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Have you ever stared at a jar of store-bought jam and wondered what half the ingredients actually are (calcium chloride, pectin, dextrose..list goes on and on)?!
It’s like a science experiment, not food! What’s really inside that jar is a disgrace to our health, and it’s probably nothing like the wholesome fruit spread you think you’re getting.
In the next few points, I’m going to break down the hidden truths about store-bought jam — and show you exactly why it’s so far from healthy. Prepare to be surprised.
1. Naturally Sweet, Not Sugar-Loaded
The Homemade Recipe uses just 1/4 cup of coconut sugar for 9 cups of fresh fruit, giving you a subtly sweet flavor that lets the fruit shine.
Store-bought jams are overloaded with refined sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, often packing 10–12 teaspoons per serving, more sugar than a candy bar.
2. Packed with Real Fruit, Not Filler
The Homemade Recipe delivers 100% real, whole fruit: rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Most store-bought jams contain just 25–35% fruit, with the rest made up of water, syrups, and artificial flavoring.
3. Thickened with Superfoods, Not Additives
The Homemade Recipe uses chia seeds — a natural thickener that adds fiber, omega-3s, and protein while supporting digestion.
Store-bought brands rely on synthetic pectin, dextrose, or even gelatin, with zero nutritional value.
4. Preserved Naturally, Freezer-Ready
With lemon juice as a natural preservative, the Homemade Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge or freezer — no chemicals needed.
Store-bought jams contain sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate, preservatives that may disrupt gut health and trigger sensitivities.
5. Clean, Vibrant Ingredients, No Fake Stuff
Every bite of the Homemade Recipe bursts with the color and flavor of real fruit, lemon zest, and juice — nothing artificial.
Store-bought jams often use artificial dyes (like Red 40) and vague “natural flavors” to simulate real ingredients.
Chelsea’s Bottom Line:
The Homemade Recipe is real food: simple, nourishing, and delicious. It’s everything jam should be, without the hidden sugars, chemicals, or shortcuts. Once you taste the difference, you'll never go back to the jar.
Ingredients:
- 8–9 cups fresh fruit (berries, peaches, or mix)
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar or organic cane sugar (up to 1/2 cup if very tart)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 3–4 tbsp chia seeds (optional, for fiber and thickening)
Directions:
- Wash, chop, and lightly mash fruit.
- In a large pot, combine fruit and coconut sugar. Cook over medium heat until bubbling (5–7 min).
- Stir in lemon juice and zest.
- Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 25–35 min, stirring frequently until thickened. Add chia seeds during simmering if using.
- Test doneness by dropping jam on a chilled plate (keep a plate in the freezer). After 30 seconds, if it wrinkles when pushed, jam is ready. If not, simmer longer.
- Cool completely; transfer to clean jars.
- Refrigerate up to 2–3 weeks or freeze up to 3 months.
Once you taste jam made with real fruit, real flavor, and real nutrition, there’s no going back.
Skip the shelf-stable science experiment. Make your own. Feel the difference. Love every bite.
Try it once—and your fridge will never be without it again
