Discover the Best French Strawberry Jam, as Recommended by UFC-Que Choisir!

Whether spread on a slice of fresh bread or a toasted bagel, strawberry jam remains a staple at the French breakfast table. However, not all supermarket jams are created equal once the lid is unscrewed. Between those boasting “no added sugars,” those claiming to be “rich in fruits,” and those labeled either “extra” or “light,” making a selection can quickly become overwhelming. To simplify shopping, Que Choisir Ensemble (previously UFC-Que Choisir) has reviewed 25 supermarket jams. One product stands out for its “distinctive strawberry flavor.”

Factors such as fruit content, sugar levels, and the presence of additives were thoroughly examined by the Que Choisir Ensemble team. The findings are clear-cut. The budget-friendly options from Carrefour and Intermarché scored below 9/20, due to high sugar content, traces of pesticide residues, and lack of transparency about the origin of the fruits. “The amount of strawberries can vary from one brand to another: budget brands like Simpl (Carrefour) and Top Budget (Intermarché) contain 35% fruit (35 g/100 g), while Léonce Blanc boasts 70%”, Que Choisir Ensemble reports.

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In the top three of the comparison, Carrefour Classic’s light sugar strawberry jam scored 13.6/20, and Léonce Blanc’s version scored 13.8/20. These two products impressed with their short ingredient lists, pleasing taste, and more reasonable sugar content. However, the top honor goes to St Mamet’s Cœur de fraise, with a score of 14.1/20. This jam leads the pack due to its “high fruit content” (68% fruit per 100 g of jam) and a sugar level that is 30% lower than typical jams. Priced around 2.40 euros for a 310 g jar, it is made in France using fruits sourced from Morocco and Egypt.

The jam recommended by Que Choisir Ensemble is not a new contender. It is produced by a French company established in 1953, over 70 years ago, when Southern orchardists united to preserve their fruits year-round. Since then, the company has expanded its offerings to include jams as well as preserved fruits. Even though it sometimes uses imported fruits, the products clearly benefit from a heritage of expertise born in the orchards.