The selection of fruit spreads on the shelf can be overwhelming. Whether for your morning toast, as an ingredient in yoghurt, or as a base for a quick dessert—the requirements are diverse. Some prefer a velvety-smooth consistency without fruit pieces, while others appreciate the texture of whole berries. This article serves as a guide, introducing different types of berry fruit spreads to make your next shopping decision easier.
To find the right product for your needs, a few objective criteria can help guide your selection.
Consistency is a key characteristic. Products labelled as jam without pieces or fruit puree are finely strained. The result is a smooth, homogenous spread that is particularly easy to apply and contains no seeds or fruit chunks. In contrast, "Extra" jams or products like Rote Grütze (red berry pudding) deliberately include whole fruits or pieces, offering a more intense mouthfeel.
Consider how you primarily plan to use the fruit spread. A classic sweet breakfast spread is designed for the morning meal and is characterized by its excellent spreadability. On the other hand, products with a high proportion of whole fruits are perfect as a fruit dessert, for instance, as a topping for ice cream, waffles, or pudding. They can also be an excellent ingredient in baked goods or for refining sauces.
A look at the ingredients list reveals the product's composition. The fruit content, given as a percentage, indicates how many grams of fruit were used per 100 grams of the final product. The order of the ingredients also provides information about their proportional quantity. If you prefer a specific intensity of flavour or sweetness, the ingredients list will help you make an informed decision when buying jam.
Here is a selection of products that cater to different preferences regarding texture and use.
Why It Stands Out This product from Schwartau Samt combines various forest fruits like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries into a finely strained spread. Its standout feature is the velvety consistency without seeds or pieces, making it a popular choice for anyone who prefers a smooth texture. The manufacturer, Schwartau, has a tradition spanning over 120 years.
Pros
Who It's For Ideal for individuals and families who prefer a jam without pieces. Its smooth texture makes it especially popular with children and well-suited for a daily breakfast.
Why It Stands Out Kühne's Rote Grütze is less of a classic bread spread and more of a ready-made fruit dessert. It is distinguished by a high content of 50% whole fruits, including sour cherries, redcurrants, and raspberries. According to the manufacturer, the product is free from preservatives and artificial colours, gluten-free, lactose-free, and suitable for a vegan diet.
Pros
Who It's For This product is aimed at consumers looking for a quick and fruity dessert solution or who prefer a chunky fruit preparation as a topping. It's an alternative for those who find a classic sweet breakfast spread not versatile enough.
Why It Stands Out Similar to the forest berry version, this spread from Schwartau Samt also offers a completely strained, smooth texture. However, the focus here is clearly on the flavour of a single fruit: the blueberry. With a fruit content of 40%, it delivers a clear and distinct aroma true to the variety. The manufacturer states that no preservatives, artificial colours, or flavourings are added.
Pros
Who It's For Perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the specific taste of blueberries in a smooth, spreadable form. Its fine consistency also makes it a great choice for baking, such as a filling for pancakes or pastries.
The world of fruit spreads is vast and varied. If you are looking for other flavours, different brands, or special preparations like jellies or reduced-sugar varieties, it's worth taking a look at our broader selection.
Discover our entire range of preserved fruits.
In the EU and Germany, these terms are legally defined. Marmalade may only be used to describe products made from citrus fruits. Jam (Konfitüre) is made from other types of fruit and must meet specific sugar and fruit content requirements. Fruit spread is a more general term that is not bound by the regulations for jam. These products often have a higher fruit content and a lower sugar content.
Besides the classic use as a bread spread, there are many other possibilities. Fruit spread is excellent for sweetening and enhancing plain yoghurt, quark, or muesli. A spoonful can also add a fruity note to a salad dressing. In baking, it serves as a filling for cakes, biscuits, and pastries. Even savoury sauces, for example for game dishes, can be perfected with a berry fruit spread.
If you prefer a smooth consistency, look for terms like "velvet," "strained," or "finely pureed." Products like those in the Schwartau Samt range are specifically designed as a jam without pieces. A finely made fruit puree also typically meets this criterion. A quick look at the product description usually provides clarity.