(function() {
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
var componentMetadata = JSON.parse('\x7b\x22componentName\x22\x3a\x22ActionToolbar_59e5fa31-dc57-46ea-93d1-265650a760f0\x22,\x22deferOptions\x22\x3a\x7b\x22deferComponent\x22\x3atrue,\x22deferType\x22\x3a\x22OnDemand\x22,\x22deferId\x22\x3a\x22rb8e0858f24a64ac6a4b3b086bc8588fb\x22,\x22deferredContainerId\x22\x3a\x22\x2ffloatingActionToolbar\x2ffloatingActionToolbar_interop\x22,\x22deferredContainerView\x22\x3a\x22InteropDeferWrapper\x22\x7d,\x22viewName\x22\x3a\x22ActionToolbar\x22\x7d');
var configuration = {"contentId":"6923a9aa-a8c7-4b75-a869-18130312f80f","toolbarSettings":{"id":"59e5fa31-dc57-46ea-93d1-265650a760f0","regAction":"FAVORITE","eSourceCode":11275,"namePassedToEvents":"ArticleStandardLongFormToolbar","buttons":[{"addFavoriteErrorMessage":"Sorry, something went wrong. Please save again.","removeFavoriteErrorMessage":"Error occurred while removing from favorites","regAction":"FAVORITE","eSourceCode":11275,"isCurrentUserAnonymous":false,"isFavoriteItem":false,"id":"16a29701-2b75-4d9a-aa9c-860376da50d7","allowedForAnonymousUsers":false,"type":"Favorite","displayName":"Save","namePassedToEvents":"Favorite","cssClassName":"atButtonFavorite","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false},{"providerName":"pinterest","providerNamePassedToEvents":"Pinterest","shareUrlFormat":"//pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url={0}","id":"c18cf08e-e436-4cd0-a180-1bafb15369a6","allowedForAnonymousUsers":true,"type":"Social","displayName":"Pinterest","namePassedToEvents":"Pinterest","cssClassName":"atButtonPinterest","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false},{"templateId":"13bdd311-4300-4fb8-9d78-9cbaf98f5578","dialogHeading":"Email Article","emailCode":"BC_ContentEmail","dialogSettings":{"cancelButtonText":"Cancel","copyToSenderLabel":"Send a Copy to Myself","emailAddressesLabel":"* Email Address(es)","emailInstructionText":"Separate email addresses with commas","fromText":"From:","privacyPolicyText":"\u003cp\u003e\u0026copy;2024 General Mills, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information will only be used to send an email to your friend(s) and will not be saved. Please read our \u003ca rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 href=\u0022http://www.generalmills.com/company/privacy-policies/privacy-policy-us\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 shape=\u0022rect\u0022\u003ePrivacy Policy\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e","requiredFieldText":"* Required","sendButtonText":"Send","senderEmailAddressLabel":"* Your Email Address","senderFirstNameLabel":"* Your First Name","sendToText":"Send To:"},"id":"be9422a3-85a8-4c31-86f5-e171255bb89d","allowedForAnonymousUsers":true,"type":"Email","displayName":"Email","namePassedToEvents":"Email","cssClassName":"atButtonEmail","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false},{"providerName":"facebook","providerNamePassedToEvents":"Facebook","shareUrlFormat":"//facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u={0}","id":"6c3f442d-6ffe-460f-8360-b02b122d326c","allowedForAnonymousUsers":true,"type":"Social","displayName":"Facebook","namePassedToEvents":"Facebook","cssClassName":"atButtonFacebook","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false},{"layoutParameter":"p%3d1","id":"de022929-4416-4bc9-ab3c-ae5711d562bf","allowedForAnonymousUsers":true,"type":"Print","displayName":"Print","namePassedToEvents":"Print","cssClassName":"atButtonPrint","privacyOptOutMessage":"\u003cdiv class=\u0027privacyMessage\u0027\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis feature is not available with your current cookie settings.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can \u003ca href=\u0027#\u0027 data-show-preference-center=\u00271\u0027\u003eupdate your privacy settings\u003c/a\u003e to enable this content. Please enable “Functional Cookies” to use this feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e","showPrivacyOptOutMessage":false}],"isSticky":true},"userSettings":{"isCurrentUserAnonymous":true,"isFavoriteItem":false},"pageAttributes":{"url":"https%3a%2f%2fwww.bettycrocker.com%2fhow-to%2fingredients-and-preparation%2fjam-vs-jelly","contentId":"6923a9aa-a8c7-4b75-a869-18130312f80f"},"recaptchaPublicKey":"6LfU_icUAAAAALSqSjRg5hqZwbPr1b8k-_80a_S_"};
var moduleName = 'actionToolbar';
var isVueModule = true;
GeneralMills.PandoSites.RegisterControlInstance(moduleName, configuration, componentMetadata, isVueModule)
});
})();
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about spreading a sweet, fruity spread on warm toast, filling the air with
comforting aromas and bringing joy to your breakfast table. But if you’ve ever hesitated between reaching for jam or
jelly, you’re not alone! While many people use the terms interchangeably, these two popular spreads differ in texture,
ingredient composition, and ideal culinary uses. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between jam and
jelly—helping you decide which is the perfect pick for your next food adventure!
Jam vs Jelly: A Quick Breakdown
Whether you're making delicious treats for your family to enjoy on a sunny weekend morning or adding a pop of flavor to
your baking, let's uncover what makes these two spreads special. At the heart of the jam vs. jelly debate is their
distinct texture. While both deliver a satisfying sweetness and fruit-forward flavor, the consistency differs due to
their unique preparation methods.
Jam
Commonly made with crushed or chopped whole fruit, it has a thick, chunky texture. Each spoonful contains pieces
of fruit, making it perfect for those who love a rustic, homemade feel.
Jelly
Made from fruit juice not the whole fruit - jelly has a smoother and more gelatinous texture. It’s the spread of
choice when you're looking for something that can glide easily over surfaces without chunks.
The choice between jam and jelly will depend on the texture you prefer and how you want to use it. Ready to dive in
deeper? Let’s explore each spread!
What Makes Jam So Special?
Jam is made by cooking crushed fruit with sugar and sometimes additional pectin (a natural thickener found in many fruits). As the fruit cooks, the result is a rich, dense spread that stays true to the fruit’s original form, retaining its natural texture and flavor.
Common Types of Jam
From classic breakfast staples to gourmet flavors for your baking escapades, here are some popular choices:
- Strawberry Jam – Sweet and fruity, it's a versatile favorite for everything from pancakes to thumbprint cookies.
- Raspberry Jam – Slightly more tart and perfect with chocolate-based desserts.
- Blueberry Jam – A unique mix of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a perfect addition to waffles or yogurt bowls.
- Blackberry Jam – Rustic and earthy, this jam offers bold flavors ideal for savory and sweet pairings alike.
Food Safety Tip
If you're making it from scratch, jam should reach a minimum temperature of 220°F during preparation to ensure bacterial safety. Like most cooked foods, make sure to refrigerate your jam after opening and use within the recommended timeline—usually about one month—to maintain freshness and prevent it from going bad.
Culinary Creativity
Jam works wonderfully when you want to bring fruit into focus in your baking. Try layering jam between cake layers like in our Chocolate Mousse-Raspberry Cake or try swirling some jam it into your next muffin batter for a burst of fruit-filled goodness!
What About Jelly?
If jam is the rustic option, consider jelly its elegant, refined counterpart. While jam contains fruit pulp, jelly is made by boiling just the juice of the fruit with sugar and pectin. The result is a smooth, semi-firm spread with a delightful jiggle when you move it.
Ideal Uses for Jelly
With its smoother consistency, jelly works best when you need a cleaner spread—whether that’s on toast or as a glossy glaze for pastries. It’s equally fantastic for savory dishes—grape jelly famously shines in meatball recipes like our Hot and Saucy Cocktail Meatballs where the jelly's sweetness balances out salty, savory flavors. It's a sweet-and-slightly spicy appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering!
Jam vs. Jelly and Marmalade?
We’ve explored the difference between jam and jelly, but you might be thinking of another popular contender in the fruit spread family, a marmalade! If so, you're sharp as our favorite zester, as this is another similar and popular fruit spread. So, what is a marmalade?
Marmalade is made with citrus fruits—often oranges—and includes the peel of the fruit. This gives it a bold, zesty flavor and an even more notable texture similar to jam thanks to the bits of rind throughout.
Marmalade is ideal for lovers of all things citrus and pairs beautifully with buttery toast, a delicate scone, or a simple popover. Want to try this tangy treat? Give our Homemade Blood Orange Marmalade Recipe a go!
When to Use Jam, Jelly, or Marmalade
The decision of whether to use jam or jelly often comes down to the texture and your specific culinary needs or preferences. Here’s a helpful guide on when to reach for each:
- Jam – Perfect for anything calling for a little texture! Its chunkier consistency makes it ideal for baked goods like muffins, cakes, and pastries. It also works beautifully atop breakfast classics like waffles, crepes, or biscuits.
- Jelly – Great for situations where you want a smooth finish—think sandwiches, toast, or when creating jelly-filled baked goods like donuts or cakes. It also melts easily into sauces, making it excellent for creating glazes for meats or drizzling atop a warm dessert.
- Marmalade – Like jam, this is perfect for dishes needing texture! Its thoroughly chunky consistency makes it ideal for being the star of the show atop any simple dish.
No matter which you choose, always check that it's still within its recommended shelf life and looks safe to eat.
Whether you’re team chunky jam or smooth jelly, the right choice comes down to the experience you’re looking for at the table—or in your personal preferences. All of these fruity spreads offer a rich and sweet addition to a wide variety of dishes.
Now that you’ve explored the differences, which will you choose for your next kitchen creation? Whether jam or jelly, each spread can bring flavor, fun, and creativity into your cooking and baking. At Betty Crocker, we’re here to help make homemade meals special—and sweeter! Maybe your next recipe will inspire you to experiment with both spreads at once or make one version of each! Whatever you decide, Betty's got your back to learn more about your favorite ingredients and how to bring them to life with masterful ease in your own kitchen.
(function() {
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
var componentMetadata = JSON.parse('\x7b\x22componentName\x22\x3a\x22NewsletterCTA_b9911a56-3a0d-4b1c-8521-df6c10ce048a\x22,\x22deferOptions\x22\x3a\x7b\x22deferComponent\x22\x3atrue,\x22deferType\x22\x3a\x22OnDemand\x22,\x22deferId\x22\x3a\x22re358b22bedf744c6a2e33b8f1dd4ff7a\x22,\x22deferredContainerId\x22\x3a\x22\x2fprimaryColumn\x2finteropInlineNewsletterCta\x22,\x22deferredContainerView\x22\x3a\x22InteropDeferWrapper\x22\x7d,\x22viewName\x22\x3a\x22NewsletterCTA\x22\x7d');
var configuration = {"unsubscribedNewsletters":[{"listId":"1e34a555-89d1-45f0-8f07-b3ae6b01c03c","thumbnailImageUrl":"/-/media/GMI/Core-Sites/BC/Images/Shared/myaccount/newsletters/BC_Thumb157x157.png?sc_lang=en","previewUrl":"https://morpheus3.idpk.net/email_sends/9111/preview","name":"Betty\u0027s Email","isPromo":false}],"settings":{"anonymousCopy":"Get a free gift from Betty and Shutterfly! ","anonymousDescriptionCopy":"\u003cp\u003eBetty emails are full of recipes and tips that turn weeknights and holidays into celebrations. Sign up today and get a free customizable 8x8 picture book from Betty and Shutterfly\u0026mdash;hurry, this offer is only for a limited time!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\u0022font-size: 11px;\u0022\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*Offer expires February 28, 2025 (11:59 P.M. PT).\u003c/strong\u003e Offer valid for new subscribers only. Offer is good for one free 20-standard page 8x8 hardcover photo book through\n\u003ca rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 href=\u0022https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fshutterfly.com%2F\u0026amp;data=05%7C02%7CSudha.Narayan%40genmills.com%7C27083def59514567311c08dce3e4cacd%7C0c33cce8883c4ba5b61534a6e2b8ff38%7C0%7C0%7C638635819019851366%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C\u0026amp;sdata=7RfkAwnZJWr8jB4ATYzEgoWor%2BLVYO6tGGojt59XMtQ%3D\u0026amp;reserved=0\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003eshutterfly.com\u003c/a\u003e\nor the Shutterfly app. Shipping \u0026amp; Handling apply. Valid for United States only - \u003ca href=\u0022/shutterfly-terms-2024\u0022\u003evisit here for full terms and conditions\u003c/a\u003e. \u003c/p\u003e","anonymousThankYouCopy":"\u003cp\u003eThanks! Your first email is on its way.\u003c/p\u003e\n","anonymousThankYouDescriptionCopy":"\u003cp\u003eYour Shutterfly redemption code will be sent within 48 hours. Now’s a great time to create an account on BettyCrocker.com so you can save your favorite recipes, get first dibs on special offers, hear the latest Betty news, and more. Join for free today!\u003c/p\u003e","anonymousButtonText":"Sign up now","anonymousEmailInvalidErrorText":"Please enter a valid email address.","anonymousSubscribeErrorText":"We encountered an error while signing you up. Please try again.","anonymousEmailAddressPlaceholderText":"Enter your email address","anonymousEmailAddressLabel":"Email Address","anonymousLegalCopy":"By signing up, you accept our\u0026nbsp;\u003ca rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.generalmills.com/privacy-security/us-english-privacy-policy\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022text-decoration: underline;\u0022\u003ePrivacy Policy\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;and agree that your information may be used across our\u0026nbsp;\u003ca rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.generalmills.com/food-we-make/brands\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003e\u003cspan style=\u0022text-decoration: underline;\u0022\u003efamily of brands\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/a\u003e","requiredFieldText":"","backgroundColor":"#E60000","accentColor":"","registrationUrl":"/register/reg-fp?RegAction=SUBSCRIBERUPGRADE\u0026esrc=11275\u0026returnUrl=%2fhow-to%2fingredients-and-preparation%2fjam-vs-jelly","registrationLinkText":"Join free!","enableExpandedFields":false,"hideForSessionCookieExpiration":0,"ctaType":"StandardAnonymous","location":"Inline","userState":"Anonymous","sourceCodeOverride":0}};
var moduleName = 'newsletterCta';
var isVueModule = true;
GeneralMills.PandoSites.RegisterControlInstance(moduleName, configuration, componentMetadata, isVueModule)
});
})();