This blueberry chia jam is one of those simple recipes I always come back to and prep for the week! It’s made with just frozen blueberries, chia seeds, and a splash of vanilla. Literally has me not buying store-bought jam because it's just that good and easy.
Comes together in minutes, and has a no added sugar unless you want to add some maple syrup or honey for a touch of sweetness. I love using it to boost fiber and healthy fats at breakfast or snack time without overthinking it or relying on store-bought jams that are pretty high in sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Chia Jam
- great for breakfasts, snacks, and spreading on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
- made with frozen blueberries (no prep needed)
- naturally thickened with chia seeds
- no added sugar option (or make as sweet as you'd like)
- toddler-friendly texture, even baby-friendly too
- ready in under 15 minutes
This would be perfect swirled into these peanut butter and jelly oat muffins or on top of my cottage cheese cheesecake cups! Even spread this on my French toast waffle sticks or cottage cheese pancakes for added flavor.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Chia Jam
- Ingredients You'll Need
- How To Make Your Blueberry Chia Jam
- Hint For The Best Blueberry Chia Jam
- Variations
- Equipment
- Storing Your Blueberry Chia Jam
- Tiff's Dietitian Tip
- My Favorite Ways to Use Chia Seed Jam
- More Ways to Use Chia Seeds
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Blueberry Chia Jam (easy 3 ingredients, no added sugar!)
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's all you'll need to make this super easy blueberry chia jam for toddlers:
- wild blueberries: naturally sweet and rich in antioxidants and fiber
- chia seeds: help thicken the jam while adding fiber and omega-3 fats
- vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: enhances sweetness without needing extra sugar
- maple syrup, honey, or blended dates (optional): allows you to adjust sweetness for older kids or adults
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Your Blueberry Chia Jam
- Step 1: Add frozen blueberries to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Step 2: Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries burst and release their juices.
- Step 3: Lightly mash the berries, remove from heat, and stir in chia seeds, vanilla, and maple syrup (if using).
- Step 4: Let sit 10-15 minutes to thicken before using or storing.
Hint For The Best Blueberry Chia Jam
Let the jam sit for at least 10-15 minutes before deciding if it needs more chia seeds. Chia continues to absorb liquid as it rests, and adding too much too soon can make the jam overly thick. It’s always easier to thicken later than to thin it out. You can also add some orange juice or apple juice for a little extra flavor!
Variations
Feel free to swap out the blueberries with other fruit to make different flavored chia jam!
- strawberry chia jam: use frozen strawberries in place of blueberries
- mixed berry chia jam: use a mix of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries
- raspberry chia jam: swap in frozen raspberries for a slightly tart jam
- blueberry vanilla bean: add seeds from ½ a vanilla bean or extra vanilla extract
- blueberry lemon: stir in ½-1 teaspoon lemon zest after cooking for a bright flavor
- peach chia jam: use frozen peaches, chopped, and cook until very soft
Equipment
You’ll need a small saucepan to cook the blueberries, a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, and a fork or potato masher to gently mash the fruit. A measuring spoon set and an airtight container or jars for storage are all you need, no blender required.
Storing Your Blueberry Chia Jam
Store blueberry chia jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. You can also freeze it in small portions (like an silicone ice cube tray) and thaw as needed.
Tiff's Dietitian Tip
Chia jam is a simple way to add fiber and healthy fats to toddler meals without relying on added sugars. For younger toddlers, spread it thinly and pair it with protein or fat (like yogurt or nut/seed butter) to help keep blood sugars steady and little bellies satisfied longer.
My Favorite Ways to Use Chia Seed Jam
- spreading over yogurt bagels, toast, or biscuits
- layering into yogurt parfaits with homemade granola, hemp hearts, and fresh berries
- swirling into cottage cheese, oatmeal, or yogurt
- layering with overnight oats and fresh fruit
- using as a dip for French toast waffle sticks or pancake dippers
More Ways to Use Chia Seeds
- Banana Chia Pudding
- Chia Thumbprint Cookies
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal Muffins
- Strawberry Banana Chia Popsicles
- Pumpkin Chia Pudding
- Trail Mix Energy Bites
FAQ
Yes! You just might need to add some liquid since the frozen will defrost and have natural liquid.
Absolutely. For a smoother texture, blend after it thickens especially helpful for toddlers who'd rather have a smooth texture!
It likely just needs more time. Chia seeds continue to absorb liquid as the jam rests. Let it sit 10-15 minutes before adding more chia.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this blueberry chia jam for toddlers:
Blueberry Chia Jam (easy 3 ingredients, no added sugar!)
Equipment
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen wild blueberries
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoon maple syrup optional, to taste
Instructions
- Add frozen blueberries to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries burst and release juices.
- Lightly mash berries, remove from heat, and stir in chia seeds, vanilla, and maple syrup (if using).
- Let sit 10-15 minutes to thicken before using or storing.
Sophie says
So easy and super yummy. Added some soaked, blended dates for a little more sweetness and was delicious. I will be making this regularly to cut out added sugar jams that we usually use from the store.
toddlerdietitiantiff says
Yayyy so glad y'all loved it!! Isn't it so easy?! Love how you mixed dates in yours, I'll have to do that next time!
Hillary says
As easy as it gets and my babe loves it on the cottage cheese pancakes. Great use of frozen berries, and the chia seeds are always my secret weapon for keeping little guts moving.
toddlerdietitiantiff says
Isn't it so easy to make?! We love it on the cottage cheese pancakes too and french toast!
Alena Cox says
Can I use blackberries and still cook the same way?
toddlerdietitiantiff says
yep!!
Jenna says
So easy to make! My little guy loved this mixed with greek yogurt.