of lemon juice and it tastes lovely. The color isn’t exactly attractive, but the flavor is great.
I made the magical blueberry vanilla chia seed jam this morning, and it really is magical! I love it, and I can’t stop eating it…a spoon full here, a piece of toast there, ice cream, etc… It is incredible!! Thanks for the amazing recipe!!
I totally made this for our camping trip – it was tasty, and everyone appreciated it for breakfast. Totally awesome, and I will be making this regularly! Thank you!!!!!
Wow nice work!!!
Oh my gosh. Angela — you are a GENIUS!!! :D
just made the jam, fresh strawberries from the farmers market, subsituted a bit of lemon juice indtead of vanilla to keep the berries red, yummy the best jam ever!! thank you oh she glows!
Hey Patricia, thats great news! Thanks for sharing. I love the thought of lemon & strawberries…yum.
The chia seeds are a great way to thicken to the consistency of jam. My daughter made this today and it is amazing. Can’t wait to share this with my friends. Delicious!!!
Made this to go with baked cake doughnuts for breakfast – so good! I felt proper domestic after making jam ;) Wonderful recipe!
Hi there,
I’m just wondering if you tried freezing it and how it worked? Thanks!
Im testing it in the freezer right now and Ill update the recipe as soon as I know :)
Awesome! I just made a blueberry raspberry version and I will be putting it in the freezer. I will let you know how it comes out.
Yes please do :)
Hey Ange, Made this, loved this. I didn’t need as much maple syrup but that could depend on the ripeness of the blueberries. I can’t wait to try variations with different fruits and fillings!
I wrote about it here: Blueberry Vanilla Chia Seed Jam
I mean here: http://tastespace.wordpress.com/2012/07/06/blueberry-vanilla-chia-seed-jam/
OH. MY. GOODNESS!!!!!! This is soooooooooooo goooood!!! I JUST made it and it’s not going to last very long haha! Even my 5 year old loves it and he doesn’t like jam!!! Thank you for this, it was life changing lol!!
We picked 10 pounds of blueberries this weekend so this recipe was perfect. My 5 year old gives it lots of Mmmmms! I get so frustrated at the supermarket looking at containers of jam all with high fructose corn syrup. This is sweet enough for me and I love knowing exactly what went into it. Thank you so much.
I like ro using chia seeds to make cold drink, I love chia seeds for everything! This blogs looks fantastic, I’ll have to give it a try!! :)
Made it on the weekend and it is AWESOME! Halved the recipe because I didn’t have enough blueberries and it worked perfectly well. It should work with other types of berries, correct? Should I use the same quantities?
Yes it will work with other berries :) If you check the comments some people have mentioned variations theyve made! I tried blackberries and it too was good. Just needed a touch more sweetener since they were frozen.
This is great news on using chia seeds- thanks for sharing!! I have a few pounds of frozen blueberries a farmer friend gave us, do you think I can use those instead of fresh?
I tried a batch using frozen blackberries and it worked fine – although I think I had to cook it down much longer. Goodluck!
Hi Angela!
Love your blog! Every recipe I make of yours turns out amazing :)
I made this jam the other day, except I used some left-over cherries instead of blueberries – and it is soooo good! Your a genius
I made one with cherries last night – we must have been on the same wavelength! Glad you are enjoying it :)
Where did you buy your white spoons?
Is it ceramic?
Just made this jam with frozen strawberries and a few nectarines I had to use up. HOLY YUM!! I used date paste to sweeten it. Absolutely delicious. Thanks for a healthy jam recipe! :)
So, aside from the fiber in the chia, what would be the advantage here, vs. other thickeners? The heat destroys the Omega 3’s, correct? Not meaning to criticize in ANY way, and maybe it was asked above? I just am not a HUGE fan of chia but do use it on occasion because I like the health benefits – but I had understood those were pretty much null and void if you heated the chia. Just curious. Thanks so much.
Hi Marti, From what I understand, there is some damage to EFA’s when cooking, especially at high heats. If this is a concern for you, you can cook it at a very low heat or even try mixing it and leaving it overnight in the fridge to thicken up on its own. Goodluck!
YUM! Trying this today! I love jam but don’t eat it because of the calories and additives. I’m a diabetic and it’s not good for me. Nice to know I can eat my jam again! Can you use agave nectar instead of the maple syrup?
Yes I think that should work fine :)
made this tonight with blackberries – turned out great! thanks for the recipe!!! will definitely make again!
Is it possible to can this in a hot water bath? don’t know if there is enough acidity. maybe add some lemon juice? I’d really appreciate instructions if anyone knows.. so much healthier than the normal canning recipes with tons of sugar and pectin.
Hey Beth, I think someone mentioned in the comments recently that they tried canning it and it worked (so far anyways!) You might want to scan through them to see if anyone has pointers.
I made this blueberry jam over the weekend and used it as a topping on your baked oatmeal. It is now my new favorite breakfast item (the baked oatmeal too)! I could (and maybe did…just a little) eat this jam straight from the jar. It was so easy to make that I am going to make some as a favor for my wedding guests next year :)
Wondered if anyone has canned this jam? Do you just do it the same, but then process for about 20 minutes?
Thanks! Looks so good.
Just made apricot chia seed jam, so we will see how that tastes. Used organic cane sugar, as that was the only sweetener in my house!
Do you know if you could can this jam using the water bath canning method?
Thanks!
It’s so delicious! Yummy
I have never even heard of chia seeds. Where do you purchase them? I would love to try this recipe!
You can find them in most health food stores or the organic section of some grocery stores. And online! Enjoy
What a great, healthy, and yummy looking recipe! I can’t wait to try this on an english muffin! Thanks for sharing!
Hi. I just found your Web site. Lucky for me since I am a gluten free vegan! I have tried two of your recipes (both delicious) and look forward to making the blueberry jam. I so appreciate your “allergy” claims, it makes it so easy for me with my gluten allergy. One thing I noticed is that you use bananas in your recipes. Unfortunately, I have an allergy to bananas. Do you have a substitute fruit that I can use? In the vegan overnight oatmeal I used maple syrup in place of the banana and it worked out great.
Thank you!
Eve
Sometimes medjool dates can work as a sub for banana – depends on the recipe of course! But if you need a sub in a smoothie I would try using dates. It wont give it that “soft serve” consistency, but it’s a good alternative in some recipes. Maple syrup – yes that works too! It’s no secret how much I love that sweetener… :)
WOAH, WOAH, WOAH! This has got to be the best jam recipe I’ve ever tried. MAGIC is the right word. I made this with a mix of raspberries and blueberries. It made exactly one big jar and is to die for. Love the use of chia seeds – not often you get a low sugar, high fibre, nutritious jam like this. Thanks xoxo
Hi!
This has become a super important staple in our house. Every weekend I make a batch (or two) of strawberry, and a second batch of either blueberry or raspberry. (I use stevia to sweeten it instead of maple syrup, mostly because I have gestational diabetes.) It’s so easy, yummy and good for us! We use it in smoothies (my fav is strawberry “jam” with raw almonds, water, and stevia blended in a Vitamix), vegan overnight oats, on toast with almond butter for a super easy brekkie, and sometimes with plain yogurt (we aren’t 100% vegan). Thank you for this! I’m about to travel to a couple of thousand miles away to visit family and asked my mom to have some frozen berries on hand so I can whip some up after I get there (the seeds are super easy to bring along). Since developing gestatonal diabetes, this has become my favorite “sweet” and I don’t want to be without it!
Thanks again!
I made this jam for Thanksgiving brunch! It was so amazing. My whole family loved it, and I’ve been putting it on everything ever since. I will be making this regularly now. Thanks so much!!! YUM!
Thats awesome to hear Jessica!
made this in the summer with freshly picked blackberries and it was amazing. best jam ever. I think I actually sweetened it with raw honey instead of maple syrup. I want to try making it with frozen berries to have a healthier jam year-round.
This looks so delicious!!
So would this work for citrus fruits and if so would I still simmer them down? I want to make jams for christmas, but with berries being out of season, they are too pricey… any suggestions?
thats a great question, I am not sure! Please let me know if you try it.
Does water need to be added to the pot of blueberries and maple syrup to bring it to a boil? If so…how much?
i want to try this without cooking the berries for a raw version. I’ll have to work on it!
Heya…excellent recipe…now I am looking for a nice and simple waffle recipe to use it on?! Wonder if you could help me?! I live in UK and they not as popular here as in USA?
Please, help…xxxx
Dariana
Hi there, I might have a waffle recipe in my blog archives…I would just do a search in the search box on the sidebar. goodluck!
That English muffin looks like the best breakfast EVER!!!!!
I just made the jam and started licking it off the spoon :) It’s very good and without any added sugar, which I love.
I’m hoping to make the cashew almond butter tonight as well!!!
Hello! This is my first comment on your blog! Just wanted to say that I had some blackberries in the fridge and I remembered seeing that recipe. I just made it, it tastes so great and it was pretty quick to make! Thanks for the recipe, great way to include chia seeds in my diet!
So glad to hear that Jess! Thanks for your comment :)
OMG this is amazing! Mine is still on the stove cooling down but I cant stop dipping my finger in for more!! Thanks for this idea!!
So did this end up freezing ok??
made mind this morning for my wife for breakfast cantaloupe pairs to go along with some sprouted bread very nice
Angela, what an amazing idea! I am a vegetarian/ near-vegan (in the middle of transitioning to full vegan) and my boyfriend (once a full on meat eater) is now a near-vegetarian and very open to vegan food. The recipes from your blog have a big part in this – thank you! We made this jam yesterday with mixed berries and cherries and oh my goodness! AMAZING! Thank you so much for the recipe! We’re never buying Jam again!
I’m so happy you enjoyed it!! Thanks for letting me know :)
Mmmm just made this tonight using blueberries, and I added the juice from a lime…. Yummmmmmers! It worked out so well ;)
I realize this is about a bazillion years late on the post – and I have to add, I’ve been reading your blog for YEARS, and have yet to comment. But I have to know. Tell me more about chia seeds in pasta sauce!! I just bought my first batch and prepared some chia pudding for the morning, but I’m wondering what else to do with them besides the usual.
Hey Katie! Thanks for your comment :) Nothing makes me happier than when I see someone is commenting for the first time! hah. Anyway, I suggest checking out my chia seed recipes here (be warned there are a lot!) : http://ohsheglows.com/recipage/?search_term=chia%20seed&ui=133 enjoy
I don’t have chia seeds, but this looks delicious and I would like to know if there is any other way to thicken the jam? Thanks! :)
Hey Julia!…I was wondering the same thing…they CAN be difficult to locate here in France…although when I actually FIND chia seeds this recipe is killer!…The absolute BEST freezer jam possible on every front…retention of color..texture…taste…healthy than healthy…and a bonafide staple, go-to recipe in our home.
I am thinking…perhaps in error…as I haven’t tried…but PSYLLIUM FLAKES just might do the trick as a thickening agent…I have just discovered this ingredient at one of the épiceries “bio” here in the Lyon region…and use it to thicken soups, sauces and smoothie concoctions…
If indeed this “works” …I will report back…The glycemic index, calorie and fat content would be greatly reduced for those concerned with these issues!
WOW…this just looks amazing. We will definitely be giving the jam a go! e & c
Wow, this looks delicious! Never seen before, but I’ll try it really soon.
Just made this with strawberries!! There was a sale and I figured it was the perfect time to try it! Turned out sooo deliciously…why did I ever buy jam again?? :) Thanks for the recipe!
I love it made with strawberries too!! I added a vanilla bean the last time and omggg…..so good!
OMG! This IS totally magical. I made some awesome batches of jam this past week using chia seeds instead of pectin. Blueberry elderflower marmalade; spiced blueberry hibiscus jam; and blueberry lime gin jam. My friends are amazed at the taste, and I’m thrilled with the chia seeds. Thanks so much for sharing!
I might of missed if this was already mentioned but any idea if this recipe could be canned?
Do you think you could can this? It sounds so delicious!!
Easy and delicious! Just made some, and with frozen blueberries too – it worked out fine!
Thanks for the lovely recipe
I just made this with pluots and cherries. SO YUMMY!
I have just finished making my strawberry-rhubarb jam with maple syrup and chia seeds instead of gelatin, all proud of myself for being so clever, when I decided to go online and found this! haha Oh well. So much for my creativity. I guess great minds think alike?! ;)
Made it this morning and it was the best jam I’ve ever had- even my toddler loved it on his toast!!!!
I just made this today after picking loads of fresh blueberries yesterday. I doubled the batch and used honey instead of maple syrup. I also doubled the amount of sweetner (gasp!), which is still way less than traditional recipes, and I added some cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves to spice it up a little as well as the juice of a lemon. I canned it and it turned out beautifully and is delicious!!! Thank you for the great idea and recipe!
This is amazing! Your recipes are so creative and delicious looking. I came to your blog almost every day when I first went vegan. Keep it up. :)
Thanks Jordan!
I don’t mean to sound stupid here but it says to bring blueberries to a boil which I should think is difficult without water. Are we added water? And if so, how much?
Oops, maybe that should say simmer? They are supposed to simmer I guess. Finding the right work can be tricky, but as they cook the blueberries break down and water does release.
Hey I am wondering that if I use mason jars do they need to be sterilized and sealed like other jams ? Or just close tightly and use within one week and/or freeze ?
I don’t sterilize my jars when I store in the fridge – the jam tends to last for 2-4 weeks in the fridge. hope this helps!
I made this with frozen cherries and coconut sugar. It’s fabulous!!! So many uses. My fav so far is on a piece of toasted GF bread with almond butter mmmmmmmm.
Hey I looking to use the Blueberry Jam recipe to make Christmas Jam gifts this year. Have you ever doubled, tripled the recipe? I want to know if it works.
Hi Angela :)
I read somewhere that you shouldn’t ever heat chia seeds, because it makes the fats go rancid and/or destroys a significant amount of the amazing nutrients they contain…
Do you know if this is true and if so, could you stir the chia seeds into a cold blueberry mixture?
I love this blog :)
I want to make this for my boyfriend the thing is he’s in the military so when I’d have to ship it to where he’s stationed so I was wondering if it can last 3 or 4 days without being refrigerated.
Was all ready to make this tonight… Bought my blueberries in ready and then realised what I thought were chia seeds were actually hemp seeds. Don’t suppose they would work the same? Otherwise I will have to wait to try the jam until I buy some chia.
Thanks for the inspiration. We made it in 20 minutes and it tastes great on homemade bread.
I had an epiphany this morning that I could totally make a raw jam with chia and some blended berries of some sort. Then a few minutes ago I was looking for a vegan recipe with oats and it was complete serendipity that I came across this recipe. How cool is that. Thanks for the recipe. :)
Love this recipe. Today I modified it as carrot cake jam. I used 1 1/2 cups chopped pears, 1 1/2 cups shredded carrot, 1 14 oz can organic crushed pineapple, then added maple strip, vanilla and chia seeds along with cinnamon and nutmeg. Worked great. Thanks for the inspiration.
Oh my goodness was this wonderful! And so easy to make! I just had some on sprouted wheat toast. I will have to start experimenting with other fruit for chia seed jams. Looking forward to topping my VOO with this tomorrow… And maybe an almond butter or sunflower seed butter and jam sandwich will soon follow ;)
Hi, the jam is pretty good but I am not a fan of feeling the crunch of the chia seeds. They do not get soft enough to my taste after cooking. Did I miss something or is it supposed to turn out this way?
Can this be made using other berries? Say raspberries? Would you follow the same steps?
Since chia seeds picking on their own, I’m wondering… do they need to be cooked?
This jam was a joy to make and to eat! Thank you Angela :)
Hey Angela,
I’ve made this jam a few times now with a few variations and it’s worked great each time. I have a plum tree that is about to give me ton of plums and was hoping to make up some batches and can the jam for holiday gifts… Do you think it would work? Any modifications I should consider?
Thanks!
Michelle
Great jam- just made some with raspberries we picked yesterday! Wondering if you’ve tried using ground chia seeds? Saw them at Bulk Barn and wasn’t quite sure if it thickens the same. The jam tasted great but had a very seedy texture due to the seeds & chia- would ground chia soften the texture at all? Thanks! Oh and did you try freezing it yet? Others had said it would work but wasnt sure how long for! THanks!!
It IS magical! I left it cooking longer – almost 25 minutes – because I like my jam real thick, but I found it also thickens a little when you put it in the fridge after. My boyfriend loved it and I adored it on my toasts this morning. Soooo good, the taste is just perfect.
I have a question! Do you think I could combine the same ingredients into a good processor instead of putting heat on it? Thank you!
Think I’m gonna do these for our company outing next week. :)
Oops, wrong page. :) I meant the Raspberry Chia Seed Jam Oat Crumble Squares. This happens when you have to many OSG tabs open…
Hello! Love your blog, and your cookbook! Thanks so much for sharing your journey online.
I’m wondering, do you think this jam could be sealed in a mason jar? Do you think it would last? Thinking about Christmas gifts.
Hi Melissa,
I’m glad you are liking the recipes. Unfotunately the jam will not can well, maybe only a couple weeks in the fridge.
Do you think I would be able to “can” this jam?
Hi Ann,
Unfotunately these won’t can well. The high amount of sugar in regular jam is what makes it shelf stable.
i am about 2 years too late with this recipe, but could it be canned (processed in a water bath) & kept out on a shelf? it looks so good!
I’m giving this away for christmas! Although I made strawberry as that was what my mother had most of at home :p
But really excited to whip up another batch for just the family to enjoy, my mum for some reason have a ton of waffle mix at home!
Thanks for great healthy recipes!
Excellent flavor! Most jam recipes call for so much sugar but this is decently healthy with the small amount of sweetener in it. Also gave this as a gift and the recipients loved it too.
Did not work was a waste of my berries
Hello, we are a blueberry nursery looking to share blueberry recipes with the readers of our blog! May we share a photo and link to this recipe? Let me know, thank you!
What a great recipe! I have eliminated jam from my life (mostly!) Sometimes I really miss it, like when I’m enjoying some homemade almond butter. So nice to have a more healthful jam now that is delicious too! Thanks much!
Hi,
I am just wandering how long this jam will keep in the fridge for?
Thanks
Hi Angela, I really love all of your recipes, but I just made this one and it has got to be, hands down, my absolute favourite! I don`t really eat a lot of jam, but when I want some, I never have it because I just don`t eat enough to warrant making or buying a jar. Now I can make some when I want it and it`s so quick and easy and I LOVE blueberries (made it with frozen ones). So thank you once again for a recipe that works every day and makes life just that much easier. :-)
Angela, I love your blog and your cookbook- your recipes are delicious, really healthy and always reliable. I am relatively new to vegan cooking, so am delighted to see the abundance of really fine recipes out there!
I have a question regarding chia seeds. In the blueberry jam recipe I used whole seeds, but the jam is ‘seedy’. Should I have ground them first, or is this the texture of the jam? In recipes that call for chia, it is assumed it is the whole seed unless stated? Thanks so much. Nancy
Greetings from California!
I just love your recipe book. I just picked it up at Costco and can’t stop flipping through the recipes. They all look so good! Tonight I made your Magic Jam. I didn’t have any strawberries, so I used ripe pluot from the tree. Wow, was that good! I can’t wait to experiment with more fruit! Thank you so much!
My last batch went to waste, I made this and stored it outside for some silly reason, perhaps my brain was way wired with my exams and was not thinking straight! Well before it the left overs went moldy, I was so happy with it! My dad and his wife also loved it! Off to make some more for my lunch tomorrow! It’s going to be paired with some yummy homemade almond butter in a sandwich, half a cantaloupe, a banana, and your chickpea poppers! Yummy school lunches thanks to you! Can’t think of eating at the cafeteria! Plus every food joint near a college is just so unhealthy and don’t offer enough vegan options ):
Hi Angela. I just made this wonderful jam for the second time. This time I added the zest from one lemon to the cooking blueberries and I think it added a wonderful brightness to the jam. Thank you for all the wonderful recipes and inspiration.
I just made this and am letting it cool right now! I cannot wait to try it. I kept tasting it as it was cooking, and it tasted fabulous. I think I’ll be taking PB&J sandwiches to work all week!
I love this jam and I would like to make some to give as gifts. Do you know if thsi can be canned using the hot water bath method?
Can you process this jam to keep it longer? Does it freeze well?
Made this tonight to go on pancakes and it was Awesome!
I’m SOS free so I just left out the sweetener, and it was heavenly :)
I made a half batch and used raspberry because that’s what I had, and tastes better than any store bought version :)
Delicious and so simple, thanks Angela :)
I have TONS of blackberries and wanting to make this jam. How would I preserve the jam?? Water bath? Freeze??
Thanks in advance!
Hi Adrienne, I’ve found chia jam freezes really well!
Can I make the blueberry chia jam with frozen blueberries?
I don’t see why not! I believe a few readers have reported they had success with frozen blueberries. :)
Great holiday idea… helps beat all those sugary treats.
I’m so late to this recipe but….it’s amazing and I’m never buying jam from the store again! Thanks!
I’m so glad you discovered this recipe, Sammie! Enjoy the jam!! :)
Hi! Just wondering how long this jam will last if kept in the fridge? It sounds delicious, I can’t wait to make some!
Hi there, Stefanie. This jam should keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. Hope you enjoy it!
As much as I love vanilla. My favourite combination is blueberry and lemon. I used this recipe as my guide. But instead of vanilla I used the rind and juice from half a lemon… oh my lanta! I could just eat it with a spoon!
Oh, that sounds amazing, Karen!! Thanks for sharing.
Are you able to can and preserve this jam? Thank you so delicious!!
Hi there, Sarah. :) I’ve actually found this jam freezes really well!
has anyone tried canning this recipe, would it work to can it? I’m just looking for ways to make this last longer if possible. :)
This jam looks SO delicious! A must try for sure, thanks for the recipe :)
Thanks Lyndsay! I hope you love it if you try it out :)
Easy and perfect jam! This is very good for my diet! I love it! Thank you so much for sharing!