Store-bought jam and jelly certainly have their place, and sometimes convenience is exactly what you need – no shame in the store-bought option because we always have some on hand- either choice is perfectly fine.
If you’re in the mood and have the time to make it yourself, this homemade strawberry chia jam is easy to make and adds a punch of omega-3’s and fiber without changing the sweet, fruity flavor kids enjoy.
Think of this recipe as a “nice to have” and “fun to make with my kids” option when you have the time, not a required swap you have to make in order to provide your child with a healthy option.
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How Chia Seeds Thicken Jam (and Add a Nutritional Boost)
Chia seeds can soak up to 10 times their weight in liquid, turning into a gel that naturally thickens jam without any need for pectin.
Not only do the chia seeds provide a natural pectin-like gel, they also provide fiber and plant-based omega-3s, and even a little protein too – three things that you won’t find in store-bought jam and jelly.
Nutrition Benefits of Chia Seeds (Per 1 Tablespoon):
- About 5 grams of fiber to support digestion and help keep little bellies full
- Around 2 grams of plant-based protein
- A source of plant-based omega-3 fats (great for brain development)
- Contains calcium, iron, and magnesium, important for growing bodies
They’re tiny but mighty—and in this recipe, your kids might not even notice they’re there!
Ingredients for Strawberry Chia Jam
The best thing about this easy strawberry chia jam recipe is that you can use frozen strawberries, which can be more affordable and just as nutritious as fresh, especially when out of season. You can also use fresh, but frozen helps cut out a few steps (washing and chopping).
Here’s a list of the simple ingredients you need to make strawberry chia jam:
- Frozen or fresh sliced strawberries (no need to thaw)
- Chia seeds – find these in the baking aisle or here!
- Maple syrup or honey – skip for babies under 12 months
- Fresh lemon juice – you can use bottled lemon juice too
How to Make Strawberry Chia Jam
Cook the strawberries: Add frozen strawberries to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the strawberries soften and release their juices.
Mash to desired texture: Use a fork or potato masher to mash the berries to your desired consistency. Many kids don’t like chunks or clumps, so consider this. For a smoother jam, blend the mixture briefly after cooking.
Add chia seeds, lemon juice, and maple syrup: Stir in the chia seeds, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Remove from heat and let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken.
Adjust sweetness: Taste the jam and add more maple syrup or honey if you’d like it sweeter. This does introduce added sugar, regardless if it’s maple syrup or honey. For children under 2, especially under 1, avoid maple syrup and honey.
Cool and store: Let the jam cool completely before transferring to a jar or airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Baby-Friendly Strawberry Chia Jam
To make this recipe baby-friendly, you’ll want to omit the sweetener – maple syrup or honey. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under two avoid added sugars and while it’s nearly impossible to completely avoid it, it’s helpful to try where and when you can.
Limiting added sugar during the first two years helps minimize the preference of sweet foods and beverages, which we know can be a challenge when it seems like that’s all kids want.
A Special Note About Honey
While you might think that adding honey to recipes instead of granulated table sugar is a healthier alternative, this is not advised for infants under 12 months.
This recommendation isn’t because of the concern for added sugar, but instead, the fact that honey can contain dangerous spores called Clostridium botulinum, which can lead to infant botulism. While this is a rare illness, it’s serious. Stick to the natural sweetness of the fruit in this recipe for infants under 12 months old.
Other Chia Jam Flavors
The great thing about this strawberry chia jam recipe is that you can easily swap the strawberries for any berry or berry blend based on what your family enjoys.
Chia Jam Flavors to try:
- Raspberry
- Blueberry
- Mixed berry blend
- Cherry
- Rhubarb
- Strawberry Banana
Ways to Use Chia Jam
- Spread on toast, pancakes, or waffles
- Stir into oatmeal or yogurt
- Mix into cottage cheese
- Add to sandwiches with nut butter
- Serve as a sip for crackers
When Homemade Chia Jam Isn’t the Best Fit
As much as I love a homemade recipe that also provides nutritional value, sometimes the convenience of store-bought is the more convenient option.
The downside to making homemade strawberry chia jam is that it doesn’t last as long (1 week versus months).
You also don’t get much since the two cups of strawberries cooks down into about 3/4 cup volume.
The other thing to consider is while making your own jam does help you control the ingredients and reduce added sugar, you don’t typically use a lot of jam or jelly to begin with so it’s unlikely to make a huge dent in your child’s added sugar intake unless they’re eating jars and jars of it.
This recipe is here for you to use and explore with your kids, if you find you have the time, but store-bought jam will always have a place in a realistic kitchen.
Final Thoughts
This homemade strawberry chia jam recipe is one of those manageable recipes you can attempt when you have the time, but it’s not something you have to add to your list on a weekly basis to replenish. Feel free to lean on the store-bought, but give this recipe a try for its nutritional boost and an opportunity to get your kids in the kitchen.
Whether you’re grabbing a jar or making a quick batch at home, both can fit on your family’s table in a way that works for you.
Homemade Strawberry Chia Jam
Equipment
- Sauce pan
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen or fresh strawberries
- 2 Tbsp chia seeds
- 2-4 tsp maple syrup or honey (avoid under 12 months)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Add strawberries to a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 5 to 7 minutes until the strawberries soften and start to break down.
- Use a fork or potato masher to mash the berries to your desired consistency. For a smoother consistency, blend the mixture briefly after cooking.
- Stir in the chia seeds and lemon juice. Remove from heat and add the maple syrup or honey. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken.
- Let the jam cool completely before transferring to a jar or an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
