Are you someone who is craving for an apple jam but cannot, since it's a lot of added sugar to consume? Guess what? You can make your own sugar-free apple jam at home!

No refined sugar, no complex process, pure, quick and healthy apple jam recipe.

The Secret to Quick, Sugar-Free Apple Jam

The secret for making the best apple jam, without having to add sugar and any artificial thickener, lies in two key ingredients- chia seeds and apples themselves.

Sourcing and using naturally sweet apples is the only way to ensure you get that sweet taste without needing to add extra sugar. And chia seeds are the main character in the picture, which helps in giving the texture to the jam, instantly.

Traditionally, jam recipes rely heavily on sugar for preservation and texture; however, our recipe utilises the natural sweetness of apples, combined with chia seeds, to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.

Also, while conventional recipes require 30-40 minutes of simmering to activate pectin (a natural, soluble fibre found in apples, which helps in gelling), chia seeds absorb liquid up to 12 times their weight, quickly giving that gel-like texture.

This means your jam sets beautifully in the refrigerator within 2-3 hours, without going through a lengthy cooking process.

Ingredients you'll need:-

- 2-3 large sweet apples (Red Delicious or you can use some Granny Smiths too)

- 2 tablespoons of chia seeds (thickener for the jam)

- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for flavour)

- 1/2 tablespoon Cinnamon Powder (or Cardamom/Nutmeg for Indian flavour)

- 1/4 cup of water (for the initiation of the cooking process)

- 1-2 tablespoons of honey/maple syrup (optional natural sweetener to adjust the taste, if the apples are not sweet enough)

Step-by-step breakdown of the process:-

Preparation:- Peel and grate your apples finely. Chopping them finely would also work.

Note: Grating the apple is key for speed.

As it breaks down the apple faster, and eliminates the need for blending later.

(This should take you almost 5 minutes.)

Cooking:- This process includes cooking the grated apples, water, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a heavy-bottomed pan.

Covering and cooking on medium-low heat for at least 5-7 minutes is required for the apples to turn very soft and eventually turn translucent.

Note: Keep stirring the pan occasionally, and you'll be done with this step in almost 10 minutes.

Mashing:- Mash and reduce the apple (with a potato masher or the back of the spoon) to your desired consistency, and then uncover the pan for the evaporation of excess liquid.

Note: Cook and continue this process for another 2-3 minutes.

Adding Chia Seeds:- Remove the pan from the heat and add the chia seeds immediately, while stirring the pan.

The heat left in the pan will help the seeds get activated.

Note: Keep stirring for a minute or two for even distribution.

Setting of the jam: Take out the jam into a clean jar (which may look like an apple sauce now). Let it cool to room temperature and then place it in the refrigerator.

Note: Keep the jam in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours, which will help the jam to set into a spreadable consistency.

The Benefits of this healthy recipe

This healthy apple jam recipe uses the natural sweetness of the apples, combined with chia seeds, which act as the natural thickener in the jam, helping to contribute the perfect spreadable consistency, without compromising on taste or nutrition.

This recipe preserves all the nutritional benefits of fresh apples- fibres, vitamins, and antioxidants- while chia seeds add omega-3 fatty acids and protein. The lemon juice provides vitamin C and helps prevent oxidation, keeping your jam fresh and vibrant.

Perfect for toast, pancakes, or stirred into yoghurt, this sugar-free apple jam proves that healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavour. Store it for a week and enjoy guilt-free snacking that the whole family will love.

Or rather, skip all this and order your own natural, adulteration-free, healthy apple jam from our website and enjoy it with your family!

FAQs -

1.  Can you make apple jam without adding any sugar at all?

Yes! Our recipe tells you exactly this. Naturally sweet apples and good quality chia seeds, making a healthy sugar free apple jam at your home is absolutely possible.

2. What are the best natural sweeteners to use instead of sugar in apple jam?

If needed, using a small amount of honey or maple syrup will work in adding sweetness to your jam, without using sugar.  For zero-calorie options, you can try using Stevia or Monk Fruit extract.

3. How do you preserve sugar-free apple jam safely at home?

For preserving your homemade healthy sugar-free apple jam, making sure that it is in a cold atmosphere is necessary. Storing it in an airtight jar and then keeping it in your refrigerator will make sure that your jam is preserved for a long time.

4. Will the jam thicken properly without sugar or pectin?

Yes! This is where chia seeds work as the best low-calorie, natural thickener. They absorb liquid and create a gel-like consistency once the jam cools down and sets after being refrigerated.

5. How long does sugar-free apple jam last compared to regular jam?

The sugar-free jam has a significantly shorter shelf life than high-sugar, traditionally canned jam. The refrigerated sugar-free jam lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, compared to months or years for traditionally canned, high-sugar jam.

6. Which apple varieties are best for making sugar-free apple jam?

For making your healthy sugar-free apple jam, Red Delicious, Fuji, or Gala are the best choices to make your healthy apple jam naturally sweet. Granny Smiths can be used to add a little tartness to the taste.

7. Does sugar-free apple jam taste as sweet as traditional apple jam?

No, it will not taste as sweet as the traditionally factory-made jams, since they contain a high amount of sugar in them, almost making up to 50%-70% sugar by weight. However, your sugar-free apple jam will taste cleaner and brighter, with the true apple flavour note.

8. Can I make apple jam without sugar in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Yes, you can make your sugar-free apple jam in an Instant Pot or in a slow cooker, but it will not be as quick or as fast as the stovetop method.

9. Is sugar-free apple jam suitable for diabetics or low-carb diets?

Generally, yes. This sugar-free apple jam is definitely a healthier option. Diabetics should avoid adding honey and maple syrup for extra sweetness to keep the sugar and glycemic index low.

10. How can I enhance the flavour of apple jam without using refined sugar?

To enhance the flavour of the apple jam, using and adding cinnamon powder is the key. One can also experiment with adding cloves, ginger, and a pinch of allspice. And to brighten the overall flavour, adding a pinch of lemon can help.