1 jar no sugar CHERRY JAM
Time
15 Min
Serves
24
Published August 26, 2025 by Dr. Stephanie Gray, DC
This post may contain affiliate links.
This sugar-free cherry jam is made with ripe, juicy cherries and just the right amount of natural sweetness- without any refined sugar. Conventional store bought (even homemade) jam is FULL of sugar.
Most people don’t realize that a typical jam has about 13 grams of refined sugars in 1 tbsp. That’s a lot. The WHO recommends that people limit sugar consumption to 25 grams/day for the maintenance of good health. So if you have 2 tbsp of jam on a piece of toast, you have exceeded how much sugar you should have in a day. Diabetics or pre-diabetics should never have conventional jam. Period. Even sugar free (store-bought) jam, is full of chemical sugar alternatives that are no better for you.
The good news, is that cherries have a natural sweetness and make a lovely jam without any added sugar at all. People are always surprised at how jammy and tasty this jam is.
This jam is also surprisingly super easy to make. No Certa needed. No boiling water in giant pots. Simply cook down 4 cups of fresh or frozen cherries in a saucepan, blend with an immersion blender and stir in chia seeds and lemon juice. That’s it! The chia seeds thicken as they sit and create a lovely jam- like texture. No added sugar is needed.
If you have a super sweet tooth you can add 1-2 tbsp of maple syrup. Even if you add maple syrup, each serving is less than 1 tsp of sugar (~ 4 grams).
I hope you enjoy this one jar, 3 ingredient, no sugar added cherry jam!
Gluten free, grain free, dairy free, plant-based (vegan), healthy carbs, no sugar or bad fats.
Try my other jams:
3 ingredient no sugar BLACKBERRY Jam
3 ingredient no sugar BERRY Jam
Why you will LOVE this 3 ingredient no sugar added CHERRY JAM
- Made with real, ripe cherries for fresh flavour
- No added sugar – only natural sugars from the cherries
- Clean and simple ingredients
- Lower glycemic index, blood sugar-friendly option
- This jam is FULL of flavour! Use fresh or frozen cherries
- Very quick and easy to make!
- Will keep up to 2 weeks in the fridge
- Even kids will enjoy this healthy recipe
- Suitable for gluten-free, paleo, low sugar lifestyles
How to Store Jam?
Store jam in a tight glass container like a mason jar. Must be refrigerated. Should be eaten within 2 weeks. Jam can be frozen. Allow jam to cool fully before putting in the freezer. Freeze for up to 3 months.
No Sugar Cherry Jam
Equipment
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1 medium sized sauce pan
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1 mixing spoon
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1 masher or immersion blender
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1 mason jar with lid
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 3 tbsp chia seeds to thicken the jam
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1-2 tbsp maple syrup (optional) recommended if you’re used to conventional jam or have a sweet tooth
Instructions
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In a saucepan, add cherries. Cook over medium heat until the cherries start releasing their juices- about 5-7 minutes.
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Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice.
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Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to gently mash to your desired texture (chunky or smooth).
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Stir in chia seeds. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
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If your jam is too watery, add 1 tsp-1 tbsp tapioca or arrowroot starch (or corn starch).
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Transfer to a clean jar and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
If you add 2 tbsp of maple syrup to the recipe, the sugar content will be 3.5 g per tbsp (still good- less than 1 tsp per serving).
Nutrition
I’m a doctor of chiropractic, with a special interest in nutrition. I am passionate about healthy eating and using food to heal thyself. Food should be made in a kitchen not a factory. I believe in eating whole foods, keeping processed foods to a minimum. It is my goal to show you that eating healthy and cooking at home can be simple and very rewarding! All of my recipes are gluten-free. Some are ketogenic or paleo friendly.