During canning season, many cooks call Cooperative Extension for information on how to prepare sugar-free and reduced-sugar jams and jellies. Traditional jams and jellies require large amounts of sugar. Sugar not only contributes flavor, it serves as a preserving agent and is essential for gel formation to occur. Trying to cut back on the amount of sugar in these regular recipes frequently results in runny and often unacceptable products.

Jams and jellies can be made satisfactorily with less or no added sugar. They often include non-nutritive sweeteners and are frequently gelled with the use of modified pectin or with gelatin. They also can be made from concentrated fruit pulp. To prevent spoilage, these products may require a longer processing time in a water-bath canner. Or they may require refrigeration or freezing instead of canning. Carefully follow a recipe specifically designed for the reduced amount of sugar. Do not alter ingredient proportions and preparation techniques.

Several types of modified pectin are available for home use. Sure-Jell Light is one of these. Mrs. Wages Lite Home-Jell does not require any sugar to form a gel, although regular sugar or artificial sweetener is recommended to improve the taste of the jam or jelly. Another product that is available is called Slim Set. It is cooked with crushed fruit or juice and results in a modified jam or jelly, to which you can add artificial sweetener if desired. Unflavored gelatin powder, instead of modified pectin, is another ingredient sometimes used to give body and firmness to sugar-free and reduced-sugar jams and jellies. Each of these products comes with an information and recipe sheet in the box.

If you are trying to cut back on the sugar in your diet but still want to enjoy the taste of homemade jams and jellies, use recipes and ingredients specially formulated for less sugar. You’ll have more success and still be able to enjoy all the wonderful summertime fruits that are available.

For more information about food
preservation and home canning, contact your local Cooperative Extension Center.