The Best Jams to Keep in a Well-Stocked Pantry

At Mrs. Mayfair Edit, we believe beautiful living is built on thoughtful choices. Each recommendation is shaped by careful research, expert consultation, and a lasting respect for tradition, not trends.

Our purpose is simple: to save you time, remove uncertainty, and guide you toward pieces and provisions that earn their place in a well-lived home.

Few small luxuries are as quietly transformative as a truly exceptional jar of jam. Spoon it onto warm toast, fold it into a simple cake, or serve it alongside cheese at the end of a meal, and something ordinary becomes memorable.

After reviewing award selections, studying the preferences of respected chefs, evaluating artisanal producers, and tasting widely across styles and regions, three jams emerged as clear standouts.

These are the jars we believe belong in a pantry curated with care.

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Best Overall Jam

Wilkin & Sons Tiptree (England)

Tiptree jams represent preservation at its most refined. Produced in the English countryside since 1885, Wilkin & Sons remains family-owned and deeply rooted in agricultural tradition.

What sets Tiptree apart is restraint. The fruit is allowed to speak clearly, without excessive sweetness or heavy handling.

Why we chose it

• Fruit grown on Wilkin family estates, ensuring consistent quality and provenance

• Traditional small-batch cooking methods that preserve texture and depth

• Balanced flavors that feel rich but never cloying

• Classic glass jars with a reassuring sense of permanence

The Little Scarlet Strawberry, Apricot, and Morello Cherry are particularly distinguished—each layered, precise, and quietly elegant.

Best for: Breakfast tables, afternoon tea, thoughtful gifting, and moments that reward simplicity done well.

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Best Traditional French Jam

Bonne Maman (France)

Bonne Maman has earned its reputation through reliability, honesty, and restraint. These are jams rooted in the spirit of the French home kitchen—unfussy, familiar, and comforting.

They strike an ideal balance between accessibility and quality, making them a trusted staple rather than a special-occasion indulgence.

Why we chose it

• Simple, recognizable ingredients and traditional recipes

• Gentle sweetness with occasional whole fruit pieces

• Widely available without sacrificing integrity

• Iconic gingham packaging that feels warm and timeless

Raspberry, Four Fruits, and Wild Blueberry are particularly versatile and consistently well-made.

Best for: Everyday breakfasts, casual entertaining, and baking that feels generous rather than precious.

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Best All-Natural Jam

St. Dalfour (France)

St. Dalfour offers an elegant solution for those seeking purity without compromise. Sweetened entirely with concentrated grape juice, these jams rely on fruit rather than added sugar for flavor.

The result is a lighter, brighter preserve that still feels indulgent.

Why we chose it

• No added sugar, artificial flavors, or preservatives

• Clean, vibrant fruit flavor with a refined finish

• Silky texture ideal for yogurt, pastries, and light desserts

• Handsome glass jars well suited to open shelving

Royal Fig, Wild Blueberry, and Strawberry stood out for their balance and freshness.

Best for: Health-conscious homes, refined breakfasts, and understated hospitality.

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Other Jams Worth Knowing

While the three above rose clearly to the top, we also admire:

• Maison Francis Miot (France) for seasonal, award-winning blends

• Blake Hill Preserves (Vermont) for small-batch craftsmanship with New England character

And, of course, a thoughtfully chosen jar from a trusted local farmer’s market can still hold a special kind of magic. Supporting small producers remains one of the quiet pleasures of a well-lived life.

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Mrs. Mayfair Notes

• Choose jam as you would wine or flowers: with attention to season, source, and occasion

• The best preserves reveal the fruit; they never overpower it

• Always use a clean spoon and refrigerate after opening to preserve freshness

• A good jam is not a luxury—it is a daily pleasure made deliberate

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I Am Grateful Today For

Warm toast waiting patiently on the counter
The artisans who carry tradition forward with care
The comfort of choosing well, even in the smallest things

From our house to yours,
Mrs. Mayfair