Have you checked the cost of jam lately? The price is astronomical. So, let me share a little secret with you. Here is the easiest strawberry jam recipe you can make at home, using only three ingredients. It is healthy, easy to make and sweet, without adding any sugar. Use it to make PB & J sandwiches, as a spread for pancakes and toast, or add it to some plain vegan yogurt for some sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Sugar-Free Strawberry JamRecipe
This recipe is everything a busy parent needs: simple, wholesome, and budget-friendly. Even better — it’s made with whole-food ingredients, no added sugar, and takes almost no effort.
Use it for:
Kid-friendly lunches
After-school snacks
Breakfast spreads
Quick desserts
Healthy meal-prep add-ins
The Three Ingredients
Frozen Strawberries
Chia Seeds
Lemon Juice
Frozen Strawberries
Why Use Frozen Strawberries for this strawberry jam recipe?
Frozen strawberries are usually cheaper — unless it’s strawberry season. And when it is strawberry season? Do yourself and your kids a favor: go strawberry picking!
It’s one of our favorite summer activities. We go more than once, pack the freezer with berries, and use them all year long. This is also a great budgeting tip for making jam affordably.
Freezing strawberries after picking them:
Extends their life
Saves money
Gives you better flavor than store-bought bags
Lets you control quality
Chia Seeds
Why Chia Seeds Are Essential
Chia seeds bring:
Fiber
Antioxidants
Omega-3 fatty acids
Plant-based protein
They also thicken the jam, giving it that perfect “jam-like” consistency — so don’t skip them!
White vs. Black Chia Seeds
You can use any, but white chia seeds make the red color pop, which looks gorgeous in a jar. They can be harder to find, so a duo pack is great for stocking your pantry.
Keep chia seeds:
In the fridge for longer shelf life
On your pantry staples checklist
Lemon Juice
Why Fresh Lemon Juice Matters
Fresh lemon juice acts as a natural preservative, the whole-food way. Store-bought jams often rely on synthetic preservatives, but homemade jam gets all it needs from a single fresh lemon.
Buy yourself a good lemon squeezer — it’s worth every penny. It:
Catches seeds
Extracts all the juice
Makes it cost-effective to use fresh lemons regularly
As someone who studied plant-based nutrition, I’ll always choose fresh lemon juice over bottles or synthetic acids — and you should too!
Tips & Tricks for Making Strawberry Jam at Home
Use a lemon squeezer to get every drop of juice.
Choose fresh lemon juice for better flavor and nutrition.
Keep white and black chia seeds stocked (white for brighter color).
Use frozen strawberries when not in strawberry season.
Strawberry pick often and freeze your extras — delicious and budget-friendly.
If you want more ideas for using farm-picked strawberries, check out my Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes — one of my favorites on the blog.
This homemade strawberry jam isn’t fancy or complicated — and that’s exactly why I love it. It’s a 3-ingredient, budget-friendly, whole-food recipe that tastes like summer and takes just minutes to make.
Fun Activity to Do With This Jam
Check out my YouTube video below for a fun, kid-approved (and slightly messy!) activity using this homemade strawberry jam.
Final Thoughts / Honest Review
It’s:
Kid-approved
Mess-free once made (the activity … not so much!)
Naturally thickened
Perfect for meal prep
A healthier alternative to store-bought jam
As a busy mom who’s always navigating snack time, lunchboxes, and breakfasts on the go, this jam earns five bright strawberry stars from me. It’s one of those simple recipes that truly makes life easier — and sweeter — without added sugar.
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