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10 Healthiest Jellies in 2022 (Nutritionist-Reviewed)

Breakfast is hardly complete without a large shmear of jelly, but most conventional jellies are full of preservatives, stabilizers, and excessive sugars. That’s why we decided to figure out what makes a great healthy jelly!

In our research, we found that the best jellies contain just fruit, sugar, and pectin, fit your macronutrient needs, and are non-GMO. They might not even be jellies at all but jams and preserves instead. Keeping these things in mind, we’ve come up with a list of our favorite healthy jellies available online, including our top pick by Crofter's. We've also prepared a handy buying guide with extra tips from nutritionist Kara Swanson.

Featured in this article

Kara Swanson
mybest US Editors
  • Last updated: 08-21-2022
Table of Contents

How to Choose a Healthy Jelly – Buying Guide

Here, we'll be introducing the following three important points to check when you choose a healthy jelly.

Points to Consider:

  1. Consider Jams or Preserves Over Jellies
  2. Look for Quality Ingredients 
  3. Check for Official Certifications for Peace of Mind
Kara Swanson
Nutritionist
Kara Swanson

It's always a good idea to pay attention to labels and be aware of what ingredients are in the foods we are consuming. A simple swap, like choosing a healthy jelly, will help you consume less sugar, chemicals, and additives helping you inch closer to a healthy lifestyle.

1. Consider Jams or Preserves Over Jellies

1. Consider Jams or Preserves Over Jellies
While jams, jellies, and preserves are often used interchangeably, they’re actually a bit different. Jelly uses fruit juice as the base whereas jams and preserves both use whole fruit chunks, which means they have more fiber and nutrients. 

This also gives them more texture and flavor variance, if that’s something you appreciate. That being said, jams and preserves aren’t automatically healthier as they can also include artificial ingredients and excess sugar.

1. Consider Jams or Preserves Over Jellies

If you're looking for a healthy option, look for lower amounts of sugar, less additives, and more fruit (more on that below).

Kara Swanson
Nutritionist
Kara Swanson

A simple healthy swap for jelly is to use a jam instead. It typically has less sugar (but make sure you read the labels to ensure it isn't loaded with sugar!) and it is higher in fiber, making it a great way to still get some sweetness on your toast but in a healthier way.

2. Look for Quality Ingredients

Society has come pretty far in terms of creating the best flavors for our food, but that doesn't mean they're always high-quality or good for us. Here are some things you should look out for in your jelly.

Avoid Additives and Stabilizers Besides Pectin

Avoid Additives and Stabilizers Besides Pectin
When looking at the ingredients list, you want to see an ingredients list that looks like something you could find in your pantry—fruit, some sugar, and not much else.
One thing that will almost invariably be in your jelly, though, is pectin. Pectin is a type of fiber naturally found in all fruit and serves as a gelling agent. Some fruits, such as lemons, apples, and cranberries, have higher amounts of pectin and thus may not need additional pectin to turn them into jam or jelly. 
Avoid Additives and Stabilizers Besides Pectin

On the other hand, most other fruits will likely require added pectin. In the healthiest jellies, pectin should be the only added gelling agent, so try to avoid other stabilizers, gums, and additives.

Kara Swanson
Nutritionist
Kara Swanson

It can be confusing when you're looking at labels to know what's healthy and what's unhealthy. A good rule of thumb when it comes to jellies and jams is to look for real fruit, maybe a little sugar, and nothing else. Pectin is okay and acts as a natural gelling agent, but if there is much more than that, try another jelly or jam.

Watch Out for Added Sugars—Artificial and Natural

Watch Out for Added Sugars—Artificial and Natural
By its nature, jelly requires sugar in order to develop its spreadable, gel-like texture. But that doesn’t mean that it needs to be saturated with it. Some jellies contain less sugar thanks to different varieties of pectin. So when looking at the nutrition label, try to look for a jelly that has less than 8 grams of added sugar per serving. 

For reference, the daily amount of added sugar intake recommended by the American Heart Association is 36 grams of sugar for men and 25 grams for women. If you go any higher than 8 grams per serving, that can be up to a third of your daily limit!

Watch Out for Added Sugars—Artificial and Natural
On the other hand, some jellies lower their sugar content by using artificial sweeteners. Check the ingredients list to see what kind of sweeteners they use. Some people have sensitivities to stevia or erythritol, and if you aren’t sure if your body can handle it, artificial sweeteners may be best to avoid.
Kara Swanson
Nutritionist
Kara Swanson

Sugar is going to be in jelly and jam but you should be aware and conscious of how much sugar is actually added per serving. It's important to also note where the sugar is coming from. 


Fruit has natural sugar, which is okay! But then there is added sugar and artificial sugar. I recommend you stay away from artificial sugar as much as possible, especially sucralose.

3. Check for Official Certifications for Peace of Mind

3. Check for Official Certifications for Peace of Mind
Fruits often top the list of foods produced using GMOs and pesticides, so to avoid any risky contamination, it’s best to look for official non-GMO or organic stamps. Of course, if you have food sensitivities or restrictions, look for certifications that meet your needs too.

Most jellies will be vegan or gluten-free since they're naturally free of both animal products and gluten, but if you want to be 100% sure, look for official certification on the label or the company's website as well.

Kara Swanson
Nutritionist
Kara Swanson

Don't be afraid to do a little research and take charge of your health. If you are unsure about anything a product claims, are confused about the label, or have a question about what's in their product, reach out and ask them. Knowledge is power and it's important to ask questions when it comes to the food we are consuming on a daily basis.

10 Healthiest Jellies

No matter how healthy a jelly is, it does you no good if you don’t like the flavor! So be sure to read reviews to get a good idea for the taste before you buy.

※These rankings were decided based on user reviews and popular rank lists from Amazon gathered on September 11th. Please note that these products were not picked by Kara Swanson, but chosen through extensive research and by combing through customer reviews by our staff at mybest. For more on our selection process, check out our content policy.

Image
1
Crofter's Organic Concord Grape Premium Spread 1

Crofter's

2
World of Chia Chia Strawberry Fruit Spread 1

World of Chia

3
DiaBliss Mixed Fruit Jam with Herbal Extract Blend 1

DiaBliss

4
Trade Street Jam Co. Strawberry Chipotle + Fig Jam 1

Trade Street Jam Co.

5
Newport Jerky Company GATOR Jam 1

Newport Jerky Company

6
Valle de Panchoy Guava Fruit Preserves 1

Valle de Panchoy

7
Nature's Hollow Apricot Jam 1

Nature's Hollow

8
Spread the Love Artisan Jam 1

Spread the Love

9
Mrs. Miller's Homemade Jams 1

Mrs. Miller's

10
Good Good Sweet Blueberry Jam 1

Good Good

Name

Organic Concord Grape Premium Spread

Chia Strawberry Fruit Spread

Mixed Fruit Jam with Herbal Extract Blend

Strawberry Chipotle + Fig Jam

GATOR Jam

Guava Fruit Preserves

Apricot Jam

Artisan Jam

Homemade Jams

Sweet Blueberry Jam

Features

A Classic Grape Jelly That's Low in Sugar

A Strawberry Jam That Uses Chia Seeds Instead of Pectin

A Low-Glycemic Jam With Special Sugar Can Extract

A Small-Batch, Pectin-Free Jam With a Kick

One of the Best No-Sugar-Added Jams

A Tropical Taste for Your Morning Pastry

A Sugar-Free Alternative With Lots of Fruity Taste

A Delicious, Two-Ingredient, Additive-Free Jam

A Hot Pepper Jelly to Spice Things Up

A Keto-Friendly and Diet-Friendly Jam

Price$9.99$24.87$11.59$13.00$12.99$11.95$10.47$11.99$11.37$10.99
Amount16.5 oz.10.9 oz. each11.5 oz.9 oz.20 oz.10.5 oz.10 oz.11.5 oz.9 oz. each11.6 oz.
TypeJellyFruit spreadJamJamJamPreservesJamJamJellyJam
Calories per serving3030171528241560506
Sugars per serving8g.5g.3g.3g.12g.6g.0g.13g.11g.0g.
Official certificationsOrganic, non-GMONon-GMO, gluten-free, veganLess than 50 GIVegan--Non-GMONon-GMO, vegan, gluten-free--
Main ingredientsOrganic Concord grape purée, organic cane sugar, apple pectinStrawberries, organic agave nectar, organic chia seeds, lime juiceFruit pulp, DiaBliss sugar, pectin, citric acidStrawberry, dried fig, chipotle pepper, sugar, lemon juiceApples, raspberries, orange juice, tangerines, gingerGuavas, sugar, pectin, lemon juiceApricots, xylitol, erythritol, pectinRaspberries, sugarGreen and red peppers, jalapeno peppers, cane sugar, vinegar, pectinBlueberries, stevia extract, pectin
Link
1

Crofter's Organic Concord Grape Premium Spread

$9.99

A Classic Grape Jelly That's Low in Sugar

Features:
  • organic
  • low sugar
  • non-GMO
Recommended for:
  • sweet enough to satisfy any sweet tooth, but still organic and healthy enough to eat without feeling guilty

This is a classic grape jelly that sits perfectly between super sweet conventional jellies and not sweet enough health-focused jellies. Reviewers love the flavor and write that it’s thick and spreads like a jam. It’s sweet enough for kids to like it without being overpoweringly sugary.

Amount16.5 oz.
TypeJelly
Calories per serving30
Sugars per serving8g.
Official certificationsOrganic, non-GMO
Main ingredientsOrganic Concord grape purée, organic cane sugar, apple pectin
2

World of ChiaChia Strawberry Fruit Spread

3 pack

$24.87

A Strawberry Jam That Uses Chia Seeds Instead of Pectin

Features:

  • no pectin
  • 4 simple ingredients

Recommended for:

  • a new, unique spin on jelly with healthy choice alternative ingredients like chia seeds and agave nectar

If you're not too hot on pectin in your fruit spreads, consider this pectin-less alternative! This strawberry fruit spread is made with chia seeds instead. It's also fairly low in sugar, and it only takes four simple ingredients to make it.


Reviewers did warn that the chia seeds aren't crushed or powdered, so that will interrupt an otherwise smooth texture. If you're willing to get past that, though, you'll love the not-too-sweet flavor like many other buyers did!

Amount10.9 oz. each
TypeFruit spread
Calories per serving30
Sugars per serving5g.
Official certificationsNon-GMO, gluten-free, vegan
Main ingredientsStrawberries, organic agave nectar, organic chia seeds, lime juice
3

DiaBlissMixed Fruit Jam with Herbal Extract Blend

$11.59

A Low-Glycemic Jam With Special Sugar Can Extract

Features:
  • herb-infused fruit jam
  • low glycemic index
  • sweet, lightly spiced flavor

Recommended for:

  • fans of spiced jams and jellies

This herb-infused fruit jam has a low glycemic index (GI), which means that it won’t cause insulin spikes. That's because it's sweetened with special DiaBliss sugar, a mix of cane sugar, pomegranate, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and more. Reviewers love the sweet, lightly spiced flavor.


However, do note that the serving size is 1 teaspoon (as opposed to most other jams’ 1 tablespoon), so if you’re looking for specific macronutrient counts, be sure to watch your portion size. Also note that while the product photo shows a 10.6-ounce jar, you'll receive an 11.5-ounce one from this order!
Amount11.5 oz.
TypeJam
Calories per serving17
Sugars per serving3g.
Official certificationsLess than 50 GI
Main ingredientsFruit pulp, DiaBliss sugar, pectin, citric acid
4

Trade Street Jam Co.Strawberry Chipotle + Fig Jam

$13.00

A Small-Batch, Pectin-Free Jam With a Kick

Features:
  • sweet and lightly spicy
  • produced in a small-batches
  • comes with recipe cards

Recommended for:

  • adventurous eaters who love sweet and spicy combinations

This unique jam is sweet and lightly spicy. Unlike most jams, it contains no pectin, instead relying on the natural gelling ability of the fruit it contains. It's also produced in a small-batch facility by a Black women-owned business, so you can feel good about who you're buying from!


Reviewers write that it’s not too sweet and has a pleasant kick that makes it go well with both sweet and savory foods. It even comes with recipe cards to give you some ideas!
Amount9 oz.
TypeJam
Calories per serving15
Sugars per serving3g.
Official certificationsVegan
Main ingredientsStrawberry, dried fig, chipotle pepper, sugar, lemon juice
5

Newport Jerky CompanyGATOR Jam

$12.99

One of the Best No-Sugar-Added Jams

Features:
  • sweetened with only natural fruit sugars
  • gluten-free, fat-free, and all-natural
  • made in the US in small batches

Recommended for:

  • fun and low-sugar option for kids

This GATOR (ginger, apple, tangerine, orange, raspberry) jam contains no added sugar and is sweetened with only natural sugars from the fruits. 


Despite its low added sugar content, it’s kid-friendly and still quite sweet. It’s easily spreadable and tastes great in a wide variety of culinary situations. Reviewers liked it with both sweet and savory foods, especially as a muffin topping.
Amount20 oz.
TypeJam
Calories per serving28
Sugars per serving12g.
Official certifications-
Main ingredientsApples, raspberries, orange juice, tangerines, ginger
6

Valle de PanchoyGuava Fruit Preserves

$11.95

A Tropical Taste for Your Morning Pastry

Features:

  • only 4 natural ingredients
  • no added preservatives or dyes
  • 70%+ fruit, with fiber minerals, and antioxidants

Recommended for:

  • a burst of tropical flavor on your favorite breakfast pastries


If you're a jelly connoisseur and are looking to try something a bit different, why not try out these healthy guava preserves? It only contains four natural ingredients - no added preservatives or dyes whatsoever.


Reviewers loved the tropical taste of the jam and said it reminded them of their trips to Hawai'i. They suggest spreading it on toast or croissants to take your breakfast to a whole new level. 

Amount10.5 oz.
TypePreserves
Calories per serving24
Sugars per serving6g.
Official certifications-
Main ingredientsGuavas, sugar, pectin, lemon juice
7

Nature's HollowApricot Jam

$10.47

A Sugar-Free Alternative With Lots of Fruity Taste

Features:
  • contains no sugar
  • sweetened with xylitol
  • available in 5 flavors: strawberry, blueberry, peach, and more

Recommended for:

  • diabetics, or people looking for an option without any sugar that still tastes great

This jam contains no sugar and is suitable for diabetics. Instead, it’s sweetened with xylitol, a sugar alcohol that tastes like sugar and doesn’t have any adverse health effects! It's also available in five other flavors like strawberry, blueberry, peach, and more.


Reviewers love that this apricot jam tastes homemade, and many report that it’s better than many apricot jams that do include sugar. Buyers on the keto diet also loved it!
Amount10 oz.
TypeJam
Calories per serving15
Sugars per serving0g.
Official certificationsNon-GMO
Main ingredientsApricots, xylitol, erythritol, pectin
8

Spread the LoveArtisan Jam

Raspberry

$11.99

A Delicious, Two-Ingredient, Additive-Free Jam

Features:
  • just two ingredients: fruit and sugar
  • full of nutrients and antioxidants
  • all-natural, gluten-free, pectin-free

Recommended for:

  • a simply crafted jam that delivers on the pure, sweet, and tart taste of raspberry—great for baking or eating on toast 

If you’re just looking for a spread with the fewest ingredients possible and aren’t too concerned with sugar content, this is the jam for you. It has just two ingredients (fruit and sugar) and is packed full of nutrients and antioxidants.


Reviewers love the simplicity of this jam and write that it has the perfect amount of sweetness. For those who like their jams with a little bit of texture, this one does contain seeds.
Amount11.5 oz.
TypeJam
Calories per serving60
Sugars per serving13g.
Official certificationsNon-GMO, vegan, gluten-free
Main ingredientsRaspberries, sugar
9

Mrs. Miller'sHomemade Jams

2 pack, Hot Pepper Jelly

$11.37

A Hot Pepper Jelly to Spice Things Up

Features:
  • sweet and spicy
  • small chunks of peppers
  • only sugars and cane sugars

Recommended for:

  • use on cheeses and meats for a sweet and savory addition and to add a slightly spicy kick

This hot pepper jelly has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy and includes small chunks of peppers for added flavor and texture. It also contains only sugars and cane sugars, so you don't have to deal with any corn syrup (if you're trying to avoid that).


Reviewers write that it’s less sweet than other pepper jellies and perhaps a bit spicier–though spiciness is, of course, relative. It’s great mixed with cream cheese or used anywhere you might use ketchup.
Amount9 oz. each
TypeJelly
Calories per serving50
Sugars per serving11g.
Official certifications-
Main ingredientsGreen and red peppers, jalapeno peppers, cane sugar, vinegar, pectin
10

Good GoodSweet Blueberry Jam

$10.99

A Keto-Friendly and Diet-Friendly Jam

Features:
  • sweetened with erythritol and stevia
  • low-calorie, keto-friendly, vegan, diabetic-friendly
  • comes in 4 flavors: blueberry, raspberry, apricot, and strawberry

Recommended for:

  • low-calorie option that works for various diets, with low carbs and low-sugar content—try it with low car bread and peanut butter

This jam is ideal for those looking to cut down on sugar intake. It’s sweetened with erythritol and stevia, which are both generally considered safe and healthy.


Reviewers love that it’s keto-friendly and diabetic-friendly and note that it’s a bit on the thinner side. Do be aware that this jam does contain some preservatives, so if that’s something you’re trying to avoid, this may not be the jam for you.
Amount11.6 oz.
TypeJam
Calories per serving6
Sugars per serving0g.
Official certifications-
Main ingredientsBlueberries, stevia extract, pectin

Healthy Swaps Direct From Kara Swanson

Healthy Swaps Direct From Kara Swanson

One of my favorite healthy swaps is, instead of using jelly or jam, mashing some raspberries up and topping peanut butter with the fresh raspberries. It's such a yummy treat and an easy way to cut down on sugar.


Another easy swap you can do is by just topping your toast with fresh fruit to add some sweetness. It's easy, healthier, and a fun way to switch your peanut butter sandwich up. Try banana slices, strawberry slices, blueberries, or your favorite fruit!

More Toppings for Your Meal Time

Jelly's great and all, but what about all the other great condiments out there? Here are some of our favorite picks.

9 Best Healthy Honeys in 2022 (Nutritionist-Reviewed)

9 Best Healthy Honeys in 2022 (Nutritionist-Reviewed)

10 Best Store Bought Salsas in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

10 Best Store Bought Salsas in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

10 Best Hot Sauces in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

10 Best Hot Sauces in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist Kara Swanson

Kara Swanson
Nutritionist
Kara Swanson

This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.

Author: Jacqueline Oshiro


  • Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more mybest recommendations! For questions or comments, leave us feedback via a Google Form on our Contact Us page.

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