This naturally sweet blueberry chia seed jam includes just 4 ingredients and no refined sugar. Chia seeds add to the healthy benefits and texture of this tasty jelly.

I spend a lot of time reading labels in the grocery store. Most of what I read is pretty disturbing.

There's so much added sugar and chemicals that go into products that I've started to cut some things completely out of my diet, like jam.

There's already so much sweetness from the fruit, I just don't know why you would then need to go and add all of this unhealthy refined sugar.

Luckily I found a way to make a natural blueberry chia seed jam without processed sugar.

By now, you know chia seeds as the superfood that they are. They have fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium and are loaded with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.

On top of all of the wonderful health benefits of chia seeds, they also perform a great little culinary magic trick.

They're super liquid absorbers so they can replace eggs in recipes or act as a thickening agent, like in this blueberry jam.

I was happy to see blueberries on sale this week so I grabbed a few cartons to make this recipe, but you can swap out any fruit, though I really like the blueberry vanilla combo here.

This blueberry jam is a great addition to a festive tea party. And it’s super easy since you only need 4 ingredients.

You can also enjoy this blueberry vanilla chia seed jam on toast, muffins, crackers or in my recipe for gluten free blueberry oat bars.

Blueberry Vanilla Chia Seed Jam {Paleo, Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free}

Makes About 3 cups

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh organic blueberries, washed with stems removed

• 1 vanilla bean - seeds scraped from inside, and pod roughly chopped

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)

• 2 tablespoons chia seeds

Instructions

1. Place blueberries in a medium pot over medium heat, along with vanilla seeds, pod, and maple syrup. Bring to a low boil and then reduce heat and simmer until blueberries begin to open, about 10 minutes.

2. Remove from heat and take a potato masher or the back of a spoon, and mash some of the blueberries while keeping a few intact. Add the chia seeds, stirring every few minutes until it cools and begins to come together. Once cool, pour in a glass jar and remove vanilla pods. Refrigerate for up to one week.

Want more healthy snacks? Try one of these recipes.