Fresh Strawberry Raspberry Chia Jam

Note: You can make this recipe all organic by using organic raspberries and strawberries, organic oranges (for fresh juice) or certified organic orange juice, organic pitted dates, and organic chia seeds! This is a great option for those looking for a 100% health-focused version of the recipe – just be sure to wash your fruit thoroughly!

Ok, we all know I love a good almond butter and jelly sandwich! But I haven’t shared this yet – one of my all-time favorite jams to spread between that creamy, mouth-watering almond butter is… chai jam! Honestly, I love chia jam on just about anything – from toast, on top of Greek yogurt, blended into smoothies for natural sweetness and omega-3s, spread on a toasted English muffin, or even baked into a healthier version of a cream cheese Danish (I’ll definitely try share a recipe for that with you all soon!).

I do love Chai Smash jam, but let’s be honest – it can be pricey, and they don’t always have the flavor combos we all want. Plus, there’s nothing healthier than making it yourself! This recipe isn’t just cost-effective, but it’s a healthier version of jam that uses six simple ingredients packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3s (which are awesome for your brain!). Best of all, it’s super easy to make – just one pan, one bowl, and one blender. In no time, you’ll have something that’s bright, flavorful, and perfect for spreading on just about anything!

When the temperatures warm up, there's nothing better than fresh fruit becoming sweeter and more delicious as the season goes on. Right now, I want to highlight the delicious berries – they’re a brain-boosting food that are perfect in incorporating into a well rounded collection of whole foods we consume each day. Berries brighten up any dish, and when paired with the natural sweetness of dates, it’s both delicious and healthy!

I’ve tested this recipe a few times, and this combination of berries, orange acidity, hydrating water, and just the right amount of chia seeds to thicken everything up has created the perfect jammy consistency! The result is a sweet, tart, and slightly acidic jam that’ll make you smile with every bite. With natural sugars balanced by dietary fiber, it’s a blood-sugar-friendly, heart-healthy spread that supports your nutrient goals while tasting amazing. It’s a jam that’s as good for you as it is delicious!

Health Benefits of This Homemade Jam

• Brain Food: This chia jam is packed with omega-3s from chia seeds, which are essential for building brain cell membranes, reducing inflammation to improve blood flow, and supporting better memory retention. The fresh berries, loaded with antioxidants and flavonoids, help protect the brain against cognitive decline. Together, they make a brain-healthy spread that’s as good for your mind as it is for your taste buds.

• Good Source of Dietary Fiber: Made with natural sweetness from whole fruit and rehydrated dates, along with chia seeds, this jam is rich in plant fiber. This helps regulate blood sugar and provides a steady source of energy. It also supports the growth of good gut bacteria, promoting a healthy digestive system.

• Natural Sugars Only: Unlike many jams loaded with refined sugars, this recipe uses the natural sweetness from fresh raspberries, strawberries, and dates. With a low glycemic index, it’s perfect for keeping blood sugar in check.

• No Artificial Additives: This jam is made with six whole, natural ingredients. There are no artificial thickeners, sweeteners, or preservatives. The jam is naturally sweetened with fruit, naturally thickened with chia seeds, and preserved with orange juice. The bright colors come from the berries, and the chia seeds add a fun texture. Simple, healthy, and made to nourish your body!

How to Serve This Jam

• Spread it on whole wheat toast, an English muffin, or homemade biscuits – toasted warm and ready to be topped with this jam.

• Use it as a filling for oatmeal or Linzer cookies, swirl it into frozen yogurt, or bake it into the center of a healthier cream cheese Danish or whole-wheat cinnamon rolls.

• Top breakfast items like yogurt parfaits with other bright berries, crispy baked waffles with Greek yogurt, fluffy pancakes, creamy oatmeal, or even spread it on a deliciously custardy piece of French toast!

Tips to Make This the Best Date Jam

• Juice Your Own Oranges: There’s nothing more nutrient-packed or naturally sweet than juicing your own oranges. I love using Cara Cara oranges – their flavor is amazing! This recipe only needs one orange, and the fresh juice adds the perfect acidity while helping the sweetness shine. Plus, it ensures you’re using whole ingredients without extra preservatives in store bought options.

• Use Black Chia Seeds: Black chia seeds give this jam a deeper color that complements the strawberry and raspberry seeds. They also have extra antioxidants compared to the lighter-colored varieties.

• Use Fresh Fruit: If you can, use fresh raspberries and strawberries. Fresh fruit will give your jam a richer flavor and texture. Frozen fruit, while convenient, can add extra moisture, making the jam thinner, and it often lacks the sweetness and full flavor of ripe, fresh fruit.

Ingredients:

• Raspberries, washed and dried

• Strawberries, washed, dried, and quartered

• Water

• Orange juice

• Date paste (store-bought or recipe below)

• Black chia seeds

Date Paste:

• Pitted dates

• Boiling water (microwave for 1-2 minutes)

How to Make This Date & Chia Jam

Step 1: Make the Date Paste

Place the dates and boiling water in a small bowl. Allow them to soak for 5–10 minutes, until softened. Transfer the soaked dates to a blender, using about one cup of the soaking water. Blend until smooth and silky, with no chunks or clumps remaining, about 1–3 minutes. Pour the date paste into a refrigerator-safe container and let cool. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook Down the Fruit

Add the raspberries, quartered strawberries, water, and orange juice to a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit breaks down and becomes juicy, about 10–13 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Blend the Jam Base

Add the cooked fruit mixture to a blender along with 1/4 cup of the date paste. Blend until mostly smooth and well combined, about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Thicken with Chia Seeds

Pour the blended fruit mixture back into the saucepan and stir in the chia seeds. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes so the chia seeds can soak and thicken the jam to a loose, jammy consistency.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Transfer the jam into jars or refrigerator-safe containers. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight, until fully thickened. Enjoy on biscuits, bread, toast, sandwiches, or anything you love spreading jam on!