Guides

Jam, preserves, fruit spread: what's the difference?

Marmalade, confiture and fruit spread are all sweet, fruit-based spreads, distinguished mainly by their legally regulated names and minimum fruit content. Since the revision of the Jam Regulation on 14 June 2026, confiture made from fruits other than citrus may also be called “marmalade”; in everyday use, the terms are therefore often interchangeable.

The three terms explained briefly

• Confiture is the regulation's umbrella term for fruit cooked with sugar until it sets to a spreadable consistency.
• Marmalade was, under the old rules, reserved for citrus fruits. Following the revision, it may also be used for confiture made from other fruits, either instead of “confiture”, not in addition to it.
• Fruit spread is a free, unregulated name. It is often chosen for products whose ingredients or fruit content differ from what the regulation specifies.
• Jelly, unlike confiture, is made from fruit juice rather than fruit pulp.

What changed on 14 June 2026

Germany has implemented EU Directive 2024/1438 through an amending regulation that has applied since 14 June 2026. The key points: the term “marmalade” is no longer limited to citrus fruits, and the minimum fruit content has been raised. Confiture and marmalade must now contain at least 450 grams of fruit per kilogram of product, and “extra” products at least 500 grams. Individual fruits, such as redcurrants, are subject to different values. Products made and labelled before 13 June 2026 may still be sold off. This summary reflects the status as of November 2026; the current regulation text always takes precedence.

Fruit content: how to read the label

The fruit content is listed in the ingredients list, usually straight after the ingredient itself, for example “strawberries 67%”. This percentage refers to the weight of the product: 67% means 670 grams of fruit per kilogram. The higher the proportion, the more the fruit defines the flavour; the rest is sugar or other sweeteners, acidifying agents and a gelling agent such as pectin.

Marmalade and confiture with honey: FRUCHTSTOFF

FRUCHTSTOFF from SUMMSTOFF Imkereigenossenschaft e.G. is a marmalade and confiture made with honey. All 12 varieties contain 67% fruit; for the mango/passion fruit variety, this is 50% mango and 17% passion fruit. In addition, there is 10% honey, sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice and apple pectin as a gelling agent. The sales name stated on the label is “fruit spread”. At 67%, the fruit content exceeds the minimum values of 450 and 500 grams per kilogram mentioned above.

Important for classification: FRUCHTSTOFF contains sugar as an ingredient. Depending on the variety, the nutrition table states 30.4 to 36.4 grams of sugar per 100 grams; this also includes the fruit sugar and the sugar from the honey. The honey refines the flavour and lends a gentle sweetness, but it does not replace the sugar. You can read how the ingredients work together on the page FRUCHTSTOFF: Jam & Preserves with Honey.

Which variety suits me?

Fruity and familiar is, for example FRUCHTSTOFF Strawberry, fragrant and slightly tangy FRUCHTSTOFF Raspberry. An overview of all twelve varieties, including flavour and uses, can be found in the article Jam varieties at a glance. For ideas for cakes, desserts, sauces and drinks, take a look at our recipes with marmalade and confiture. If you'd like to use honey in baking and sweetening, read our Guide to Honey for Baking and Sweetening.

Where can I get FRUCHTSTOFF?

FRUCHTSTOFF is available in the SUMMSTOFF Shop and is also listed in shops at EDEKA and REWE. Which varieties are stocked in a particular store depends on that individual store.

Frequently asked questions