Jellies, jam and preserves have different textures.
Spreads such as jams, jellies and preserves add color and flavor to plain foods. Although their ingredients are similar, each has a different texture.
Ingredients
Jelly, jam and preserves all begin with fruit. Pectin is required as a gelling substance. Acid, such as lemon juice or citric acid, adds flavor and aids in gel formation. Sugar also adds flavor, firms the fruit and serves as a preservative, according to the University of Georgia's Cooperative Extension Service.
Jelly
Jelly is bright and clear, since it is simply fruit juice that has been sweetened and gelled. It can be made from other foods besides fruit, such as wine, herbs or vegetables.
Jam
Jam consists of chopped or crushed fruit which is sweetened with sugar. Jam is useful as a filling as well as a spread, according to online food magazine The Nibble.
Preserves
Preserves, like jam, are fruit sweetened with sugar; however, preserves contain large or even whole pieces of fruit.
Texture
Jelly shakes and holds its shape; jam may be pureed or have a soft pulp, but does not contain chunks of fruit. Because of its fruit pieces, the texture of preserves is not smooth.
Tags: adds flavor, sweetened with, sweetened with sugar, with sugar