At Beth’s Farm Kitchen, we’re passionate about crafting real fruit preserves—made with simple, local ingredients and the best small-batch techniques. But when it comes to low-sugar jams and no-sugar-added spreads, we know there’s a lot of confusion. What makes them different? Why do we call some “spreads” instead of jam? And how do we ensure the best flavor and shelf life when working with little to no sugar?
Let’s dive in.
Jams vs. Spreads: What’s in a Name?
Traditionally, jam is made with fruit, sugar, and pectin, creating a thick, spoonable preserve that highlights the fruit’s natural flavor, balanced with sweetness and structure. At Beth’s Farm Kitchen, we believe in using just enough sugar to enhance the fruit without overpowering it. Our low-sugar jams—like our Sour Cherry Jam or Strawberry Rhubarb Jam—contain less sugar per serving than many leading brands, including Stonewall Kitchen and American Spoon, while still offering a rich, fruit-forward taste.
But when we remove sugar completely, something interesting happens. Without sugar’s natural preservative properties, the final product has a softer consistency, a brighter fruit flavor, and a shorter shelf life. Since the USDA has strict regulations on what can legally be called “jam,” we label these as "spreads" instead—like our No Sugar Added Sour Cherry Spread or Strawberry Spread.
The Role of Sugar in Preserving Jam
Sugar isn’t just about sweetness—it plays a critical role in preserving fruit and maintaining texture. When fruit is cooked with sugar, the sugar binds with water molecules, reducing the available moisture for bacteria or mold to grow. This extends the jam’s shelf life and helps it set into a thick, spoonable consistency.
In our low-sugar jams, we carefully balance the fruit’s natural sweetness with just enough cane sugar to help preserve it, ensuring a 24-month shelf life when unopened.
But in our no-sugar-added spreads, we take a different approach—using fruit’s natural pectin and acidity to create a spread that still feels luxurious but requires extra care in storage and use.
Making No-Sugar-Added Spreads: A Delicate Process
Crafting a no-sugar-added spread is an art. Since sugar helps thicken jams, removing it means we must:
- Choose the right fruit – Some fruits, like sour cherries and strawberries, have enough natural pectin to set well. Others require a longer, slower cooking process to reach the right consistency.
- Rely on natural sweetness – We use apples in some of our spreads to add a touch of sweetness without refined sugar.
- Perfect the cooking technique – No-sugar-added spreads require low, slow heat to evaporate water without caramelizing the fruit, keeping the flavors bright and fresh.
The result? A spread bursting with real fruit flavor—without any added sugar.
Storing & Using No-Sugar-Added Spreads
Because our no-sugar-added spreads lack sugar’s preservative power, they require a little extra care:
- Keep It Clean – Always use a clean spoon when scooping from the jar. Never dip a buttery knife or spoon into your spread! Even small traces of other foods can introduce bacteria, shortening shelf life.
- Refrigerate Immediately – Once opened, store in the fridge and use within six weeks.
- Watch for Signs of Spoilage – Since our spreads are made with 100% real fruit and no preservatives, they should always smell fresh and look vibrant. If you ever notice an off smell, change in texture, or signs of mold, it’s time for a new jar.
For those who love a longer shelf life, our low-sugar jams offer the perfect middle ground—less sugar than traditional jams but still naturally preserved for up to two years unopened.
Which One is Right for You?
If you’re looking for a classic jam experience with less sugar than leading brands, try our Strawberry Rhubarb Jam or Wild Berry Jam.
If you’re looking for a fruit-first, no-added-sugar option, our No Sugar Added Sour Cherry Spread or Strawberry Spread is the perfect fit—just be sure to store and use it with care!
At Beth’s Farm Kitchen, we believe in giving you options that match your lifestyle—whether you prefer the gentle sweetness of our low-sugar jams or the pure fruit intensity of our no-sugar-added spreads. Either way, you’re getting real, locally sourced fruit, handcrafted with love in the Hudson Valley.
Try them for yourself and taste the difference!
Want to explore more? Browse our Low-Sugar Jams and No-Sugar-Added Spreads collections today.