Simple 5-Minute Chia Jam (Healthy & Naturally Sweetened)

This simple 5-minute chia jam is a healthy, naturally sweetened homemade jam made with real fruit and chia seeds — perfect for quick breakfasts, snacks, and toddler-friendly meals.

This simple 5-minute chia jam is a healthy, naturally sweetened alternative to store-bought jam that fits easily into real life. It’s made with real fruit and chia seeds, thickened naturally without refined sugar or pectin, and comes together in just minutes on the stovetop. I love it for toast, yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, and especially for toddler snacks — it’s one of those back-pocket recipes I come back to again and again.

• It takes about 5 minutes and requires very little effort
• It’s naturally sweetened with no refined sugar
• It works with fresh or frozen fruit, whatever you have on hand
• It’s toddler-friendly and easy to serve in different ways
• It makes everyday breakfasts and snacks feel a little more intentional

• Fruit: The base of the jam and where all the flavor comes from. Fresh or frozen both work, which makes this easy year-round.
• Chia Seeds: These thicken the jam naturally while adding fiber and healthy fats without changing the flavor.
• Maple Syrup (optional): just enough to gently sweeten the fruit without overpowering it.
• Lemon Juice – Brightens everything up and balances the sweetness so it tastes like classic jam.

• The jam thickens more as it cools, so don’t overthink the texture on the stove
• If it thickens too much, just stir in a splash of water
• Taste and adjust sweetness depending on how ripe your fruit is
• This is an easy recipe to double and keep in the fridge for the week
• Use any juicy fruit to make jam including berries, strawberries, cherries, plums and more
• Use in your oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, chia seed pudding, turkey wraps or sandwiches, or to top toast, jam bars, thumbprint cookies, waffles, pancakes, or French toast

• Add the fruit, maple syrup, and lemon juice to a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens and starts to break down.
• Stir in the chia seeds and let cook for a few more minutes.
• Mash the fruit with a fork or spoon until you reach your preferred texture.
• Remove from heat and let cool — the jam will thicken as it sits.

• Use whatever fruit you have: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, cherries, or a mix
• Swap maple syrup for honey if that’s what you prefer

This chia jam is lightly sweet, fresh, and fruity — not overly sugary or heavy. The texture is thick and spreadable with tiny chia seeds throughout, similar to a soft, rustic homemade jam.

Serve it on toast, pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or yogurt. It’s also great mixed into toddler meals or spread on snacks. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7–10 days, or freeze for longer storage.

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