This glorious mixed berry chia jam is so easy to make and adds a bright burst of colour and flavour to toast, porridge, cakes and desserts. Made with no added sugar from nutrient-dense, wholefood ingredients.
Are you looking for a simple way to boost your health and add a burst of flavour and colour to your breakfast?
Enter easy mixed berry chia jam! This versatile spread has a range of nutritional benefits as well as an amazing taste. From enhancing your immune system to promoting a healthy gut microbiome, this delicious jam will boost your well-being and delight your tastebuds.
Making a hot breakfast great again!
In the Summer months I enjoy cold breakfasts of yogurt, granola, fruits, and chia seeds soaked overnight in kefir (fermented goats milk). These delicious, healthy and filling options were just the thing when the weather was warmer.
However, now that there’s a chill in the morning air, I’ve switched to something warmer. Hot buttered sourdough toast, or a bowl of steamy nourishing porridge. But I felt that I needed something bright and delicious to dollop on top and elevate my morning meal to the next level. The answer? This gorgeous mixed berry chia jam!
Health benefits of chia jam with mixed berries
In addition to its delicious taste and versatility, this nutritious mixed berry chia jam provides several health benefits. Chia seeds are a terrific source of dietary fibre, which promotes a healthy gut microbiome and boosts digestive health. Plant polyphenols enhance your immune system, helping you stay healthy and fight off wintertime sniffles. Chia seeds also contain complete protein, and many additional nutrients including vitamins and minerals.
Promoting gut health
Chia seeds are tiny but mighty! Hailing from Central and South America, they have been a staple food there for centuries. They are a great source of dietary fibre, which is essential for promoting healthy gut bacteria. The fibre acts as a prebiotic – feeding the good bacteria in your gut and helping to maintain a balanced and healthy microbiome. Regular consumption of fibre supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in your digestive system, leading to improved digestion and better gut health. So a dollop of this delicious jam on your porridge or toast not only tastes great, it’s a great way to boost your fibre intake.
Enhancing your immune system
The brightly coloured mixed berries in this delicious chia jam have a high antioxidant content. Natural polyphenols strengthen your immune system by neutralising harmful free radicals that can weaken your body’s defences. By incorporating this chia jam into your diet, you can give your immune system a natural boost, reducing inflammation and helping you to ward off colds and infections. Antioxidants can also have an anti-aging effect on the skin – yet another reason to enjoy this delicious, youth-enhancing jam!
Heart, bone and nervous system health
Chia seeds are high in Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), a plant based omega-3 fatty acid that is important for cardiovascular health. It has been shown to help lower inflammation, reduce blood cholesterol levels, and support healthy blood pressure. These tiny seeds are also a rich source of minerals including calcium, magnesium and iron, essential for strong bones and a healthy nervous system.
Complete plant-based protein
Chia seeds – and therefore this gorgeous chia jam – provide a complete plant-based source of protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. As part of a nutritious and balanced diet, they will support muscle growth and repair, as well as overall optimum health.
Ingredients in mixed berry chia jam
This wonderful natural preserve is made with only two ingredients. They are:
- Chia seeds
- Mixed berries
And that’s it! The jam has no added sugar, so the delicious flavours and natural sweetness of the fruit can shine through. If you find it a little too un-sweet, you can add a drizzle of maple syrup, honey or agave nectar to taste.
Of course if you want to jazz it up a bit, you can add any of the following optional flavours:
- a squeeze of lemon juice, for a tarter jam
- a dash of cinnamon or mixed spice, for a richly fragrant jam
- a few drops of vanilla extract, for a comfortingly perfumed jam
- a splash of creme de cassis or other fruity liqueur, for an indulgent adults-only jam!
How to make chia jam with mixed berries
Making this delicious fruity chia jam could hardly be easier. I use frozen berries for maximum ease and economy. Simply warm them in a pan until they soften and release their juices. You can give them a gentle mash with a fork or potato masher to break them up a bit if necessary. Then stir in the chia seeds, scoop into a jar, and wait! As the chia seeds absorb the berry juices the jam will thicken to a luscious, spoonable consistency.
Adding a pop of flavour to your breakfast
Incorporating this easy mixed berry chia jam to your breakfast is not only a nutritious choice but also a way to add a burst of flavour. Whether you spread it on toast, add it to your yogurt, or dollop it onto your porridge, this jam can elevate breakfast time with its sweet and tangy flavour profile.
A spoonful of this fabulous chia berry jam will provide a delightful pop of flavour that enhances your morning eating experience. Get creative in the kitchen and explore new ways to enjoy it!
When to eat chia jam
One of the great things about this easy mixed berry chia jam is its versatility. While I’ve emphasised its role at breakfast time, of course you can enjoy it at any time of day!
In the morning, spread it on your toast, dollop onto pancakes, or swirl it into your porridge for a fruity start to to the day.
Use it as a delicious topping for a mid-morning yogurt. Or enjoy it on a slice of buttered wholegrain toast as an afternoon pick-me-up.
And don’t forget about desserts! Mixed berry chia jam can be a flavourful topping for ice cream, or a delicious filling for cakes or pastries. Ripple into natural yogurt and scatter with broken meringues and a few chopped nuts for a healthier take on Eton Mess. Or add a layer to a beautiful parfait – great for an indulgent breakfast or healthier dessert!
When it comes to adding this delightful jam into your diet, the options are limited only by your imagination.
Nutritious and delicious!
Enjoying this mixed berry chia jam isn’t only about adding a tasty spread to your meals. It’s also about boosting your immune system, promoting healthy gut bacteria, and increasing your daily fibre intake. This versatile jam packs a flavourful punch while contributing to your overall well-being.
So why not give it a try and see the positive effects for yourself? As the saying goes, “small changes can lead to big results.” Swap your regular sugary spreads for this luscious, nutritious chia jam, and feel better from the simple and delicious change.
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📖 Recipe
Easy mixed berry chia jam
Equipment
- 250ml glass jar
Ingredients
- 250 g fresh or frozen mixed berries – I used blackberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants and raspberries.
- 25 g chia seeds
Instructions
- 250 g (8 ⅚ oz) fresh or frozen mixed berriesPut the berries into a saucepan and heat gently to warm through. Stir and squash the berries, crushing any larger ones with the back of the spoon (you could also use a fork or a potato masher). The mixture should become very juicy and liquid.
- 25 g (2 tablespoon) chia seedsRemove from the heat, add the chia seeds, and mix well to combine. The seeds may initially float on the surface of the liquid, but after stirring for a minute or two, they should become distributed evenly throughout.
- Transfer the mixture to a clean dry jar. I prefer to use a wide mouthed jar as it's easier to spoon in the jam without spilling! Close the lid and allow to cool before transferring to the fridge.
- The chia seeds will continue to absorb liquid and thicken the jam. It's best to wait for at least a few hours before opening the jar and enjoying your berry chia jam.
Nutrition
More delicious recipes using berries
Berries are sweet and delicious, and packed with health-enhancing polyphenols! You might also enjoy them in:
Chia jam FAQs
Yes! Made with just fruits and chia seeds, this delicious chia jam is naturally vegan and suitable for vegans, vegetarians, celiacs, and people with gluten-intolerance.
Although berry chia jam contains no added sugar, there is some natural sugar present from the fruit, so while it might be better for those on a low-sugar diet, this should be borne in mind.
This chia jam is also free from dairy, nuts, sesame and other common allergens.
This fruity berry chia jam should be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within 7-10 days. Since it contains no sugar (which acts as a preservative), it requires refrigeration and has a shorter lifetime than ‘traditional’ jams and spreads.
If you notice mould, discolouration, an odd smell or change in texture, or any other signs of spoilage, the jam should be discarded.
I love to have a spoonful of chia jam with my morning porridge. It’s also great on toast for breakfast, or in sandwiches or stirred into yogurt for a snack. You can use it to fill cakes as a teatime treat. Or incorporate it into your desserts as a healthy but indulgent end to a meal.
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