• CEOofmyhouse56
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    1 year ago

    Has store bought jam changed over the years? Im not really a jam person but I don’t ever remember it being this gelatined. From what I remember it was more runnier or softer I guess.

    And yes I have made jam in the past. I know all about the wriggle and wrinkle test.

    • Rusty Raven M
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      1 year ago

      I’d say it has. I rarely buy it because I make my own, but we had some at work a couple of days ago and I thought exactly the same thing. It checked the ingredients, it’s down to 40% fruit, and had a mysterious “gelling agent” added as well as pectin. It was ok, but the texture was more like a gelatin based jelly. Shrinkflation where they reduce the quality instead of the pack size.

      • CEOofmyhouse56
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        1 year ago

        Yes. Thank you for the validation. I remember flavoured yogurt too being pourable. Now it’s “thick and creamy” which is a lie. It’s thickened with shit and it tastes like shit. I’m becoming one of those people back in my day….

      • Seagoon_OP
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        1 year ago

        To be jam it has to have a very high percentage of sugars so 40% sounds about right. When I make it I use 35% fruit, 35% sugar and the rest is water ( which gets boiled down ) So the end product is slightly more sugar than fruit.

        • CEOofmyhouse56
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          1 year ago

          It’s been a long long time since I’ve made jam but I remember fruit, sugar, grated apple, lemon juice and water. I can not remember the quantities though.

    • Seagoon_OP
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      1 year ago

      Yes, it has changed a lot. It’s now made with corn syrup, not cane sugar. It’s definitely got added setting agents, probably agar or pectin. Many have dried powdered apple peel , which ups the fruit content and helps with setting.

      The varieties have changed too. Traditional jams like plum or 4 fruits are hard to find.

      • CEOofmyhouse56
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        1 year ago

        That’s interesting. No wonder the yanks call it jelly. Plum jam and forest fruits were always around. That’s sad.

        • Seagoon_OP
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          1 year ago

          Jelly is strained fruit , it’s clear. It’s different to jam.

      • Thornburywitch
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        1 year ago

        I mourn the passing of Melon & Lemon jam. Apparently the right kind of melons just aren’t grown anymore.

      • CEOofmyhouse56
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        1 year ago

        Hopefully he left his secret recipe to someone deserving and motivated.

    • SituationCake
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      1 year ago

      I think the regular ones have. Hardly buy them anymore, I stick to the more gourmet brands. They are more expensive but worth it.

      • CEOofmyhouse56
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        1 year ago

        Which gourmet brands because Bonne Maman is a little better but not much? I just want a jam that tastes like jam God damn it. Hahaha.

        • SituationCake
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          1 year ago

          The Beerenberg range is pretty good. Cunliffe Waters are also good but a little harder to find (and the name make me giggle so that’s a bonus too.) And whenever I find myself in country area I always check out the local gourmet produce store or farmers markets and look for jams. Nothing beats home made though.

          • CEOofmyhouse56
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            1 year ago

            I like beerenberg. It’s been a while since I’ve had it.

            Cunliffe. What an unfortunate name!

    • NathA
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      1 year ago

      You can still get decent jam at the store, but it’s $6+ a jar.

      • CEOofmyhouse56
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        1 year ago

        Oh I’m happy to buy expensive jam if it means it’s proper jam. I think I’ll just buy homemade jam at the market.

        • Eagle
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          1 year ago

          I think its Bakers from NZ that I get from Coles worth. Its as close as I’ve found to home made but it’s around $6 when it’s not on special.