Blueberry Jam Buying Guide: Gourmet Picks for Toast

Blueberry jam is a breakfast and teatime staple. But with overcrowded supermarket shelves, it's hard to know where to start. From traditional recipes and low-sugar versions to wild blueberry jam, how do you find the hidden gem that will elevate your toast, yoghurts, or pastries?

To help you make the right choice, our team has analysed the market to bring you a simple buying guide and a selection of products that deliver on their promises. Our goal: to help you choose the perfect jam for you, cutting through the marketing noise.

Buying Guide: 3 Criteria for Choosing the Best Blueberry Jam

Before we get to our top picks, here are the key things to check on the label so you'll never make a mistake again.

1. Fruit Content and Sugar Type

The wording on the jar is your first clue. A "jam" must contain at least 35% fruit, while an "extra jam" must contain a minimum of 45%.

For those looking to control their sugar intake, two alternatives stand out:

• 100% fruit spread: Here, there's no cane or beet sugar. It's replaced by fruit-derived sugars (often concentrated grape juice). The result: a more intense and authentic blueberry flavour.
• "No added sugar" fruit spread: As the name suggests, the manufacturer has not added any sugar. The sweetness comes solely from the blueberries. This is the ideal option for purists seeking the taste of the fruit, and nothing but the fruit.

2. Fruit Origin: Wild or Cultivated Blueberries?

The choice between wild and cultivated blueberries is not a trivial one—it completely changes the taste!

• Wild blueberries: Smaller, with a thin skin, their flavour is bolder, with a hint of tartness that makes all the difference. They are the connoisseur's choice for their strong character.
• Cultivated blueberries: Larger and juicier, they produce a sweeter, more comforting jam.

3. The Ingredient List: Simplicity is a Mark of Quality

A short ingredient list is almost always a good sign. The ideal? Blueberries, sugar (or a sugar alternative), a natural gelling agent like fruit pectin, and a touch of lemon juice for preservation. Steer clear of long lists that mention glucose-fructose syrup, artificial colours, or flavourings.

Recommended Blueberry Jams

Based on these criteria, we've selected three gems that cater to different tastes and preferences.

1. 100% Wild Blueberry Fruit Spread - LUCIEN GEORGELIN

Why it stands out: The fruit, the whole fruit, and nothing but the fruit. An intense recipe sweetened only with fruit juice.

This spread from Lucien Georgelin is a concentrate of nature. With 60% wild blueberries, it goes all-in on flavour. Here, cane sugar is replaced by fruit-derived sugars, creating a 100% fruit recipe that reveals the full authenticity of the blueberry.

Key features:

• High fruit content: 60% blueberries.
• Wild blueberries: For a bold and distinctive taste.
• Sweetened only with fruit: Zero added refined sugar.
• Kettle-cooked: A traditional method that preserves the flavours.

Who is it for? For purists and lovers of powerful flavours, as well as for those looking to limit refined sugars without sacrificing indulgence.

2. No Added Sugar Blueberry Spread - LUCIEN GEORGELIN

Why it stands out: The highest fruit content on the market, for a pure, unadulterated blueberry taste.

This spread is the perfect partner for those watching their diet or blood sugar levels. It breaks records with 65% blueberries and a no added sugar formula. The sweetness? It's 100% natural, coming only from the fruit. Its smooth texture is achieved with natural soluble fibres.

Key features:

• Record-high fruit content: 65% blueberries.
• No added sugar: Ideal for specific diets (diabetes, etc.).
• Ultra-short ingredient list: Just the essentials, and nothing more.
• Controlled calorie count: 152 kcal per 100g.

Who is it for? Perfect for athletes, people with diabetes, or anyone who wants the authentic taste of fruit without the added sugar.

3. Wild Blueberry Preserves - BONNE MAMAN

Why it stands out: The ultimate traditional and comforting recipe, with generous pieces of fruit.

A household name, Bonne Maman's wild blueberry preserves are a reliable choice that evokes fond childhood memories. It embodies French-style indulgence. Made with wild blueberries and cane sugar, its rich texture and beautiful fruit pieces make it a timeless classic.

Key features:

• The traditional recipe: The authentic taste everyone loves.
• Real fruit pieces: For a generous texture and a satisfying mouthfeel.
• Simple, familiar ingredients: No unpleasant surprises on the label.
• Made in France.

Who is it for? For families, fans of nostalgia, and anyone looking to rediscover the simple pleasure of a good jam, perfect on a warm crêpe or a golden brioche.

Want to Explore Further?

Our selection is just a taste of what blueberries have to offer. Fruit purées, coulis, juices... If this little blue fruit has whetted your appetite, feel free to explore our entire range of products.

Discover all our blueberry products

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What's the taste difference between regular blueberry jam and wild blueberry jam?Wild blueberry jam offers a more intense, complex, and slightly tart flavour. Cultivated blueberries, on the other hand, produce a sweeter, juicier jam. It's a matter of preference: do you prefer bold flavours or a smoother, rounder taste?

2. How should I store blueberry jam after opening the jar? Once opened, jam must be stored in the refrigerator. For optimal freshness and flavour, it's best to consume it within 10 days. A good habit: always use a clean spoon to serve yourself to prevent any contamination.

3. Can I use blueberry jam in baking? Absolutely! Blueberry jam is a fantastic ingredient in the kitchen. It's perfect for filling a Swiss roll, lining a tart shell (delicious with frangipane), enhancing a cheesecake, or topping a plain yoghurt. Versions with fruit pieces, like the one from Bonne Maman, add a wonderfully rich and melting texture to your desserts.