Homemade Blueberry Pomegranate Chia Jam: Your Guide to a Healthy, Refined Sugar-Free Spread
Are you looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly healthy way to upgrade your breakfast or snack routine? Look no further than this delightful Blueberry Pomegranate Chia Jam! This recipe is a true gem, delivering a burst of fruity goodness with a satisfyingly seedy texture, a bright lemony zing, and the incredible health benefits of blueberries and pomegranate arils, all without any refined sugar. Made with just five simple ingredients, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that’s perfect for slathering on toast, swirling into yogurt, or topping your favorite waffles.
We’re thrilled to share this super easy jam recipe with you today! If you’re familiar with our blog, you know our passion for all things chia, and chia jam holds a special place in our hearts. Its simplicity is truly unmatched – requiring minimal cooking time and effort, it transforms fresh or frozen fruit into a thick, delicious spread in minutes. But beyond its ease, chia jam offers incredible versatility. You can experiment with countless fruit combinations, adjusting the amount of chia seeds to achieve your desired consistency, from a looser fruit compote to a firm, spreadable jam. And as if that wasn’t enough, incorporating chia jam into your diet is an effortless way to boost your intake of essential nutrients like iron, fiber, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making your breakfasts and snacks even more nourishing.
The Magic of Chia Seeds in Jam Making
Chia seeds are tiny powerhouses, renowned for their exceptional nutritional profile and unique gelling properties. When introduced to liquid, these miraculous seeds absorb up to 10-12 times their weight in water, forming a gel-like consistency. This natural gelling agent is what makes chia jam so incredibly easy to make, eliminating the need for pectin or copious amounts of added sugar typically found in traditional jam recipes. Beyond their thickening abilities, chia seeds are a fantastic source of:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Crucial for brain health and reducing inflammation.
- Fiber: Promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar, and keeps you feeling full.
- Protein: Contributes to satiety and muscle repair.
- Antioxidants: Protect your body from free radicals.
By opting for chia jam, you’re not just making a delicious spread; you’re infusing your meals with a dose of superfood goodness!
A Journey Through Our Chia Jam Obsession
While we enjoy chia jam regularly, this isn’t our first foray into the world of this versatile spread. We have cherished memories of our Triple Berry Chia Jam, which was one of the very first recipes ever shared on Crumb Top Baking and has guided many of our jam creations over the years. Our followers on Instagram might also recall a blueberry version we showcased not too long ago, which laid the groundwork for today’s exciting variation.
Introducing Blueberry Pomegranate Chia Jam: A Zesty Twist
Today’s featured recipe, our Blueberry Pomegranate Chia Jam, builds upon our original formula with a delightful twist: the addition of fresh lemon juice and zest. The bright, citrusy notes of lemon beautifully complement the sweet and slightly tart profile of blueberries, creating a more complex and invigorating flavor. The pomegranate arils, along with the chia seeds, contribute a wonderful, satisfyingly seedy texture that adds another layer of intrigue to each spoonful. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting bakeapple jam (also known as cloudberry jam), you’ll find a similar, pleasantly textured experience in this unique spread. This combination isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with antioxidants from both blueberries and pomegranates, making it a powerful addition to your healthy eating habits.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Blueberry Pomegranate Chia Jam
Once you’ve whipped up a batch of this luscious jam, the possibilities for enjoyment are endless. Here are some of our favorite ways to incorporate Blueberry Pomegranate Chia Jam (or any homemade chia jam!) into your daily meals:
- Classic Toast Companion: This is, of course, the most obvious and undeniably delicious way to enjoy your jam. Spread it generously on a slice of rustic sourdough, whole-wheat bread, or even gluten-free toast. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle some crunchy granola on top or spread a thin layer of almond or peanut butter underneath.
- Waffle and Pancake Topping: Move over, syrup! Chia jam makes an excellent, more wholesome alternative for topping your morning waffles or fluffy pancakes. Its fruit-forward sweetness and thick texture cling perfectly to every crevice.
- Elevate Your Breakfast Bowls: A dollop of this vibrant chia jam can transform a plain bowl of oatmeal, yogurt, or granola into a gourmet experience. It adds a beautiful contrast of texture and a burst of fresh flavor, making your breakfast bowls more exciting and satisfying.
- Superfood Chia Pudding Layers: If you’re a true chia enthusiast, double down on the goodness! Layer this Blueberry Pomegranate Chia Jam into your chia puddings. It might seem like an abundance of chia, but for fans, there’s no such thing as too much of a good thing, especially when it comes to healthy fats and fiber!
- Baked Good Fillings: This jam shines as a filling in various baked treats. It’s absolutely divine in oat bars or cute cookie cups. The thick consistency of chia jam holds up well during baking, ensuring a delightful fruity center.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and your chia jam for a quick, nutritious, and visually appealing parfait.
- Cheese Board Addition: For an unexpected savory pairing, serve a small bowl of this jam alongside a cheese board with creamy brie or sharp cheddar. The fruit and lemon notes provide a delightful contrast.
However you choose to savor your homemade chia jam, we truly hope you’ll give this fantastic recipe a try! It’s simple, nourishing, and incredibly rewarding. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and creations in the comments section below – we love hearing from you!
Explore More Chia-Inspired Delights
If this Blueberry Pomegranate Chia Jam has sparked your interest in the wonderful world of chia seeds, you might want to explore some of our other popular chia-infused recipes on Crumb Top Baking. Each recipe offers unique flavors and benefits, proving just how versatile these tiny seeds can be:
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Blackberry Chia Cranberry Sauce
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Raspberry Lemon Chia Buckwheat Muffins
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Pineapple Coconut Chia Pudding Parfait
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Blueberry Pomegranate Chia Jam
5 Stars
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1 Star
5 from 6 reviews
Author: Leanne
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 cups
Category: Sauces and Spreads
Description
This irresistible Blueberry Pomegranate Chia Jam is bursting with flavor, featuring a delightful seedy texture from both chia seeds and pomegranate arils, complemented by a zesty lemon kick. It’s entirely refined sugar-free and remarkably simple to prepare, requiring only five essential ingredients. An ideal topping for toast, waffles, or any sweet breakfast bowl, offering a healthy and delicious start to your day!
Ingredients
- 1–1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 3/4 cup pomegranate arils (fresh or frozen)
- Half a lemon, juiced and zested (about 1-2 tbsp juice, 1 tsp zest)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, pomegranate arils, freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, and maple syrup. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a low boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the fruits have softened significantly and started to break down. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the fruit is tender, remove the saucepan from the heat. Using a fork or a potato masher, gently mash the berry and pomegranate mixture to your desired consistency. For a smoother jam, mash more thoroughly; for a chunkier texture, leave some larger fruit pieces. Stir in the chia seeds thoroughly until well combined. Cover the saucepan and let it sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes (or longer, even in the fridge overnight) to allow the chia seeds to fully plump up and the jam to thicken naturally.
- Transfer the cooled and thickened jam into a clean mason jar or an airtight glass container. Store it in the refrigerator. This homemade Blueberry Pomegranate Chia Jam can be enjoyed fresh within 2 weeks.
Notes
- Adjusting Texture: This recipe yields a delightfully thick and seedy jam, characteristic of both chia seeds and pomegranate arils. If you prefer a slightly less thick or less seedy consistency, simply reduce the amount of chia seeds used to 2-3 tablespoons.
- Sweetness Control: The amount of maple syrup provided creates a subtle sweetness that allows the natural fruit flavors to shine. If you have a sweeter tooth, feel free to add an extra teaspoon or tablespoon of maple syrup (or your preferred natural sweetener like agave or stevia) until it perfectly suits your taste. Taste and adjust after mashing the fruit.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Fruit: This recipe works beautifully with both fresh and frozen blueberries and pomegranate arils. If you opt for frozen fruit, you might need to simmer the berry mixture for a few extra minutes (typically 5-10 minutes more) to allow the excess water to evaporate and the fruit to properly soften.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: For extended preservation, this chia jam freezes exceptionally well. Pour the cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment! You can add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract during the simmering phase for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.