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    Home » Recipes » Dips, Sauces & Spreads

    Sugar Free Strawberry Jam [No Pectin!]

    Published: May 10, 2023 by Rosa · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

    399 shares
    JUMP TO RECIPE
    Strawberry jam pin.

    All you need is 2 ingredients for this incredibly delicious and refined sugar free strawberry jam! So simple to prepare and ready in no time. Even if this is your first time making jam, this foolproof recipe has got you covered.

    Spoonful of strawberry jam being held above the jar.

    This recipe was originally published in March 2019. It has been updated for content and photos.

    Love jam, but not all the added sugar?

    Then you’re in luck. 🙂

    This sugar-free strawberry jam is the perfect sweet treat, without the excess calories and added sugar.

    Just like my blueberry jam, this one is naturally sweetened, secretly healthy, and incredibly delicious!

    Jump to:
    • Why you’ll love it
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • How to use it
    • Storage
    • Expert Tips + Variations
    • More delicious strawberry recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • FAQ

    Why you’ll love it

    • It’s made with JUST TWO ingredients! (Plus an optional third if needed.)
    • No chemicals, artificial preservatives, or additives.
    • Healthy!! Yes, truly, this sugar-free strawberry jam is actually wholesome! It’s made with just fruit and chia seeds for a protein boost in your jelly.
    • LOW sugar makes it perfect for weight management and a great, guilt-free option for your little ones.
    • Simple to make and ready in UNDER 20 minutes. 🥳
    Jar of strawberry jam and toast with jam on top below it.

    Ingredients

    Here’s what you’ll need to make our sugar-free strawberry jam recipe.

    Strawberries, maple syrup and chia seeds in prep bowls.
    See recipe card for quantities.
    • Strawberries: Use fresh strawberries for the best taste and results. Choose strawberries that are firm with bright green stems.
    • Chia seeds: You may use white or black chia seeds to achieve the same results. NOTE that dark chia seeds will darken the colour of your jam.
    • Maple syrup: The extra sweetener is OPTIONAL. I find it is not needed, especially if using fresh and in-season strawberries. However, if you have a sweet tooth, adding some unrefined maple syrup helps. You may also try stevia to sweeten if you need a keto-friendly option.

    Instructions

    (This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

    Quartered strawberries inside cast iron pan.

    Wash, hull, and quarter your strawberries, and add them to a saucepan or skillet. (photo 1)

    Cooked strawberries inside cast iron pan.

    Bring to a low boil until the berries make foam and are soft, approx. 6 minutes. (photo 2)

    Strawberries being mashed with potato masher inside pan.

    Use a potato masher to gently mash the mixture, but leave a few chunks for texture. (photos 3)

    Strawberry jam with chia seeds on top.

    Add the chia seeds (and optional maple syrup) and stir to combine. (photo 4)

    NOTE: If you prefer a perfectly smooth jam, use a blender instead of a potato masher.

    Set the pan aside to cool slightly, and then divide into clean jars.

    How to use it

    • Spread it on toast, pancakes, or waffles.
    • Make PB+J sandwiches.
    • Dollop it over nice cream or fudgy brownies.
    • Layer it into cakes, or top cheesecake.
    • Stir some into yogurt or chia pudding.
    A spoonful of strawberry jam being held above the jar.

    Storage

    Store your chia strawberry jam in small, clean jars with a lid that seals well.

    I like to keep 1 jar in the refrigerator for immediate use (within 1 week) and freeze the remaining jars for future use, for up to 6 months.

    Expert Tips + Variations

    • Use CLEAN and dry jars to store your strawberry jam to prevent bacteria build-up.
    • If the jam appears watery once cooked, not to worry. As it cools, the chia seeds will continue to absorb the liquid and leave behind a perfectly textured, thick jelly.
    • I use black chia seeds, as those are easiest to find where I live. They do darken the jam colour slightly, but you may use white chia seeds for a brighter coloured jam, if available.
    • For a slightly thinner consistency, reduce the chia seeds to ¼ cup.

    More delicious strawberry recipes

    • Two glasses of strawberry juice with juicer behind them.
      How to make Strawberry Juice
    • Close up of strawberry pie in pie plate.
      Vegan Strawberry Pie [Low Sugar + Oil Free]
    • strawberry banana bread on cutting board with two slices cut
      Banana Strawberry Bread [Vegan+GF]
    • Three pink popsicles on tray filled with ice cubes.
      Strawberry Banana Popsicles [Refined Sugar Free]

    If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

    Buon appetito

    Rosa

    📖 Recipe

    Spoonful of strawberry jam being held above the jar.

    Sugar Free Strawberry Jam [No Pectin!]

    All you need is 2 ingredients for this incredibly delicious and sugar free strawberry jam!
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 6 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 16 minutes minutes
    Course: Breakfast, Dessert
    Cuisine: American, Canadian
    Servings: 28 Servings (2 Tablespoons per serving)
    Calories: 23kcal
    Author: Rosa

    Equipment

    Potato masher on white background.
    Potato Masher

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds strawberries washed & hulled (approx. 5 cups quartered)
    • ⅓ cup chia seeds
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup optional
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Quarter the strawberries and add to a large pan. Cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, until soft and bubbling.
    • Then remove from the heat and use a potato masher to gently mash the strawberries, but still leaving some chunky fruit pieces. Add the chia seeds and maple syrup, if using, and mix well.
    • Set aside to let cool slightly, and then divide the jam into clean, air tight jars. Jam will completely set once refrigerated overnight or at least 4 hours. Refrigerate to use within 1 week or freeze for up to 4 months.

    Notes

    Use CLEAN jars to store your strawberry jam.
    If the jam appears a little watery once cooked, not to worry. As it cools, the chia seeds will continue to absorb the liquid and leave behind a perfectly textured, thick jelly.
    I use black chia seeds, as those are easiest to find where I live. They do darken the jam colour slightly, but you may use white chia seeds for a brighter coloured jam, if available.
    For a slightly thinner consistency, reduce the chia seeds to ¼ cup.
    Makes approximately 3.5 cups of strawberry jam. Separate into small jars and keep one refrigerated and freeze the rest for future use.
    Your strawberry jam will keep refrigerated for 1 week, or freeze for up to 4 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 23kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg
    DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?Mention @this.healthy.kitchen on IG and tag #thishealthykitchen!
    *Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.

    FAQ

    Can I use frozen strawberries?

    You may use frozen strawberries if you don’t have fresh available. They will take a little longer to cook through, but you may sub them cup for cup.

    Which chia seeds should I use?

    I use black as I find them the most common and easy to find. However, they do darken the jam a little. You may use white chia seeds for brighter results.

    Can I make this with other fruits?

    Yes, check out my blueberry chia jam for more inspiration. You may also use raspberries or blackberries, too.

    Why is my jam runny?

    Give your strawberry chia jam enough time to cool and set. As it cools, the chia seeds will absorb any excess liquid, resulting in a thicker, non-runny jelly.

    Why didn’t my strawberry jam set?

    Either, not enough chia seeds were used, or not enough time has passed to allow your chia seeds to work their magic. Make sure to refrigerate your jam for at least 4 hours before enjoying it.

    What if I don’t like the chia texture?

    You may grind your chia seeds before adding them to your strawberries if preferred. Or you may purchase ground chia seeds.

    Can I double the recipe?

    Yes, this jam recipe is easily doubled or more. I like making a big batch to have enough jam to freeze for several months.

    399 shares

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    1. Holly

      September 03, 2023 at 8:49 pm

      5 stars
      This jam is ahhhmazing! Needless to say, none of it made it to the freezer! I’m going to do blueberry and also have some great peaches. Do you think it would work with peaches or only various berries?

      Reply
      • Rosa

        September 04, 2023 at 9:50 am

        So glad you enjoyed our strawberry jam, Holly! Thanks for the review. I haven’t tried peaches yet, but I think it will work if you dice them up pretty small first.

        Reply
    2. Patty

      July 08, 2023 at 2:55 pm

      Can I can this jam? Or do I need add something for it to be shelf stable?

      Reply
      • Rosa

        July 09, 2023 at 11:12 am

        Hi Patty, here are some directions on canning in my apple butter post. You can follow the same method for the jam. Enjoy 🙂 Just keep in mind it won’t last as long as freezing since the jam is thickened with chia seeds, and not sugar or pectin.

        Reply
    3. Amelia

      July 03, 2023 at 9:42 am

      What do you think of the idea of chopping up some fresh mint or basil and cooking it along with the strawberries? If I did so, do you have a suggestion of how much to add?

      Reply
      • Rosa

        July 04, 2023 at 8:33 am

        I haven’t tried that, but it sounds great. Feel free to experiment.

        Reply
    4. LouAnn

      June 24, 2023 at 10:09 pm

      One step better is to switch out maple syrup for date paste.😋 Dates have more nutritional benefit than the syrup.😉

      Reply
      • Rosa

        June 26, 2023 at 8:51 am

        Sure, sounds great!

        Reply
    5. Sonata

      July 03, 2022 at 2:09 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect jam, not too sweet and with nice smooth texture. Love it!

      Reply
      • Rosa

        July 04, 2022 at 11:10 am

        Thrilled you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    6. Mandy

      June 22, 2022 at 5:42 pm

      How do I can this to be shelf stable instead of putting in freezer?

      Reply
      • Rosa

        June 23, 2022 at 4:27 pm

        Hi Mandy, here are some directions on canning in my apple butter post. You can follow the same method for the jam. Enjoy 🙂 Just keep in mind it won’t last as long as freezing since the jam is thickened with chia seeds, and not sugar or pectin.

        Reply
    7. Marimalade

      November 09, 2021 at 1:24 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely loved how it came out! Made a pretty small batch and eyeballed how much of the chi seeds and maple syrup I put, but the result is 😍 can’t wait to use it

      Reply
      • Rosa

        November 10, 2021 at 11:17 am

        Thrilled to hear that. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Clare

      June 10, 2021 at 10:04 am

      Do you add any liquid when you are cooking down the berries.

      Reply
      • Rosa

        June 10, 2021 at 10:24 am

        Hi Clare, no need to add any liquid, the strawberries will release their own liquid as they heat up. Enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Cindy

      June 09, 2021 at 3:26 pm

      5 stars
      Made it immediately when I got your email because I happened to have fresh local strawberries available! I skipped the maple syrup because my strawberries were already very sweet and this jam is perfect!! I love how healthy it is, and my kids enjoyed some too. Sure beats the sugar filled processed stuff from the store. Thank you for all you do, Rosa!

      Reply
      • Rosa

        June 10, 2021 at 10:20 am

        Thrilled to hear that Cindy! Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Rosa! Welcome to This Healthy Kitchen where you'll find tasty and nutritious, plant-based recipes. I'm an avid home cook who believes food is medicine. Each recipe is made using wholesome ingredients and under 400 calories per serving with many gluten-free and oil-free options. Occasional cheat days included. 😉

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