Smucker’s Strawberry Jam has been a beloved staple in households for over a century. This classic fruit spread combines perfectly ripened strawberries with just the right amount of sweetness, creating a versatile and delicious product. Smucker’s Strawberry Jam contains high fructose corn syrup and fruit pectin, delivering 35 calories per serving in its signature red jar.
The jam’s popularity stems from its wide range of uses in the kitchen. It can be spread on toast, English muffins, or scones for a quick breakfast or snack. Adventurous cooks incorporate it into balsamic vinaigrettes, pair it with chocolate desserts, or add it to oatmeal for a fruity twist. This flexibility makes Smucker’s Strawberry Jam a pantry essential for many families.
Available in various sizes, including 32-ounce jars and convenient 1/2-ounce portion control cups, Smucker’s Strawberry Jam caters to different needs and preferences. Its consistent quality and familiar taste have made it a go-to choice for consumers seeking a reliable fruit spread that delivers on flavor and versatility.
History and Background
Smucker’s strawberry jam has a rich heritage dating back over a century. The iconic brand is deeply rooted in American culinary tradition and family values.
The J.M. Smucker Company
Jerome Monroe Smucker founded The J.M. Smucker Company in 1897 in Orrville, Ohio. He began by building a cider mill and selling apple butter from a horse-drawn wagon. The company expanded its product line to include jams and jellies, with strawberry becoming a popular flavor.
Smucker’s grew steadily over the decades, maintaining its focus on fruit spreads. In the mid-20th century, the company introduced its now-famous glass jars with gingham-print lids. This distinctive packaging helped establish Smucker’s as a household name.
The brand’s success led to significant expansion. Smucker’s acquired other food companies and diversified its product offerings. Despite this growth, strawberry jam remained a core product, beloved by generations of consumers.
Today, The J.M. Smucker Company operates in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. It continues to be a leader in the jam and jelly market, with Smucker’s strawberry jam holding a special place in pantries across America.
Product Overview
Smucker’s Strawberry Jam is a beloved fruit spread known for its sweet, ripe strawberry flavor. This classic product comes in several varieties to suit different preferences and dietary needs.
Strawberry Jam Varieties
Smucker’s offers multiple strawberry jam options. Their traditional Strawberry Jam features whole strawberries for a chunky texture. The Seedless Strawberry Jam provides a smooth spread without seeds. For those watching their sugar intake, Smucker’s Sugar Free Seedless Strawberry Jam delivers strawberry flavor without added sugar.
These jams come in various sizes, including 12 oz and 32 oz jars. The different varieties cater to diverse consumer preferences, from those who enjoy a classic jam to those seeking sugar-free alternatives.
Ingredients and Nutrition
The main ingredients in Smucker’s Strawberry Jam include strawberries, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, and sugar. Additional components are fruit pectin for thickening and citric acid for tartness and preservation.
The sugar-free version uses artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. It’s important to note that while free from added sugar, this variety still contains carbohydrates from the fruit itself.
Nutritional content varies between varieties. Regular strawberry jam typically contains calories primarily from sugars, while the sugar-free version has fewer calories and carbohydrates.
Serving Size and Daily Value
A standard serving size for Smucker’s Strawberry Jam is typically one tablespoon (20g). This serving contains approximately 50 calories in the regular version.
The jam provides minimal amounts of vitamins and minerals. Its primary nutritional contribution comes from carbohydrates, mainly in the form of sugars.
For those monitoring their sugar intake, it’s crucial to consider the jam’s impact on daily sugar consumption. One serving can contribute a significant portion of the recommended daily sugar intake, especially for those on restricted diets.
Health and Dietary Considerations
Smucker’s Strawberry Jam offers a sweet taste but comes with nutritional implications. Its ingredients and sugar content impact dietary choices. Some alternatives provide reduced-sugar options for health-conscious consumers.
Sugar Content
Smucker’s Strawberry Jam contains significant amounts of sugar. A single tablespoon (20g) serving provides 12 grams of sugar, with 9 grams being added sugars. This represents 18% of the recommended daily value for added sugars. The jam is high in carbohydrates, with 13 grams per tablespoon.
For individuals monitoring their sugar intake, moderation is key. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than 6-9 teaspoons per day for most adults. One tablespoon of this jam contains over 2 teaspoons of sugar.
Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to various health issues, including weight gain and tooth decay. Those with diabetes or on low-carb diets should be particularly mindful of their jam intake.
Sugar-Free Options
Sugar-free alternatives to traditional strawberry jam are available for those seeking to reduce their sugar intake. These products often use artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols to provide sweetness without the calories and carbohydrates of regular sugar.
Some sugar-free jams may contain ingredients like:
- Sucralose
- Stevia
- Erythritol
- Xylitol
These options can be suitable for diabetics or individuals following low-carb diets. However, they may have a different taste profile compared to regular jam. Some sugar alcohols can cause digestive discomfort in certain people when consumed in large amounts.
It’s important to read labels carefully, as “sugar-free” doesn’t always mean calorie-free or carbohydrate-free.
Real Fruit and Natural Ingredients
Smucker’s Strawberry Jam contains real strawberries as its primary ingredient. This provides some natural fruit benefits, including small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants found in strawberries. However, the processing and added sugars diminish many of the health benefits associated with fresh strawberries.
The jam’s ingredient list is relatively simple:
- Strawberries
- High fructose corn syrup
- Corn syrup
- Sugar
- Fruit pectin
- Citric acid
While it contains real fruit, the added sweeteners make up a significant portion of the product. For those seeking more natural options, some brands offer jams with only fruit and pectin, sweetened with fruit juice concentrates instead of refined sugars.
These “all-fruit” spreads may provide a more nutritious alternative, though they still contain natural sugars from fruit.
Consumer Information
Smucker’s Strawberry Jam has garnered attention from consumers for its taste, quality, and online presence. The product’s website offers various features to enhance user experience and protect privacy.
Reviews and Customer Opinions
Smucker’s Strawberry Jam receives generally positive feedback from consumers. Many appreciate its classic flavor and versatility in recipes. Some customers praise its consistency and spreadability on sandwiches.
Reviews often mention the jam’s sweetness, with some finding it just right and others considering it too sweet. The use of high fructose corn syrup is a point of discussion among health-conscious consumers.
Customers frequently comment on the jam’s vibrant color and chunks of real strawberries. Some express nostalgia, associating the product with childhood memories.
Privacy and Consent Preferences
Smucker’s website implements privacy measures to protect consumer data. The Privacy Preference Center allows users to manage their consent preferences for data collection and usage.
California residents have specific rights regarding their personal information. The site provides options for users to opt-out of data sharing or selling.
Data transfers to third parties are disclosed, with explanations of how information might be used for targeted advertising. Users can adjust settings to limit data collection for marketing purposes.
The website offers an Opt-Out Preference Signal for those who wish to restrict data sharing across multiple platforms.
Website Functionality and Cookies
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Users can manage cookie preferences through the site’s cookie settings. Third-party cookies may also be present, subject to external privacy policies.
The website provides options to accept all cookies or customize preferences for a personalized browsing experience.