Best Jams, Marmalades and Sweet Spreads: A Buying Guide
The best jam for most people is a fruit-forward French jam from Provence, such as Olbia's Willamette raspberry. For a cheese board, add black fig jam and a pear mostarda. For breakfast with more bite, choose a citrus marmalade from Sicily or Japan.
Our picks at a glance
| Product | What it is | Best for | Origin or size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olbia En Provence - Framboise Willamette (Raspberry) Jam - 230 g | Willamette raspberry jam, fresh fruit, small batches | Toast and croissants | Provence, France |
| Olbia En Provence - Black Figs From Sollies A.O.P. Jam - 230 g | Black fig of Solliès AOP jam | Cheese boards | Provence, France |
| Marchesi di San Giuliano - Organic Sicilian Red Grapefruit Marmalade - 460 g | Organic red grapefruit marmalade, 460 g | Yogurt, dressings, goat cheese | Sicily, Italy |
| Yakami Orchard - Yuzu Marmalade - 300 g | Yuzu, cane sugar and honey | Tea, foie gras, cheese | Japan |
| BRINS - Lemon Saffron Marmalade - 7.5 oz. | Lemon marmalade with saffron | Scones and croissants | 7.5 oz jar |
| Clément Faugier · Crème De Marrons - Glass Jar - 450 g | Sweet chestnut spread, created in 1885 | Crêpes and tarts | Ardèche, France |
| Casa Forcello - Pear Mostarda - 4.9 oz. | Candied pear with mustard heat | Cheese and roasts | Mantua, Italy |
| Mariage Frères - Earl Grey Imperial Tea Jelly - 240 g | Bergamot and Darjeeling tea jelly | Tea lovers | 240 g glass jar |
| Francois Doucet - Pâtes De Fruits - 200 g | French fruit jellies, 51% fruit, gift box | A sweet gift | Provence, France |
Every product above is on our shelves as of publishing. Browse the full range in our Jams & Jellies collection.
How to choose
- Jam, marmalade or spread? Jam uses fruit pulp; marmalade uses citrus with peel; creams like Crème de Marrons are spreads.
- Sweet or savory use? Fig jam and mostarda belong on a cheese board; raspberry and chestnut cream belong on toast and crêpes.
- Gifting. A trio of one jam, one marmalade and one surprise (tea jelly or mostarda) makes an easy gift.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between jam and marmalade?
Marmalade is made from citrus and includes the peel; jam is made from other fruit pulp.
What is mostarda?
An Italian condiment of candied fruit with mustard heat, balancing sweet and hot. It is classic with cheese and roast meats.
What goes on a cheese board?
Black fig jam, pear mostarda and a citrus marmalade cover sweet, spicy and bright.
What is Crème de Marrons?
A sweetened chestnut spread created by Clément Faugier in Privas, Ardèche, in 1885, flavored with Madagascar vanilla.
Do these need refrigeration?
Store unopened jars in the pantry and refrigerate after opening.
Go deeper: Gifts by Person: Our Gift Guide, Foods from Provence.
See also our Pantry Glossary and the map of where our food comes from.
