Buying Cherry Jam: A Practical Guide for Your Pantry

A jar of cherry jam seems like a simple purchase—until you're standing in the aisle. One jar is labelled 'extra jam,' another 'fruit spread.' Some are high in sugar, while others are sweetened with fruit juice. It can be difficult to determine which jar truly fits what you're looking for at breakfast or lunch.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'm here to help guide you. In this article, we'll examine the specifications of various types of cherry jam, so you can make an informed choice without being swayed by marketing claims. We'll highlight a few popular options and provide practical tips for buying cherry jam.

What to Look for When Choosing Cherry Jam

Before we dive into the products, here are a few key points to help you better understand the labels.

1. The Difference Between Jam, Preserves, and Fruit Spread

The name on the jar tells you something about its composition.

• Jam: A general term for a product made from fruit and sugar.
• Extra jam or Cherry Preserves: These terms are legally protected and indicate that the product has a higher fruit content. For 'extra jam,' a minimum of 45 grams of fruit per 100 grams of the final product must be used.
• Cherry fruit spread: This is often a broader category. A cherry fruit spread can be made in various ways. Sometimes this means no granulated sugar has been added, with the sweetness coming from concentrated fruit juice instead.

2. Sugar Content and Sweeteners

The amount of sugar varies greatly between products. Check the nutrition label under 'Carbohydrates, of which sugars'. Some people specifically look for jam with no added sugar. In that case, the jam is often sweetened with fruit juice concentrate, such as from grapes or dates. Note that this still contains naturally occurring sugars.

3. The Type of Cherry

Not all cherries are the same. A black cherry jam, as the name suggests, is made from black cherries. These are known for their deep, sweet, and full-bodied flavour. Other types of jam may use a mix of cherries, which can result in a slightly fresher or tarter taste. The ingredients list will provide clarity on this.

Popular Cherry Jam Choices

Based on product specifications and ingredients, we've lined up a few options for you.

G'woon Extra Cherry Jam - 450 g

Why it stands out This jam from G'woon is a classic 'extra jam,' meaning it meets the requirement for a higher fruit content. With a 450g jar, it offers great value and a generous amount.

Highlights

• Extra jam: Meets the quality standards for a higher fruit content.
• Large size: The 450g jar is convenient for families or those who enjoy jam regularly.
• Approachable flavour: A traditional, sweet cherry flavour that is widely appreciated.

Who is this a good choice for? For households looking for a reliable and affordable cherry jam for daily use on toast, crackers, or in yoghurt.

Hero Black Cherry Jam - 350 g

Why it stands out The Hero cherry jam is a well-known name on the shelf. This version is specifically a black cherry jam, and the label clearly states its fruit content: 50 grams of fruit per 100 grams. This is higher than the legal minimum for 'extra jam'.

Highlights

• High fruit content: With 50% black cherries, this jam delivers a rich and full fruit flavour.
• Specific cherry type: Made from black cherries for a deep, sweet taste.
• Clear ingredients: The ingredients list is short and clear: black cherries, sugar, water, concentrated lemon juice, and pectin.

Who is this a good choice for? For lovers of a distinct, fruity jam who appreciate the rich taste of black cherries and prefer a product with a high, clearly stated fruit percentage.

St. Dalfour Black Cherry Spread - 284 g

Why it stands out St. Dalfour stands out for its sweetening method. This fruit spread contains no added granulated sugar. Instead, it's sweetened with concentrated grape and date juices. Its fruit content is also high, at 51% black cherries.

Highlights

• No added sugar: Sweetened with fruit juice concentrate, a popular alternative for those looking to avoid refined sugars.
• Very high fruit content: With 51 grams of fruit per 100 grams, this is an exceptionally fruit-rich spread.
• Simple recipe: The ingredients list is based on a traditional French recipe.

Who is this a good choice for? For the health-conscious consumer looking for a jam with no added sugar who values a product with the highest possible fruit content and a natural sweetness.

Looking for Other Flavours or Types?

If cherry jam isn't quite what you're looking for, or if you'd like to compare other options, there are countless other flavours and varieties available—from strawberry to apricot, and from light versions to organic jams.

Explore our full range for more choices.

Discover more types of jam and fruit spreads

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Jam

What is the difference between cherry jam and cherry preserves?

In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably, but 'preserves' or 'extra jam' officially denotes a product with a higher fruit content (a minimum of 45 grams of fruit per 100 grams). 'Jam' is a more general term with lower requirements.

How much sugar is in cherry jam?

This varies significantly. Traditional jams often contain around 50 grams of sugar per 100 grams. Products like the St. Dalfour spread also contain sugars, but these come from the fruit and fruit juice concentrate, not from added granulated sugar. Always check the nutrition label on the packaging for the exact amount.

Which cherry jam has the most fruit?

Of the options mentioned above, the St. Dalfour Black Cherry Spread has the highest fruit content with 51 grams of fruit per 100 grams, closely followed by the Hero Black Cherry Jam with 50 grams. It always pays to check the label, as manufacturers often state this percentage clearly.

Best regards,

Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer