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    MJ & Hungryman ยป Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes ยป Sugar Free Strawberry Jam

    Sugar Free Strawberry Jam

    By Min On December 14, 2022

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    a side view of strawberry jam in a mason jar with a spoon.

    3 ingredients and 10 minutes are all you need to make this sugar-free strawberry jam. It tastes like real fruit and is perfectly thick without pectin and is the perfect jam for babies and toddlers!

    a side view of strawberry jam in a mason jar with a spoon.

    No Added Sugar Jam

    I've always loved PB&J sandwiches, but becoming a mom to two littles has really elevated my appreciation for such a quick and easy breakfast, lunch, or even dinner!

    Store-bought jams are so convenient, and I always try to look for ones with the smallest amounts of added sugars. But oftentimes I will make this sugar-free strawberry jam because it's so easy to whip up and the kids love it!

    The secret ingredient is the chia seeds. When combined with liquid, they form a gel-like consistency and help thicken any dish, like these make-ahead chia puddings.

    I hope this recipe will become a staple at your house too ;). It's seriously the perfect first jam for babies and toddlers!

    Jump to:
    • No Added Sugar Jam
    • Ingredients
    • How to make strawberry chia jam
    • Tips for Success
    • Serving Suggestions
    • What is the best way to store?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Sugar Free Strawberry Jam

    Ingredients

    All the ingredients laid out on a white backgrounnd.
    • Strawberries - Both fresh or frozen strawberries will work. I recommend using fresh strawberries when in season for best flavor.
    • Chia seeds - will help thicken the jam without pectin.
    • Lemon juice - not only will it enhance the flavor of the strawberries, it will help prolong the shelf life.

    How to make strawberry chia jam

    A four image collage of how to make the jam.
    1. Add strawberries and lemon juice
    2. Mash with a potato masher until it reaches desired texture. It can be smooth or lumpy, if you like chunks of strawberries inside your jam.
    3. Stir in chia seeds. Remove from heat. Allow to cool for 10 minutes until thickened.

    Tips for Success

    • If using frozen strawberries, you will need to cook a bit longer.
    • Since the flavor of strawberries varies a lot, taste the jam. Depending on the sweetness of the berries, you may need to add a little bit of honey or maple syrup. You can also add some date syrup or applesauce, great no added sugar alternatives.
    • My family loves the texture and the pop you get from the whole chia seeds. However, if you desire a smoother consistency, puree the jam in a food processor or blender. You will still see the seeds but they won't be as visible.

    Serving Suggestions

    strawberry jam on toast strip and stirred into yogurt.

    There are SO many ways to enjoy this sugar-free homemade jam that perhaps you should go ahead and double the recipe ;).

    Spread onto:

    • Toast
    • Sandwiches
    • Cookies
    • Banana French Toast
    • Waffles
    • Pancakes
    • Croffles
    • Baked oatmeal
    • Eggles banana muffins

    Stir into:

    • Oatmeal
    • Lentils (may sound strange but give it a try! Your child may love it, like mine.)
    • Plain yogurt
    • Flavored yogurt - like 3 minute vanilla yogurt
    • Overnight Weetabix

    What is the best way to store?

    Jam stored in a glass container with fresh strawberries in the background.

    First, cool completely. Then transfer to a glass container or a mason jar and place in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You will notice the jam get thicker once chilled.

    You can also double the recipe and freeze extra for up to 3 months.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make this sugar free jam with other fruits?

    You sure can! Any juicy fruit will work, like blueberries, raspberries, peaches, cherries, mangoes...all delicious!

    Is this jam suitable for babies?

    Yes, and that's the beauty of this sugar-free jam. It's for the whole family. And chia seeds are a wonderful food to incorporate into your baby's diet.

    They contain many nutrients that help support a young childโ€™s rapid brain development and strengthen the immune system - omega-3s, iron, complete protein (contain all 9 essential amino acids), calcium, and soluble fiber to name a few.ย 

    And while chia seeds are for battling constipation, you donโ€™t want to go overboard, especially if your child isnโ€™t used to having fiber. Start with a small amount and gradually increase.

    Can I make this without cooking the strawberries?

    Yes, you can add to a blender and blend until smooth. Then add the chia seeds to help thicken. Note that the texture will be looser and the flavor won't be as deep.

    Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

    a side view of strawberry jam in a mason jar with a spoon.

    Sugar Free Strawberry Jam

    3 ingredients and 10 minutes are all you need to make this sugar-free strawberry jam. It tastes like real fruit and is perfectly thick without pectin.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 15 (makes about 1 ยฝ cups)
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups strawberries, fresh or frozen (about 320g)
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
    • Honey or maple syrup, start with 2 teaspoons (optional)

    Instructions

    • In a medium sauce pan, add strawberries and lemon. Simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries release their juices and turn soft. Mash with a potato masher or back of a fork or spatula, until it reaches desired consistency (smooth or lumpy).
    • Stir in chia seeds. Remove from heat. Allow to cool for 10 minutes until thickened.
    • Transfer jam to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week. The jam will thicken more once refrigerated. You can freeze for up to 3 months.

    Notes

    • Depending on the sweetness of the berries, you may need to add a little bit of honey or maple syrup. You can also add some date syrup or applesauce, great no added sugar alternatives.
    • If you desire a smoother consistency, puree the jam in a food processor or blender. You will still see the seeds but they won't be as visible.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 14kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 1g
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!
    « Baked Salmon Balls
    Healthy Muffins for Kids (And Toddlers) »

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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, Iโ€™m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Chie says

      January 28, 2023 at 8:59 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for an easy, healthy, and delicious alternative to the regular jam. My whole family loved it!

      Reply
      • Min says

        January 29, 2023 at 5:52 am

        I'm so glad you guys enjoyed this jam!!

        Reply
    2. Morv says

      December 18, 2022 at 2:08 pm

      Hi, would it be the same weight for other fruits? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Min says

        December 18, 2022 at 6:20 pm

        The weight will differ depending on the fruit but if you have a measuring cup, I would use 1 cup

        Reply

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    HI!

    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope youโ€™ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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