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This bright, fresh strawberry jam comes together in minutes and uses only whole-food ingredients— and no refined sugar required. This strawberry jam is thickened with chia seeds and sweetened naturally with maple syrup. Perfect for spreading on toast, swirling into yogurt, topping oatmeal, or using in baked goods.

a jar of strawberry chia seed jam with a spoon in it and fresh strawberries around it.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Strawberries. Provide the fresh, fruity base of the jam with natural sweetness and vibrant flavor.

Maple syrup. Naturally sweeten the jam without refined sugar for the perfect amount of sweetness.

Lemon juice. Brightens the flavor and helps preserve the jam’s fresh color.

Chia seeds. Naturally thicken the mixture by absorbing liquid and creating a jam-like consistency. Chia seeds are packed with plant-based omega-3s, fiber, and are a complete protein. They also provide calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, iron, zinc and antioxidants! 😮

fresh strawberries, a bowl of maple syrup, a bowl of lemon juice, and a bowl of chia seeds.

Instructions

Cook the berries.

Add the strawberries and lemon juice to a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and begin to release their juices.

sliced strawberries in a glass saucepan with a bowl of maple syrup, a bowl of chia seeds, and a bowl of lemon juice beside it.

Mash.

Use a fork or potato masher to smash the strawberries to your desired consistency—chunky or smooth.

Sweeten.

Stir in the maple syrup. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.

pouring maple syrup into the mashed strawberries.

Thicken.

Remove from heat. Stir in the chia seeds and mix well. Let the jam sit 10–15 minutes to thicken. The chia will absorb the liquid and create a jam-like texture.

stirring the chia seeds into the jam with a spatula.

Chill.

Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for best consistency. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week.
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

overhead shot of a jar of strawberry chia seed jam with a spoon in it and fresh strawberries around it.

Why I Use Lemon Juice In Jam?

Lemon juice serves three important functions in a naturally sweetened strawberry chia jam:

1. Brightens the flavor.

Strawberries can taste flat when cooked. A small amount of acid lifts and sharpens their natural sweetness, giving the jam a fresher, more vibrant flavor.

2. Balances the sweetness.

Using lemon juice will help the jam from tasting overly sweet. I definitely prefer a less sweet, more natural tasting jam as compared to other store-bought jam that has a lot of added sugar 😖.

3. Helps preserve jam & color.

The acidity in the lemon juice acts as a natural preservative (for a short period of time) and also helps maintain that bright red appearance instead of letting the strawberries turn dull or brownish as they cook.

a spoonful of strawberry chia seed jam resting on top of the jar of jam with fresh strawberries around it.

Variations

Extra thick jam: Add an additional 1 teaspoon chia seeds.
Mixed berry version: Replace half the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
Add vanilla: Add ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or seeds from ½ a pod) for a warm, fragrant twist.
Add some orange zest: Add ½ teaspoon orange zest for a sweet, sunny citrus note.
Add basil: Stir in 1–2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh basil after the jam cools—perfect for summer breakfasts or cheese boards.
Date sweetened: Replace maple syrup with 2–3 chopped Medjool dates for a fruit-only sweetened option. Or you can swap out the maple syrup for agave syrup, or date syrup (but note- date syrup may make this jam darker in color).
Smooth jam: Blend the cooked berries before adding chia seeds for a smoother jam.

action shot spooning some strawberry chia seed jam out of the jar.

Delicious Ways to Use Strawberry Chia Seed Jam

Serve on a dairy-free cheese board with crackers and nuts.

Spread on toast, bagels, or English muffins for a simple, wholesome breakfast.

Swirl into oatmeal or overnight oats for a naturally sweet, fruity boost.

Layer into coconut yogurt bowls with granola and fresh berries.

Use as a filling for vegan thumbprint cookies or sandwich cookies.

Stir into chia pudding for added flavor and color.

Add to smoothies or smoothie bowls for extra berry sweetness.

Top pancakes, waffles, or French toast as a healthier alternative to syrup.

closeup overhead shot of strawberry chia seed jam on a spoon resting on the jar of jam.

Use as a filling for homemade pop-tarts or toaster pastries.

Layer into parfaits with dairy-free yogurt and crunchy toppings.

Add to vegan cheesecake or no-bake dessert bars for a fruity swirl.

Spread on PB&J sandwiches for a refined sugar-free upgrade.

Use as a topping for ice cream or banana nice cream.

Stir into sparkling water or lemonade for a fruity, naturally sweet drink.

Fill crepes or breakfast wraps for a fun morning treat.

Add to your popsicles, like these coconut milk popsicles or use in your peanut butter cups!

Eat by the spoonful! 🥄 So yummy 😋.

a jar of a jar of strawberry chia seed jam with fresh strawberries around it.

More Strawberry Recipes To Try

Peanut Butter & Jelly Chocolate Cups (With Easy Homemade Strawberry Chia Seed Jam)

Enjoy these healthier, homemade no-bake Peanut Butter & Jelly Chocolate Cups made with creamy peanut butter and fresh strawberry chia seed jam. This vegan, gluten-free PB&J chocolate candy is naturally sweetened, easy to make, and perfect for a wholesome dessert or snack.

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Strawberry Beet Chia Seed Jam Coconut Milk Popsicles

These vibrant Strawberry Beet Chia Seed Jam Coconut Milk Popsicles are a refreshing, nutrient-packed treat perfect for summer. Made with naturally sweet strawberries, ready-to-eat cooked beets, and creamy coconut milk, they’re as easy to make as they are beautiful. Chia seeds add a boost of fiber and texture for a wholesome, feel-good popsicle you’ll love.

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Roasted Strawberry Ricotta Toast

Vegan ricotta cheese spread over your favorite gluten-free toast topped with roasted strawberries, fresh basil leaves, and honey! The best combination of savory and sweet for an easy, perfect breakfast!

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Strawberry Mango Fruit Leather (Fruit Roll-Ups)

This homemade Strawberry Mango Fruit Leather only requires 4 ingredients and is the perfect snack for school lunches! These fresh, whole food fruit rollups are easily made with real strawberries and mango, dried in the dehydrator (or optionally the oven).

4.5/5 from 2 ratings

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I hope you love this easy, homemade sweet spread! Let me know what you think down below in the comments section, as well as giving it a five star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ so that others can discover this delicious strawberry chia seed jam recipe! Tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!