You’d never guess this is a keto jam recipe! It has all of the flavor or regular jam, without the added sugar and carbs. This sugar free strawberry jam is thickened with chia seeds, which gives it great texture as well as a nutrition boost. And best of all, you can make this chia seed jam with just TWO ingredients (plus a couple of optional ones). I served this keto strawberry jam on 90 second bread, but any kind would be delicious. (Plus, I have more serving ideas for you at the bottom of this post.) If you prefer jelly over jam, try making keto jelly instead. You can easily make this an unsweetened jam recipe if your berries are sweet enough, but I almost always add powdered Besti to mine. It tastes like sugar, dissolves effortlessly, and doesn’t crystallize when you store your jam (unlike other sweeteners).
What Is Chia Seed Jam?
Chia jam is a jam recipe that is thickened with chia seeds instead of other thickeners, like sugar or pectin. The seeds make it naturally jammy and also adds plenty of nutrition to jam that’s normally mostly sugar.
Sugar Free Jam Ingredients
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for sugar free strawberry jam, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Strawberries – Fresh strawberries are easiest to use because they can be sliced, but you can also use frozen sliced or chopped strawberries. Or feel free to make your keto jam raspberry, blueberry, or blackberry instead by swapping in those berries. (Did you know: Strawberries are keto, but all berries are on the list of keto fruit!)Chia seeds – They will help to thicken your keto jam, instead of sugar or pectin. Plus, they add a boost of nutrition. Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – Sweetener is optional, but recommended if you like a sweet jam. This is my go-to sweetener for jams because it’s natural, tastes like sugar, and won’t crystallize in the fridge… which is important since you’re unlikely to eat all the jam at once. You could also use powdered allulose for the same consistency, but might need a bit more of it. Powdered erythritol and most other sweetener brands are a last resort substitute, as they do tend to crystallize.Lemon zest – This is also optional, but helps bring out sweet, bright flavor in the berries.
How To Make Sugar Free Strawberry Jam
This section shows how to make sugar free jam with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Heat strawberries. Place strawberries in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until strawberries release liquid and soften.Mash. Use a spoon or potato masher to mash berries.
TIP: Blend if you prefer a smoother jam. If you don’t want berry pieces in your jam, puree with an immersion blender (or in a regular blender) at this step.
Adjust sweetness. Check to see if jam is sweet enough. If it isn’t sweet enough for you, add sweetener to taste, 1 tablespoon at a time. Thicken. Stir in chia seeds and lemon zest. Allow jam to cool to thicken.
TIP: Add more chia seeds for thicker jam. If you like your jam extra thick, add a couple additional teaspoons of chia seeds to reach the consistency you like. Keep in mind that the jam will continue to thicken when you refrigerate it.
How can I thicken jam without sugar?
You can thicken jam without sugar by using chia seeds! Chia seeds are actually a great thickener for keto strawberry jam because it’s easy and healthy. Chia seeds have protein, fiber, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. No sugar needed in this chia berry jam.
Does sugar free jam have carbs?
Yes, most sugar free jam recipes (as well as store bought jams) will have some carbs if they are made with real fruit.
How many carbs are in sugar free strawberry jam?
There are just 3 grams net carbs in a serving (1 tablespoon) of this sugar free strawberry jam!
Storage Instructions
How long does chia seed jam last?
Store jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last about a week in the fridge.
Can you freeze chia seed jam?
Yes, you can freeze strawberry chia jam! It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Simply thaw it out, give it a stir, and it’s ready to use again.
What To Serve With Chia Jam
This keto strawberry jam recipe is great spread on a slice of toasted almond flour bread, but it’s also delicious dolloped onto the breakfasts, desserts, and snacks below:
Keto Yeast Bread – The yeast makes it tastes SO much like the real thing!Almond Flour Pancakes – A fun, fruity way to start the day.Keto Cheesecake – Keto strawberry jam makes a sweet garnish.Coconut Flour Waffles – Makes a high-fiber breakfast with jam on top.Dairy Free Coconut Yogurt – Swirl in jam for a beautiful breakfast or snack.Keto Ice Cream – Jam can be a delicious ice cream topping or swirl it in before freezing.
More Keto Strawberry Recipes
If you like this sugar free strawberry jam recipe, you might also like some of these other keto strawberry recipes:
Strawberry Cheesecake FluffKeto Strawberry Shortcake In A JarSugar Free Strawberry JelloStrawberry Spinach SaladKeto Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it! Makes 1 cup jam.
