This Quick Sugar-Free Blackberry Chia Seed Jam takes just 10 minutes! It’s a low-carb alternative to traditional jam and needs no processing or special equipment. Keto, Paleo and Vegan.
Jam in 10 minutes? As unbelievable as it sounds, this Sugar-Free Blackberry Chia Seed Jam can be made that fast.
And besides being absolutely delicious, it has no refined sugar. If you’re avoiding weight gain from spikes in your blood sugar and trying to reduce sugar in your diet, this is your jam!
I gave up making jam years ago. The traditional long-boil berry jam recipes often call for 9 cups of berries and 6 cups of sugar. 6 cups! I just couldn’t see the point in making anything with that much sugar, so I gave up my annual summer jam-making and we got used to not using jam. This chia seed jam, however, is a great alternative when we just want a small amount, and it’s low-carb!
Why should you make this Chia Seed Jam?
The Ancient Mayans and Aztecs knew about the health benefits of chia, and these little seeds have made a comeback in modern civilization in the recent years. Chia seeds are rich in Omega-3’s, antioxidants, protein and fiber. They make a healthy addition to smoothies, overnight oats, baked oatmeal, pudding, and bars, like these Chocolate Cherry Chia Oatmeal Bars.
This recipe for Blackberry Chia Seed Jam is keto-friendly.
If you’re following a ketogenic diet for health reasons, or for weight loss, you’ll know that sugar of any type (granulated, honey, maple syrup, agave, brown rice syrup, etc.) has too many carbohydrates. You’ll also know that the carb count of most fruit is too high for this diet as well, but that small amounts of blackberries, raspberries or strawberries are fine.
I chose blackberries for three reasons. First, because they have a very low carbohydrate count. Secondly, because they have recently been considered by some to be a new “superfood!” Just look at the nutritional benefits of blackberries!
Blackberries
- are rich in Vitamin C
- are an excellent source of fiber
- contain high levels of antioxidants
- are an excellent source of Vitamins K and A
- may even promote brain health
And the third reason? They grow wild here in late summer and we can fill buckets with fresh berries every time we go for a walk or a bike ride!
How to Make Sugar-Free Blackberry Chia Seed Jam
So easy! Combine 2 cups of berries and a little lemon juice and put in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then let it simmer for a few minutes until the berries begin to break down. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of sweetener. Add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, stir, then remove from the heat and let stand. The chia seeds will soften, create a gel and work almost magically to set the jam in about 15 minutes, very much like sugar and pectin do in a traditional jam recipe.
I used monkfruit sweetener with erythritol to keep this jam low-carb. If you’re not following a ketogenic diet, you can use honey or maple syrup. The amount you’ll need will depend on the sweetness of your berries. If they’re super sweet, you won’t need any!
How long will this Chia Seed Jam keep?
You can keep it for a week or two in the fridge, or you can freeze it. I usually make four small jars and freeze two of them.
If I don’t eat bread, why would I want jam?
If you’re on a diet that excludes grains or gluten, sometimes you might miss having a slice of toast and jam or a peanut butter and jam sandwich. We like these Low-Carb Keto Mini Buns as a grain-free substitute for bread products. You can also mix this jam with yogurt, or layer it with yogurt and grain-free granola to make a quick and easy breakfast parfait.
Make someone happy today with a jar of this Sugar-Free Blackberry Chia Seed Jam!
This Quick Sugar-Free Blackberry Chia Seed Jam can be made in just 10 minutes! It's a low-carb alternative to traditional jam and needs no processing or special equipment. Keto, Paleo and Vegan.
- 2 cups blackberries or raspberries
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp low-carb granulated sweetener such as monkfruit with erythritol or Swerve
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
Mash berries with lemon juice in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then simmer just until the berries have softened.
Remove from heat and stir in the sweetener and chia seeds. Let stand for 10 minutes or so until the chia has swelled and thickened the berry mixture.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze in air-tight containers.
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Jackie says
Congratulations on your 500 posts, Elaine! My recipe file is fatter because of you. 😁
Perfect timing for this recipe There are still some juicy blackberries on our bushes and you did mention peanut butter and jam, didn’t you?? One question: is it possible to buy the monkfruit sweetener locally? Thanks!
Flavour & Savour says
Thanks so much, Jackie! Yes, the monkfruit sweetener is available in local stores or from Amazon. I use either Lacanto with monkfruit and erythritol or Swerve. Enjoy the jam!