What’s the Difference Between Marmalade and Jam? A Guide to Marmalade, Jelly, Fruit Butter & Conserves

What’s the Difference Between Marmalade and Jam? A Guide to Marmalade, Jelly, Fruit Butter & Conserves

If you have ever stood in front of a shelf filled with colorful jars and wondered, “What’s the difference between marmalade and jam?” you’re not alone.

Marmalade, jam, jelly, fruit butter and conserves all begin with fruit, but the type of fruit used, how it is prepared and the texture of the finished spread can make each one surprisingly different.

At Davidson of Dundee, we have been making traditional fruit spreads and Florida citrus specialties in Dundee, Florida since 1967. From classic Orange Marmalade and Honeybell Marmalade to Guava Jelly, Raspberry Jalapeño Pepper Jelly and smooth Mango Butter, there is a fruit spread for just about every taste—and plenty of ways to enjoy them beyond breakfast.

Here’s how to tell them apart.

What Is Marmalade?

Marmalade is a fruit spread traditionally associated with citrus fruit and is distinguished by the inclusion of fruit and citrus peel.

That peel is one of the biggest differences between marmalade and many jams or jellies. It gives marmalade its recognizable texture and helps create the balance of sweetness, bright citrus flavor and subtle bitterness that makes a good marmalade so distinctive.

Orange may be the best-known variety, but marmalade certainly doesn’t have to stop there.

Davidson of Dundee’s marmalade collection includes Florida-inspired citrus flavors such as Orange Marmalade, Honeybell Marmalade, Tangerine Marmalade, Temple Orange Marmalade, Orange-Pineapple and other citrus combinations.

What does marmalade taste like?

A traditional orange marmalade has a sweet citrus flavor balanced by the character of the orange peel. Different citrus fruits can produce very different marmalades.

Honeybell offers a wonderfully distinctive citrus character, while tangerine brings another variation on the classic Florida citrus spread.

Marmalade is delicious on:

• Toast, biscuits and English muffins
• Scones and croissants
• Pancakes and waffles
• Cheese and charcuterie boards
• Cakes and desserts
• Glazed chicken, pork or salmon
• Marinades and salad dressings

That’s why we think of marmalade as much more than a breakfast spread.

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What’s the Difference Between Marmalade and Jam?

The easiest distinction is the fruit and its preparation.

Jam is generally made with crushed or chopped fruit that is cooked into a thick, spreadable consistency.

Marmalade is traditionally citrus-based and incorporates the character of the citrus fruit and peel.

That means strawberry jam, for example, usually has a soft texture created from the crushed fruit itself. A traditional orange marmalade contains recognizable pieces of citrus peel suspended throughout the spread.

If you love citrus flavor and a little more texture, marmalade may be your winner.

What’s the Difference Between Marmalade and Jelly?

Here’s where the distinction becomes even easier to see.

Jelly is generally made from fruit juice rather than pieces of fruit. The result is a smooth, more uniform spread without pieces of fruit or peel.

Think of marmalade as having texture and pieces of citrus, while jelly tends to be smooth and clear.

Davidson of Dundee makes a variety of jellies with flavors that go well beyond the traditional breakfast table, including:

Guava Jelly
A tropical Florida favorite that’s delicious on toast, biscuits and pastries.

Pink Grapefruit Jelly
A bright citrus spread with the distinctive flavor of grapefruit.

Key Lime Jelly
A sweet and tangy way to bring Key Lime flavor to breakfast, appetizers and desserts.

And then there are our savory-sweet favorites:

Jalapeño Pepper Jelly

Raspberry Jalapeño Pepper Jelly

Pepper jelly is especially versatile. Try it over cream cheese with crackers for an easy appetizer, or use it as a glaze for grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, ribs, meatballs, chicken wings or barbecue.

The combination of sweetness and pepper heat makes these jellies just as comfortable beside a smoker or grill as they are on a charcuterie board.

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What Is Fruit Butter?

Despite the name, fruit butter doesn’t mean dairy butter with fruit added to it.

Fruit butter is made by cooking fruit into a smooth, concentrated spread. It is typically softer, smoother and more uniform than marmalade or jam and doesn’t contain the noticeable fruit pieces you would expect in a preserve or citrus marmalade.

Think:

Smooth. Rich. Spreadable. Fruit-forward.

Davidson of Dundee fruit butter flavors include favorites such as Guava Butter, Mango Butter, Orange Butter and Tangerine Butter.

Fruit butters are wonderful spread on toast, biscuits and pastries, but don’t stop there.

Try fruit butter:

• Swirled into yogurt
• Spoon over pancakes or waffles
• Spread between cake layers
• Added to cheesecake
• Paired with cheese
• Used as a pastry filling
• Added to sauces and glazes

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What Are Conserves?

Conserves are a little less familiar today, but they have a long history in traditional fruit preserving.

A conserve is generally a thick, jam-like fruit spread made with fruit or combinations of fruits and may also contain ingredients such as nuts, raisins or coconut.

The additional ingredients tend to give conserves a heartier texture than a traditional jelly or smooth fruit butter.

Davidson of Dundee’s Strawberry Conserves are another example of the traditional fruit specialties found alongside our marmalades, jellies and fruit butters.

Marmalade vs. Jam vs. Jelly vs. Fruit Butter vs. Conserves

Here’s the simplest way to remember the difference:

Marmalade: Usually citrus-based, with fruit and pieces of citrus peel.

Jam: Made primarily from crushed or chopped fruit, creating a thick, spreadable texture.

Jelly: Made primarily from fruit juice, resulting in a smooth spread without pieces of fruit.

Fruit Butter: Fruit cooked down or pureed into an especially smooth, rich spread.

Conserves: A thicker, jam-like fruit spread that may combine fruits with additional ingredients such as nuts, raisins or coconut.

None is necessarily better than another. The fun is finding your favorite.

Is Orange Marmalade Only for Toast?

Definitely not.

One of the best things about a traditional orange marmalade is how well citrus works in both sweet and savory recipes.

A spoonful of Davidson of Dundee Orange Marmalade can become the starting point for an easy glaze by combining it with ingredients such as Dijon mustard, soy sauce or your favorite seasonings.

Try orange marmalade with:

• Glazed salmon
• Grilled or roasted chicken
• Pork tenderloin
• Baked ham
• Biscuits and scones
• Cheesecake
• Thumbprint cookies
• Cakes
• Salad dressings
• Cheese boards

Looking for inspiration? Visit our Davidson of Dundee Recipes for more ways to cook, bake and entertain with marmalades, jellies and fruit spreads.

Which Fruit Spread Should You Choose?

If you enjoy traditional Florida citrus flavor, start with Orange, Honeybell or Tangerine Marmalade.

If you prefer something smooth, try one of our fruit jellies.

For something sweet with a little heat, reach for Jalapeño Pepper Jelly or Raspberry Jalapeño Pepper Jelly.

And if you love a smooth, rich fruit spread, try Guava, Mango, Orange or Tangerine Butter.

Can’t decide?

That’s exactly what our Mix & Match Marmalade, Jelly and Fruit Butter Assortments are for. Choose several flavors and discover a new favorite.

A Florida Tradition Since 1967

For generations, Davidson of Dundee has been making citrus candies, marmalades, jellies and other fruit specialties in Dundee, Florida.

Whether you’re searching for Florida orange marmalade, a unique Florida food gift, a sweet-and-spicy pepper jelly for your next barbecue or simply something delicious for tomorrow morning’s toast, there’s a jar waiting to be opened.

Shop Davidson of Dundee's Marmalades, Jellies, and Butters

And don’t forget to explore our Recipes from Florida for new ways to use your favorite Davidson of Dundee products beyond the breakfast table.