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Blueberry–Chia Seed Jam

This vibrant blueberry and chia seed jam is a fantastic alternative to traditional preserves. By using nutrient-dense chia seeds as a natural thickening agent, you can skip the high sugar content and lengthy boiling times usually required to reach a set. The result is a fresh, zesty spread that celebrates the natural sweetness of the fruit, balanced with a bright hint of lemon and a touch of maple syrup.

A versatile addition to your vegan breakfast repertoire, this jam is delicious swirled into creamy porridge, dolloped onto pancakes or spread over toasted sourdough. Because it uses whole fruit and minimal processing, it retains a lovely texture and deep purple colour. It is a healthy, homemade staple that keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks.

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Ingredients for Blueberry–Chia Seed Jam

  • 725ml fresh (or frozen, thawed) blueberries

  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

  • 60ml fresh lemon juice

  • 3 tablespoons (or more) pure maple syrup

  • 60ml chia seeds

Bring blueberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, and maple syrup to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, just until blueberries begin to burst, about 5 minutes. Use a spoon to lightly mash about half of the berries to release their juices. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until juices are reduced by half, 5–10 minutes.

Remove jam from heat; taste and add a bit more maple syrup if you prefer it to be sweeter. Return to a boil, then stir in chia seeds; cook 1 minute to soften seeds. Let jam cool slightly, then transfer to heatproof jars or containers. Cover and let cool completely. Chill until ready to use.

Jam can be made 2 weeks ahead. Cover and chill, or freeze up to 2 months.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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