Calories in Jam

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Strawberry · Data verified by CaloriesCalc

278
kcal
per 100g, strawberry
0.4
g
Protein
0.1
g
Fat
68.9
g
Carbs
1.1
g
Fiber
56
kcal per tablespoon (20g)
278
kcal per 100g
28
kcal per thin scrape (10g)
⚠️62g sugar per 100g — mostly sucrose
🍓Trace vitamin C and polyphenols from fruit
😌56 kcal per tablespoon — manageable
⚠️High GI — 51
🌿1.1g fiber — minimal
😌Reduced-sugar jam: 160 kcal — better choice

🍽 Calculate Calories for Any Amount of Jam

Weight100g

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g jam

* % Daily Value based on a 2,000 kcal diet.


Quick summary: Strawberry jam contains 278 calories per 100g — 56 kcal per tablespoon. High in sugar (62g/100g) with very little nutritional value. Processing destroys most of the fruit's vitamins and antioxidants. Essentially fruit-flavoured sugar. Reduced-sugar jam: ~160 kcal/100g. Chia jam (homemade): ~80-100 kcal/100g with 3g fiber — best alternative.

Vitamins & Minerals — per 100g

NutrientAmount% Daily ValueBar
Sugar62gHigh
Vitamin C9mg10%
Potassium77mg2%
Calcium14mg1%
Iron0.4mg2%
Magnesium4mg1%
Sodium32mg1%
Phosphorus10mg1%
Vitamin B60.03mg2%
Riboflavin0.03mg2%

Calories in Jam by Weight

WeightCaloriesProteinNet CarbsFat
How does jam fit your daily calorie goal?
Calculate your TDEE free
Calculate TDEE →

Macronutrient Breakdown — per 100g

Fat0.1g · 0% of calories
Protein0.4g · 1% of calories
Carbohydrates68.9g · 99% of calories
Fiber1.1g · Net carbs: 67.8g

Standard strawberry jam. GI ~51. Reduced-sugar jam: ~160 kcal, 36g sugar. 100% fruit spread: ~210 kcal. Jam on toast: toast (~75 kcal) + 1 tbsp jam (56 kcal) = 131 kcal.

Key Nutrients

⚠️
Sugar
62g
High
Mostly sucrose + fruit sugars
🍓
Vitamin C
9mg
10% DV
Partially retained from strawberries
⚡
Potassium
77mg
2% DV
From strawberries — reduced by processing
🌿
Pectin
~2g
Fiber
Creates gel — minimal nutritive value
⚡
Iron
0.4mg
2% DV
Trace
⚡
Calcium
14mg
1% DV
Trace

Jam Nutrition Facts

Concentrated Sugar — The Processing Effect

Making jam involves heating fruit to 104°C with large amounts of sugar. This process destroys most heat-sensitive vitamins (vitamin C reduced by 50-80%) and degrades polyphenol antioxidants. The resulting product retains some pectin, potassium, and trace minerals, but is primarily sugar with fruit flavour.

Pectin — Modest Fiber Benefit

Jam's setting agent is pectin — a soluble fiber. While pectin has cholesterol-lowering and gut health benefits, the amount in a typical jam serving (1 tablespoon) is approximately 0.2g — too low to provide meaningful benefits. Reduced-sugar jams (which need more pectin to set) actually have slightly more pectin.

Reduced-Sugar Alternatives

Reduced-sugar jam (~160 kcal, 36g sugar) achieves lower calorie content by using more pectin and sugar substitutes. 100% fruit spreads have no added sugar but still contain concentrated fruit sugars (48g). Chia seed jam is the most nutritious alternative: ~80 kcal, 2-3g fiber, no added sugar, retaining original fruit nutrients.

Practical Calorie Management

A thin scrape (10g, 28 kcal) saves 28 kcal per day vs a full tablespoon. Choosing reduced-sugar jam saves 19 kcal per tablespoon — equivalent to ~2kg fat loss potential over a year if maintained daily. Small, consistent reductions in condiment use compound significantly over time.

Compare Jam Calories

🍯
Honey
304 kcal/100g
+26 kcal
🍬
Sugar
387 kcal/100g
+109 kcal
🥜
Peanut Butter
588 kcal/100g
+310 kcal
🫐
Blueberries
57 kcal/100g
−221 kcal
🍌
Banana
89 kcal/100g
−189 kcal
🍎
Apple
52 kcal/100g
−226 kcal
🌾
Oatmeal
71 kcal/100g
−207 kcal
🧈
Butter
717 kcal/100g
+439 kcal

Is Jam Suitable for Your Diet?

⚠️
Weight loss
Use sparingly — 56 kcal/tbsp
❌
Keto
No — 68.9g carbs
⚠️
Paleo
100% fruit spread only
✅
Gluten-free
Yes
❌
Diabetic
No — high sugar and GI
✅
Vegan
Yes
✅
Vegetarian
Yes
❌
Dental health
High sugar — cavity risk

Related Calculators

TDEE Calculator
Daily calorie needs
Calorie Deficit
Lose weight safely
Macro Calculator
Protein, carbs & fat
Protein Calculator
Daily protein target
BMI Calculator
Body mass index
BMR Calculator
Calories at rest
Weight Loss
How fast will you lose weight
Body Fat %
Estimate body fat
Ideal Weight
Your target weight

Use This With Our Free Calculators

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in jam?
Strawberry jam has 278 calories per 100g. 1 tablespoon (20g): 56 kcal. A thin scrape (10g): 28 kcal.
Is jam healthy?
Standard jam is essentially fruit-flavoured sugar with limited nutritional value. As a condiment in small amounts (1 thin scrape, ~28 kcal), it's harmless. As a regular daily addition, the sugar content adds up.
What is a nutritious jam?
Reduced-sugar jam: ~160 kcal, 36g sugar. 100% fruit spread: ~210 kcal, 48g natural sugars (lower GI). Chia jam (fresh fruit + chia seeds): ~80-100 kcal/100g, 3g fiber — best option.
Jam vs marmalade?
Very similar: marmalade ~260 kcal, 66g sugar. The peel adds some pectin and vitamin C. Nutritionally nearly identical.
Is jam keto?
No — 68.9g carbs per 100g.
How to make healthier jam?
Chia seed jam: blend fresh/frozen fruit, heat briefly, add 2 tbsp chia seeds — sets naturally with much less sugar. Result: ~80-100 kcal/100g with 3g fiber per tablespoon.

More Popular Foods

💪
a Protein Bar
390 kcal/100g
💪
Whey Protein
370 kcal/100g
💪
a Protein Shake
120 kcal/100g
💪
Protein Powder
375 kcal/100g
💪
Tofu
76 kcal/100g
💪
Hummus
177 kcal/100g
View all 135 foods →

Sources

Nutrition values from USDA FoodData Central. Not medical advice.